What Human Food Can Maltese Dogs Eat [16 Foods]

Who doesn’t love sharing a snack with their furry best friend?

However, not all human foods are safe for your four-legged companion, especially when it comes to smaller breeds like Maltese dogs.

It’s important to know what foods are okay to share and which ones can harm your pooch.

In this short post, we’ll explore some human foods that are safe for Maltese dogs to eat, so you can treat your furry friend without worries.

What Human Food Can Maltese Dogs Eat

The following are some common human foods that Maltese dogs can eat in moderation:

1. Cooked Chicken

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein for Maltese dogs. It is critical to completely cook the chicken, eliminating any spice, bones, or excess fat.

You can cook the chicken without adding any salt, spices, or oils. Allow it cool before chopping it into small, bite-sized pieces.

To increase the flavor of your Maltese’s usual meal, combine it with the chicken or use it as a special training treat.

2. Lean Meat (cooked)

Protein sources for Maltese dogs include lean meats such as turkey and beef. Protein is necessary for muscular growth and overall health.

Before cooking, remove any skin, bones, or seasoning from the meat. Cook the meat thoroughly to kill any potentially hazardous microorganisms.

You can give small, bite-sized pieces of cooked meat as a treat on occasion, or mix it with their usual dog food to add taste and variety.

3. Fish (cooked)

Fish like salmon and whitefish can be a healthy addition to your Maltese diet. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat.

Ascertain that the fish is properly cooked, deboned, and free of any seasonings such as salt or spices.

Cooked fish can be provided in tiny amounts as a treat or incorporated into their normal dog chow.

4. Eggs (cooked)

Eggs are an excellent source of protein, vital amino acids, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. To eliminate the risk of salmonella, thoroughly cook the eggs.

You can scramble or boil the eggs and serve them in little, bite-sized quantities as a treat or mix them with their usual food to increase their protein intake.

5. Plain Rice or Pasta

When your Maltese has an upset stomach or digestive troubles, you can give them plain cooked rice or pasta as a bland and easily digestible option.

These foods can provide a low-carbohydrate and fiber source. Cook the rice or pasta without any additional flavor, butter, or salt.

To make it more palatable, serve it in small servings, either pure or mixed with a small bit of lean meat.

6. Sweet Potatoes (cooked)

Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They can make a delicious addition to your Maltese diet.

Cook or bake the sweet potatoes until they are tender and easily mashed. Remove the skin since it can be difficult for dogs to digest.

You may mash or cut the sweet potatoes into little pieces and serve them as a treat or mix them in with their normal food for increased flavor and nutrition.

7. Pumpkin (cooked, unsweetened)

Cooked and unsweetened pumpkins can help Maltese dogs’ intestinal health. It is high in fiber and can help control bowel movements.

Steam or bake the pumpkin until soft, then peel and mash it to a smooth consistency.

You can serve pumpkin as a little portion on its own or combine it with their usual food to increase fiber and moisture.

8. Carrots (raw or cooked)

Carrots are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins while being low in calories. Maltese dogs enjoy them as a crunchy and nutritious food.

Thoroughly wash the carrots, peel them, and chop them into little, bite-sized pieces. You can serve them raw for a pleasant crunch or lightly cooked to make them simpler to digest.

Carrots can be eaten as a snack or blended into their normal diet to add texture and nutrition.

9. Apples (without seeds or core)

Maltese dogs enjoy apples because they are crunchy and refreshing. Remove the seeds and core from the apples before slicing them into small, bite-sized pieces.

You can serve the apple slices as a single treat or with your Maltese dinner.

To make a healthful and chewy treat, bake apples without any extra sugar or spices.

10. Peanut Butter (unsalted, no xylitol)

Peanut butter is a high-protein and delightful treat for your Maltese.

Choose an unsalted kind that contains no added sugar or xylitol, as xylitol is hazardous to dogs.

Peanut butter can be served as a reward or stuffed into a puzzle toy for cerebral activity.

Because of its high-fat content, peanut butter should be consumed in moderation.

11. Plain Yogurt

Plain, unsweetened yogurt can provide probiotics to your Maltese’s digestive system. It contains good microorganisms that can help keep your gut healthy.

Check the yogurt for added sugars or artificial sweeteners, as these can be detrimental to dogs.

To deliver probiotic benefits, serve a tiny amount of yogurt as a treat or combine it with their usual food.

12. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is abundant in protein and can be given as a treat to your Maltese on occasion.

It is a wonderful source of calcium and can help dogs with lactose sensitivity because cottage cheese has a lower lactose level than other dairy products.

Give them small pieces of cottage cheese as a treat or mix it in with their normal food to offer a creamy texture and protein.

13. Cooked Oatmeal

Cooked simple oats can provide fiber to your Maltese. It’s easily digestible and can help dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Make sure the oatmeal is properly cooked and has no extra sugar, salt, or flavorings.

Provide tiny servings of cooked oats as a treat or mix it in with their normal food to give fiber and variety.

14. Watermelon (seedless)

Watermelon, especially on hot days, can be a delicious and hydrating treat for your Maltese.

Remove the seeds and rind since the seeds can cause stomach problems and the rind is difficult to chew.

Cut the watermelon flesh into small cubes or slices and serve as a treat in moderation.

Watermelon is a refreshing fruit that also provides a rush of natural sweetness.

15. Blueberries

Blueberries contain a lot of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They’re a tasty and nutritious treat for your Maltese.

Wash the blueberries completely before serving them whole or slightly mashing them for easier ingestion.

Blueberries can be given as a treat on their own or mixed with their normal food to provide natural sweetness and additional nutrients.

16. Green Beans

Green beans are a nutritious food for Maltese dogs. They are low in calories while being abundant in fiber and other nutrients.

Cook the green beans until cooked, then cool before serving.

Green beans can be served as a snack or blended into their normal diet to add bulk and enhance their vegetable intake.

How to introduce human foods to Maltese dogs

When introducing human foods to a Maltese dog, it is important to do so gradually and in moderation.

Introducing new foods too quickly or in large quantities can cause an upset stomach and other digestive issues.

Here are some tips for introducing human foods to your Maltese dog’s diet:

1. Start by introducing small amounts of food as treats or additions to their regular meals.
2. Avoid feeding your dog foods that are toxic or harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions.
3. Introduce new foods one at a time, waiting a few days in between to observe how your dog’s body reacts.
4. Watch for signs of allergy or adverse reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation. If you notice any of these symptoms, discontinue feeding the new food and consult a veterinarian.
5. Incorporate healthy and safe human foods into your Maltese dog’s diet, such as lean meats, cooked vegetables, and fruits in moderation.

Remember that your dog’s diet should mainly consist of high-quality dog food formulated for their breed and size. Introducing human foods should be done in moderation and with care.

Benefits of feeding human foods to Maltese dogs

Feeding human foods to Maltese dogs in moderation can provide several benefits, such as:

1. Nutritional benefits: Some human foods, such as carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes, are rich in vitamins and minerals that can add nutritional value to your dog’s diet.
2. Better digestion: Feeding your dog certain human foods, such as pumpkin and brown rice, can aid in digestion and promote healthy bowel movements.
3. Weight management: Feeding your dog healthy human foods in moderation can help with weight management by ensuring that they are getting the right balance of nutrients and avoiding unhealthy processed foods.
4. Improved joint health: Foods such as beef and fish contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help improve your dog’s joint health and prevent arthritis.
5. Variety in diet: Incorporating human foods into your dog’s diet can add variety and make their meals more interesting while still ensuring that they are receiving proper nutrition.

It’s important to note that not all human foods are safe for Maltese dogs, and moderation is key. Always check with your veterinarian before adding any new foods to your dog’s diet.

Dangers of feeding human foods to Maltese dogs

Feeding human foods to dogs in excess can be dangerous and can lead to several Maltese health problems.

Here are some dangers of feeding human foods to Maltese dogs in excess:

1. Obesity: Feeding your Maltese dog in excess, or feeding them food with high-calorie content, can lead to obesity. This can cause a range of health problems, including joint issues and respiratory problems.
2. Pancreatitis: Certain human foods, especially those that are high in fat, can cause inflammation of the pancreas in dogs, which can be very painful and even life-threatening in severe cases.
3. Dehydration: Feeding human foods that are high in salt can cause dehydration in dogs, which can be particularly dangerous for small breeds like Maltese dogs.
4. Nutritional deficiencies: Feeding your Maltese dog an excessive amount of human foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies, as these foods often do not provide all the necessary nutrients that dogs need to stay healthy.
5. Toxicity: Some human foods can be toxic to dogs, and feeding them in excess can cause serious health problems or even death. For example, chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic can all be toxic if consumed in large amounts.

Learn more about caring for your Maltese dog.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to feeding your Maltese dog, it’s important to remember that they have unique nutritional needs.

While they can enjoy some human foods in moderation, it’s always best to stick to high-quality dog food that meets their specific dietary requirements.

By providing your furry friend with the right nutrition, you can help ensure they live a long, healthy, and happy life