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FREEZE-DRIED RAW FEEDING GUIDE

How to feed a Malshi

The Malshi is a pint-sized companion — a Maltese and Shih Tzu mix bred to be close to you, not to work a field. That tiny frame, a flat-faced parent, and a toy-breed tendency toward dental trouble are exactly why how you feed one matters more than the small portion size suggests.

Here is how to feed a Malshi on freeze-dried raw: small, energy-dense meals sized to a body that rarely tops 16 pounds, with whole-food nutrition that supports teeth, joints, coat, and a steady waistline.

  • Adult weight7–16 lb
  • SizeSmall
  • EnergyModerate
  • Lifespan12–15 years
  • CoatLong, silky single coat — low shedder
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A healthy Malshi
iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

What a Malshi's body needs

Every Malshi trait comes back to one thing: how you feed them. Here's what matters most.

  • Tiny body, big calorie density per bite

    Needs: Energy-dense, small portions

    Freeze-dried raw is nutrient-packed and measured dry, so a Malshi gets complete nutrition from a small, mouth-sized serving — no bulky filler a little stomach can't handle.

  • Toy-breed dental disease risk

    Needs: Low-residue, whole-food diet

    Real-meat raw skips the sticky, starchy carbohydrates that feed plaque, supporting cleaner teeth and gums on a breed especially prone to dental trouble.

  • Puppy hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

    Needs: Frequent, complete meals

    Calorie-dense freeze-dried raw split into 3–4 small daily feedings helps keep a tiny puppy's blood sugar steady between meals.

  • Long, silky, low-shed coat

    Needs: Omega-3 fatty acids

    Whole-food animal and fish fats feed the skin barrier from the inside, helping keep that signature Maltese-Shih Tzu coat soft, glossy, and tangle-resistant.

  • Patellar luxation & joint sensitivity

    Needs: Lean weight + joint nutrients

    Real bone and organ supply natural glucosamine and chondroitin, and keeping a tiny frame lean takes pressure off delicate knees and hips.

How much to feed a Malshi

Quick answer: a healthy adult Malshi (7–16 lb) needs about 1.1–2.4 oz of freeze-dried raw per day, split across two meals. Freeze-dried is calorie-dense and measured dry — so it's much less by volume than kibble. Feed to a lean waistline and adjust every few weeks.

Ideal adult weightFreeze-dried per dayPer meal (×2)
7 lb 1.1 oz 0.5 oz
9 lb 1.4 oz 0.7 oz
11 lb typical Malshi 1.7 oz 0.8 oz
13 lb 2.0 oz 1.0 oz
16 lb 2.4 oz 1.2 oz

Starting points for a moderately active adult (~0.15 oz of freeze-dried per lb of ideal weight). Active dogs need a little more, couch companions a little less — always adjust to body condition, not the bag.

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What to feed a Malshi

For a Malshi we recommend complete freeze-dried raw as the daily base — real meat, organs and ground bone with no heat-processed filler — rehydrated into soft, small pieces that suit a little mouth and a short muzzle.

Gentle single proteins like Chicken or Wild-Caught Cod are easy on sensitive tummies, while Salmon's omega-rich fat feeds that long, silky coat. Just add water, break into small morsels, and serve across several meals.

Recipes for Malshis

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Daily support for Malshis

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Treats Malshis love

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Feeding a Malshi by life stage

  • Puppy: Malshi puppies are tiny and prone to low blood sugar, so feed small, complete meals 3–4 times a day — never let them go long stretches without food. Energy-dense freeze-dried raw helps them get full nutrition from little servings.
  • Adult: Feed an adult Malshi to a lean, easy-to-feel waist, split across 2–3 small meals. Use the chart below as a starting point and adjust to body condition — on a dog this small, a few extra grams add up fast.
  • Senior: Older Malshis slow down but still need high-quality protein to hold lean muscle. Keep meals small and soft, stay on top of dental care, and lean into omega-3 and joint-supporting nutrition.

Common Malshi concerns — and the diet connection

  • Periodontal (dental) diseaseToy breeds are especially prone to dental disease. A whole-food raw diet skips the sticky, starchy fillers that feed plaque, supporting healthier gums alongside regular brushing — food helps, it doesn't replace the toothbrush.
  • Patellar luxationLoose kneecaps are common in small dogs. Keeping a Malshi lean reduces strain on the joint, and natural glucosamine from real bone and organ supports overall joint comfort.
  • Hip dysplasiaLargely genetic, but lean body weight plus joint nutrients (glucosamine, omega-3) help ease day-to-day comfort and take load off the hips.
  • Liver (portosystemic) shuntsSome Maltese and Shih Tzu lines carry this risk, and affected dogs often need a vet-guided diet. Always work with your veterinarian on the right protein level — a highly digestible, whole-food diet can be part of that plan.
  • Eye & coat sensitivityA clean, omega-rich diet supports the skin and the long facial hair around sensitive eyes, helping keep the coat healthy and easy to keep tidy.

Diet supports health but doesn't replace veterinary care — ask your vet about any specific condition.

Feeding a Malshi: what to know

A Malshi eats a fraction of what a big dog does, so every bite has to count. Tiny dogs can run low on blood sugar between meals — especially puppies — so spread food across more, smaller feedings rather than one or two big ones.

Their small stomachs and short muzzles also mean they do best with small, easy-to-eat morsels. Weigh portions instead of eyeballing them; on a 7–16 lb dog, even a spoonful of extra food is a meaningful share of the day's calories.

Malshi feeding questions

How much should I feed my Malshi?
A healthy adult Malshi (7–16 lb) needs roughly 1–2.5 oz of freeze-dried raw per day, split across 2–3 small meals. Freeze-dried is calorie-dense and measured dry, so it's far less by volume than kibble — feed to a lean waistline and adjust every few weeks.
What is the best food for a Malshi with a sensitive stomach?
A complete freeze-dried raw diet of gentle single proteins like Chicken or Wild-Caught Cod is easy to digest and free of the fillers that upset little tummies. Rehydrate into small, soft morsels and feed in several small meals.
Does raw food help a Malshi's teeth?
A whole-food raw diet avoids the sticky, starchy carbohydrates that feed plaque, which supports cleaner teeth on a breed prone to dental disease. It's a helpful foundation — but it doesn't replace regular brushing and professional cleanings.
How often should I feed a Malshi puppy?
Three to four small, complete meals a day. Tiny puppies are prone to low blood sugar, so frequent feeding of calorie-dense food helps keep their energy steady. Your vet can fine-tune the schedule.
How do I switch my Malshi to raw?
Transition over 7–10 days, mixing a little more Land Animal into the old food each day. Start at the lower end of the range — raw is rich — and watch the waistline on such a small dog.

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  • Vet-formulated
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  • Pathogen-tested every batch

  • "Knowing exactly how much to feed took all the guesswork out. He's leaner, with more energy on our walks."

    — Jenna & Cooper

  • "My picky rescue finally runs to the bowl — and cleanup in the yard is a fraction of what it was."

    — Priya & Luna
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Portions are starting points for freeze-dried raw and AAFCO complete-and-balanced recipes. Always feed to your individual dog's body condition and ask your vet about specific health needs.