How much to feed a Maltese
A Maltese usually weighs 6.6–8.8 lb. Here’s how much food that is per day, plus a calculator for your own food.
Typical weight
- males
- 6.6–8.8 lb
- females
- 6.6–8.8 lb
Feeding chart by weight
Example: dry food with 380 kcal/cup, wet food with 30 kcal/oz.
| Weight | kcal/day | Dry | Wet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 lb | 252 | 0.66 cups | 8.4 oz |
| 7.5 lb | 281 | 0.74 cups | 9.4 oz |
| 8 lb | 294 | 0.77 cups | 9.8 oz |
| 9 lb | 322 | 0.85 cups | 10.7 oz |
For spayed or neutered dogs with normal activity. Intact dogs need about 12% more. The amounts only apply to food with exactly these calories; use the calculator below for yours.
Calculate with your food
per day
79 g per day
2 meals of 39 g · 294 kcal per day
Treats up to 29 kcal
Look for “Calorie Content”, e.g. “3,750 kcal/kg, 375 kcal/cup”.
A starting point – the scale has the final say. If your dog is ill, talk to your vet.
Questions
How much should a Maltese eat per day?
A Maltese weighing 7.5 lb, spayed or neutered with normal activity, needs about 281 kcal a day. That’s about 0.74 cups of dry food or 9.4 oz of wet food with the calories from the chart. Use the calculator above for your food.
How much does a Maltese weigh?
According to FCI-Standard Nr. 65, adult males weigh 6.6–8.8 lb and females 6.6–8.8 lb.
My dog weighs more than this. Is that too much?
Not necessarily. The range is for typical dogs; large or muscular dogs can weigh more. Your dog’s shape tells you more than the number: you should feel the ribs and see a waist from above. If in doubt, ask your vet.
Sources
Last checked: October 2026