Feeding Maltese

Having followed this question and answer board for a couple of weeks now, we have come to the understanding that table scraps are no good to feed a Maltese on. It seems that dry pellets would become quite boring after a while. What is the correct "menu"? Your advice would be greatly appreciated as we are about to adopt a new family member in the next few months and want to do the right thing.
Tony Pepi

• Your understanding on the assumption that table scraps are no good is not correct. Table scraps are an excellent addition to your Malteses commercial dog-food diet. Besides providing that little extra that most Maltese appreciate, table scraps relieve the boredom of the same food day in and day out. Because commercial dog-food products are usually so well balanced, table scraps should not form more than 1/4 of your Malteses basic daily diet.
  Jay

• I guess I have to disagree a little with Jay on this one (we usually agree on many things). I don't believe that REGULARILY feeding table scraps is good for your Maltese. You don't want them to become dependent on table scraps and not eat their dog food -- many brands that are specifically formulated for dogs to meet all their nutritional and vitamin needs. I think it is probably only your perception that they will become bored with thier food. If you think this is happening perhaps you shuld switch t o another similar brand or another formulation with in the brand you feed, ie from a lamb and rice formula to a chicken and rice formula, etc.

  However, its not all boring here at the Bhe-Jei household and my guys do get SOME table food -- but it is strickly as TREATS. My Maltese KILL FOR baked potato skins, pizza crust, pita bread, carrots, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese. In all cases they are are given as extras and they are made special -- they don't get them everyday so they don't depend on them. They eat their regualar food well and when they get treats it is with their regular food and not feed from the table.
  Bobbie Linden - Bhe-Jei Maltese

• Thanks for the advice. We concur with both and each suggestions. Is anyone aware of a suitable range of good quality "Maltese Menu Morsels for Mighty Mutts" commercially prepared. Would love to hear about these. Think one of us will have to test it first - joking.
  Tony/Pepi

• In my oppinion table scraps in general are not a good idea for a dog. I have had many dogs (although Tiffany is my first Maltese), and have found that they form bad habits while you are cooking and eating and will often not eat their dog food until they are sure they are not getting scraps, or until they get them. Infact one of my dogs would eat around the dog food and not eat the dog food until all our dishes were washed and we sat down to digest.

  Also, some scraps aren't even real good for adults, let alone dogs. Maltese stomachs can be more sensitive to rich foods than large dogs, so you are tking some risks.

  Tiffany enjoys 2 high quality dry foods and I will give her one flavor in the AM and one flavor for dinner. Sometimes, and I mean sometimes, If I have leftovers that I feal are good for her, like lean meat, I will cut a very small portion and give it to her as a treat... but the next day and when WE are not eating. Tiffany is the first dog I ever had that really loves her dog food and behaves during dinner. Good Luck.
  Nick

• Perhaps I was a little unclear on my response concerning "table scraps" in my previous post and I would like to elaborate a little further on this subject while we're on it.

  I still feel I am correct in my reply that table scraps are an excellent addition to commercial dog-food diets as long as it doesn't constitute more than 1/4 of your Malteses daily diet. If you feed your 6 lb Maltese(avg weight) almost 3/4 cup (6oz) of dry food a day (which is the recommeded daily feeding amount for adult dogs with normal activity!!) then no more than 1 oz. of leftover meat, etc. would be ok. One might be surprised as to how small of a portion a 1 ounce piece of say, steak or hamburger, would look like.

  All dogs need a moderate amount of fat. If your Malteses diet is deficient of fat, he/she could be thin and have scaly and/or itchy skin and also could have a dry hair coat. Also, fat intake should be increased during winter months is certain areas. Certain table scraps will give your Maltese the added nutrients needed.

  Table scraps could vary widely as to what type of food, and I was refering to mainly meat or beef products and not pizza, spaghetti, etc. or any other types of *junk food* which of course should not be fed at all to your dog.
  Jay