Having a Maltese as a member of your family brings a lot of joy. Just the thought of seeing your Maltese excitedly waiting for you at the door is enough to relieve you from stress. On the other hand, they also feel so much joy once they see you. They would jump around with much happiness as they wag their tail and pace around excitedly. Maltese dogs not only serve as good companions. They are also known to be excellent therapy dogs. They are also capable of competing in sports that warrant their tracking skills, obedience, and agility.
For them, to be able to do all of this, they need to be raised well. And, part of responsibly raising a Maltese dog is to provide him with the most suitable diet.
If you are a new owner of a Maltese dog, the following information would be very helpful.
Keep in Mind the Three Main Nutrients
Not feeding your Maltipoos on a regular basis will also increase their risk of having hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by a drastic drop in glucose levels in the blood. But, before you buy dog food for Maltipoo dogs, see to it that it is of high quality. It should contain more natural protein but with only a limited amount of carbohydrates. Don’t forget that a Maltipoo also needs a bit of vegetables, along with minerals and vitamins, to ensure he’s healthy.
Avoid Generic Brands of Dog Food
Generic brands of dog food may contain plenty of additives and other artificial fillers. In fact, the American Maltese Association recommends that pet owners of Maltese dogs must consult their veterinarians for specific brand recommendations. It is also wise to ask this information from the breeder himself where you got your Maltese. This is important if you have a new Maltese so that you will no longer have issues with his diet since you will be feeding him with the same food that his breeder used to give him. At home, make sure to leave the dry food in an area where it is highly accessible for your Maltese so he could just eat it whenever he’s hungry.
Buy puppy food for your little Maltese and choose adult kibbles as he gets older. This is good, especially if your dog is a grazer who prefers to eat a little amount of dog food. As stated in the MSD Veterinary Manual, small breed puppies such as the Maltese would require a kibble that has at least 22 percent of protein content.
Give Him Food 4-6 Times a Day
Feeding your young Maltese 4-6 times a day is important for his glycemic needs. However, once he turned three months old, his meals can be lessened in terms of frequency, so he can now eat 3-4 times a day. But, you have to first determine the daily calorie consumption of your Maltese pet so you would be able to divide this amount into four meals a day. So, if he needs 400 calories in a day, see to it that he gets 100 calories in each meal. Regular feedings are important for Maltese dogs, as this helps better maintain his blood sugar levels all throughout the day.
If your Maltese starts showing signs of being lethargic and no appetite for food, the chances are high that his blood sugar levels are below the normal level. In this case, rub some amount of corn syrup into his gums to help him stabilize. Then, take him to the vet’s clinic so he could have intravenous glucose.
Make Sure the Dog Obtains Enough Glucosamine and DHA
Another reason why your dog needs high-quality protein for his meals is to ensure that his furry coat looks great as he gets old. Best sources of protein include real meat and fish. These protein sources provide him with DHA and glucosamine that nourishes his hair and skin. Make sure your dog gets enough of these nutrients, especially if you are looking to make him as a show dog. His coat would serve as his most outstanding feature, and this can only be achieved by giving him enough of the said nutrients. Ask your veterinarian about fish oil supplements that are suitable for your Maltese or Maltipoo, as this provides omega 3 that is beneficial for your dog’s coat.
The aristocratic bearing of a Maltese dog is one reason why they are loved by many. But, behind those sweet looking eyes can also be fearless dogs who possess a competitive spirit. Feed them well so you can have healthy beautiful looking Maltese pets who never fail to make you happy every day.
