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, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. 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-calorie, high-protein dog food with limited ingredients and nutrients that support eye health and joint and mobility 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.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Ollie Fresh Lamb with Cranberries
High-calorie meal for active, small dogs
Lamb is only source of protein
Easily digestible formula
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Best Value
Rachael Ray Little Bites Natural Food for Dogs
Chicken is first ingredient
Safe for dogs with beef or wheat allergies
Formula helps maintain healthy skin and coat
Check Price
Premium Choice
Castor & Pollux Organic Adult Dog Food
USDA certified organic
Contains organic superfoods
Chicken is only source of meat
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Wellness Small Breed Dry Dog Food
High-protein and high-calorie diet
Deboned turkey is first ingredient
No meat by-products or fillers
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Merrick Small Breed Recipe Adult Dog Food
Palatable for picky eaters
Supports joint health
Fish oil nourishes skin and coat
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The 10 Best Dog Food for Lhasa Apsos
1. Ollie Fresh Lamb with Cranberries – Best Overall
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Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, chicken meal, oats, barley
Protein content: 10%
Fat content: 7%
Moisture content: 74%
Calories: 1804 kcal ME/kg
This Ollie Lamb with Cranberries recipe is the best overall dog food for Lhasa Apsos for several reasons. It’s Ollie’s most calorie-dense meal and contains a high percentage of protein, which will give your compact Lhasa Apso all the energy it needs to take on a new day.
The recipe contains a single source of animal meat protein. With lamb being a novelty meat, it’s a safe option for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities, as beef and chicken are some of the most common food allergens. You’ll also find a blend of nutritious and easily digestible foods, like butternut squash and rice.
This meal is sustainable for all life stages, so if your puppy enjoys eating this meal, you don’t have to worry about going through the hassle of finding a new adult formula. 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.
Pros
High-calorie meal for active, small dogs
Lamb is only source of protein
Easily digestible formula
Suitable for all life stages
Cons
Not readily available in stores
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 the best dog food for Lhasa Apsos for the money, and you’ll find that it has a reasonably clean ingredient list.
High-calorie meal for active, small dogs
Lamb is only source of protein
Easily digestible formula
Suitable for all life stages
- High-calorie meal for active, small dogs
- Lamb is only source of protein
- Easily digestible formula
- Suitable for all life stages
Not readily available in stores
- Not readily available in stores
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, soybean meal, whole corn
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 16%
Calories: 351 kcal/cup
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Chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients. It’s a safe option for dogs with beef or wheat allergies and doesn’t contain animal by-product meals. The formula is fortified with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which help nourish and maintain healthy skin and coat.
While the recipe is safe for small dogs of all life stages, it does contain a lower number of calories and percentage of protein. Since Lhasa Apsos tend to be active dogs, this food may not provide enough energy for them, especially for Lhasa Apsos puppies and young adults.
Pros
Chicken is first ingredient
Safe for dogs with beef or wheat allergies
Formula helps maintain healthy skin and coat
Cons
May not be sustainable for puppies and young adults
This Castor & Pollux dog food is a premium recipe that’s certified organic. It’s a considerable option if you have a Lhasa Apso with a sensitive stomach because it has a clean recipe list that contains nutritious and organic superfoods, like sweet potatoes, flaxseed, and blueberries.
Chicken is first ingredient
Safe for dogs with beef or wheat allergies
Formula helps maintain healthy skin and coat
- Chicken is first ingredient
- Safe for dogs with beef or wheat allergies
- Formula helps maintain healthy skin and coat
May not be sustainable for puppies and young adults
- May not be sustainable for puppies and young adults
Main ingredients:
Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic oatmeal, organic barley
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 405 kcal/cup
Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic oatmeal, organic barley
Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic oatmeal, organic barley
Chicken is the only source of meat protein in this recipe, so it’s an excellent option for dogs with beef allergies. If you find that your Lhasa Apso has a wheat allergy, a grain-free version of this meal is also available.
We can’t ignore the hefty price of this dog food, but you’re getting your money’s worth by ensuring that your dog’s eating clean and nutritious meals every day.
Pros
USDA certified organic
Contains organic superfoods
Chicken is only source of meat
Cons
Relatively expensive
This Wellness Small Breed recipe is packed with protein and calories to help support your energetic and lively Lhasa Apso puppy. 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.
USDA certified organic
Contains organic superfoods
Chicken is only source of meat
- USDA certified organic
- Contains organic superfoods
- Chicken is only source of meat
Relatively expensive
- Relatively expensive
Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, chicken meal, oatmeal, salmon meal
Protein content: 28%
Fat content: 19%
Calories: 489 kcal/cup
The recipe is formulated to support whole body nutrition. It contains a rich amount of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and probiotics.
Keep in mind that the recipe contains a blend of turkey, chicken meal, salmon meal, and menhaden 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.
Pros
High-protein and high-calorie diet
Deboned turkey is first ingredient
No meat by-products or fillers
Formulated to support whole body nutrition
Cons
Complex ingredient list
Our vet’s choice 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.
High-protein and high-calorie diet
Deboned turkey is first ingredient
No meat by-products or fillers
Formulated to support whole body nutrition
- High-protein and high-calorie diet
- Deboned turkey is first ingredient
- No meat by-products or fillers
- Formulated to support whole body nutrition
Complex ingredient list
- Complex ingredient list
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 16%
Calories: 404 kcal/cup
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.
The one 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.
Pros
Palatable for picky eaters
Supports joint health
Fish oil nourishes skin and coat
Cons
Complex ingredient list
This Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula is another excellent option for Lhasa Apsos with sensitive stomachs and suffering from skin atopy. It contains a blend of guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health. It also uses sunflower oil, which is an excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids.
Palatable for picky eaters
Supports joint health
Fish oil nourishes skin and coat
- Palatable for picky eaters
- Supports joint health
- Fish oil nourishes skin and coat
Main ingredients: Salmon, rice, barley, canola meal
Protein content: 28%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 478 kcal/cup
The formula is also specifically made for small dog breeds and contains an adequate amount of protein and calories to support Lhasa Apsos. It also only uses fish as sources of protein, so it’s a great alternative for dogs with chicken or beef allergies.
This dog food is the only sensitive skin and stomach formula for small dogs produced by Purina Pro Plan. So, if your dog doesn’t enjoy the flavor, you can try other Purina Pro Plan formulas that use other sources of meat, but those recipes aren’t specifically for small dogs.
Pros
Formulated for sensitive skin and stomach
Guaranteed live probiotics support digestion
Good for dogs with chicken or beef allergies
Cons
Salmon is the only available flavor
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.
Formulated for sensitive skin and stomach
Guaranteed live probiotics support digestion
Good for dogs with chicken or beef allergies
- Formulated for sensitive skin and stomach
- Guaranteed live probiotics support digestion
- Good for dogs with chicken or beef allergies
Salmon is the only available flavor
- Salmon is the only available flavor
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, dried egg product, dried peas
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 413 kcal/cup
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 nutrient-dense superfoods, including blueberries and cranberries.
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.
Pros
Only contains whole meat
Uses high-quality, cage-free chicken
Fortified with omega fatty acids to support skin and coat
Cons
Mixed reviews with picky dogs
This Blue Buffalo dog food is a grain-free, limited-ingredient option for dogs with wheat allergies and sensitive stomachs. Lamb is the only source of animal meat, and the entire ingredient list is free of any common food allergens.
Only contains whole meat
Uses high-quality, cage-free chicken
Fortified with omega fatty acids to support skin and coat
- 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
- Mixed reviews with picky dogs
Main ingredients: Lamb, lamb broth, potatoes, flaxseed
Protein content: 7%
Fat content: 7%
Moisture content: 78%
Calories: 123 kcal/bowl
The recipe also contains ingredients rich in omega fatty acids, like flaxseed, sunflower oil, and fish oil. The texture is a smooth pate, so dogs with difficulty chewing kibble can safely eat this food.
Just keep in mind that grain-free diets aren’t appropriate for all dogs. Most dogs will benefit from a grain-free diet unless they have a serious medical condition preventing them from safely consuming grains.
Grain-free diets are also under investigation by the FDA due to possible links to dilated cardiomyopathy. So, make sure to consult with your veterinarian before switching your dog to a grain-free diet.
Pros
Lamb is only source of animal meat
No common food allergens
Rich source of omega fatty acids
Cons
Grain-free diet may not be suitable for some dogs
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. The formula is also fortified with a heart-healthy vitamin pack to support the circulatory and nervous systems.
Lamb is only source of animal meat
No common food allergens
Rich source of omega fatty acids
- Lamb is only source of animal meat
- No common food allergens
- Rich source of omega fatty acids
Grain-free diet may not be suitable for some dogs
- Grain-free diet may not be suitable for some dogs
Main ingredients: Deboned lamb, lamb meal, oat groats, whole sorghum
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 371 kcal/cup
The recipe also contains fish oil to help nourish and repair the skin and coat. It has easily digestible ingredients that support gut health, such as pumpkin and whole grains. There are no legumes, gluten, 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 the same quality for a cheaper price. You may also find other premium dog food that uses better ingredients for a similar price.
Pros
Made for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities
Fortified with heart-healthy vitamin pack
Fish oil helps nourish skin and coat
Easily digestible formula
Cons
Relatively expensive
This dog food is a considerable option for small dogs that are a bit older and need more hip and joint support. The formula contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and EPA fish oil, which promote mobility. It also has minerals that support strong bones.
Made for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities
Fortified with heart-healthy vitamin pack
Fish oil helps nourish skin and coat
Easily digestible formula
- Made for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities
- Fortified with heart-healthy vitamin pack
- Fish oil helps nourish skin and coat
- Easily digestible formula
Main ingredients: Chicken meal, brewers rice, whole grain sorghum, brown rice
Protein content: 17%
Fat content: 10%
Calories: 359 kcal/cup
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.
Pros
Contains ingredients that support joint health
Contains minerals to promote strong bones
No meat by-product meals
Cons
Low calories and low crude protein percentage
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food 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.
Contains ingredients that support joint health
Contains minerals to promote strong bones
No meat by-product meals
- Contains ingredients that support joint health
- Contains minerals to promote strong bones
- No meat by-product meals
Low calories and low crude protein percentage
- Low calories and low crude protein percentage
High-Calorie Diet
It’s essential to find dog food that can provide a substantial amount of energy for Lhasa Apsos. In general, smaller dog breeds require more calories and protein than larger dogs because of their high metabolism.
Lhasa Apsos tend to be more active than other smaller dogs, so it’s particularly important to find a healthy, high-calorie diet. Dog food with many calories will range from 450-500 calories per cup.
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.
Superfoods and Natural Ingredients
Along with atopy and food allergies, Lhasa Apsos are also predisposed to eye conditions. So, dog food containing superfoods and nutritious, natural ingredients is also highly beneficial. Superfoods are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support eye health, like vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc.
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. If you want to explore premium dog food, Castor & Pollux Organic Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food is a nutritious and organic recipe for small dog breeds.
An excellent option for Lhasa Apso puppies is Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food because it’s made with high-quality, natural ingredients. Our vet’s choice is Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food because it’s fortified with nutrients that target a Lhasa Apso’s specific nutritional needs.
Featured Image Credit: MabelAmber, Pixabay
