Adolescent Growth Diet for Malteses

Clinical context

Why this stage is different for Malteses

Adolescence is when Maltese owners either lock in a lean athlete or a lifelong weight problem. Growth plates close near 8-10 months. Toy breeds burn quickly and crash if meals are skipped - split calories into 3-4 feedings while young. Keep protein high enough for muscle, calories low enough that the waist stays. This is also when tracheal collapse and white-dog shaker syndrome first becomes visible on exam - diet notes belong next to orthopedic and cardiac screening.

Interactive watch list

Adolescent feeding checklist

• Waist visible; abdominal tuck presentwatch
• Written plan for puppy → adult food around 8-10 monthsroutine
• No repetitive jumping from heights during the growth windowwatch
• Training treats still inside 10% of caloriesroutine
• Screening scheduled for tracheal collapse and white-dog shaker syndromeurgent

Dated protocol

Growth-to-adult feeding timeline

1. 5-7 mo

   Recalculate portions

   Adolescent hunger is not a portion size. Weigh every 2 weeks.

2. 8-10 mo

   Activity vs calories

   A bored Maltese looks “starving.” Increase scent work, not kibble.

3. 8-10 months

   Adult maintenance

   Transition food over 7-10 days. Log any itch or stool change.

4. Adult

   Lock the recipe

   Photograph the successful adult formula. Future allergy trials need a known baseline.

Digital vault

Records for the growth window

1. Weight + BCS chart (not weight alone).
2. Orthopedic notes if limp appears after play.
3. Food bag lots during the transition.
4. Reminders for tracheal collapse and white-dog shaker syndrome screening.

Bowl notes

Adolescent diet rules