Sapsali Food Guide

Puppy (0–12 months)

• checkChoose a medium breed puppy formula. Minimum 22% protein with DHA to support skeletal development and establish long-coat health from the start.
• checkOmega-3 (EPA+DHA) is essential — the skin barrier and coat quality of the long double coat are determined largely by nutrition during puppyhood.
• checkDHA — Kelley et al. (2004): DHA-supplemented puppies showed significantly improved learning ability and retinal function.
• checkFeed 3–4 small meals daily to stabilize blood sugar and digestion; reduce to 2–3 times daily after 6 months.
• checkTransition to any new food gradually over 7–10 days — native Korean breeds can react sensitively to sudden diet changes.

Adult (1–8 years)

• checkChoose food with sufficient omega-3, zinc, and biotin to support the long double coat year-round. Mueller et al. (2016): omega-3 supplementation strengthens the skin barrier function.
• checkGlucosamine (400 mg/kg or more) and chondroitin — ongoing cartilage support for the hip joint.
• checkMaintain ideal weight — excess weight directly increases the load on the hip joints in a breed predisposed to hip dysplasia. Weigh every two weeks.
• checkChoose an AAFCO-compliant food with balanced selenium and iodine — both excess and deficiency can negatively affect thyroid function.
• checkEye health — DHA and taurine support retinal and conjunctival health; trim hair covering the eyes regularly.

Senior (7+ years)

• checkSwitch to a low-calorie, high-protein senior formula to preserve muscle mass while managing weight. Protein restriction in dogs with normal kidney function causes muscle loss.
• checkMaintain glucosamine and chondroitin, and choose lower-phosphorus formulas to protect both the kidneys and joints.
• checkHypothyroidism risk increases — Dixon et al. (1999): unexplained weight gain, bilaterally symmetric hair loss, and lethargy are the key signs. Annual thyroid bloodwork (T4) is recommended from age 7.
• checkIf mobility declines, mix in wet food to improve palatability — dogs that refuse to eat lose muscle mass rapidly.

Long Double Coat & Skin Health

• checkOmega-3 (EPA+DHA) — strengthens the skin barrier and improves coat shine and elasticity. Mueller et al. (2016): omega-3 supplementation strengthens the skin barrier function.
• checkZinc and biotin — essential for follicle health and keratin synthesis. Deficiency can lead to dry coat and hair loss.
• checkThe thick long coat traps moisture — watch for Malassezia (fungal skin) infections. Regular grooming and thorough drying after bathing are as important as diet.

Hip Dysplasia

• checkMaintaining ideal weight is the most important preventive strategy — excess weight directly increases the mechanical load on the hip joints.
• checkGlucosamine (400 mg/kg or more), chondroitin, and omega-3 — support cartilage and reduce joint inflammation.
• checkIf severe dysplasia is confirmed, consult your vet about prescription joint support diets (Hills j/d or Royal Canin Mobility).

Hypothyroidism

• checkRelatively common in native Korean breeds — Dixon et al. (1999): unexplained weight gain, bilaterally symmetric hair loss, and lethargy are the key signs.
• checkChoose AAFCO-compliant food to maintain balanced selenium and iodine. Both excess and deficiency impair thyroid function.
• checkAnnual thyroid blood panel (T4) is recommended from age 4–5 onward.

Eye Health (Hair-Covered Eyes)

• checkHair covering the eyes is the primary cause of conjunctival irritation, tear staining, and conjunctivitis — regular trimming is essential.
• checkDHA and taurine in the food provide nutritional support for retinal and conjunctival health.
• checkPersistent discharge, redness, or cloudiness warrants a veterinary exam.