Chicken is a popular food among humans. It is nutrient-rich, low in cost and easy to find. That’s why many Maltese owners are drawn to feed chicken to their Maltese. But can you feed chicken to your Maltese?
The short answer is “yes.” You can feed chicken to your Maltese. There are lots of things you need to know before you do, however! This article will answer every question regarding chicken for Maltese—from how much chicken you should feed your Maltese, whether your Maltese can eat raw chicken, what kind of chicken is best for Maltese, how cooked chicken can help with your Maltese’s health, and even why some people think chicken is bad for Maltese.
Let’s start with the obvious question:
Is chicken safe for Maltese?
Yes, chicken is safe for Maltese to eat. However, it is best to remove the skin and bones, and also not to add any seasonings that might be harmful.
Chicken that is cooked by being roasted, poached, grilled or baked is a great source of protein. It also contains many vitamins and minerals, such as niacin and vitamin B6. It is great for a Maltese’s skin, coat and nails. It helps maintain good muscle tone and provides energy through fat.
However, chicken can be high in fat, so we should only give it occasionally or in small amounts. Make sure you introduce it slowly into your Maltese’s diet if you are feeding it for the first time. If you notice any abnormal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea, then stop feeding your Maltese chicken.
Benefits of chicken in Maltese
– Protein: Feeding your Maltese chicken is a great way to give them the protein they need to maintain a healthy weight and build muscle.
– Omega-6 fatty acids: Chicken contains omega-6 fatty acids, which are great for your Maltese’s skin and coat.
– Vitamins: Chicken contains vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E, K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, choline, folic acid and betaine. That’s a lot of vitamins for one food!
– Minerals: Chicken contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and selenium. These minerals are important for good health in Maltese.
– Glucosamine: Chicken has glucosamine in it in high amounts. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance that can help reduce joint pain and keep your Maltese moving around comfortably despite old age or injury.
Do all Maltese like chicken?
Unfortunately, no. Just like humans, Maltese have food preferences. Some Maltese love chicken, while others don’t. Some Maltese can be allergic to chicken. If your Maltese is a fan of chicken and shows no signs of allergies, it’s safe to feed it the best chicken-based Maltese food.
If your Maltese doesn’t seem to like chicken and you suspect they might be allergic to it, talk to your vet before restricting them from eating it entirely. Also, don’t force your Maltese to eat chicken if they’re not happy with it. Instead, try other Maltese-friendly protein sources like lambs, beef and turkey, which are easily digestible foods for Maltese.
Can my Maltese have chicken every day?
Sure, you can feed your Maltese chicken every day, as long as you’re following a few simple rules. First, make sure your pup isn’t allergic to chicken. This might be more common than you realize—a chicken allergy was one of the most commonly documented food allergies in Maltese in one study.
If your Maltese is allergic to chicken, then obviously this will not work out for you. But if you’ve already had him tested, and he isn’t allergic, then it’s definitely fine to feed him chicken on the reg.
Make sure that you’re feeding him a balanced diet. If he’s getting the right amount of protein and calories, and he’s not overweight or underweight—then yes. He’ll be totally fine eating a little chicken every day.
You don’t need to worry about any deficiencies from eating too much chicken, either (though you should give your Maltese a multivitamin if he only eats raw food). Just make sure that when you prepare his food at home, it has the right balance of meat and vegetables.
Oh! And finally—you should check with your vet to make sure that there aren’t any specific reasons your pup shouldn’t eat chicken (like kidney disease or pancreatitis)
Can Maltese puppies eat chicken?
It’s okay to give your Maltese puppy some chicken, but wait until they are at least two months old. Puppies should only eat a specialized puppy diet during their first two months because of their delicate digestive systems.
When you are ready, start with just a small bite of cooked chicken, and observe your puppy for any symptoms or changes in behavior.
Consult with your vet before introducing any new foods to your puppy’s diet.
How much chicken can Maltese eat?
How much chicken can Maltese eat? This depends on the age, size and activity level of your Maltese. But you should always consult with your veterinarian first for the best serving sizes.
If your Maltese is eating a raw meat homemade diet, a good rule of thumb is about ¼ to ⅓ cup of meat protein per 20lbs of body weight per day. But if your Maltese suffers from diarrhea and you have to switch to boiled chicken and rice, stick to a 2:1 ration. For example, ⅓ cup chicken to ⅔ cup rice if your Maltese is eating one cup of food per day.
Remember, portion control is important for your Maltese’s diet! Start small and if there are no negative effects, you can offer more.
How to serve chicken to your Maltese?
Cooking chicken for your Maltese is a great way to show your pooch how much you care. It’s also a good way to make sure that you know exactly what your Maltese is eating, and it gives you the opportunity to supplement their diet with extra vitamins and minerals. Here are some of our favorite methods for serving up chicken:
Along with a smaller serving of your Maltese’s usual food: Mixing shredded chicken into your Maltese’s regular kibble can be a great way to add some flavor and nutrition, as well as help you cut back on expensive store-bought food.
On its own as a treat: Maltese love chicken! So whether you’re training or just want to give Fido a little something for being such a good boy, chicken makes for an easy snack that’s both healthy and tasty.
Dehydrated as a chewy treat: Chicken jerky is another great option for training, as well as just having it around the house for when Rover comes looking for a snack.
Tasty meatballs: Combine boiled chicken breast with wild rice, carrots, sweet potato, spinach and eggs, then roll into balls and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until browned on the outside and firm throughout. Add some cheese and bacon bits and create tasty meatballs.
Mixed with healthy grains and vegetables: Adding cooked chicken to brown rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or squash is another way to create a delicious and filling meal for your Maltese.
When is chicken bad for Maltese?
Chicken is one of the most common foods in a Maltese’s diet. It is also highly recommended as a protein source. That being said, you should always know how much chicken you feed your Maltese and what it contains.
If your Maltese has an underlying health issue like an allergy or digestive disorder, they may not handle eating chicken at all. You should consult a veterinarian to make sure that chicken is safe for your Maltese to eat.
Overindulgence can happen with any kind of food, but it’s especially easy with a high protein food like chicken. Maltese love the taste of chicken and will happily eat as much as you give them! It’s important to ensure that you don’t overfeed your Maltese by feeding them too many treats or giving them more than the recommended amount on their food labels.
The bones in chicken are dangerous for the Maltese to consume because they can splinter and puncture the stomach lining or intestines if swallowed whole by accident. If your Maltese swallows one whole without chewing it very well first, call an emergency veterinarian immediately!
Maltese who eat the skin from their raw chicken may get diarrhea or vomiting because it is so fatty.
Other human foods Maltese can eat
What other human foods can Maltese eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Maltese can eat.
So, can Maltese eat chicken?
Yes, Maltese can eat chicken—and mostly, it’s actually a great source of protein. In fact, many veterinarians (and Maltese owners) recommend chicken as a good source of protein for Maltese with food allergies or sensitivities to other meats.
However, some Maltese may be allergic to chicken meat as well. If you notice any signs that your Maltese is having an allergic reaction (such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive itching), take him to the vet immediately. Also, keep in mind that feeding your Maltese a lot of chicken skin can cause weight gain and related health issues.
For the best possible benefits, feed your Maltese lean cuts of chicken breast meat (boneless and skinless) that have been cooked thoroughly with no harmful additives or seasonings. If you’re feeding your Maltese raw chicken, make sure it’s thoroughly washed before serving and take any cooked bones out of the meat before giving it to him.