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All Natural Dog Food Toppers

Dog food toppers are tasty add-ons that you pour or sprinkle over your dog’s regular food to make it more appetizing. They have a variety of uses. Sometimes a picky dog might need a little encouragement to eat. Dog food toppers are also useful when acclimating a dog to a new food, or trying to get them to take medication.

Whether you give your dog kibble or wet food, adding something to the top of the bowl can make it much more appealing and nutritious for your pooch. You won’t have to buy specific dog food for picky eaters, as you can just add a topper. The following are some of the best dog food toppers worth considering, whether you have a picky dog or just want to improve pet nutrition.

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Rating:
5/5

Price at the time of publish: $26 (12 pack)

A fusion of broth and chunks, these stews are designed to be drizzled over your dog’s meals, enhancing the appeal of dinner time. Honest Kitchen takes pride in being a pioneer in providing human-grade ingredients for pets, and these stews emit an enticing aroma. Crafted with a limited ingredient list and devoid of fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, or preservatives, they offer a wholesome dining experience.

The stews present an impressive variety of nine flavor combinations, ranging from single proteins like chicken or turkey to meat blends with pumpkin for digestive health. Slow-cooked to perfection, they can be warmed up to elevate the allure of meals. Each box contains a minimum of two servings, and though the packaging may be a bit challenging to open, it conveniently seals for refrigeration until the next meal.

In addition to these stews, Honest Kitchen offers fortified meal boosters for added nutrients, along with dry kibble and pate-style food, all featuring human-grade, whole ingredients.

What We Like:

  • Mix of broth and chunks
  • Limited ingredients and no additives or fillers
  • Human-grade food
  • Made in the U.S. with global ingredients
  • Easy to pour and reuse

What We Don’t Like:

  • Cartons can be hard to open
Rating:
4.6/5

Price at the time of publish: $28 (4 pack)

The Portland Pet Food Company Meal Pouch offers a delightful canine dining experience that mirrors the quality of human-grade ingredients. The enticing aroma upon opening the pouch suggests a blend that could easily grace your own plate. With a commitment to sourcing and crafting the food in the U.S., this wet food is free from artificial additives, preservatives, colorings, and meat byproducts.

Featuring a diverse range of proteins like chicken, eggs, yams, kale, salmon, and carrots, pet owners can choose from five different options to cater to their dog’s specific dietary needs or preferences. The convenience of serving requires no thawing or water addition; simply scoop and serve atop your dog’s regular meal.

While the pouches lack resealable features, necessitating a clamp or alternative storage method, the quality and variety of ingredients make the Portland Pet Food Company Meal Pouch a favorable choice for pet owners seeking a nutritious and flavorful option for their canine companions.

What We Like:

  • Human-grade ingredients
  • No preservatives, byproducts, or additives
  • Sourced and made in the U.S.
  • Ready to serve; no adding water or thawing first
  • Five different proteins

What We Don’t Like:

  • Pouches aren’t resealable
Rating:
5/5

Price at the time of publish: $42 (1.1 pounds)

Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers stand out as an excellent freeze-dried raw option for enhancing your dog’s meals. The product boasts a high-quality blend of ingredients, with a focus on providing wholesome nutrition. Made in the USA, these meal mixers are free from grains, gluten, artificial additives, and fillers, ensuring a pure and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet.

The freeze-drying process helps retain the natural flavors and nutritional integrity of the ingredients. Pet owners appreciate the convenience of these meal mixers, which can be easily sprinkled on top of your dog’s regular food. The product offers a variety of protein options, catering to different tastes and dietary requirements.

While the packaging lacks resealability, requiring alternative storage methods, the overall positive attributes of Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers make it a popular choice among those seeking a premium freeze-dried raw supplement for their canine companions.

What We Like:

  • 95% meat, organs, and bones
  • Organic fruits and vegetables and responsibly sourced meats
  • Can be used dry or wet

What We Don’t Like:

  • Sometimes pieces are crushed
Rating:
5/5

Price at time of publish: $27 (14 ounces)

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze-Dried Dog Food Topper is a top-notch choice for pet owners looking to enhance their dog’s meals with a nutritious and flavorful addition. This product stands out for its freeze-dried raw ingredients, providing a boost of real meat, fruits, and vegetables to your dog’s regular food.

One notable feature is the grain-free and gluten-free formula, making it suitable for dogs with dietary sensitivities. The topper is rich in protein and maintains the natural flavors of the ingredients through the freeze-drying process. Pet owners appreciate the convenience of the sprinkles, allowing for easy customization of portion sizes based on their dog’s needs.

The product’s packaging is resealable, ensuring freshness between servings. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze-Dried Dog Food Topper has gained popularity for its quality ingredients, versatility, and the health benefits it brings to dogs’ diets, making it a favored choice among pet owners seeking a premium sprinkle option.

What We Like:

  • Responsibly sourced ingredients
  • Nothing artificial
  • Resealable bag
  • Made in the U.S. (with international ingredients)

What We Don’t Like:

  • Can be powdery if not stored or transported well
Rating:
5/5

Price at time of publish: $5 (8 ounces)

Solid Gold Bone Broth stands out as an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a high-quality and nutritious broth to enhance their dog’s meals. This product is crafted with care, featuring real, natural ingredients that contribute to the overall well-being of your furry friend.

One of the key highlights is the inclusion of bone broth, known for its rich nutrients and potential health benefits for dogs. The broth is made from real beef bone broth and is free from artificial preservatives or additives, ensuring a wholesome addition to your dog’s diet.

Pet owners appreciate the convenience of the resealable packaging, maintaining freshness and making it easy to serve the appropriate portion for their dogs. The broth can be poured over kibble or served as a standalone treat, adding palatable flavor and enticing aroma to mealtime.

Solid Gold Bone Broth has gained popularity for its commitment to quality ingredients, providing dogs with a tasty and nutrient-rich supplement that aligns with their dietary needs.

What We Like:

  • Can be served as-is or warmed up
  • Human-grade ingredients
  • Lasts 7 days refrigerated after opening
  • Resealable pouches

What We Don’t Like:

  • Might spill when opened

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Rating:
4.5/5

Price at time of publish: $33 (13.5 ounce pack)

Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is a top-notch premium option for pet owners seeking high-quality nutrition for their canine companions. This product stands out for its commitment to using ethically sourced ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced and wholesome diet for dogs.

The freeze-drying process preserves the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients, providing dogs with the benefits of a raw diet without compromising convenience for pet owners. This premium dog food features a mix of humanely raised meat, organic fruits and vegetables, and beneficial superfoods.

Pet owners appreciate the transparency of Open Farm’s sourcing practices, which prioritize sustainability and animal welfare. The inclusion of functional ingredients like coconut oil and turmeric contributes to the overall health and well-being of dogs.

The convenience of the freeze-dried format allows for easy portion control and storage, making it a practical choice for pet owners looking to provide their dogs with a premium, minimally processed diet. Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food has earned praise for its quality, nutrition, and ethical approach to pet food.

What We Like:

  • Responsibly sourced and organic ingredients
  • No artificial additives or preservatives
  • Six different proteins

What We Don’t Like:

  • More expensive than many others
Rating:
4.4/5

Price at time of publish: $18 (12 pack)

These wet meal toppers come in three flavors and are enriched with omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Designed to enhance a dog’s skin and coat health, aid digestion, and provide superfood benefits, these toppers prioritize meat as their primary ingredient. Free from fillers, by-products, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and carrageenan, they offer a wholesome nutritional boost.

Packaged conveniently in a box containing a dozen pouches, these toppers are easy to store in the pantry. While the pouches are easy to open, it’s worth noting that they lack resealable features. If not used all at once, the toppers can be refrigerated for several days.

What We Like:

  • No fillers, preservatives, colors, or flavors
  • Fortified with omegas, minerals, and vitamins
  • Meat is first ingredient
  • Made in U.S. (with global ingredients)

What We Don’t Like:

  • Pouches aren’t resealable

If you’re seeking ways to entice your finicky dog to eat or enhance the enjoyment of mealtimes, dog food toppers present an excellent solution for adding flavor and nutrition to their meals. With a diverse selection of topper choices, discovering the perfect one for your dog involves a bit of exploration and research. By gaining a clearer understanding of what dog food toppers entail, their advantages, and exploring some of the top options currently available, you can easily incorporate the finest dog food toppers into your pup’s diet.

What Is a Dog Food Topper?

A dog food topper refers to any addition you incorporate into your dog’s regular meals. Typically, these are poured directly onto a bowl of dry pet food. However, some toppers can also be mixed in, catering to your dog’s individual tastes and preferences.

Various dog food toppers exist, spanning dry, wet, and even dehydrated options. While some pet owners opt for homemade toppers, many prefer the convenience and variety offered by pre-made alternatives.

Why You Should Use Food Toppers

Incorporating meal toppers into your dog’s diet comes with numerous advantages. This is particularly beneficial for picky eaters who might struggle with weight gain. Toppers can attract your dog to consume more calories, and you can choose a specific topper based on your dog’s nutritional needs. For instance, a dog finding dry kibble challenging may enjoy a wet food topper that adds moisture and softens the texture.

Even if your dog doesn’t face appetite or weight issues, using dog food toppers can introduce variety into their diet. Similar to humans, dogs appreciate a diverse menu, and toppers provide an opportunity to explore new flavors. Toppers can elevate the enjoyment of mealtimes for your dog, making it more engaging and allowing you to experiment with different tastes that your pup might adore. Some pet owners even serve toppers as standalone treats.

Moreover, food toppers contribute to maintaining a consistent feeding schedule and routine for your dog. Since toppers often encourage dogs to finish their meals, they become a convenient tool for sticking to a strict meal plan.

Should I Consult With a Vet Before Giving My Dog Toppers?

Whenever you contemplate making alterations to your dog’s diet, it’s crucial to seek advice from your veterinarian. While toppers generally pose no problems for most dogs, if your pup has any pre-existing medical conditions or chronic health issues, your vet might recommend a specific dietary plan. Additionally, your veterinarian can provide guidance on the ingredients to prioritize (and those to avoid) in toppers, ensuring they align with your dog’s nutritional requirements and overall well-being.

Dry Food Toppers vs. Wet Food Toppers

When it comes to choosing dog food toppers, there are two main options: dry and wet. Both options have their advantages, so the decision ultimately depends on your pet’s preferences, your budget, and your lifestyle.

Dry dog food toppers are available in a kibble form that can be easily sprinkled over your dog’s existing dry or wet food. This type of topper typically has a longer shelf life and is highly convenient for pet owners with busy schedules.

On the other hand, wet food toppers can be a bit messier as they come in the form of broth or stew that you pour or spoon onto your dog’s food. While wet toppers may have a shorter shelf life, they often provide a more substantial nutritional boost than dry toppers. They are also excellent for increasing hydration in a dog’s diet, especially for dogs that don’t drink much water on their own.

Additionally, there are dehydrated dog topper options, which require the addition of water or broth to moisten before being mixed into your dog’s food. These options generally have a much longer shelf life compared to wet alternatives.

Best Dog Toppers for Protein Boosts

Protein plays a crucial role in providing essential nutrition for dogs. The specific protein requirements can vary based on factors such as a dog’s size, breed, age, and other considerations. However, most dogs generally benefit from a diet containing at least 22% dry matter protein. Adequate protein intake is vital for supporting healthy muscle growth and maintenance. Dogs metabolize proteins into amino acids, which are essential for generating energy and sustaining overall well-being.

If you’re seeking ways to increase the protein content in your dog’s diet, there are various food topper options to explore.

At-Home Remedy: Cooked Eggs

If you’re interested in trying homemade food toppers, consider using cooked eggs. This natural topper is a wonderful way to enrich the taste of your dog’s meal while providing an excellent source of protein. You can prepare eggs in any convenient way, but many pet owners prefer scrambling them in a pan, breaking them into small pieces, and then pouring them directly over a bowl of dry or wet food.

Eggs as a food topper complement most standard dog food recipes, but it’s crucial to be mindful of your dog’s protein intake. If your dog is already on a high-protein diet, it’s advisable to consult with your vet before adding eggs as a topper. Excessive protein consumption can have adverse effects on your dog’s health.

Additionally, keep in mind that dogs can develop allergies to eggs, so observe for any signs of a reaction, especially if your dog hasn’t been exposed to eggs before.

Meal Booster - 99% Beef

For a convenient pre-packaged food topper option, consider The Honest Kitchen’s 99% Beef Meal Booster. These tasty toppers are available in a pack of 12 and are perfect for enhancing flavor while providing a hearty protein boost. Each user-friendly box is packed with 99% ranch-raised, grass-fed beef, delivering a delicious protein boost and juicy flavor. Suitable for both puppies and adult dogs, this human-grade food topper is likely to become a fast favorite!

Meal Booster - 99% Salmon & Pollock

An excellent choice for increasing your dog’s protein intake is our 99% Salmon & Pollock Meal Booster. Each 5.5oz package is loaded with 99% wild-caught salmon and pollock, with the remaining 1% consisting only of water and agar agar. This recipe, available in packs of 12, is a perfect option for puppies and adult dogs in need of a protein boost. Additionally, you’ll appreciate the convenience of effortlessly opening and mixing each package into your pup’s food — no portioning required!

Best Dog Toppers for Physical and Immune Health

Are you in search of a dog food topper that promotes your pup’s physical and immune health? We’ve curated some enticing options for you to explore.

At-Home Remedy: Yogurt or Canned Pumpkin

For a homemade food topper using items commonly found in your fridge or pantry, consider yogurt or canned pumpkin. Adding plain, Greek-style yogurt to your dog’s regular food, either on top or mixed in, is an excellent way to enhance their immune system and support digestive health. Ensure that the yogurt is free of artificial sweeteners, including xylitol, before offering it to your dog.

Canned pumpkin is another nutritious option for a DIY food topper. Incorporating a spoonful of canned pumpkin puree (avoiding pumpkin pie filling) into your dog’s meals can contribute to gut health due to its rich fiber content. Additionally, pumpkin provides essential nutrients like vitamin A and zinc, promoting immune function and improving skin and coat health. Choose pumpkin without added salt for the best results.

Heart Health: Turkey Broth & Salmon Stew

The Honest Kitchen’s Turkey Broth & Salmon Stew Pour Overs are specially formulated to enhance heart health, providing a balanced blend of omegas, taurine, and L-carnitine. Crafted with the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist, this wet food topper ensures a delicious taste that dogs crave. Featuring human-grade ingredients such as turkey bone broth, salmon, apples, pumpkin, and butternut squash, it offers both nutritional excellence and palatability.

For immune support, the Beef Stew Pour Overs are rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene and vitamin A, fostering overall immune health. Comprising natural components like beef bone broth, beets, butternut squash, blueberries, and apples, this wet food topper brings delight to your dog’s taste buds.

The Chicken Stew Pour Overs for Hip & Joint aim to support joint health with added EPA and DHA, suitable for dogs in all life stages. This 100% human-grade food topper incorporates chicken bone broth, chicken, carrots, butternut squash, and fish oil, elevating your dog’s daily meals.

Revive & Restore Chicken & Pumpkin Stew Pour Overs are individually packaged for convenience and designed to stimulate your dog’s appetite while promoting overall health. Packed with protein, antioxidants, and B vitamins, this recipe features enticing flavors like chicken bone broth, apples, chicken, and pumpkin.

To promote a healthier coat and skin, the Salmon Stew Pour Overs offer a boost of omegas, biotin, and vitamin E. With ingredients such as fish bone broth, salmon, butternut squash, carrots, and whitefish, this wet food topper is not only nutritious but also appeals to your dog’s taste preferences.

Why Trust iHugDogs?

In compiling this collection, Jane Blake conducted interviews with dog caregivers, veterinary professionals, and foster caregivers to explore the world of dog food toppers. Extensive online research and analysis of user reviews were conducted, focusing on key criteria such as ingredient quality, serving size, storage convenience, and product types. Considerations were also given to factors like pricing and product variety.

Jane Blake, an experienced pet and animal writer, brought her wealth of knowledge to the evaluation process. With a rescue dog at her side and a history of fostering nearly 60 dogs and puppies, she constantly seeks out products to ensure the well-being, entertainment, and safety of the dogs under her care.

Dr. Sarah Anderson, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine based in Harmony Animal Hospital in Smyrna, Georgia, shared valuable insights into the world of dog food toppers. With over 15 years of award-winning veterinary experience, Dr. Anderson provided essential information on the considerations for incorporating supplements into a dog’s diet.