Maltese Nutrition Guide
Updated 2026-05-08 · Vet-reviewed breed-specific guidance
Daily calories (avg)
195 kcal
Protein target
26%
Fat target
14%
Activity level
moderate
Quick facts
- Size: toy
- Adult weight: 4–7 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Activity: moderate
Best foods for Malteses
- Lean chicken
- Sweet potato
- Cottage cheese
Foods to avoid for Malteses
- Foods with dye
- Hard kibble
Diet considerations & watch-outs
- Tear staining — limited beet/red dye
- Sensitive stomach
- Dental issues
Common health concerns
- Tear staining
- Liver shunts
- Patellar luxation
How we calculate calories
We use the standard veterinary RER (Resting Energy Requirement) formula: 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75, multiplied by an activity factor. For a 5.5-lb Maltese at moderate activity, that's approximately 195 kcal per day. Puppies need 2x maintenance; seniors typically 0.8x.