Skip to Content

Foods, Fruits & Vegetables – What Can & Can’t Maltese Eat?

Maltese dogs are one of the most popular breeds that are well known for their size, coat, and playfulness.

When wanting to look after our furry companions of this particular breed, there are certain foods that we can absolutely feed them, whilst others are a glaring no. This brings us to the topic of,

Food, Fruits & Vegetables- What Can and Can’t Maltese Eat?

Protein sources like cooked salmon and egg are okay; cooked bones are not. Likewise, some fruits like watermelon and papaya are okay, but avocado and grapes are not. For vegetables, potatoes and carrots are allowed, onions and tomatoes are not. Anything with seeds or pits should always be avoided. 

Maltese are small bundles of joy and energy that need certain nutrients in their body to keep them healthy and happy. Since dogs are omnivores, they need both meat and plant-based food in their meals. Ultimately, a balanced diet is necessary, which is where this article comes in.

The basic rule is, whatever is bad for dogs of other breeds, they tend to be bad for Maltese as well.

Chocolates, caffeine, sugar are common enemies and should never be given to your furry companions.

While dogs are known to love milk and bones- there are instances when both are bad for them. Onions, garlic, mushroom, and rhubarb are also poisonous so should be avoided at all costs.

It is always advised to do your research and speak with your vet before introducing a new element into your beloved pet’s diet. And when given the green light, introduce the new food gradually so changes can be noticed and upset stomachs are avoided. 

What fruits can Maltese eat?

Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and especially antioxidants which are good for both our canine friends and us. However, that does not mean all fruits are okay for Maltese dogs since some are rather toxic and so carry harmful risks.

On the other hand, some fruits can make their immune system strong, improve their skin and coat and even help with digestion. This means we must do our research and check what is good for our dogs and what isn’t.

These are the fruits a Maltese can eat.

Banana

Yes, your Maltese can eat a banana. This potassium-enriched fruit helps to keep the heart and kidney strong and efficient, but they are also high in sugar. So, they should be given occasionally as a treat.

Apples

Maltese can eat apples, for they are a sweet, wonderful source of vitamins and fiber. However, the core is a choking hazard and the seeds can be poisonous, so make sure to feed them bite-sized, deseeded slices.

Watermelon

Same with apple, watermelon is encouraged to feed but the seeds and the rind should be avoided. This fruit is full of vitamins and potassium, as well as a great source of hydration for hot days.

Strawberries

While strawberries provide healthy nutrients, some dogs can be allergic to a protein it has. This is rare so if your pup shows no sign of swelling, they can have strawberries as a treat.

Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and fiber and are encouraged as dog treats as they help defend against cancer.  

Mango

Mangoes are packed with vitamin A, B6, C, and E and are safe for Maltese pups. However, like apple seeds, the pit should be removed. Same with the other fruits with high sugar count, use it as an occasional treat.

Oranges 

High in vitamin C, this fruit helps to keep skin and coat healthy and shiny. The skin, pith, and seeds should always be removed for they contain a toxin oil that irritates dogs. Offer only the flesh.

Pineapples

Same with oranges, feed only the flesh or the “meat” of the fruit to have access to the sweet multitudes of vitamins, zinc, and folate. This fruit is great for dogs with weak digestion.

Pears

Pears pack in copper, fiber, and vitamins, so are good for Maltese dogs. Again, avoid the pit and stones. Make sure they are fresh and not the canned kind.

Papayas

Papayas are healthy treats and should be deseeded and chopped into pieces before serving. The seeds can cause intestinal blockage and should be avoided.

Raspberries

Raspberries are a tasty, occasional treat that is great for old, arthritic dogs. This should have limited consumption for they contain micro traces of toxic xylitol. 

Tangerine

Tangerines are safe for your Maltese doggy to have. As always, make sure to avoid rinds and piths. Acidic citrus fruits can cause upset stomachs so make sure it’s done in moderation.

Dragon fruit

Also known as Pitaya, this fruit has great health benefits and is safe for consumption for pups.

Dates

Same with the above fruits with seeds, dates are high in fiber and can be given. However, make sure they are only eating the flesh and never the seed. It has high sugar so make sure it is an occasional, rare treat as well.

What fruits can’t Maltese eat?

Grapes

Grapes top the list of things dogs, regardless of their breed, age or gender cannot and should not eat. They are very toxic to the point they lead to acute sudden failure of the kidney.

Red grapes

same as grapes, red grapes bad for Maltese dogs, or any dogs for that matter. If consumed, they can get sick, sluggish, and depressed.

Pistachios

Since dogs benefit from a high protein, low card, and low-fat diet- pistachios or any other nuts can put them at risk for weight problems which can and most probably will lead to obesity and pancreatitis. 

Even if they aren’t inherently toxic for your pup, it does not mean they are good for them either.

What fruits are good for Maltese?

From the list given above, we can see that watermelons are highly encouraged for a proper Maltese diet. Since most fruits are high in sugar content, it is always advised to treat them as occasional delicacies rather than making them a part of their daily meals.

What vegetables can Maltese eat?

Same with fruits, vegetables, in general, are good for both humans and pups. However, unlike fruits, they can be introduced and implemented into your Maltese friends’ diet more regularly for dogs are omnivorous and the perfect kibble is a balanced mix of protein and vegetables.

That being said, there are still some vegetables that do not agree with their stomachs, so we should be on the lookout for them.

Zucchini

Zucchini is a wonderful choice for Maltese dogs for they are a perfect source of magnesium, potassium as well as Vitamin C. This low calorie, high fiber food can be added to their meals by shredding it on top. It helps to protect them against infections, cancer, and other diseases.

Okra

Full of vitamin B and C, as well as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and folic acid, this vegetable helps to support your dogs’ bones, muscles, nerves, metabolism, and even immune system. 

Olive

Olives are a healthy snack that can be given in moderation. Since this has pits, make sure to remove it so choking is avoided.

Potatoes

Potatoes are good with dogs, especially if your Maltese has an upset stomach. Boiled, plain potato and chicken meal can help soothe their tums as well as provide nutrients to fight off whatever is causing the upsetting of the stomach.

Carrots

Carrots are an excellent choice to add to your dog’s meal plan. It is a low-calorie snack with a high fiber count, it also helps produce vitamin A. This superfood is also a good way to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and tartar-free.

Broccoli

High in vitamin C and fiber, low in fat, broccoli is safe for your Maltese to munch on. However, they should be treated as occasional things for isothiocyanates present in the florets can cause gastric irritation.

Sweet potatoes

Same as potatoes, sweet potatoes offer fiber, water, and nutrients which help decrease digestive problems. They contain vitamins, thiamine, niacin, and copper as well.

Turnips

A good source of calcium and folate, this low-calorie vegetable is a great treat for your pup. They can be served dehydrated, baked, mashed, or even raw as they provide vitamin C and B6 as well.

Corn

The kernel itself is okay, but be wary of the cob for if digested, it can cause an intestinal tear. Sweetcorn kernels are known to provide fiber, essential vitamins, and necessary energy.

What vegetables can’t Maltese eat?

Onions

Onions are at the top of the list of vegetables that Maltese’s or any other dog are never supposed to have. They cause anemia by damaging red blood cells no matter if it is raw, boiled, cooked, or dried. Just avoid onions in your pups’ diet altogether.

Tomatoes

Ripe tomatoes may be okay for your dog, but unripe tomatoes and even their plants are harmful. Tomatine and solanine cause damage to the kidneys, digestive and nervous systems so it is advised to skip tomatoes altogether.

What vegetables are good for Maltese?

Carrots are highly encouraged for Maltese dogs for they provide fiber, nutrients as well as take good care of their teeth. Potatoes and Zucchinis work well with their food habits as well, so they should be added to their diet for good measure.

What human food can Maltese eat?

There are some human foods that are completely okay for your beautiful Maltese dog to eat, while there are also others that can cause them grave harm.

Even healthy food in excess can cause canine obesity, and since Maltese are dogs of small stature, caution must always be applied.

Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter is highly regarded as a treat that basically all dogs love. While it provides vitamin E and B, niacin, healthy fat, and protein, you have to make sure it is sugar and xylitol-free. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is best for your Maltese.

Cheese

As long as your pup isn’t lactose intolerant, cheese is a great addition to their diet. However, they should be given in small to moderate doses and try to go for low-fat variants like cottage or mozzarella.

Chicken

This is one of the most common ingredients in pet food, for good measure as well. Plain boiled chicken is a good meal for upset stomachs, they can also be a replacement when you run out of dog food.

Peanuts

Peanuts, unlike almonds, are safe for dogs to consume. Packed with proteins and fat of the good kind, they should be given in moderation for too much can lead to pancreas issues.

Rice

Rice is safe for your Maltese to eat. They can also be used to swap out boiled potatoes for a chicken meal made to soothe stomach problems

Quinoa

Quinoa has a strong nutritional profile and can be an alternative for corn, wheat, or even soy-food starch that is commonly found in kibble.

Pork

A canine favorite, pork is highly digestible while being full of amino acids. As they have high-fat content, make sure to serve unseasoned, cooked pork in moderation to your furry friend. Do not feed them processed ham or bacon for they have high salt content.

Eggs

Fully cooked eggs are a good, solid source of protein that helps with upset stomachs. Make sure to fully cook the egg for raw eggs cause biotin deficiency and can cause food poisoning as well.

Salmon

A salmon that is fully cooked is a wonderful source of protein, amino acids, and healthy fat. It also promotes healthy bones and joints. Always make sure it is fully cooked, FDA recommends at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit all the way through.

Yogurt

If your dog isn’t lactose intolerant, plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for your Maltese. The active bacteria help make their digestive system become stronger. Avoid anything with added or artificial sugar.

Shrimp

A few shrimps every now and then is an okay treat for your dog. Make sure they are fully cooked and the shells (head, tail, and legs) are completely removed. They are high in phosphorus, vitamin b12, and antioxidants while remaining low in calories, fat, and carbs.

Sardines

Sardines are known as the best type of fish to share with your furry companion, providing many essential nutrients. Keep it supplementary in small portions.

Steak

Beef is a high source of protein, fatty acid, and omega 6. They help to tone their muscles and make their skin, hair, and coat shiny and healthy as well. Avoid seasoned steak as they can be toxic.

Turkey

Turkey is fine for Maltese to eat, provided the skin and fat are removed from the meat. Check for poultry bones as well for they can cause blockage or intestinal tears.

Tuna

Tuna is okay in small amounts. Cooked, fresh tuna gives omega3 fatty acids but always feed in moderation.

Lamb

Lambs are a great source of protein, vitamin b12, and essential amino acids. They help build and maintain body tissue. 

Cashews

Cashews are okay to have, but only a few at a time. Make sure they are unsalted.

What human food can’t Maltese eat?

Chicken Nuggets

Even though they love the smell and taste of them, chicken nuggets aren’t good for dogs, Maltese included. Loaded with fat and other elements not good for them, this should be avoided.

Raw meat

Raw meat should be avoided for they contain bacteria for Salmonella and E. coli.

Milk

Milk can lead to diarrhea or other digestive upsets, especially if they are lactose intolerant. It might be ok for some dogs to have little milk, but it’s best avoided.

Mushroom

Mushrooms should always be avoided for some variants of them can be extremely toxic.

Nuts

Nuts, especially macadamia nuts are really bad for dogs and should be kept out of reach.

Walnuts

Same with nuts, walnuts (especially black walnuts) are toxic for dogs that make them vomit, weak in muscles, and even seizures.

Whipped cream

Same with milk, since whipped cream is a dairy product, it should be avoided. Particularly if your Maltese is lactose intolerant.

Raisin

Same as grapes, raisin is very poisonous that can cause irreversible kidney damage and worse, failure.

Ribs

Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damages and so ribs can break and pose risks.

Spaghetti

While plain pasta (cooked or uncooked) is okay, spaghetti is mixed with garlic and onion, and other seasonings, which can cause anemia.

Chocolate

Your Maltese should never, ever have chocolates for they can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon and the oil it contains can irritate your dog which can make them sick by lowering the blood sugar.

In the end, you should always do your research before feeding something new to your pup and look for signs of reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can a Maltese be a service dog?

How long can a Maltese hold its pee?

When do Maltese stop teething?

Why does my Maltese lick everything?

Why do Maltese dogs lick their paws?

Why does my Maltese howl, growl, snore, grunt, or snort?