“Did you know that the adorable, fluffy bundle of joy you know as your beloved Maltese has heroic roots that trace back to the times of ancient Romans? Yes, that’s true. The ancestors of your little pet, with their silky white fur and curious eyes, roamed the battlefields, surviving in conditions unimaginable compared to the comfort they enjoy now. As much as your Maltese loves its cozy bed and air-conditioned room, its genetic lineage exhibits a hardy resilience. What does that have to do with what it should eat, you ask? We’ll get there in just a bit.
The thing about our canine companions is that just like us, their diet plays an enormous role in their overall well-being and health. But unlike us, dogs hail from a lineage of carnivorous ancestors, which means that their dietary requirements differ significantly from ours. However, with a surge in dog food options over the years, many pet parents are left confused and stranded in a sea of choices. One of the most debated topics in dog food is whether to go grain-free or not. Let’s examine this with our focus on the delightful Maltese breed.
So, should a Maltese be eating grain-free? The answer is not as straightforward as you’d think since each dog’s dietary needs may differ. Factors like age, activity level, allergies, and overall health profile collectively determine what the best diet for a dog is. Sounds complicated, right? Don’t worry; we’ll break it down together.
The big question is, are grains bad for your Maltese? Not necessarily. Healthy grains like brown rice, oats, and barley offer a good source of fiber and are often used in dog foods. Some Maltese flourish on a diet that includes these grains, while others with sensitive stomachs may have trouble digesting them.
However, the real mischief makers are the ‘filler’ grains. These include corn, wheat, and soy, often used as cheap fillers in low-quality dog foods. These filler grains are known to often result in allergic reactions and can be hard for your Maltese to digest. In fact, they can lead to health problems like yeast infections, gastrointestinal issues, and skin irritations. So, if your pooch is going to eat grains, make sure they are whole and healthy, not cheap fillers.
Now, if you’ve decided to switch your Maltese to a grain-free diet, there are a few things you need to consider. First, grain-free does not mean carb-free. Most grain-free diets substitute grains with other carbohydrate sources like potatoes, peas, or lentils. While these substitutes may not cause the same issues as filler grains, they’re still carbs. Ultimate decision should be based on your Maltese’s health.
Doing away with grains doesn’t automatically make a diet ‘better.’ What’s more important is that a dog’s diet is balanced and nutritious. Diets that are dense in high-quality protein sources, healthy fats, and appropriate fiber content are universally considered beneficial, whether they contain grains or not.
Going grain-free has worked wonders for many dogs, particularly those with grain allergies, or skin and gut sensitivities. However, in the past few years, there’s been a lot of chatter around a possible link between grain-free diets and an increased incidence of a specific type of heart disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. It’s important to discuss this with your vet before making any critical dietary changes.
In the end, it’s all about observing your Maltese and its reactions to different food components. Regular check-ups, paying attention to any changes in behavior, energy levels, coat condition, weight, and digestion can provide essential clues about what is working for their diet and what is not.
As pet owners, our ultimate goal is to ensure our fluffy friends are healthy and happy. Whether or not your Maltese should eat grain-free is an individual decision that should involve a qualified vet and be based on what best serves your Maltese’s health, happiness, and longevity. After all, who wouldn’t want to see their tiny Roman soldier prance around healthily in all its fluff-filled glory for years and years to come?”
