Lhasa Apsos are small, compact dogs that are often admired for their long, silky hair. However, it’s important not to be fooled by their size. These larger-than-life dogs have a lot of energy and are incredibly hardy dogs.
As with many purebred dogs, Lhasa Apsos have predispositions to developing common health concerns. Some health issues include atopy, joint problems, dental disease, and obesity. Since diet plays a significant role in a dog’s health, it’s important to find food that properly nourishes a Lhasa Apso.
In general, Lhasa Apsos will benefit from high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food with additional ingredients to improve their health. Based on these categories, we have reviews of some of the best dog food for Lhasa Apsos. Take a look at our list to determine which food will be best for your Lhasa Apso.
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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
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Ollie Fresh Lamb Dog Food Subscription |
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Budget Buy
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Rachael Ray Little Bites Natural Food for Dogs |
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The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe |
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Wellness Small Breed Dry Dog Food |
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Merrick Small Breed Recipe Adult Dog Food |
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Lhasa Apsos
1. Ollie Chicken Dish With Carrots Dog Food – Best Overall
* Black Friday offer valid November 22 - December 6, 2024.
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, rice, carrots, chicken livers, peas, potatoes, spinach, cranberries |
| Protein content: | 10% |
| Fat content: | 7% |
| Moisture content: | 74% |
| Calories: | 1,804 kcal ME/kg |
This Ollie Chicken Dish With Carrots recipe is the best overall dog food for Lhasa Apsos for several reasons. The ingredients are fresh, human-grade, and gently cooked, so you don’t need to worry about preservatives and processing. It contains a high percentage of protein, which will give your compact Lhasa Apso the building blocks of lean muscle and a healthy coat.
The recipe contains a single source of animal meat protein: chicken. It also includes a blend of nutritious and easily digestible foods, such as carrots, potatoes, and rice. This recipe does contain peas, which is something some people would want to chat about with their veterinarian.
The only downside is that Ollie’s dog food isn’t readily available in stores. As a subscription service, you’ll have to sign up and be on top of your meal deliveries to ensure that you always have an adequate supply of food.
All in all, we think this is the best option for your Lhasa Apso.
- Chicken is the main animal protein
- Contains vegetables and fruit
- Easily digestible formula
- Available for all life stages
- Not readily available in stores
- Contains peas
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites – Budget Buy
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, soybean meal, whole corn |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 351 kcal/cup |
You may have to do some extra searching, but you can find some budget-friendly dog food that doesn’t significantly sacrifice quality. This Rachael Ray Nutrish meal is a great budget option, and you’ll find that it has a reasonably clean ingredient list.
Chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients. It’s a safe option for dogs with wheat allergies and doesn’t contain poultry by-product meals. The formula is fortified with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which help nourish and maintain healthy skin and coat. The kibbles are designed for little dogs but provide some crunch to help clean the teeth.
There’s not much negative to say about this product, other than some owners note their dogs didn’t enjoy it and the bags they come in may be a little flimsy and break on delivery.
- Chicken is first ingredient
- Safe for dogs with wheat allergies
- Formula helps maintain healthy skin and coat
- Some dogs don’t enjoy
- Packaging not ideal
3. The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken liver, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, chia seeds |
| Protein content: | 11% |
| Fat content: | 7.5% |
| Calories: | 1,300 kcal/kg, 590 kcal/lb |
Our Premium Choice food for Lhasa Apsos is The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe and for good reason. Chicken and chicken liver are the first ingredients, which are healthy forms of animal protein, needed to maintain muscle. The next main ingredients are vegetables, providing Lhasa Apsos with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The Farmer’s Dog prides itself on using human-grade ingredients, ensuring that your dog gets nothing but the best! Fresh food is becoming more popular amongst dog-owners and The Farmer’s Dog is a high-quality choice.
As with most small breeds, Lhasa Apsos are prone to obesity, so people want to be aware of recipes that are higher in calories. With the Farmer’s Dog, they give you a meal plan to follow based on your dog’s needs. However, it is important to check with your vet about portion sizes.
This food is a bit on the pricey side and is not sold in store. You must have a subscription.
- Human-grade ingredients
- Recipe suitable for small breeds prone to obesity
- Vegetables and fruits provide fiber
- Not available in stores
- A bit expensive
4. Wellness Small Breed Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned turkey, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley |
| Protein content: | 28% |
| Fat content: | 18% |
| Calories: | 477 kcal/cup |
This Wellness Small Breed recipe is packed with protein and calories to help support your energetic and lively Lhasa Apso puppy. The high calorie count is not ideal for adults, as it can contribute to weight gain. Deboned turkey and chicken meal are the first two ingredients, and it also contains fish meals. It doesn’t have any meat by-products or fillers.
The recipe is formulated to support whole-body nutrition. It contains a rich amount of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, essential vitamins, and probiotics.
Keep in mind that the recipe contains a blend of turkey, chicken meal, and fish meal. It also includes a lot of other foods, making the ingredient list quite long. The wide variety of ingredients may not be suitable for puppies with particularly sensitive stomachs or untraceable food allergies.
- High-protein and high-calorie diet
- Deboned turkey is the first ingredient
- No meat by-products or fillers
- Formulated to support whole-body nutrition
- Complex ingredient list
- Not for adult dogs
5. Merrick Small Breed Recipe Adult Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley |
| Protein content: | 27% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 473 kcal/cup |
Another good dog food for Lhasa Apsos is the Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe. This high-quality dog food contains a blend of chicken, turkey, and salmon products, which can be enticing for picky eaters.
It also has high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health. The formula also contains natural sources of omega fatty acids to help nourish the skin and coat. It uses a blend of healthy whole grains, including barley and quinoa, which help with digestion.
This diet is high in calories so you should pass on it if your Lhasa Apso needs to lose weight. The other downside to this dog food is the length of the ingredient list. Since this recipe also has a relatively complex ingredient list, it may not be suitable for some dogs with food allergies and sensitivities.
- Palatable for picky eaters
- Supports joint health
- Fish oil nourishes skin and coat
- Complex ingredient list
- High in calories
6. Royal Canin Size Healthy Nutrition Small Adult Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Brown Rice |
| Protein content: | 25% |
| Fat content: | 14% |
| Calories: | 359 kcal/cup |
Royal Canin has a good reputation amongst dog owners for their recipes, so we added their Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Dry Dog to our list. This is a great food choice from Lhasa Apos from 10 months to 8 years, covering a large part of their lives. This shows that Royal Canin’s recipe provides the right amount of nutrients for dogs ready for dry food throughout their adult years. Plus, this recipe states it has a good amount of EPA and DHA to promote your Lhasa Apos’s skin and coat health.
One thing that people were concerned about was the first ingredient: corn. However, corn is a common ingredient in many dry dog foods.
- Specifically formulated for small dog breeds
- Suitable for older puppies and adults
- Corn is the first ingredient
7. Halo Holistic Small Breed Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned chicken, brown rice, peas, pork |
| Protein content: | 28% |
| Fat content: | 17% |
| Calories: | 441 kcal/cup |
This Halo dog food contains a blend of nutritious and natural ingredients. Chicken and chicken liver are the first two ingredients. The chicken is GAP-certified cage-free and raised without antibiotics.
The ingredient list has no ambiguous ingredients, like meat meals or by-product meals. The recipe is fortified with omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat. It also contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics for healthy intestinal bacteria, which improve digestion and the immune system.
When it comes to flavor, this recipe has mixed reviews. Some customers claim that their picky dogs love eating it, while others haven’t had much luck. So, even though the recipe only uses whole meat, it doesn’t guarantee that a picky Lhasa Apso will enjoy it.
- Only contains whole meat
- Uses high-quality, cage-free chicken
- Fortified with omega fatty acids to support skin and coat
- Mixed reviews with picky dogs
8. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken broth, carrots, peas, brown rice, dried egg product, barley |
| Protein content: | 10% |
| Fat content: | 7.5% |
| Calories: | 214 kcal/cup |
Some people find their Lhasa Apsos prefer wet food over plain dry food, so a good canned food to try is the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food. This recipe has chicken as the first ingredient, plus vegetables and brown rice for fiber; no corn, wheat, or soy. This canned food also works as a topper for a dry food of your choice.
Something to be aware of is the minor digestive issues canned foods can cause—especially if your dog is used to a dry food diet. Introduce this canned food bit by bit. Consult your vet if you have questions about changing your dog’s diet.
- Chicken as the first ingredient
- Formulated for small dogs
- Might cause digestive issues
- Slightly strong smell
9. Acana Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Lamb, lamb meal, oat groats, whole sorghum, lamb liver |
| Protein content: | 27% |
| Fat content: | 17% |
| Calories: | 371 kcal/cup |
This limited-ingredient dog food is another considerable option for Lhasa Apsos suffering from allergies and atopy. It’s free of common food allergens, and lamb is its single source of meat protein. Omega-6 and -3 fatty acids improve the skin and coat.
It has easily digestible ingredients, probiotics that support gut health, and it’s high in fiber for stool quality. There are no legumes or potato ingredients.
The one hesitation that dog owners may have with this dog food is its price. While this recipe is fairly clean and contains many high-quality ingredients, you can find other dog food of comparable quality for a cheaper price.
- Made for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities
- Fish oil helps nourish skin and coat
- Easily digestible formula
- Relatively expensive
10. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken meal, brewers rice, whole grain sorghum, brown rice |
| Protein content: | 17% |
| Fat content: | 10% |
| Calories: | 359 kcal/cup |
This dog food is a considerable option for small dogs that are a bit older and need more joint support. The formula contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and EPA from fish oil, which promote mobility. It also has minerals that support strong bones.
It’s not the worst thing in the world that chicken meal is the first ingredient rather than deboned chicken because chicken meal is a denser form of protein than cuts of chicken meat. More importantly, this recipe doesn’t contain meat by-product meals.
Keep in mind that this dog food has a lower crude protein percentage and amount of calories compared to other dog food made specifically for small dogs. So, it may be more suitable for older dogs that require less energy or those needing to lose weight.
- Contains ingredients that support joint health
- Contains minerals to promote strong bones
- No meat by-product meals
- Low crude protein percentage
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Foods for Lhasa Apsos
When researching the best dog food for Lhasa Apsos, it’s important to keep several factors in mind so that you don’t get lost in all the details. Here are some key things to look for when shopping for Lhasa Apsos.
Calories
It’s essential to find dog food that can provide a beneficial calorie density for Lhasa Apsos. In general, smaller dog breeds require more calories and protein than larger dogs because of their high metabolism. However, obesity is also a common issue in little breeds. So, the ideal calorie content depends on your individual dog.
If your Lhasa Apso is active, lean, and doesn’t eat a lot, a more calorie-dense diet could be appropriate. On the other hand, if your pup sits on the heavier side and loves their food, you should look out for lower-calorie formulas to help them achieve a healthy weight.
Sensitive Skin and Stomach Formulas
Lhasa Apsos tend to have a lot of cases of atopy and food allergies. So, they’ll benefit from dog food that has sensitive skin and stomach formulas. They may also do well with eating limited-ingredient diets with grain.
Since the most common food allergens for dogs are beef, chicken, and dairy, try to find a dog food that uses novelty meats, like duck, lamb, or venison
Keep in mind, what constitutes a “novelty meat” is anything your pet hasn’t tried before. If your dog has tried lamb, it’s not a novelty protein for them. You also want to keep their treats fed to the same strategy. You will counteract the benefits of a novel protein diet if you feed them chicken treats, for example. You should speak to your vet if you are concerned about your dog having a food allergy.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Beneficial Features
Dog food containing nutritious, natural ingredients is highly beneficial. As is food that is minimally processed. Superfoods like cranberries and kale are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support a healthy body.
If you want to maximize joint health, look for ingredients like omega 3s, glucosamine, and chondroitin in high concentrations. For dogs with dental tartar, choosing a kibble that cleans your dog’s teeth is a good idea.
How We Selected These Dog Foods for Lhasa Apsos
This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The dog foods reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best dog foods available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We are a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.
Conclusion
Based on our reviews, the best overall dog food for Lhasa Apsos is Ollie Lamb With Cranberries dog food. It’s a nutrient-dense recipe that’s also easily digestible. The best budget dog food is Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Natural Food for Dogs. Our premium choice is The Famer’s Dog Chicken Recipe.
We hope this article has helped you and your dog find the right food!
Featured Image Credit: MabelAmber, Pixabay
