Maltese Food Calculator: How Much to Feed a Maltese
Quick answer: An average adult Maltese (6 lb / 2.7 kg) needs about 237 kcal a day if spayed or neutered — roughly 0.62 cups of a typical dry food, split into two meals. Maltese puppies need more per pound: about 0.53 cups a day at 2 months, rising to 0.73 cups by 6 months.
A starting point, not a prescription. Weigh your dog every 2-4 weeks and adjust by about 10% if they gain or lose weight you didn't intend. Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories.
Maltese puppy feeding chart by age
Daily amounts for an average Maltese puppy at 380 kcal per cup. Check your food's calories per cup and use the calculator for your puppy's actual weight.
| Age | Typical weight | Calories / day | Cups / day | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 months | ~2 lb (0.9 kg) | 202 kcal | 0.53 | 4 |
| 3 months | ~3 lb (1.4 kg) | 284 kcal | 0.75 | 3 |
| 4 months | ~4 lb (1.8 kg) | 284 kcal | 0.75 | 3 |
| 5 months | ~5 lb (2.3 kg) | 281 kcal | 0.74 | 3 |
| 6 months | ~6 lb (2.7 kg) | 279 kcal | 0.73 | 2 |
Adult Maltese feeding chart
| Weight | Spayed / neutered | Intact | Very active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter adult (4 lb) | 175 kcal (0.46 cups) | 197 kcal (0.52 cups) | 274 kcal (0.72 cups) |
| Average adult (6 lb) | 237 kcal (0.62 cups) | 267 kcal (0.70 cups) | 371 kcal (0.98 cups) |
| Heavier adult (8 lb) | 294 kcal (0.77 cups) | 331 kcal (0.87 cups) | 460 kcal (1.2 cups) |
Calculated with RER = 70 × kg^0.75 and WSAVA-style life-stage factors (puppies tapering from 3.0 at 3 months to 2.0 from 6 months, 1.6 neutered, 1.8 intact, 2.5 very active). Starting points only — adjust to your dog's body condition.
What does it cost to feed a Maltese?
Turn these daily amounts into a monthly budget for kibble, wet, fresh, or raw food.
Open the Dog Food Cost CalculatorFrequently asked questions
How much should I feed my Maltese?
An average adult Maltese (6 lb / 2.7 kg) needs about 237 kcal a day if spayed or neutered — roughly 0.62 cups of a typical dry food, split into two meals. Maltese puppies need more per pound: about 0.53 cups a day at 2 months, rising to 0.73 cups by 6 months.
How much should I feed a Maltese puppy?
It depends on age and current weight. Using a typical growth curve, a Maltese puppy eats about 0.53 cups at 2 months, 0.75 cups at 3 months, 0.75 cups at 4 months, 0.74 cups at 5 months, 0.73 cups at 6 months. Weigh your puppy every couple of weeks and recalculate, because amounts rise quickly.
How many times a day should a Maltese eat?
Four meals a day until about 3 months, three until 6 months, then two meals a day for life. Very small Malteses can be prone to low blood sugar as puppies, so don't stretch meals too far apart.
When should a Maltese switch to adult food?
As a toy breed, Maltese typically reach adult weight by around 8-10 months. Most owners switch around the time a puppy reaches adult size. See our guide on when to switch puppy food to adult food.