Feeding a Lhasa Apso: A Small Breed With a Long Coat
The Lhasa Apso is a small Tibetan dog of 5 to 8 kg, sturdy, independent and densely long-coated. Not very active and greedy, it gains weight easily, and its demanding coat needs good nutritional intake. The ration must therefore stay modest while remaining of high quality. Coat density and shine partly depend on dietary fatty acids, as research on canine coat nutrition shows (research on Google Scholar). Our benchmarks are in the dog food section.
A low-activity small dog's ration
Plan on roughly 80 to 140 g of kibble per day for a 6 to 7 kg adult, in two meals, depending on activity. The Lhasa Apso enjoys comfort and exercises moderately: adjust the ration down rather than up and limit treats.
Suitable kibble and a supported coat
A small kibble is easy to grab. A food rich in quality protein and in omega-3 and 6 helps keep the coat dense and shiny, provided you brush regularly to avoid mats. Diet sets the stage, grooming does the rest, as with other long-coated breeds covered in our feeding a Shih Tzu.
Preventing weight gain
Under its abundant fur, weight gain goes unnoticed: palpate the ribs regularly rather than trusting the silhouette. A healthy weight protects the joints and the stamina of this long-lived little dog.
Frequently asked questions
How many meals a day?
Two daily meals at fixed times, easier to control than free access to food.
How do you spot weight gain under the coat?
By feeling the ribs and waist: you should sense them without pressing hard. Weigh the dog regularly.
Is diet enough for a fine coat?
No: it supports the coat, but regular brushing remains essential. See the Lhasa Apso profile and the dog hub.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.