When you are considering a healthy diet for your Maltipoo puppy, it is crucial to think about how often you feed them, what times are best, what types of food is best, and what foods to avoid in your Maltipoo puppy’s diet. Well, in this article, we are going to discuss the Maltipoo puppy feeding schedule.
How Often Should You Feed Your Maltipoo?
- 2-3 Months old
When you first bring your Maltipoo puppy home for the first month or so, it is highly recommended to have dog food available to them at all times. This is very important during their early stages of growth. - 3-12 months old
During your Maltipoo puppy first year, they have to be eating at least 3 times per day. Also, you are able to give treats. However, we are going to recommend reserving treats as rewards during house training and obedience training because this is the perfect time for your Maltipoo puppy to learn. - After 1 year old
It is highly recommended to feed your maltipoo at least two meals per day. Because they are a smaller breed, they may not do that well with only one large meal. Again, treats are able to be offered in between meals as positive reinforcement during training.
How Much Should You Feed Your Maltipoo?
Actually, the answer to the question depends on the type of dog food, whether it is wet or dry, the activity level or your Maltipoo, and so-on, we have several guidelines you are able to follow to start off with. It is based on the needs of your Maltipoo and ingredients of your dog food.
- 2 to 4 lbs
You are able to feed your Maltipoo 1/3 to 1/2 cups per day - 5 to 8 lbs
You are able to feed your Maltipoo 1/2 to 3/4 cups per day - 8 to 10 lbs
You are able to feed your Maltipoo 1/2 to 3/4 cups per day - 10 to 12 lbs
You are able to feed your Maltipoo 3/4 to 1 cup per day - 13 to 16 lbs
You are able to feed your Maltipoo 1 to 1 1/4 cups per day.
Also, you are able to find recommended portions on certain brand dog foods so you will read the labels and keep their recommended portions.
Should You Feed Your Maltipoo Wet or Dry Dog Food?
The answer to this question will differ for each dog, so here are some things to keep in mind. Need to know that dry dog food will be able to play a big part in keeping your dog’s teeth strong and healthy, however wet dog food might be better received by your Maltipoo dog. Usually, Maltipoos eat the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Oatmeal.
If your Maltipoo’s diet consists of wet food, they may be at risk of having loose or runny bowels so we highly recommend trying dry dog food at first. If your Maltipoo is not very receptive to the dry dog food, you are always able to try adding a little bit of water only to soften the food or mix in a little bit of soft dog food.
Foods That Are Unhealthy for Maltipoo
Apparently, there are certain ingredients which may be very healthy for humans but are unhealthy for dogs, so it is very crucial to be mindful of this list and ensure that your Maltipoo avoids those ingredients.
Here are some foods that are unhealthy for Maltipoo:
- Grapes and raisins
These foods are able to be unhealthy and poisonous for your Maltipoo even in small doses. - Chocolate
All chocolate is toxic for Maltipoos. - Salt
Although small doses are okay, but a large quantity could cause kidney problems for Maltipoos. - Onions
Onions are able to be harmful for your Maltipoos red blood cells which is one reason why it is not good to feed your dog table scraps. - Coffee, tea, and soda
These drinks are able to give your Maltipoo seizures and comas and can be life threatening. - Fruit seeds and pits
While the dogs may enjoy certain fruits, if they were to eat certain seeds or pits, it will be able to cause several medical problems that could potentially be fatal.
Maltipoo Puppy Diets
You have to know that small dogs like the Maltipoo need a food which is specifically formulated for their size. Probably, you are going to be surprised to learn that small dogs actually need more calories per pound than larger breeds. It is because they have a higher metabolic rate. For your information, protein plays a crucial role in the canine diet. You are able to select high-quality protein sources such as chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish.
You should avoid brands with generic meat and meat by-products. Also, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals will help keep your Maltipoos digestive system healthy. When it comes to the amount to feed your Maltipoo puppy, the calorie count of commercial foods are able to vary quite a bit. Remember that low-quality foods contain things like artificial additives and fillers which contain few nutrients. Those brands must be avoided. Also, it is crucial to remember that each dog is an individual.
Your Maltipoo puppy’s age, activity level, and individual metabolism will be able to affect the exact amount of food they will need. Usually, commercial foods are going to list feeding guidelines on their own packaging. However, you may want to consult with a vet regarding your puppy’s specific requirements. In addition, you are able to read other articles about the best foods for Maltipoos.
Is Your Maltiopoo Puppy the Right Weight?
Unfortunately, it is easy for a Maltipoo puppy to put on weight. This will lead to all types of health issues. A weight issue can become worse if they do not get enough regular exercise. After your Maltipoo puppy is 12 to 14 weeks old, they have to be walked for 20 minutes, twice a day.
But, being too thin can be unhealthy as well. The easiest way to know if your Maltipoo puppy is overweight or underweight is by touch. Please put your hands on either side of their ribs. If their own ribs feel sharp or are easily visible, your Maltipoo may be underweighted. In other cases, if you feel a layer of fat or have to press down to feel their own ribs at all, then your Maltipoo is likely overweight.