Maltipoos are gorgeous little designer dogs that are crosses between a pure-bred Maltese and a Toy Poodle. They are well-behaved, loving, and eager to please their owners. As a pet parent, you probably already know that small breeds need a certain type of food to be healthy and happy.
It’s best to feed your tiny pooch dry kibble because of the dental issues they’re prone to developing. However, there are more than a few foods available to feed your Maltipoo, so it can get confusing and a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to choose the best one.
You’ll need to consider everything from the age of your tiny furry friend to whether they have any allergies or not. That’s why we’re here to help and provide you with our top 10 reviews of the best dog foods on the market today for your Maltipoo. Let’s get started!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Ollie ‘Lamb and Cranberries’ Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Soft texture and tasty flavor
Made from recognizable, fresh ingredients
Good option for Maltipoos with food sensitivities
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Best Value
Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food
Excellent protein content
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Features farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient
Check Price
Blue Buffalo Freedom Dry Dog Food
Supports enhanced energy
Great for digestive problems
Great for skin and joint health
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Best for Puppies
Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food
Aids in digestion
29% protein content
Made with small breed puppies in mind
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Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Dry Dog Food
USDA Organic
Formulated for small breeds
Ideal for Maltipoos with allergies
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The 11 Best Dog Foods for Maltipoos
1. Ollie ‘Lamb and Cranberries’ Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
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Life Stage: Adult
Calories: 1804 kcal/kg
Protein: 11%
Food Form: Fresh food
Our pick for the best overall dog food for Maltipoos is Ollie Fresh Lamb and Cranberries diet. The recipe is prepared from simple, whole food ingredients like lamb, kale, rice, and cranberries and shipped directly to your home. It’s a great option for owners who like the idea of a homemade diet for their Maltipoos but worry that it won’t be nutritionally balanced.
Ollie’s meals are prepared with input from veterinarians and meet all minimum requirements for nutrition. The soft texture of the food is ideal for small mouths or Maltipoos suffering from dental disease. Picky eaters also enjoy the taste of Ollie, with many satisfied users testifying to this fact.
Because it does not contain chicken and other common allergens, this recipe may be a suitable option for Maltipoos with food sensitivities. However, Ollie tends to be more expensive than other commercial brands and doesn’t ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or international addresses at this time.
Pros
Soft texture and tasty flavor
Made from recognizable, fresh ingredients.
Good option for dogs with food sensitivities
Picky eaters tend to enjoy it
Cons
Doesn’t ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally
Higher priced than most competitors
The best dog food for Maltipoos for the money is Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food. This is an affordable blend that most dogs enjoy the taste of. This kibble is an excellent source of protein containing 26% overall, and the first-listed ingredient is farm-raised chicken. The kibble also contains essential vitamins and minerals in the way of cranberries, carrots, apples, and brown rice. Rachael Ray is a trusted food celebrity, so you know the brand can be trusted as well.
Soft texture and tasty flavor
Made from recognizable, fresh ingredients.
Good option for dogs with food sensitivities
Picky eaters tend to enjoy it
- Soft texture and tasty flavor
- Made from recognizable, fresh ingredients.
- Good option for dogs with food sensitivities
- Picky eaters tend to enjoy it
Doesn’t ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally
Higher priced than most competitors
- Doesn’t ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally
- Higher priced than most competitors
Life Stage: Adult
Calories: 364 per cup
Protein: 26%
Food Form: Dry food
Check Price on Chewy
For Maltipoos, this kibble may be a bit too large and stain the fur around their mouths.
Pros
Most dogs enjoy the taste
Features farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient
Excellent protein content
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Affordable
Cons
May stain your dog’s mouth
Large kibble size
Our premium choice of dog food for Maltipoos goes to Blue Buffalo Freedom Dry Dog Food. It contains 26% protein overall with real chicken listed as the first ingredient. This food works great for Maltipoos who have digestive issues, skin issues, or even food sensitivities. The kibble also supports enhanced energy, and the bite-sized nuggets are excellent for your dog’s small mouth and teeth. In addition, the blend contains LifeSource Bits, which is a combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help keep your pup healthy.
Most dogs enjoy the taste
Features farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient
Excellent protein content
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Affordable
- Most dogs enjoy the taste
- Features farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient
- Excellent protein content
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
- Affordable
May stain your dog’s mouth
Large kibble size
- May stain your dog’s mouth
- Large kibble size
Life Stage: Adult
Calories: 380 per cup
Protein: 26%
Food Form: Dry food
We have seen that some bags have very little of these bits included, and some pups pick around these bits or out and out refuse to eat them.
Pros
Great for digestive problems
Real chicken is the first ingredient
Bite-sized kibble
Great for skin and joint health
Supports enhanced energy
Cons
Some pups refuse to eat the LifeSource Bits
If your Maltipoo is just a puppy, you’ll want a food that’s suitable for their age and size. Our recommendation for Maltipoo puppies is the Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food. This kibble contains 29% protein overall and is made especially with small breed puppies in mind. The blend aids with a growing puppy’s digestion and has all the vitamins and minerals needed for your pup to grow into a healthy, happy full-grown dog.
Great for digestive problems
Real chicken is the first ingredient
Bite-sized kibble
Great for skin and joint health
Supports enhanced energy
- Great for digestive problems
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Bite-sized kibble
- Great for skin and joint health
- Supports enhanced energy
Some pups refuse to eat the LifeSource Bits
- Some pups refuse to eat the LifeSource Bits
Life Stage: Puppy
Calories: 354 per cup
Protein: 29%
Food Form: Dry food
There have been reports of some of the ingredients being of a lower quality than other puppy foods, and we’ve had reports of some dogs being sensitive to the food and developing an upset stomach from it.
Pros
Aids in digestion
Made with small breed puppies in mind
29% protein content
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Cons
Ingredients are of lower quality
Some dogs are sensitive to this food
Another good dog food for Maltipoos is Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Dry Dog Food. It has a protein content of 26% and is certified as USDA Organic. The first ingredient listed is organic, free-range chicken, which makes it a great source of protein for your Maltipoo. Designed with small breeds in mind, the small kibble is perfect for tiny mouths and teeth.
Aids in digestion
Made with small breed puppies in mind
29% protein content
Packed with vitamins and minerals
- Aids in digestion
- Made with small breed puppies in mind
- 29% protein content
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
Ingredients are of lower quality
Some dogs are sensitive to this food
- Ingredients are of lower quality
- Some dogs are sensitive to this food
Life Stage: Adult
Calories: 387 per cup
Protein: 26%
Food Form: Dry food
There has been an FDA alert put out about grain-free dog foods possibly causing heart disease that you might want to take into consideration, though, and some owners reported their dogs becoming sick after eating this kibble. It’s also quite expensive but is a high-quality dog food that you should certainly consider for your furry friend.
Pros
USDA Organic
Ideal for Maltipoos with allergies
Organic, free-range chicken as the first ingredient
Small kibble
Formulated for small breeds
Cons
Expensive
Some dogs became sick after eating
At number five on the list is Nature’s Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food. Made with chicken, sweet potato, and pumpkin, this is a kibble blend that most dogs love. It contains 24% protein overall and is specially made for pups that have sensitive stomachs. In addition, the kibble blend is grain and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for your canine. It’s easy to digest, and the small kibble is the perfect size for any Maltipoo pup.
USDA Organic
Ideal for Maltipoos with allergies
Organic, free-range chicken as the first ingredient
Small kibble
Formulated for small breeds
- USDA Organic
- Ideal for Maltipoos with allergies
- Organic, free-range chicken as the first ingredient
- Small kibble
- Formulated for small breeds
Expensive
Some dogs became sick after eating
- Expensive
- Some dogs became sick after eating
Life Stage: Adult
Calories: 342 per cup
Protein: 24%
Food Form: Dry food
This blend might not be suitable for dogs who have food allergies as it contains pea protein, so consult your vet before giving your dog this kibble.
Pros
Specially made for pups with sensitive stomachs
Easy to digest
Grain and gluten-free
Cons
May not be suitable for dogs with food allergies
Purina Bella Natural Bites Dry Dog Food has a crunchiness to it that dogs love, and your Maltipoo won’t be any exception. Purina is a well-known brand that has proven itself to be reputable over time, and if you’re looking for a brand that has well-balanced nutrition and a high protein content (26%), then you’ve found the right kibble for your dog!
Specially made for pups with sensitive stomachs
Easy to digest
Grain and gluten-free
- Specially made for pups with sensitive stomachs
- Easy to digest
- Grain and gluten-free
May not be suitable for dogs with food allergies
- May not be suitable for dogs with food allergies
Life Stage: Adult
Calories: 358 per cup
Protein: 26%
Food Form: Dry food
This blend does contain grains, so it might not be suitable for all dogs. It also has corn gluten listed in the first five ingredients, which is something to watch out for. However, it’s high-quality dog food from a reputable brand.
Pros
Has a crunch dogs love
Well-known and reputable brand
Balanced nutrition
Cons
Contains grains
Corn gluten is listed in the first 5 ingredients
At number seven on our list is Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food. This brand is affordable for almost any budget and features small kibble that makes eating easy for small breed pets. Dogs enjoy the taste of this food and it is known to boost immunity too with the added essential vitamins and nutrients. The blend contains 21% protein content overall to satisfy the requirements for a healthy, happy pooch.
Has a crunch dogs love
Well-known and reputable brand
Balanced nutrition
- Has a crunch dogs love
- Well-known and reputable brand
- Balanced nutrition
Contains grains
Corn gluten is listed in the first 5 ingredients
- Contains grains
- Corn gluten is listed in the first 5 ingredients
Life Stage: Adult
Calories: 371 per cup
Protein: 21%
Food Form: Dry food
We did find that the formula had been changed recently to include green beans, broccoli, and corn, which has caused digestive problems for some pets. In addition, some owners reported their dogs having an upset stomach after eating this food.
Pros
Affordable for most budgets
Small kibble
Immune-boosting
Dogs enjoy the taste
Cons
May cause an upset stomach
Formula has been recently changed
- See also: 8 Best Dog Foods for Standard Poodles: Reviews & Top Picks
The number eight spot on our list goes to Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. The kibble in this blend is fairly small, which means it’s a great source of food for your Maltipoo. The blend contains 31% protein and is perfect for active dogs like Maltipoos, and the food is known to improve digestion because of the probiotics it contains.
Affordable for most budgets
Small kibble
Immune-boosting
Dogs enjoy the taste
- Affordable for most budgets
- Small kibble
- Immune-boosting
- Dogs enjoy the taste
May cause an upset stomach
Formula has been recently changed
- May cause an upset stomach
- Formula has been recently changed
Life Stage: Adult
Calories: 422 per cup
Protein: 31%
Food Form: Dry food
However, some owners still reported that the kibble was too large for their tiny dogs to chew, and some pups didn’t like the taste of the blend.
Pros
Small kibble size
High protein content
Great for active dogs
Improves digestion
Cons
Some dogs didn’t enjoy the taste
Kibble still too large for very small dogs
At number nine on our list is Nature’s Logic Canine Dry Dog Food, which is packed with protein at 36% overall! The food is 100% natural and free from chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, or amino acids, and the included probiotics and digestive enzymes encourage good digestion. Also, the food and packaging are produced with 100% renewable electricity, making it great for your dog as well as the environment.
Small kibble size
High protein content
Great for active dogs
Improves digestion
- Small kibble size
- High protein content
- Great for active dogs
- Improves digestion
Some dogs didn’t enjoy the taste
Kibble still too large for very small dogs
- Some dogs didn’t enjoy the taste
- Kibble still too large for very small dogs
Life Stage: Adult
Calories: 417 per cup
Protein: 36%
Food Form: Dry food
There have been reports of this kibble being both too hard to chew and too large for some small breeds. It’s possible that it could cause stomach issues for pups with food allergies too, so if you’re unsure if this is the right food for your Maltipoo pup, it’s best to consult your vet before giving this kibble a try.
Pros
Full of protein
100% natural
Encourages good digestion
Food and packaging are produced with 100% renewable electricity
Cons
May be too difficult to chew for some dogs
May cause stomach issues
Last but not least on our list is the Wellness Core Grain Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food. This turkey and chicken recipe contains 36% protein overall from turkey, chicken, and salmon, and is made with all-natural ingredients. It also has a smaller kibble size for easy eating and is fortified with antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, for a complete, balanced meal for your young pup.
Full of protein
100% natural
Encourages good digestion
Food and packaging are produced with 100% renewable electricity
- Full of protein
- 100% natural
- Encourages good digestion
- Food and packaging are produced with 100% renewable electricity
May be too difficult to chew for some dogs
May cause stomach issues
- May be too difficult to chew for some dogs
- May cause stomach issues
Life Stage: Adult
Calories: 412 per cup
Protein: 36%
Food Form: Dry food
Some owners reported their dogs developing upset stomachs and having skin allergies after eating this food. If you aren’t sure whether your dog has sensitivity issues when it comes to his stomach or skin, contact your vet. Some issues with quality control have been reported for this product too.
Pros
Full of protein
All-natural ingredients
Complete and balanced
Small kibble
Cons
Some dogs developed upset stomachs
May cause skin reactions
Issues with quality control were reported
Full of protein
All-natural ingredients
Complete and balanced
Small kibble
- Full of protein
- All-natural ingredients
- Complete and balanced
- Small kibble
Some dogs developed upset stomachs
May cause skin reactions
Issues with quality control were reported
- Some dogs developed upset stomachs
- May cause skin reactions
- Issues with quality control were reported
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Dog Foods for Maltipoos
As you know, small breed dogs need special attention when it comes to their diets, and your little Maltipoo is no different than the rest. Now that you’ve seen our reviews of the best dog foods for your Maltipoo, you may be wondering how to choose which one is the best fit for your small pup. We’ll help by giving you a few of the things you should look for in each bag of kibble in our buyer’s guide below:
Energy Levels
If your Maltipoo is active and energetic, then you’re going to want dog food that can keep up with your pet. Most of the foods we recommended have quite a bit of protein, which is needed to keep up with your pet’s active life. It’s best to avoid foods that have fillers and meat by-products if at all possible—real meat is always your best bet as one of the top three ingredients.
Shape, Size, and Texture of the Kibble
While you wouldn’t think that kibble’s texture, shape, and size would be that important, it is with Maltipoos since they’re a small breed dog. Your pup needs a kibble size that works for their little mouths. It’s best to search for a kibble that’s crunchy in texture to help clean your Maltipoo’s teeth and to help avoid dental issues in the future.
Joint and Stomach Health
Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are essential to the continued health of your small-breed dog. Make sure that you look for kibble that contains all three of these essentials in abundance. If you find that your little one suffers from a sensitive stomach, then you’ll want to search for a kibble that has plenty of probiotics and prebiotics.
It’s also essential to take care of your pet’s joint health, so make sure that the kibble includes glucosamine and chondroitin too, if possible. If you’re unsure what’s the best choice of food for your pet with a sensitive stomach, then it’s best to contact your vet for guidance.
Grains or Grain-Free?
It’s important to note that the FDA has issued an alert for dog food products that are grain-free. If you’re concerned about giving your pet grain-free food, try it for a short period only and talk to your vet to determine the best course of action for your particular dog.
These are just some of the things that you should search for when looking for the best kibble for your Maltipoo pal. Remember, small breed dogs have very specific diet requirements, especially if they have stomach sensitivities or food allergies, so be careful with your choices.
Final Thoughts
This concludes our guide and reviews on the best foods for Maltipoos. Our top choice overall is the Ollie Fresh Lamb & Cranberries, which offers amazing nutrition, convenience, and flavor that is perfect for any Maltipoo. Next, our best food for the money goes to Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food for its affordability and farm-raised chicken content. Finally, our third choice went to Blue Buffalo Freedom Dry Dog Food for its bite-sized kibble.
Featured Image Credit: marketlan, Shutterstock
