Lhasa Apsos are popular for their lustrous floor-length coat and oval-shaped dark eyes. These energetic and devoted dogs need a high-quality, nutritious diet. So, how can you find the best dog food for your Lhasa Apso?
The best dog food contains high-quality animal protein, whole grains and seeds, and fruits and vegetables to help your Lhasa Apso thrive. To make things easier, we’ve developed a comprehensive guide to help you find the best option. Let’s dive in!
The Best Dog Foods For Lhasa Apso
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Barley, Oatmeal, Quinoa, Carrots
If you want balanced and controlled nutrients, the Merrick Classic Dry Dog Food fits the bill. It features deboned chicken, carrots, peas, apples, and quinoa as the primary ingredients. These ingredients ensure that your dog maintains good health. Plus, these ingredients are the optimal fuel source and provide energy for daily adventures. The presence of glucosamine and chondroitin improves your dog’s mobility, and high levels of omega fatty acids strengthen the immune system.
Merrick’s recipe uses locally sourced fresh products and is completely free of corn, soy, wheat, or artificial additives. The best part is that your Lhasa Apso will love the taste and texture of this recipe.
American Journey Active-Life Formula Beef, Brown Rice and Vegetables Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Rice Bran
Fill your Lhasa Apso’s bowl with the goodness of premium-quality nutrition and fuel its adventurous lifestyle. This natural dog food By American Journey is a complete and balanced diet that includes real protein, nutrient-dense vegetables, and wholesome fiber sources. The recipe features easy-to-digest grains and is free from all kinds of artificial ingredients. Keep up with your Lhasa’s healthy immune system with a recipe that guarantees a perfect blend of essential nutrients.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Brown Rice, Barley
This recipe is suitable for adult Lhasa Apsos and contains nutrient-rich ingredients to meet your dog’s dietary requirements. The recipe features farm-raised chicken as the primary ingredient and is packed with whole grains for energy and easy digestion. It also includes a variety of fruits and veggies that add nutritional value and flavor to your dog’s meal. This high-quality option includes all-natural oils and fats to promote skin and coat health.
True Acre Foods Beef and Vegetable Recipe Dry Grain-Free Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Beef, Peas, Pea Starch, Poultry By-Product Meal, Canola Meal
This recipe is free of grains, wheat, corn, and artificial flavors and colors. The True Acre recipe contains all essential nutrients to help your Lhasa thrive. Packed with antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and fiber, the complete and balanced is a perfect choice for your Lhasa Apso’s unique dietary needs.
This grain-free recipe contains USA-raised beef, farm-grown fruits, and veggies. The carefully selected ingredients ensure your Lhasa Apso gets the best nutrition for optimum growth and development. Overall, this dog food delivers nutrition and flavors to nourish your dog with every bite.
Taste of the Wild Pacific StreamGrain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
This dog food by the Taste of the Wild is a delicious and balanced meal for your Lhasa Apso. The recipe has grain-free ingredients and includes natural flavors of smoked salmon. It also contains antioxidants, digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics to support your dog’s overall health. Additionally, the recipe has omega fatty acids to nourish your Lhasa’s long and dense coat. If you’re looking for a well-rounded diet for your furry pal, this one is a great choice.
Wellness CORE Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes
This special recipe is an excellent choice for small dogs like Lhasa Apsos. The grain-free formula features animal-based protein and other nutritious ingredients for your dog. Serve your pup a bowl filled with the goodness of premium ingredients such as chicken, turkey, and salmon oil. Also, this recipe is rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These nutrients are essential for your dog’s health. Overall, this nutrient-dense food is the perfect diet for your adult Lhasa Apso.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal, Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of Omega Fatty Acids), Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed
If you are searching for one of the most nutritious dry food for your Lhasa Apso puppy, Blue Buffalo is an excellent choice. This dog food delivers health and vitality to your little companion. The recipe contains real meat, garden veggies, whole grains, and fruits. The presence of ARA and DHA support healthy brain and eye development, and fatty acids improve your dog’s immune and coat health. Plus, the recipe contains antioxidants and other vital nutrients.
The small kibble size is perfect for the tiny mouth of your Lhasa Apso. It’s free of wheat, corn, soy, and by-product meals. Overall, this dog food is ideal for a small dog like Lhasa Apso.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Small Breed Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Brewers Rice, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Pea Protein, Sunflower Oil
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach Formula is ideal for sensitive small dogs. If your Lhasa Apso suffers from dietary allergies, consider this grain- and allergen-free recipe.
This recipe contains prebiotic fiber to restore healthy gut flora for easy nutrient absorption. The presence of brewer’s rice and oatmeal provides energy for daily activities, and fish oil improves your dog’s joint health and mobility. Also, the recipe features omega fatty acids and zinc for healthy skin and a lustrous coat. It helps fulfill your Lhasa Apso’s nutritional needs for a lifetime of happiness and health.
Instinct by Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chickpeas, Tapioca, Peas, Dried Tomato Pomace
This dog food has high-quality animal protein sources, fruits, and vegetables for optimal health. It features cage-free chicken to support lean muscle development and chickpeas to boost your dog’s energy levels. Plus, this protein-packed recipe offers a natural probiotic boost, essential omegas, and antioxidants for whole-body health. Let your dog enjoy minimally processed, all-natural bites of real meat and other wholesome ingredients.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Petite Salmon Formula Small Breed Limited Ingredient Diet Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Lentils, Canola Oil, Garbanzo Beans, Freeze-Dried Salmon
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Petite Salmon Formula is a great option if you are looking for safe and healthy food for your sensitive Lhasa Apso. This freeze-dried dog food contains limited ingredients to prevent adverse allergic reactions and digestive issues. The main ingredients in the recipe are salmon, peas, lentils, garbanzo beans, tapioca, canola oil, and freeze-dried raw salmon. This recipe includes novel proteins and is free of poultry by-products, soy, corn, wheat, corn, and other artificial additives.
Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Chickpeas, Organic Sunflower Seed Meal, Organic Coconut Oil
Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Recipe Dry Dog Food contains natural ingredients and is extremely nutritious. The recipe features a precise blend of superfoods, probiotics, and prebiotic fiber. Free-range chicken, organic sweet potatoes, and peas are the primary ingredients. Also, the recipe has organic flaxseed, coconut oil, and blueberries to support gut health and strengthen the immune system. The small kibble size allows your Lhasa Apso to consume and digest their meal easily. Finally, the recipe doesn’t have artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy.
Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver All Life Stages Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Dried Peas, Oatmeal
Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver All Life Stages Small Breed Dry Dog Food is a great option for your tiny pal. This dog food features sustainably raised, cage-free chicken as the main ingredient and contains fruits and vegetables, including non-GMO sweet potatoes, blueberries, cranberries, and carrots.
The small-sized kibble is nutrient-dense, making it perfect for small dogs with high metabolisms. It is rich in micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids. Finally, the meaty flavor of this recipe is irresistible for picky eaters.
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Grain-Free Formula Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat, Cracked Pearled
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Dry Dog features real meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables. This formula includes cage-free chicken as the primary source of proteins. Also, it has kale, blueberries, pumpkin, and oranges as the primary source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Addition of prebiotics and DHA support gut, brain, and vision health. Omega fatty acids promise a healthy coat and hair for your little canine friend. Lastly, the recipe has no corn, wheat, filler, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Venison, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Garbanzo Beans, 4. Peas, 5. Lentils
This dog food is a protein-rich option for small breeds like the Lhasa Apso. It contains carefully selected novel proteins, including venison, lamb, duck, and fish. This combination of healthy proteins is perfect for lean muscle growth.
The formula contains essential vitamins and minerals sourced from a variety of fruits and vegetables. It also contains omega fatty acids to nourish your Lhasa’s soft skin and double coat. The inclusion of probiotics and prebiotic fibers improves your dog’s digestive function. Lastly, this formula is completely free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
AvoDerm Natural Grain-Free Revolving Menu Small Breed Beef Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Pea Flour
If you want your Lhasa Apso’s fur to be long and healthy, consider this dog food by AvoDerm. This dog food features omega-rich avocados for healthy skin and a lustrous coat. It’s a perfect choice for small dog owners and offers balanced nutrition.
The Revolving Menu line offers a variety of options so that you can regularly switch flavors for your Lhasa Apso. Each variety is abundant in healthy proteins, fats, and other essential nutrients to support your dog’s overall health.
Natural Balance LID. Limited Ingredient Diets Lamb & Brown Rice Formula Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Lamb Meal, 4. Brewers Rice, 5. Rice Bran
This limited ingredient diet is perfect for Lhasa Apsos with sensitive stomachs. The small size and crunchy texture of the kibble are perfect for small dog breeds. It helps promote easy chewing and improves your dog’s dental health.
This food contains everything your dog needs, including omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and grain-free ingredients. Plus, the dog has amino acids to maintain your small dog’s strong muscles and fiber to support healthy digestion.
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Medium & Maxi Puppy Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Dehydrated Chicken, 3. Whole Spelt, 4. Whole Oats, 5. Chicken Fat
This Farmina dog food features the best ingredients and balanced amounts of proteins, carbs, and fats. The recipe is also rich in vitamins and minerals to guarantee good health and long life.
This unique formula has 60% animal ingredients, 20% organic oats and spelt, and 20% vegetables, fruits, and added supplements. It features real chicken as the primary ingredient and helps maintain your petite pooch’s strong muscles. It also has natural omega fatty acids to maintain your Lhasa Apso’s long and dense coat. Lastly, this low-glycemic formula is free of whole peas, legumes, or by-product meals.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Small Bites Chicken, Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Turkey Meal, 5. Cracked Pearled Barley
Your dog will love this delicious dog food from Chicken Soup for the Soul. This dry food is antioxidant-rich in spinach, apples, and blueberries for immune system health and features real chicken and turkey as its primary ingredients. Also, the dog food contains prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root. The small kibble size is easier to eat and perfect for your Lhasa Apso. Lastly, this recipe has no cheap fillers and grains like soy, wheat, or corn.
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Brown Rice, 4. Brewers Rice, 5. Rice Bran
This dog food fulfills all your dog’s nutritional requirements. It combines proteins, quality grains, and other micronutrients necessary for a Lhasa Apso to stay active.
The recipe features three different proteins for muscle growth and maintenance. It also features brown rice to ensure proper nutrient absorption and healthy digestion. Plus, it contains antioxidants and natural oils like sunflower oil to strengthen your dog’s immune system and promote the growth of a shiny coat. If you’re looking for complete nutrition for adult maintenance, consider the Nutra Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food.
Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Healthy Weight Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Salmon Meal, 4. Ground Brown Rice, 5. Oatmeal
The Wellness Small Breed Complete Health dry dog food is a great option for adult dogs. It provides all the essential macronutrients for optimal health and wellness. This formula features L-Carnitine to reduce your adult Lhasa Apso’s calorie intake and keep its weight at a suitable level.
It has carefully chosen ingredients, including turkey, chicken, and a mix of fruits and vegetables. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and improve your dog’s mobility.
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose Dog Food For Lhasa Apso
Consider your Lhasa Apso’s activity, age, and reproductive status. Age and activity level are important factors in choosing commercial dog food. Puppies require more calories than adult dogs, and senior dogs require fewer calories than adults. Lactating or pregnant female Lhasa Apso’s need enough calories to support their pregnancy and the lactating process.
Another significant difference is the kibble size. Lhasa Apsos are a small dog breed and need small-sized kibble for easy chewing. Your dog’s safety and comfort should be your number one priority.
Macronutrient Requirements
Proteins
Look for premium protein sources such as whole meat, whole fish, and poultry. These are natural and sources and provide quality nutrition. Another great protein source is meat meals like turkey meal, chicken meal, or fish meal. These meals are moisture-free, concentrated versions of regular meat.
Highly Digestible Carbohydrates
Try to look for whole grains such as rice, pearled barley, and oatmeal. However, grains can be an issue if your Lhasa Apso has a sensitive stomach or grain allergies. In that case, look for grain-free recipes with complex, easily digestible carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes, peas, or regular potatoes.
Healthy Fats
Fats are an essential part of your dog’s diet. They provide the essential omega fatty acids to nourish your Lhasa Apso’s long coat. Look for meat-based fats such as salmon oil and chicken fat. Some dog foods also contain plant-based fats, such as canola oil and sunflower oil. These are good options, but they’re not as nutritious and digestible as meat-based fats.
Fiber
Dogs need moderate amounts of fiber in their diet. It helps keep the digestive system healthy and encourages normal bowel movements.
Vitamins
Vitamins are an integral part of a balanced diet for Lhasa Apsos. They help nourish your dog’s skin and coat, heal wounds, and boost their immune system. They also repair cellular damage and convert food into energy.
Vitamin A: Carrots, spinach, liver, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, fish oil, eggs, turnip greens
Vitamin D: Marine fish oil, fatty fish, egg yolks, dairy products, liver, beef, cottage cheese
Vitamin E: Plant oils, leafy green vegetables, seeds, wheat germ, bran, whole grains, liver
Vitamin K: Liver, leafy green vegetables, milk, cabbage, fish
Vitamin C: Fruits, vegetables, organ meats
Vitamin B: Whole grains, nutritional or brewers yeast, liver, beans, green vegetables, spirulina, nuts, dairy products
Minerals
Getting sufficient mineral quantities can provide a substantial benefit. Some examples of these benefits include:
Strong bones
A combination of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus protects your bones against fractures.
Healthy teeth
The mineral fluoride helps bone formation and also keeps dental cavities from worsening.
Common Mineral Sources
| Calcium | Tofu, sardines with bones, raw bones, bok choy, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower |
| Phosphorous | All animal tissues, eggs, fish, milk |
| Magnesium | Spinach, broccoli, green beans, tofu, tomato juice, beans, whole grains, seafood |
| Potassium, Sodium, and Chloride | Fruits, vegetables, milk, grain |
The difference between Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals differ in some ways. Vitamins are organic and can be broken down by acid, heat, and air. Minerals are inorganic and maintain their chemical structure.
What should I know about different types of dog food?
With so many options available, it’s helpful to know some key facts about different types of pet food.
Wet and Dry Pet Food
Wet and dry pet foods are safe, nutritionally balanced options for your dog. Primary differences between wet and dry dog food are the cooking processes and the moisture content. Dry dog food has 10-12 percent moisture content, and wet pet food contains 76-78 percent moisture. If you feel that your dog doesn’t drink enough water, wet dog food may support its hydration needs. Wet dog food is also more suitable for Lhasa Apso’s with dental issues.
Raw Pet Food
A raw diet for dogs consists of raw meat, ground bones, and organ meat. Raw meat provides essential proteins, and bones are a natural source of calcium and phosphorus. Dogs have strong stomach acids and short intestinal tracks, making it easier to consume and digest raw food. Before transitioning your Lhasa Apso to a raw diet, talk to your veterinarian about the benefits and risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed my Lhasa Apso grapes or raisins?
No, grapes and raisins are toxic for Lhasa Apsos.
What should I not feed my Lhasa Apso?
Some of the things you should never feed your Lhasa Apso include chocolate, onions, eggplant, garlic, plums, grapes, nutmeg, macadamia nuts, fat trimmings, and peanuts.
Can I feed Lhasa Apso milk?
Milk can upset your Lhasa Apso’s stomach because it contains lactose, and most dogs are lactose intolerant.
Why is my Lhasa Apso eating grass?
Eating grass is common dog behavior. Some pet owners see it as something dogs do to calm their anxiety and others see it as dogs adding fiber to their diet. If your dog is not showing symptoms of digestive issues but munches on grass, consider psychological reasons for this behavior.
Are carrots good for Lhasa Apsos?
Yes, carrots contain essential minerals and vitamins, which are good for your pup’s health. You can cut carrots into bite-sized pieces so your Lhasa Apso can easily chew and digest them.
Can you feed your Lhasa Apso wet food?
Yes, you can feed your Lhasa Apso wet food. It can be very palatable and nutritious for dogs.
Can I give cooked eggs to my Lhasa Apso?
Yes, you can give cooked eggs to your Lhasa Apso. Eggs are rich in protein and fatty acids, making them an excellent snack option. They are also good for an upset tummy, so you can give them when needed to help soothe stomach discomfort.
Can I give raw eggs to my Lhasa Apso?
No, giving raw eggs to your dog can make them sick.
Is peanut butter safe for my Lhasa Apso?
Peanut butter contains proteins and healthy fats, making it a great treat for your dog.
Can I give broccoli to my Lhasa Apso?
Yes, broccoli is a great source of nutrition for your dogs.
What are the ingredients that you must never give your dog?
- Some of the most toxic dog food ingredients for your dog include:
- Corn and wheat gluten
- BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
- BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
- Ethoxyquin
- Meat and grain meals and by-products
- Food Dyes
- PG (Propylene Glycol)
- Rendered fat
Can Lhasa Apso eat tuna?
Yes. Your dog can eat canned tuna in moderate quantities.
Can my Lhasa Apso be a vegetarian?
Yes, your Lhasa Apso can be a vegetarian. If you’re switching your dog to a vegetarian diet, you’ll need to make sure the meals are well-balanced with proteins from plant-based sources. There are many commercially available vegetarian dog foods, but you should first discuss your dog’s diet with a veterinarian.
Are rawhides bad for my Lhasa Apso?
Most dogs like rawhides. They’re long-lasting chews that keep dogs busy and help clean their teeth. But dogs with special dietary needs, digestive issues, or allergies may have a bad reaction to rawhides. Consult with your veterinarian about whether to give your Lhasa Apso rawhide or not.
What is the difference between prescription and regular diets?
Prescription diets help manage signs of disease or slow disease progression. For example, diets formulated to address kidney disease can slow the progression of the disease in dogs and improve their quality of life. Prescription diets usually contain carefully selected ingredients for optimal health. Plus, the formulas don’t change unless new scientific information becomes available. These diets are only available through vets and should be used under veterinary supervision.
What are the best tips for storing dog food?
Dog food storage is an important part of food safety. Proper tips for storing dog food include checking the packaging for damages, keeping bags and cans of dog food in a dry place, sealing the bag, and keeping it out of reach of children and pets.
Which dog food brand is the best?
There are many high-quality dog food manufacturers. They include Iams, Hill’s Science Diets, Nature’s Balance products, Nutra Ultra, Purina, and Merrick. The key is to know the protein levels, moisture content, fillers, added vitamins, and types of ingredients your dog requires. You also need to consider your dog’s age, health condition, and life stage. Work with your veterinarian to decide what dog food is best for your dog.
Does my dog need vitamins and supplements?
According to dog nutrition experts, dogs that eat a balanced diet don’t need supplements. If you think your dog needs supplements, consult with your veterinarian first. Feeding too many vitamins and supplements to your dog can be dangerous.
