Moodles (aka Maltipoos) may be small in stature, but like all dogs, they benefit from a well-balanced, nutritious diet.

Known for their affectionate nature, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat, Moodles are a popular companion breed in Australia. However, their hybrid genetics and compact size mean they can be prone to specific health issues that the right nutrition can help manage. Whether your Moodle is a playful puppy or a senior, getting their diet right is one of the best ways to support their health.

In this guide, we break down what your Moodle really needs in their bowl — from optimal protein sources to nutritious superfoods. Whether you’ve just welcomed a Moodle into your home or you’re looking to improve your current feeding routine, this will help you make more confident, informed choices about the best food for your Moodle.

Read more: Moodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips

How nutrition can help common Moodle health concerns

Skin issues 

Moodles can be prone to skin sensitivities or allergies triggered by environmental or dietary factors. Identifying and eliminating allergens through a tailored diet can make a big difference. 

Try this: 
A novel protein diet, like Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro, is made with goat. It’s unlikely your Moodle has eaten goat before, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction. It’s also made without common allergens like chicken, beef, wheat, corn, soy, dairy and egg.  

Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment (with photos)

Joint support

Despite their small size, Moodles can be prone to joint problems, particularly as they age. This may be due to patellar luxation (a developmental condition where the kneecap slips out of place) or early signs of arthritis, which can affect their mobility and comfort.

Try this:
Nutrition plays a key role in supporting joint health. Ingredients like fish oil (rich in EPA and DHA), and turmeric can help reduce inflammation and provide joint support.

Lyka's Joint Supplement contains active ingredients like curcumin extract (from turmeric), Boswellia extract, and omega-3 from Green-lipped mussels to support strong and supple joints.

How to choose the best food for your Moodle

Fresh food, raw, wet or dry? Supermarket, pet shop, or delivered to your door? There are so many dog food options on the market — where do you begin?

1. Complete and balanced

Moodles, like all pups, need a complete and balanced diet containing the right nutrients in the right proportions.

Australia has pet food standards, but they’re largely unregulated. Many brands follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines.

Meeting AAFCO and FEDIAF standards is just the start. Lyka meals are formulated by a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all life stages.

Read more: Dog food ingredients: a glossary of common and confusing terms

2. Optimal nutrition for your Moodle

Not all dog food is created equally. Variety and quality of ingredients and cooking methods can all impact the nutrient availability of your dog’s food.

Many raw dog food options present a good balance of high-quality protein, fresh produce, and superfoods. But not all dogs can easily digest raw food, especially pups with a weakened immune system, or digestive issues.

Dry food (kibble) often contains high amounts of carbohydrates and synthetic vitamins and minerals. The animal protein used in kibble is often pet-grade, like meat meal or meat by-products, that vary in quality and are not subject to the same checks as human-grade meat. Kibble is usually cooked at high temperatures which can reduce digestibility and can lead to the potential formation of harmful compounds, like acrylamides.

Home cooking can be a great option for your dog, but it can be time consuming and making sure each mouthful is complete and balanced is not easy to do without expert guidance.

Lyka meals are made using human-grade ingredients and are gently cooked then snap-frozen to retain their nutritional value and digestibility. Each meal is high in protein and custom-portioned to meet your dog’s daily needs.

Want to dig deeper into which type of food is best for your Moodle? We’ve created a series of guides to help you make an informed choice.

Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs home cooking for your dog: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better? 

How much food does a Moodle need?

Serving size recommendations based solely on weight don’t tell the full story. Your dog’s energy level, lifestyle and body condition score are all part of the picture.

That’s why Lyka calculates your Moodle’s portion sizes based on their personal profile, not just on their weight.

Establish a consistent feeding routine with your Moodle to support their digestion, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.

Do Moodle puppies and senior dogs need special food?

Not necessarily. Nutrient-dense, real food meals formulated for all life stages — like Lyka — cover the daily requirements of both growing pups and dogs in their golden years.

Read more: Why real food is the healthiest choice for senior dogs 
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together

Parenting a Moodle comes with plenty of decisions. Choosing what’s in their bowl is one of the most important.

Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, Lyka meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.

Moodles across Australia are already thriving on Lyka — yours could be next.

Join our pack of proud Moodle parents today.