Maltese dogs can safely eat many plain, unseasoned human foods including lean cooked meats, specific fruits and vegetables, and plain grains, provided they make up no more than 10% of daily calories and are prepared correctly.
A Maltese weighing just 4-7 pounds has a tiny digestive system that handles human food differently than a larger breed. The good news: plenty of common kitchen foods are perfectly safe when prepared right. This guide covers which human foods your Maltese can eat, how to prepare them safely, and which foods to never share.
Safe Human Foods for Maltese Dogs
Safe human foods must be plain, fully cooked where required, deboned, and completely free of salt, sugar, oils, or spices.
| Food Category | Safe Options | Preparation Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Lean Meats | Chicken, turkey, beef (lean cuts), fish | Cook fully, remove all skin/bones/fat, chop into tiny pieces, 2-3 times per week max |
| Fish | Salmon, white fish | |
| Vegetables | Carrots, broccoli, cucumber, celery, plain pumpkin | Raw or cooked (carrots); pumpkin aids digestion at 1-2 tsp; remove rinds/seeds |
| Fruits | Apples (no seeds), blueberries, watermelon (no seeds/rind), pineapple, fresh ripe mango | Remove all seeds and core (apple seeds contain cyanide traces); 2-3 blueberries or 2-3 small bites of pineapple per day |
| Grains | Plain cooked rice, plain pasta | No salt, spices, or ghee; small spoonful as needed, great for upset stomachs |
| Other Safe Items | Unsalted peanut butter (no xylitol), fully cooked eggs, plain yogurt, peanuts in moderation |
How to Introduce Human Foods Safely
Start with a single tiny piece — about the size of a pea — and wait 24 hours before offering any other new food. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation. If your Maltese tolerates the first food, you can gradually increase the portion size. Always check the toxic foods list below before offering anything new. If any adverse symptoms appear, stop that food and contact your veterinarian.
The easiest way to safely add variety to your Maltese’s diet is to stick with a high-quality commercial food formulated for small breeds, and use safe human foods only as occasional treats. For a complete guide to the best commercial dog food options for your Maltese’s specific nutritional needs, see our full review of top-rated formulas for adult Maltese dogs.
Foods Maltese Must Never Eat
Some foods cause serious health problems for Maltese dogs even in tiny amounts:
- Chocolate and caffeine: Causes diarrhea, vomiting, and nervous system damage
- Grapes and raisins: Can cause acute kidney failure
- Onions and garlic: Cause hemolytic anemia even in trace amounts
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener): Causes dangerously low blood sugar and liver failure
- Macadamia nuts and black walnuts: Cause vomiting, muscle weakness, and seizures
- Bacon and ham: High salt and fat content, high risk of pancreatitis
- Alcohol: Causes nervous system damage
- Raw meat and raw eggs: Risk of Salmonella, E. coli, and biotin deficiency
- Mushrooms: Some varieties are extremely toxic
- Any fatty or fried foods: High risk of pancreatitis in small breeds
Never feed cooked bones — they splinter and can cause punctures or blockages in the digestive tract.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Restaurant leftovers and kitchen scraps are dangerous because they often contain hidden onion, garlic, ghee, salt, or chili that can poison a Maltese. Apple seeds and watermelon seeds must be removed before feeding — apple seeds contain cyanide traces, and watermelon seeds can block the small intestine. Feeding ham, bacon, or hot dogs provides excessive salt and fat, which risks pancreatitis. Many Maltese are lactose intolerant, so cheese and milk can cause digestive upset even though the dog enjoys the taste. Stick to the safe list above and prepare everything from scratch at home.
FAQs
Can Maltese eat peanut butter?
Yes, unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol is safe in small amounts. Check the label carefully — xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure even in tiny amounts. One teaspoon is plenty for a Maltese.
How much human food can I give my Maltese daily?
Human food treats should total no more than 10% of your Maltese’s daily calorie intake. The other 90% should come from a complete and balanced commercial dog food.
Is rice good for Maltese with upset stomachs?
Yes, plain cooked white rice is an excellent bland diet option for Maltese with diarrhea or vomiting. Offer a small spoonful of plain, unseasoned rice alongside their regular food until symptoms improve. If symptoms persist more than 24 hours, see your vet.
References & Sources
- American Kennel Club. “Human Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat.” Comprehensive guide on safe and toxic human foods for dogs.
- MedVet. “Human Foods Cats and Dogs Can (and Should) Eat and Avoid.” Veterinary guidance on pet-safe human foods.
- Dogs Trust. “Toxic Foods.” List of foods dangerous to dogs.