The Best Dog Food for Maltipoo (Top 10 Picks in 2022)

Mike PowellEdited by: Mike Powell
Abby TexasReviewed by: Abby Texas

Last Update:

The Rundown

Best Overall for Maltipoo: Wellness Adult Dry Dog Food
“This dog food is packed with nutrients and all-natural ingredients that are beneficial to small breeds like Maltipoo. It contains supplements for the joints and other ingredients that promote healthy skin and coat and boost the immune system of your dog.”

Best For Weight Management: Wellness Healthy Weight Dry Food
“Keep your Maltipoo well-nourished while staying within your budget. Wellness Complete Dry Food is a small-size kibble that’s loaded with premium ingredients and necessary nutrients your dog needs – all for a wallet-friendly price.”

Best For Maltipoos With Allergies: Blue Buffalo Basics Dry Dog Food
“Your pooch deserves safe and healthy food like the Blue Buffalo Basics Dry Dog Food. It is a limited ingredient dog food that helps prevent allergens and is available in different flavors, providing your pup various delicious and nutritious options.”

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Maltipoo comes from sensitive parent breeds so it isn’t surprising that they can be more prone to allergies and health conditions. They don’t just get the cuteness from the Maltese and Poodle line, they also get the genes that make them more susceptible to allergies and diseases.

If you have a Maltipoo, these highly recommended dog foods should help tremendously in making sure they get proper nutrition as well as protection from common allergens and health problems.

Sources researched
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22,000
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Hours spent testing
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Products tested
Product Name
Best Overall for Maltipoo
Best For Weight Management
Best For Maltipoos With Allergies
Rank
Ranked #1
Ranked #2
Ranked #3
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Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food, Turkey & Oatmeal, 12-Pound Bag
Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Healthy Weight Dog Food, Turkey & Rice, 12-Pound Bag
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Turkey & Potato
Rating
Our Rating 90 / 100
Our Rating 89 / 100
Our Rating 89 / 100
Pro 1
High protein and fat levels are good for an adult Maltipoo
Reduced-fat formula for less active Maltipoos
Limited ingredient helps prevent food allergies
Pro 2
Among the highest Omega fatty acids in dog foods
Nutrient-dense kibble satisfies hunger and prevents overeating
Good Omega levels for skin and coat health
Best Overall for Maltipoo
Rank
Ranked #1
Thumbnail
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food, Turkey & Oatmeal, 12-Pound Bag
Rating
Our Rating 90 / 100
Pro 1
High protein and fat levels are good for an adult Maltipoo
Pro 2
Among the highest Omega fatty acids in dog foods
Custom Button
Best For Weight Management
Rank
Ranked #2
Thumbnail
Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Healthy Weight Dog Food, Turkey & Rice, 12-Pound Bag
Rating
Our Rating 89 / 100
Pro 1
Reduced-fat formula for less active Maltipoos
Pro 2
Nutrient-dense kibble satisfies hunger and prevents overeating
Custom Button
Best For Maltipoos With Allergies
Rank
Ranked #3
Thumbnail
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Turkey & Potato
Rating
Our Rating 89 / 100
Pro 1
Limited ingredient helps prevent food allergies
Pro 2
Good Omega levels for skin and coat health
Custom Button

10 Best Dog Food For Maltipoos

Here are our top picks for the best food for Maltipoos:

1. Wellness Adult Dry Dog Food

Best Overall for Maltipoo: Loaded with great quality ingredients specific for small breed dogs

Overall Rating90%
Ingredient Quality90%
Omega Levels93%
Kibble Size90%
Joint-Strengthening Supplements90%
Affordability88%

PROS

  • High protein and fat levels are good for an adult Maltipoo
  • Among the highest Omega fatty acids in dog foods
  • Contains supplements to strengthen and maintain joints
  • Small kibble for the small breed formula

CONS

  • This food is a little pricey

For small dogs who need a nutrient-dense, all-natural food, the Wellness Adult Dry Dog Food is a properly balanced diet formulated specifically for small breed dogs. It is packed with healthy protein sources, real fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals and every ingredient provides value and promotes health. The added Omega fatty acids and glucosamine promote skin and coat nourishment and joint strengthening, respectively.

It may be a little pricey than other products but you can be confident it doesn’t hold back when it comes to properly nourishing your little pooch. Only carefully chosen, premium quality ingredients go into it to make sure your maltipoo is safe from any allergens.

2. Wellness Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Best For Weight Management: Low fat formula for less active Maltipoos

Overall Rating89%
Ingredient Quality90%
Omega Levels90%
Kibble Size90%
Joint-Strengthening Supplements90%
Affordability85%

PROS

  • Reduced-fat formula for less active Maltipoos
  • Contains good levels of Omegas and joint-strengthening supplements
  • Nutrient-dense dry dog food satisfies hunger and prevents overeating
  • Small kibble for small dogs

CONS

  • This kibble is quite pricey (although weight-related formulas always are!)

Wellness Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food is a low-calorie, low-fat diet formulated for Maltipoos who need to keep their weight in check. This is specially recommended for dogs who are generally less active or older dogs who tend to be more dormant as they age.

Maintaining a normal body weight is vital in order for a pup to live a long, healthy life. Additionally, a healthy and fit dog is well-protected from any diseases.

3. Blue Buffalo Basics Dry Dog Food

Best for Maltipoos with Allergies: Reduced risk from any food allergies

Overall Rating89%
Ingredient Quality90%
Omega Levels90%
Kibble Size90%
Joint-Strengthening Supplements90%
Affordability85%

PROS

  • Limited ingredient helps prevent food allergies
  • Various flavors available
  • Contains glucosamine
  • Good Omega levels for skin and coat health

CONS

  • Not grain free, and contains potatoes which some dogs may be sensitive to

If your Maltipoo has been recommended a limited ingredient diet by their vet, the Blue Buffalo Basics Dry Dog Food is one of the healthiest options out there. It contains a single protein source and easy to digest carbs, including grains, fruits, and vegetables. It’s great for both a Maltipoo puppy or adult.

4. American Journey Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Best Grain Free Food For Maltipoo Puppies: For active, growing puppies

Overall Rating88%
Ingredient Quality90%
Omega Levels85%
Kibble Size85%
Joint-Strengthening Supplements90%
Affordability90%

PROS

  • Grain free and high in protein and fat for active Maltipoo puppy
  • Contains DHA which is essential for puppies
  • Contains joint-strengthening additions
  • Fairly affordable in comparison to others

CONS

  • Not specifically for toy or small dogs, but it gets the job done
  • Not specifically a puppy food

Although the American Journey Grain Free Dry Dog Food may not be specifically formulated for small breed dogs, the nutritional value in this food is exactly what a small dog like the Maltipoo needs.

This grain free small breed formula has got plenty of protein to build muscle, a good amount of fat to provide energy, sweet potatoes as carbs, and additional supplements that a growing Maltipoo puppy needs to become a healthy, agile adult.

5. Solid Gold Grain Free Wet Dog Food

Best Wet Food For Maltipoos: For moderately active toy and small breeds

Overall Rating86.6%
Ingredient Quality90%
Omega Levels85%
Affordability85%

PROS

  • Grain free recipe formulated specifically for toy and small breeds
  • Available in a variety of flavors
  • Low in calories while still containing a decent amount of protein
  • No fillers, artificial ingredients or carrageenan

CONS

  • Some flavors have a strong smell

The Solid Gold Grain Free Wet Dog Food is ideal as a kibble topper or snack for small, moderately active dogs because it’s low in calories and has almost the same protein content as other more calorie-dense wet foods.

This easily digestible grain free diet is rich in fiber, tocopherols, and antioxidants – perfect for small dogs who need a well-rounded diet and tend to be more sensitive with the food they eat.

6. Purina Pro Plan Dog Food

Best For Sensitive Skin & Stomachs: For small breed dogs with allergies

Overall Rating86%
Ingredient Quality85%
Omega Levels90%
Kibble Size85%
Joint-Strengthening Supplements85%
Affordability85%

PROS

  • Formulated specifically for small breed dogs who struggle with allergies of various kinds
  • Well-priced for an allergy-specific food
  • Salmon provides good levels of Omegas
  • Contains glucosamine

CONS

  • “Animal fat” is vague and gives the impression of non-transparency
  • “Fish meal” is also a little vague, and such vague descriptions are usually only seen on lower quality foods
  • Not grain free

If you notice your dog, scratching and licking its fur excessively, it may be time to switch up their diet and look for a dog food for Maltipoo dogs that has high Omega fatty acids. The Purina Pro Plan Dog Food is formulated for pups who struggle with skin and coat issues. It uses real, premium quality salmon as its main ingredient which accounts for its high Omega levels.

It’s also fortified with fiber-rich ingredients and added with live probiotics to aid in your dog’s digestion.

7. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Food

Best Value For Money: Premium food for a budget-friendly price

Overall Rating86%
Ingredient Quality90%
Omega Levels90%
Kibble Size85%
Joint-Strengthening Supplements75%
Affordability90%

PROS

  • Small breed-specific recipe
  • One of the most affordable on the market
  • L-carnitine is added for an extra boost
  • Contains superfoods for antioxidant properties

CONS

  • Doesn’t contain glucosamine, so you will need to supplement

Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Food is highly recommended for small dogs like Maltipoo, dachshund, or pugs. It contains great quality, premium ingredients with optimum amount of nutrients all for a price that’s well within your budget.

It doesn’t have glucosamine so if your dog is having hip and joint issues, you might want to consider something else. Otherwise, this nutritious, healthy, and affordable dog food for Maltipoo dogs should be enough to provide your pup all the nutrients he needs.

8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food

Best For Maltipoo Seniors: Formulated to support small breed dogas as they age

Overall Rating85%
Ingredient Quality85%
Omega Levels85%
Kibble Size85%
Joint-Strengthening Supplements85%
Affordability85%

PROS

  • Formulated for small breed seniors specifically, so it’s perfect for older Maltipoos
  • Contains L-carnitine, and joint supplements
  • Antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral mix
  • Small-bite kibble for small dogs

CONS

  • No variation in flavors

Dog foods with a little less protein and fat are highly recommended for senior dogs, and the Blue Buffalo Dog Food is ideal for small breeds. While there’s less protein in this formula, its source is guaranteed premium quality animal protein so you can rest assured your pooch will get the amount he needs.

It also offers small kibble for small breed pooches and is sprinkled with a mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to strengthen your pup’s immune system, not to mention the proprietary LifeSource bits to aid in digestion.

9. Halo Natural Dry Dog Food

Best For Digestibility: Smaller, softer kibble for small dogs

Overall Rating85%
Ingredient Quality90%
Omega Levels90%
Kibble Size90%
Joint-Strengthening Supplements75%
Affordability80%

PROS

  • High-quality non-GMO ingredients
  • Highly digestible
  • Small kibble for small dogs’ jaws
  • Good level of Omega-3 and -6s

CONS

  • No glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Fairly pricey, and only comes in a small bag

If your Maltipoo has a sensitive tummy, a recipe like the Halo Natural Dry Dog Food kibble could help. It’s a highly digestible, holistic formula, filled with wholesome, non-GMO ingredients, and uses only whole foods – no rendered meats or by-products.

It’s packed with real chicken and healthy carbs like sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries. All the nutrients coming from these high quality ingredients go into a crunchy, tasty kibble that your dog will absolutely love.

10. AvoDerm Natural Dog Food

Best For Joint Health: Formulated for joint health

Overall Rating84%
Ingredient Quality85%
Omega Levels85%
Kibble Size85%
Joint-Strengthening Supplements85%
Affordability80%

PROS

  • Formulated for joint strength
  • Flaxseed and avocado contribute to skin and coat health
  • High in protein
  • Grain free and free from artificial stuff

CONS

  • No real meat
  • No variation in flavors
  • Although it’s a joint recipe and does contain glucosamine, it’s not indicated on the guaranteed analysis list

Maltipoos are unfortunately prone to joint problems, and those carrying a little extra weight may have a tougher time. If your pup struggles with sore, stiff, dislocating joints, you may want to try the AvoDerm Natural Grain Free Dog Food that is geared towards keeping their joints strong and tough.

The naturally-sourced glucosamine and chondroitin in this food are intended to support mobility, especially for active dogs.


Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Foods for Maltipoo 

Artificial Flavors, Colors, and Preservatives 

Artificial ingredients contain no nutritional value and can aggravate allergies. Flavoring, colorants, and preservatives in dog foods are often artificial. The following ingredients should be avoided completely if seen on an ingredient list: 

  • Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) 
  • Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) 
  • Ethoxyquin 
  • Red 40 
  • Blue 2 
  • Yellow 5 
  • Yellow 6 

Any color-related ingredient or flavoring is a no-go. Even if the flavor says that it’s “natural”, there’s no way to tell what its source was. 

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it’s even more important to make sure the food you choose contains no artificial ingredients. 

Grains Containing Gluten 

There’s nothing wrong with feeding a Maltipoo healthy, gluten-free grains. These include: 

  • Brown rice 
  • White rice 
  • Oatmeal 
  • Millet 
  • Sorghum 
  • Quinoa 
  • Barley 

There are some grains (also known as cereals) that should always be avoided. Even if your Maltipoo has a strong stomach! Grains that contain gluten can cause digestive problems as gluten is indigestible. 

Corn, wheat, and soy should never be fed to your dog. They are considered to be low-quality fillers and contain no nutritional value. If consumed, they can cause indigestion and food allergies. 

Meat By-Products 

By-products aren’t always bad. Sometimes, they can refer to organ meat, like liver, kidney and heart. These are high in health amino acids and protein. 

But other times (more often) “by-products” refers to the undesirable parts of the animal that are left over when the good stuff has been taken off to use. These include beaks, hooves, claws, skin, hair, and other indigestible parts of the animal. 

The problem is, you never know which one of these the word “by-products” is referring to. In most cases, it is a sign that the dog food contains some low-quality fillers. 

For dogs like Maltipoos, who suffer from allergies, it’s best to avoid by-products entirely. 


Common Health Problems in Maltipoo 

Allergies 

Maltipoos are a mix of a Maltese and a toy Poodle. Designer dogs like these are often fragile, and they also tend to inherit health problems from both parent breeds. The Maltipoo is particularly susceptible to food allergies. 

These allergies can show themselves in two ways with Maltipoos. One, they can affect your Maltipoo’s stomach and cause digestive troubles. Two, they can show up as dry, flaky skin and dull, lifeless hair. 

Allergies can also cause itching, which may lead to your Maltipoo scratching or licking excessively. 

Not every Maltipoo will have allergies. But they can also develop over time, so it’s something you’ll need to pay attention to. 

The best way to prevent or treat allergies is to choose the right dog food for your Maltipoo. Avoid proteins that your dog is sensitive to. Make sure there are no other potential problem ingredients, like grains. 

If your dog’s allergies affect their skin, consult their vet to find out about using a medicated shampoo to ease their symptoms. 

Joint Problems 

Maltipoos are small, but their joints can still take strain. Joint dysplasia (dislocating joints) and luxating patella (out-of alignment kneecap) are two common Maltipoo conditions. 

Both of these can cause discomfort and extreme pain. Signs include lameness, unexplained limping, hopping, running on three legs, a reduction in normal activity levels, and guarding a particular leg. 

Choosing a dog food with joint supplements can protect their joints from damage and keep them flexible and mobile as they age. 

Collapsed Trachea 

The trachea connects the throat to the lungs. To keep its shape, small rings of cartilage run around the walls. When these collapse, the trachea can no longer stay open and flattens when the dog breathes. 

Of course, if the windpipe isn’t staying open, it’s harder for the dog to get enough air into their lungs. This condition can be dangerous, as well as cause your dog to panic. 

Symptoms include difficulty inhaling, “goose honk” coughing, wheezing, and a bluish color to the lips and gums (cyanosis). 

There’s no way to fix a collapsed trachea. Veterinarians may prescribe medication to control your dog’s cough. Lifestyle changes like weight loss may be necessary. Avoiding environmental hazards like smoke and dust can help. 


Questions & Answers

What exactly is a Maltipoo?

The Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a poodle. For some, this sounds confusing as many people don’t realize that the Maltese and the poodle are separate breeds – most of us know of a little fluffy thing called a Maltese poodle. 

The Maltese and the poodle, however, are two completely different breeds. A Maltese is a small breed that is hypoallergenic and very sleek and silky. Poodles fall into a few different categories, such as standard, miniature, and toy. They look totally different to the Maltese, with a curly coat and shock of scruffy hair on their heads. 

The Maltipoo is a mix of a Maltese and a little poodle. The intention behind this cross-breeding was to create a tiny, cute, fluffy, hypoallergenic fluff. Getting a Maltipoo, though, is an adventure – when choosing to get a crossbreed, you never quite know what you might get. 

What are the dietary requirements of a Maltipoo?

Maltipoo’s are tiny but feisty and have plenty of energy. That being said, they are prone to gaining weight quickly if they aren’t fed a high-quality food, so it’s important to know what they need in their day-to-day nutrition. 

The best foods are all-natural and packed with healthy stuff. A real meat protein, healthy carbs, and good fat sources are essential. Corn wheat and soy wreak havoc on the digestive system and should be avoided. High Omega fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin are important things to see on a food label for a Maltipoo. Because of their high energy levels, they tend to need quite a few calories, but this depends more on how much you feed them than on how many calories are in a particular food. This will also change depending on if you have an adult Maltipoo or a puppy.

What should I look for in the best dog food product for my Maltipoo?

Ideally, the best food for your Maltipoo will have natural ingredients that include a great quality, real meat protein source as their first ingredient, will contain 20% or more protein (adult Maltipoo – a Maltipoo puppy will need around 25%), 10% or more fat (15% for puppies), and healthy carbs (gluten-free grains are acceptable, but fruits and veggies are option number one). Veggies like sweet potatoes and pumpkin are great as they’re slow-burning.

The best foods have Omega fatty acids that are higher than average, and glucosamine and chondroitin on the label are very important. Another thing to look at is the size of the kibble – because these pups have such tiny mouths, larger kibbles can be a problem for them.

Ingredients to avoid are corn wheat and soy, and by-products in any form.

Are there any specific health issues that Maltipoos tend to suffer from?

Breeds that are a cross between two purebreds often suffer from more health problems than purebred pups, and Maltipoos have their own set of stuff that their parents should be aware of. 

Mixed breeds can suffer from allergies, both externally and digestively. This isn’t to say that all Maltipoos will have allergies – you will need to wait and see if your pup does or not. An adult Maltipoo may also outgrow puppy allergies.

They may be sensitive to certain dog food ingredients, and it’s worth staying away from artificial stuff in foods, as well as grains containing gluten. They can also suffer from skin allergies that cause excessive licking or scratching. Check with your vet if this can be eased by using a particular shampoo or if meds should be administered. 

Small breeds also tend towards joint dysplasia and luxating patella, which is why glucosamine in their dog food is so important. Another common small breed problem is a collapsed trachea, which can be dangerous as it leads to breathing problems. 

Can I feed my Maltipoo only wet food?

It’s never advisable to go for wet food exclusively. One of the biggest reasons for this is that canned food doesn’t contain nearly as much protein as dry dog food, so your pooch won’t be getting the protein they need to build muscle. Canned foods are also high in calories, which means your pup will be getting less nutrition for more calories. 

Wet dog food is great as a kibble topper, a snack to increase calorie intake, or a little treat (it’s great for sneaking in medication as well!) We would never recommend it as the only dog food you feed your fluff, though. The ideal dog food for Maltipoos includes both wet and dry dog food.

How much and how often per day should I feed my Maltipoo?

How much you feed your fluff depends on their size, activity level, and weight. Most dog foods have guidelines on the packaging that you can use to work out how much dog food to give your pet each day, but you’ll need to consider things about your own pup too. 

If he or she doesn’t get much exercise, you’ll most likely need to feed them less. If you want to lessen their poop, there are specialized dog foods for those too. The same goes for if they are already overweight and need to lose a few pounds. If they’re very active and seem to scoff their dog food very quickly and want more, they may not be getting enough. Some experimentation may be warranted, and bear in mind that this will most likely change as your pooch ages. 

In order to prevent your Maltipoo from having problems with blood sugar, they should be fed 3 or 4 small meals per day, and a couple of low-calorie snacks in between.

Mike Powell

Mike is an avid dog lover and writer. He’s based in Los Angeles, CA where he grew up in a household surrounded by pets. He’s been a dog owner all his life and he uses this extensive experience of having dogs as part of his family to share valuable, practical tips to improve other people’s dog parenting experience.