Maltese do not require a lot of food. Generally, they will eat approximately ½ a cup per day for the first year, then approximately ¼ cup a day thereafter. Keep in mind that this is only a guide; the overall weight and age of your Maltese puppy is what determines the amount of food required. The side panel of the dog food bag can be helpful when in doubt. We “free feed” here at Cogins Maltese. Our pups have food in front of them at ALL times. They are much too tiny and young to ration food.