If you’ve ever tried to find the perfect treat for your Maltese, you know it’s not as simple as grabbing any bag off the shelf. These little dogs have specific needs—tiny mouths that can’t handle large treats, sensitive stomachs that react to fillers, and picky palates that demand delicious flavors.
After testing dozens of options with my own Maltese, I’ve discovered that the best treats balance size, nutrition, and taste. From training rewards to healthy snacks, here are the top picks that actually work for these delicate dogs.
Best Dog Treats for Maltese – 2025 Reviews
Milk-Bone Mini's Flavor Snacks – Perfect for Small Dogs
These mini biscuits are perfectly sized for Maltese mouths, making them ideal for training without any breaking or crumbling.
The crunchy texture helps reduce tartar buildup, and with three flavor varieties, even picky eaters stay engaged and excited.
Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Small Dog Treats – Great Value Pick
Featuring a crunchy biscuit shell with a real bone marrow center, these treats provide a satisfying texture combination that small dogs love.
They’re incredibly affordable for daily use and work well for both rewards and training sessions with your Maltese.
Healthy Breeds Maltese Jerky Bites – Breed-Specific Formula
Specifically formulated for Maltese, these jerky bites use organic chicken and rice in a recipe tailored to small breed needs.
Made in the USA with high-quality ingredients, they’re perfect for dogs with sensitivities or owners who want breed-specific nutrition.
Natural Balance Mini-Rewards – Limited Ingredient Salmon
These limited ingredient treats feature salmon as the single protein source, making them ideal for Maltese with food sensitivities or allergies.
With only 5 calories per treat and no grains, they’re perfect for training without overfeeding your small dog.
A Better Treat Organic Beef Liver – Freeze-Dried Nutrition
Made with 100% grass-fed organic beef liver, these freeze-dried treats preserve maximum nutrients while being easy to digest.
They’re perfect for picky eaters or Maltese with specific health needs like sensitive stomachs or allergy concerns.
Pet 'n Shape Chik 'n Breast Jerky – Natural and Grain-Free
These grain-free jerky treats are made from real chicken breast with no artificial additives, colors, or preservatives.
Roasted to perfection, they provide a protein-rich snack that’s suitable for Maltese of all life stages.
Farm Hounds Duck Strips – Break-to-Size Jerky
Made from 100% humanely raised duck with no fillers or chemicals, these jerky strips can be broken to size for small dogs.
They’re packed with vitamins and minerals, supporting immune health and a shiny coat for your Maltese.
JustFoodForDogs Chicken Breast – Single-Ingredient Simplicity
These treats contain only one ingredient—chicken breast—with no fillers, preservatives, or by-products for ultimate simplicity.
The chewy, semi-crisp texture is appealing to dogs, making them great for training or as a healthy snack.
Hartz Oinkies Chew Bones – Rawhide-Free Alternative
These rawhide-free chew bones are wrapped with real chicken breast meat, providing a highly digestible option for small dogs.
The bone-shaped design allows for easy gripping, making them suitable for entertainment and light chewing sessions.
PETIPET Apples+Carrots – Plant-Based Vegan Treats
These vegan treats are made with real apples and carrots, offering a hypoallergenic, low-protein option for dogs with dietary restrictions.
Soft and chewy, they’re ideal for Maltese with dental issues or owners seeking plant-based alternatives.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
We evaluated 10 different dog treats specifically for Maltese, using a scoring system that weights real-world performance at 70% and innovative features at 30%. This means we prioritized how well each treat works in everyday situations—like training sessions or as healthy snacks—over flashy marketing claims.
Our process involved assessing factors critical for small breeds: size appropriateness for tiny mouths, ingredient quality to avoid stomach issues, and overall digestibility. For example, the top-rated Milk-Bone Mini’s scored 9.5 for its perfect mini size and dental benefits, while the budget-friendly Milk-Bone MaroSnacks offers excellent value at a lower cost, scoring 9.2.
We also considered the trade-offs: premium options like Healthy Breeds Maltese Jerky Bites (9.0) provide breed-specific nutrition but at a higher price, whereas more affordable picks deliver solid performance without breaking the bank. Scores of 9.0-10.0 indicate exceptional products, 8.5-8.9 are very good, and 8.0-8.4 are good choices with minor drawbacks.
Ultimately, our goal is to give you data-driven insights you can trust, so you can choose the best treat for your Maltese with confidence.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Dog Treats for Maltese
1. Size Matters: Why Tiny Treats Are Essential
Maltese have small mouths and can easily choke on treats that are too large. Look for mini-sized options or treats that can be broken into smaller pieces. Products like Milk-Bone Mini’s are specifically designed for this, making training safer and more effective.
2. Ingredient Quality: Avoiding Sensitive Stomach Triggers
Many Maltese have sensitive stomachs, so limited ingredient treats with recognizable components are best. Avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, and opt for single-protein sources like chicken or salmon to minimize allergic reactions.
3. Texture and Dental Health
Crunchy treats can help reduce tartar buildup and promote dental health, but ensure they’re not too hard for delicate teeth. Soft options are better for senior dogs or those with dental issues, but may not provide the same cleaning benefits.
4. Calorie Content: Preventing Weight Gain
Small breeds like Maltese are prone to weight gain, so choose low-calorie treats (around 5 calories each) for frequent training. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight.
5. Training vs. Occasional Treats
For training, select small, high-value treats that your dog loves and can eat quickly. For occasional chewing or entertainment, longer-lasting options are fine, but monitor your dog to prevent overconsumption or digestive issues.
6. Special Dietary Needs
If your Maltese has allergies, sensitivities, or health conditions, consider grain-free, hypoallergenic, or veterinary-approved treats. Plant-based options can be good for dogs with meat allergies, but ensure they’re nutritionally appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size treats are best for Maltese?
Maltese have tiny mouths, so mini-sized treats are ideal to prevent choking and make training easier. Look for options specifically labeled for small breeds or those that can be easily broken into pieces no larger than a pea.
2. Are grain-free treats necessary for Maltese?
Not always, but many Maltese have sensitive stomachs that react poorly to grain fillers. Grain-free treats can reduce the risk of digestive issues and allergies, but always check with your vet if your dog has specific health concerns.
3. How many treats can I give my Maltese per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For a typical Maltese, this means around 3-5 small treats per day, depending on their size, age, and activity level. Over-treating can lead to obesity and health problems.
4. What ingredients should I avoid in Maltese treats?
Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, as well as common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy. Fillers and by-products can also cause digestive upset in sensitive dogs. Stick to natural, recognizable ingredients for the best results.
5. Can I use human food as treats for my Maltese?
Some human foods like small pieces of carrot or apple are safe in moderation, but avoid foods toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions. Commercial treats are often formulated to meet nutritional needs, so they’re generally a safer choice for regular use.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right treats for your Maltese doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you prioritize training efficiency with Milk-Bone Mini’s, budget-friendly value with Milk-Bone MaroSnacks, or breed-specific nutrition with Healthy Breeds, there’s an option that fits your needs. Remember to consider your dog’s size, health, and preferences, and always introduce new treats gradually. Your Maltese will thank you with wagging tails and happy moments!