The Best Dog Food For Lhasa Apsos
Don’t let their small size fool you. Lhasa Apsos are tough, protective, devoted dogs. Once kept as small watchdogs in Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, the Lhasa today still takes his role of watchdog seriously.
Feeding your Lhasa a good diet can help him live a long, healthy life. Keep reading and we can help you choose the best dog foods for Lhasa Apsos.
At A Glance Best Dog Food For Lhasa Apsos
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Dog Foods For Lhasa Apsos
|
BEST AFFORDABLE
3. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food |
||||
|
Protein
8.0% Min |
Protein
37.5% Min |
Protein
29.0% Min |
Protein
28.0% Min |
Protein
24.0% Min |
|
Fat
6.0% Min |
Fat
31% Min |
Fat
17.0% Min |
Fat
18.0% Min |
Fat
12.0% Min |
|
Fiber
2.0% Max |
Fiber
6% Max |
Fiber
3.0% Max |
Fiber
4.0% Max |
Fiber
3.8% Max |
|
Calories
1000 kcal/cup |
Calories
1,540 kcal/kg |
Calories
393 kcal/cup |
Calories
406 kcal/cup |
Calories
405 kcal/cup |
Our Criteria
We try to use the criteria recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association when choosing the best dog foods for Lhasa Apsos. We look for foods that meet the following criteria as much as possible:
- Foods that are AAFCO-approved, preferably with food trials.
- We give great consideration to nutritional research done by the company.
- We prefer dog foods that have been formulated by veterinary nutritionists.
- Good quality control is essential.
If your dog has a food allergy, sensitivity or another health issue that makes it difficult for him to eat foods that contain grains, work with your veterinarian to select the best dog food for your Lhasa Apso. These are the reasons why we are not recommending many of the most popular grain free dog foods today.
The foods we are recommending are what we believe are the best dog foods for Lhasa Apsos. These foods are healthy, nutritious, formulated by veterinary nutritionists, made with strict quality control standards, and backed up with solid nutritional research.
Best Rated Dog Food For Lhasa Apsos Reviewed
Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Rustic Stew Wet Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 8.0% Min
- Fat: 6.0% Min
- Fiber: 2.0% Max
- Calories: 1000 kcal/cup
- Made with a single source of premium animal protein
- Formulated with 100% human-grade, traceable ingredients
- Contains the moisture your dog needs for hydration
- No fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
- Contains a significant number of plant-based ingredients
- Fairly expensive compared to the average dog food
This beef recipe wet food is supplemented with a blend of functional ingredients like non-GMO cranberries for urinary support and superfoods like dandelion greens, spinach, and carrots which provide natural sources for key nutrients.
Formulated with a single source of animal protein and made with 100% human-grade, easily traceable ingredients, this beef stew from Open Farm is our premium pick. This wet food formula comes packaged in a cardboard carton rather than a can, making it easy for you to close the package if you don’t use all the food for one meal.
This beef recipe wet food is supplemented with a blend of functional ingredients like non-GMO cranberries for urinary support and superfoods like dandelion greens, spinach, and carrots which provide natural sources for key nutrients.
Ollie Hearty Beef Eats Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 37.5% Min
- Fat: 31% Min
- Fiber: 6% Max
- Calories: 1,540 kcal/kg
- Rich in protein and energy for active breeds
- Fresh fruits and vegetables for natural nutrients
- No plant-based proteins (like lentils)
- Some dogs are sensitive or allergic to beef
- More expensive than most commercial dry foods
Ollie fresh food is catered to your dog’s calorie requirements and made with fresh, human-grade ingredients to deliver a powerful punch of quality nutrition.
We like Ollie’s Hearty Beef Eats recipe for the Lhasa Apsos breed because it is higher in fat and calories than some of the other recipes, making it an energy-rich source of nutrition for this active breed.
This recipe contains fresh fruits and vegetables as well to provide natural sources for key nutrients.
Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 29.0% Min
- Fat: 17.0% Min
- Fiber: 3.0% Max
- Calories: 393 kcal/cup
- Guaranteed live probiotics to support digestive health
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Vitamin A and linoleic acid keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy
- High nutrient density is good for small dogs
- With 29 percent crude protein and 17 percent crude fat, this food is better for an active Lhasa Apso
- This is a maintenance dog food so it’s not suitable for puppies
Eukanuba Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 28.0% Min
- Fat: 18.0% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Max
- Calories: 406 kcal/cup
- Specialized fiber system for better nutrient absorption and digestion
- Naturally-sourced glucosamine and chondroitin
- Formulated for the higher metabolism of small dogs
- Optimal levels of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids
- With 28 percent crude protein and 18 percent crude fat, this food is best for active Lhasa Apsos
- This is a maintenance dog food so it’s not suitable for puppies
Eukanuba Small Breed Dog Food contains naturally-sourced glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints. This formula also features optimal levels of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat. Plus, the kibble is smaller so it’s ideal for your Lhasa when eating it.
VICTOR Select Ocean Fish Formula Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 24.0% Min
- Fat: 12.0% Min
- Fiber: 3.8% Max
- Calories: 405 kcal/cup
- Mostly fish protein
- Good for dogs that can’t eat other meat proteins
- No corn, wheat, soy, or gluten
- Contains peas as the fifth ingredient
The food has also been testing well with dogs that have been tested for dilated cardiomopathy despite being a relatively small company. We can recommend some of their dog foods with grains such as Victor Ocean Fish Formula with Salmon.
This is an all life stages food with fish as the single source of meat protein. Seventy-three percent of the protein in the food comes from fish. This is a good food for dogs that might have allergies to other meat proteins.
This food contains no corn, wheat, soy, or gluten, though it does contain peas as the fifth listed ingredient in the food.
What Should You Feed Your Lhasa Apso?
Most Lhasa Apsos should be able to eat a normal diet for dogs. Most dogs need similar nutrients in their diet unless they have a health problem.
Protein
Adult Lhasa Apsos need 18% protein, pregnant/nursing dogs and puppies need 22%. Most dog foods have more protein than needed, which is wasted as urine. High-protein, grain-free foods may contain plant-based proteins linked to heart disease in dogs.
Fat
Fat is good for dogs. It makes food taste better, provides energy, and helps skin, coat, and organs. Adult dogs need 5% fat, pregnant/nursing dogs need 8%, and puppies need 8%. Most dog foods have higher fat levels, so be aware of the fat percentage and calories. Lhasa Apsos should have 12–16% fat.
Carbohydrates
Carbs are not bad for dogs. They provide energy, fiber, and nutrients. Complex carbs help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent hunger.
Fiber
Fiber is either soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber draws water into the digestive system, slowing digestion. Insoluble fiber adds bulk and speeds digestion. Most kibbles have 3–6% fiber.
If your Lhasa Apso has loose stools, try a food with less fiber. If they’re constipated, try a food with more fiber. See a vet for any digestive problems.
Probiotics and prebiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics support your dog’s gut health and immune system. Prebiotics are fiber that feeds good gut bacteria, while probiotics are live bacteria that colonize the gut. You can buy them separately or in dog food. 70% of your dog’s immune system is in their gut, so these are important for overall health.
Vitamins and minerals
Kibble is cooked at a very high temperature. Unfortunately, this means that many of the vitamins and minerals in the food’s ingredients are destroyed. Dog food companies typically add vitamins and minerals back into the food after cooking to be sure the food is nutritionally complete.
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Dog Food For Your Lhasa Apsos?
- Look for a food that is grain-inclusive unless your veterinarian recommends a different kind of food
- Most dogs will do well eating a protein percentage between 22 and 26 percent
- A moderate fat percentage between 12 and 16 percent is good for most healthy dogs
- Most dog foods today have a fiber percentage between 3 and 6 percent, which is suitable for most dogs
If your Lhasa Apso has a health problem, talk to your vet about food options. Food allergies are not common, but grains are not the most common allergen. If you think your dog has a food allergy, see your vet for diagnosis. Don’t change foods often, as this can inflame the digestive system.
Special Considerations For Feeding A Lhasa Apso
Picky eaters
According to many sources, your biggest problem in feeding your Lhasa Apso may be coping with his fussy eating habits. It’s not always easy to find a food that these dogs will like.
You might have to try several different dog foods before you find one that your Lhasa will eat. And, if there’s a change in the ingredients, you could have to start all over looking for a new favorite food.
The good news is that Lhasa Apsos don’t usually become overweight since they are so particular about their food. An occasional dog may overeat or have weight problems but it’s not something that’s common in the breed.
Skin problems
Some Lhasa Apsos can have a problem with sebaceous adenitis (SA). This is an inflammatory skin condition that is often associated with Standard Poodles.
With SA, the dog’s immune system attacks their sebaceous (oil) glands, leaving a silvery dandruff, a brittle coat, a musty odor, and skin lesions. Lhasa owners sometimes mistake this condition for a food allergy but it’s not food-related.
If you see this problem with your dog, you should consult your veterinarian for a treatment plan. There are many shampoos and other products that can help with it.
Your vet can also prescribe antibiotics. Some experts recommend feeding dog foods that emphasize Vitamins A and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, to support the skin and coat.
How Much Should You Feed Your Lhasa Apso?
You can expect a mature Lhasa Apso male to be about 10–11 inches tall at the shoulder; a female will be slightly smaller. Lhasas will weigh between 12 and 18 pounds as adults.
Since dog foods vary, it’s best to use calories to determine how much to feed your dog instead of cups or some other measurement.
- A three-month-old Lhasa that weighs 3 kg (about 6.6 pounds) would need about 479 calories per day.
- A six-month-old Lhasa Apso that weighs about 5.5 kg (about 12 pounds) would need about 503 calories per day.
- At one year, as an adult, your Lhasa Apso might weigh 7 kg (about 15.4 pounds) and he would need about 542 calories per day.
These are only estimates. Your puppy could weigh slightly more or less. You will need to adjust his calories based not just on his weight but also on his condition.
If your puppy looks too thin or too pudgy, you can make small changes in how much food you are feeding him.
Final Thoughts
Lhasa Apsos are smart, funny, and devoted dogs. They make wonderful pets and get along well with other pets in the home. They are also good watchdogs, alerting you to anyone who dares to approach your door. Once accepted, a Lhasa is happy to welcome your friends.
These little dogs are one of the oldest breeds. It’s easy to see why they have been beloved for so long. We hope that the information provided here will help you select the best dog foods for Lhasa Apsos.
