11 Dog Food Toppers to Mix Up Mealtime

If variety is the spice of life, imagine your dog’s joy when adding a pet food topper to his daily meals. Dog food toppers make food extra palatable and boast nutritional benefits, making them a win-win to spice up your pup’s diet. 

Maybe you want your dog to really enjoy his food, not get bored with the same meal, or perhaps add a bit of nutrition or hydration to his meals. Although a dog food topper is not a meal by itself, pet parents are saying “bon appetit” as they add this tasty addition to their pet’s food bowl.

Because dogs are members of the family, pet food and treat manufacturers cater to the needs and desires of dedicated pet parents. From pet food customization and snacking trends to meal mixers and dog food toppers, boring is out and nutritional goodness is in. 

Dog Food Toppers: Our Top Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Overall Winner: Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
• Best Bone Broth: The Honest Kitchen POUR OVERS
• Best in Gravy: BLUE Buffalo Wilderness Trail Toppers
• Best for Sprinkling: Jinx Salmon on Top Flavor Boosting Meal Topper
• Best Health Boosting: Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Gut Health Freeze-Dried Dog Food Topper
• Best Freeze-Dried Raw: Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers
• Best Wet: Wellness CORE Simply Shreds
• Best Oil: LickOChops
• Best for Puppies: Instinct Grain-Free Healthy Cravings
• Best Powder: Flavors Food Topper For Dogs
• Best Limited Ingredient: Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters

11 Best Dog Food Toppers

Best Dog Food Topper: Overall Winner

Our pick: Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

20% off first auto-ship order with code VETSTREET

Flavor	Surf & Turf	Grass-Fed Beef	Homestead Turkey	Harvest Chicken	Pasture-Raised Lamb	Farmer’s Table Pork
Life Stage	All	All	All	All	All	All
Form	Freeze dried	Freeze dried	Freeze dried	Freeze dried	Freeze dried	Freeze dried
Protein (Ingredients)	Humanely raised beef, beef hearts, wild Pacific salmon, beef kidneys, beef livers, ground beef bone	Humanely raised beef, beef heart, beef kidneys, beef livers, ground beef bone	Turkey with ground bone, turkey livers, turkey necks, turkey gizzards	Chicken with ground bone, chicken livers, chicken necks, chicken hearts	Humanely raised lamb, lamb heart, lamb liver, ground lamb bone	Humanely raised pork, pork heart, pork liver, ground pork bone
Protein Analysis	41% min	41% min	37% min	41% min	38% min	38% min
Calories	233 kcal me/cup	226 kcal me/cup	208 kcal me/cup	208 kcal me/cup	226 kcal me/cup	226 kcal/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Open Farm’s freeze-dried raw dog food recipes check all the boxes when it comes to a high-quality meal topper. The brand prides itself in being completely transparent about where it sources its ingredients, partnering only with the most humane and ethical farms, fisheries, and producers. With 85 percent of protein coming from raw animal ingredients, rounded out with organic fruits and veggies and added vitamins and minerals, these freeze-dried raw recipes are both nutritious and delicious. With options like Surf & Turf, Grass-Fed Beef, Homestead Turkey, Harvest Chicken, Pasture-Raised Lamb, and Farmer’s Table Pork, you’re sure to find a flavor that will please your pup’s palate. Serve as a topper or a complete and balanced meal.

Highlights

• Available in three sizes: 3.5, 13.5, or 22-oz. bags
• Scoopable morsel format make serving raw food easy; simply mix the recommended amount into your pet’s bowl, add water or bone broth, and serve
• 100 percent traceable ingredients
• Choose from six recipes featuring various proteins, such as wild caught Pacific salmon and humanely-raised beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, or pork
• No rendered poultry, meat meals, or meat byproducts
• Formulated to meet nutritional levels established by AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including growth of large-size dogs

Things to Consider

• Store the sealed bag in a cool, dry place
• Follow the guidelines on the back of the package to determine the appropriate amount to feed your pet, based on his or her weight and age (adult vs puppy) and whether you’re serving it as a topper or a full meal. This may range anywhere from 1/4 to 2/3 cups per day when used as a topper. You will need to adjust your pet’s other feeding portions accordingly
• Wash your hands, your pet’s bowl, and any serving utensils with soap and hot water after serving
• Once you’ve mixed the topper into your pet’s food with water or broth, you should throw away any leftovers after two hours

Best Bone Broth Liquid Topper For Dogs

Our pick: The Honest Kitchen POUR OVERS

15% off your first purchase at The Honest Kitchen with code 15VS

Flavor	Beef	Turkey & Salmon	Chicken
Life Stage	All	All	All
Form	Broth	Broth	Broth
Protein (Ingredients)	Beef bone broth, beef	Turkey bone broth, turkey, salmon	Chicken bone broth, chicken
Protein Analysis	5% min	5% min	6% min
Calories	53 kcal/serving	43 kcal/serving	36 kcal/serving
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only

Easy to pour and easy to store, dogs love the taste of bone broth. The Honest Kitchen bone broth POUR OVERS are perfectly made for puppies, adult and active dogs, as well as senior pets. 

With a wide variety of flavors to choose from, this slow-cooked, grain-free stew topper is 100 percent natural and made with eight wholesome ingredients, including chunks of real meat and vegetables in a tasty bone broth. Two servings are packaged in a BPA-free box for easy opening, pouring, and storing. Watch your dog’s face when you pour this over her meal! 

Highlights

• Nutritious grab-and-go option to canned toppers
• Made with limited ingredients under rigorous FDA standards
• Contains no rendered meals, by-products, grains, artificial colors or flavors
• Contains high-quality, non-GMO whole foods
• Available in several varieties to be used as a topper or snack, but not as a whole meal
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider

• The unused portion must be refrigerated 
• Start by adding a small amount of the product over your dog’s food to gauge his gut’s reaction
• Is a bit on the pricey side

Best Dog Food Topper in Gravy

Our pick: BLUE Buffalo Wilderness Trail Toppers 

Flavor	Chicken	Beef	Duck	Salmon
Life Stage	Adult	Adult	Adult	Adult
Form	Chunky bites in gravy	Chunky bites in gravy	Chunky bites in gravy	Chunky bites in gravy
Protein (Ingredients)	Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product	Beef, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product	Duck, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product	Salmon, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product
Protein Analysis	8% min	8% min	8% min	8% min
Calories	77 kcals/pouch	78 kcals/pouch	76 kcals/pouch	70 kcals/pouch
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only

Wild cuts of high-protein, natural wet dog food in a pouch make this the perfect addition to any meal. Available in beef, chicken, duck, and salmon, BLUE Buffalo’s Wilderness toppers can be mixed into a dog’s current diet. Individually packed, they are nicely priced and give dogs a reason to look forward to dinner.

Made with tasty bites of real meat and steeped in gravy, it can be mixed in with dry food or served as a wet snack. Thanks to its high moisture content, pet parents feel good providing a bonus source of hydration to their dog’s diet.

Highlights

• Several whole meat varieties
• Handy single-serve pouches that do not require refrigeration
• Contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
• Grain-free and gluten-free
• Many pet parents say their finicky dogs loved the BLUE Buffalo food toppers
• Can be used as a snack or in-between meal treat

Things to Consider

• Mix thoroughly in your dog’s regular food so your pet doesn’t become a finicky eater
• Can serve up to three pouches (depending on the dog’s weight) per day, which can become costly
• Be sure to count the portions you feed so dogs don’t exceed their daily caloric intake and gain weight

Best Dog Food Topper for Sprinkling

Our pick: Jinx Salmon on Top Flavor Boosting Meal Topper

Get 20% Off with Code VETSTREET20

Flavor	Chicken	Salmon
Life Stage	All	All
Form	Freeze-dried	Freeze-dried
Protein (Ingredients)	Chicken, chicken heart, chicken liver	Salmon
Protein Analysis	45% min	42% min
Calories	130 kcal/oz	124 kcal/oz
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only

Jinx is known for using clean ingredients—like wild-caught salmon and plant-based superfoods—when crafting their delicious dog food recipes. Their freeze-dried salmon topper is a hit with many canine customers, even picky eaters! Simply sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon onto your dog’s food to enhance meal time. Aside from flavor, salmon also packs omega-3 fatty acids to support shiny coats and healthy joints. 

Highlights

• No fillers, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Just salmon and mixed tocopherols (natural preservative)
• Omega-3s for skin and coat and joint support
• Satisfaction guarantee; if you’re unhappy with your order, Jinx will give you a full refund
• Bags are available in single, 2-pack, or 3-pack
• Resealable zipper for freshness and convenience; no refrigeration needed
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider

• Add 1/2 teaspoon to your pet’s meals or adjust portions as desired
• If your dog doesn’t like salmon, you may want to try the cage-free chicken recipe instead

Best Health-Boosting Raw Dog Food Topper

Our pick: Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Gut Health Freeze-Dried Dog Food Topper

Flavor	Gut Health	Mobility Support	Skin & Coat	Chicken	Beef
Life Stage	All	All	All	All	All
Form	Freeze dried topper	Freeze dried topper	Freeze dried topper	Freeze dried topper	Freeze dried topper
Protein (Ingredients)	Chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken heart	Chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken heart	Chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken heart, cod	Chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken heart, turkey liver, turkey heart	Beef, beef liver, beef kidney, beef spleen
Protein Analysis	36% min	36%	36%	36%	38%
Calories	291 kcal/cup	310 kcal/cup	312 kcal/cup	244 kcal/cup	247 kcal/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only

Interested in adding the power of raw food to your dog’s bowl (plus some targeted health benefits, to boot)? Instinct Raw Boost Mixers are the perfect pick. Not only do the freeze-dried, 100% raw bites kick the taste of mealtime up several notches, they’re specially formulated to help support digestive health, too.

Packed with delicious cage-free chicken, plus fiber-rich ingredients and live probiotics for gut health, every bite-sized piece is freeze-dried to lock in raw nutrients and flavor. That makes this shelf-stable raw topper easy to add to any meal. So whether you’re looking to test drive the benefits of a raw diet or promote better digestion for your pup, this versatile mixer is a solid choice.

Bonus: Instinct offers Raw Boost Mixers that target Mobility Support, Immune Health, and Skin & Coat Health, too.

Highlights

• Freeze-dried, shelf-stable raw topper is easy to store and serve
• Made with real chicken meat & organs and non-GMO fruits & vegetables
• Packed with fiber-filled ingredients like pumpkin and chicory root for digestive health
• Made without grain, corn, wheat, soy, potato, artificial flavors, or preservatives
• Soft, tasty, and easy to chew
• Great for training, too!
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider

• Contains some natural additives for color and freshness
• If this is the first time your dog is eating raw food, start small and increase the amount you mix in over 5 to 7 days

Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper for Picky Eaters

Our pick: Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers

Flavor	Beef	Chicken	Duck and Goose	Lamb	Pork	Salmon and Cod	Turkey
Life Stage	All	All	All	All	All	All	All
Form	Freeze dried	Freeze dried	Freeze dried	Freeze dried	Freeze dried	Freeze dried	Freeze dried
Protein (Ingredients)	Beef, beef liver, beef kidney, beef heart, beef tripe, beef bone	Chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken gizzard	Duck with ground bone, turkey, turkey liver, goose, turkey gizzard	Lamb, lamb spleen, lamb liver, lamb heart, lamb kidney, lamb bone	Pork, pork liver, pork bone, pork kidney	Ground salmon with bones, ground cod with bones	Turkey with ground bone, turkey liver, turkey gizzard
Protein Analysis	44% min	48% min	38% min	38% min	40% min	50% min	40% min
Calories	56 kcal/1/4 cup	50 kcal/1/4 cup	60 kcal/1/4 cup	59 kcal/1/4 cup	58 kcal/1/4 cup	45 kcal/1/4 cup	58 kcal/1/4 cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Looking to add some nutrition, entice a picky eater, or boost your dog’s mealtime anticipation? Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers are raw freeze-dried pieces to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, vibrant coat, and more stamina in dogs. 

Dogs crave meat, so things like beef, beef liver, beef organs, and beef bone are the first ingredients. Also available in other varieties, a little bit of this product goes a long way. Small dogs get one ¼ cup scoop per day mixed into their food. 

Highlights

• Made in the USA
• Scoop, mix, and serve to kick start kibble or add to any dog diet
• Contains no added hormones or antibiotics
• Single-source animal protein
• Offers the benefits of raw food with the convenience of freeze-dried nutrition
• No grains, fillers, gluten, artificial preservatives or coloring
• Contains 100 percent organic-certified fruits and vegetables

Things to Consider

• The 18-ounce bag contains eight scoops, so it can get pricey
• Can be stored at room temperature, but refrigeration is an option to extend freshness
• Beef is sourced in the United States when available and Australia and New Zealand when not available domestically.

Best Wet Meal Topper For Dogs

Our pick: Wellness CORE Simply Shreds

Flavor	Beef	Chicken	Salmon	Tuna
Life Stage	All	All	All	All
Form	Shredded	Shredded	Shredded	Shredded
Protein (Ingredients)	Chicken, chicken broth, beef	Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver	Chicken, chicken broth, salmon	Tuna, fish broth, beef
Protein Analysis	12% min	10% min	8% min	10% min
Calories	47 kcal/pouch	40 kcal/pouch	42 kcal/pouch	48 kcal/pouch
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Complementary food intended to be fed with complete and balanced dog food diet	Complementary food intended to be fed with complete and balanced dog food diet	Complementary food intended to be fed with complete and balanced dog food diet	Complementary food intended to be fed with complete and balanced dog food diet

Some dogs prefer a wet meal topper, and Wellness CORE hits a homerun with several varieties of their Simply Shreds formulas. Crafted using five simple ingredients, this natural, grain-free wet food mixer or topper contains no meat by-products. 

Meaty shreds of premium protein are mixed with nutrient-dense vegetables in a rich broth. Packaged in an easy-to-serve container, this product is ideal for small, medium, and large dogs. 

Highlights

• Suitable for dogs with food sensitivities
• Mix and match textures and flavors to keep your dog’s palate satisfied
• Available in shredded and flaked varieties
• Does not contain any added salt
• Many reviews from pet parents boast their dog licking the bowl clean when using Wellness CORE Simply Shreds with their regular meal

Things to Consider

• Wellness CORE Simply Shreds Grain-Free Chicken, Beef & Carrots Wet Dog Food Topper is made in Thailand.
• Once opened, the unused portion should be refrigerated and fed to your dog within three days.
• Not sold in a variety pack

Best Oil Dog Food Topper

Our pick: LickOChops

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Flavor	Chicken
Life Stage	All
Form	Oil
Protein (Ingredients)	Chicken fat, fish oil
Fat Analysis	97% min
Calories	40.5 kcal/tsp
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Supplemental use only

Packed with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and microbials, LickOChops gives dogs a nutritional boost as they savor the flavor infused through their food. 

The omega-6 fatty acids in LickOChops come from chicken fat, making them highly absorbable to support your dog’s skin and coat. The omega-3 fish oils support a dog’s skin and immune system. 

Highlights

• 10 strains of active microbials for digestive and immune health
• Contains vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and helps skin/coat health
• 90-day risk-free trial on your first order 
• Serve 1-2 teaspoons with every cup of your dog’s food daily
• Made in the USA with American ingredients

Things to Consider

• Check with your veterinarian first if your dog is allergic to any of the ingredients in LickOChops
• Chicken fat is the first ingredient for the omega-6s
• Only available in an 8-ounce bottle at this time 

Best Dog Food Topper For Puppies

Our pick: Instinct Grain-Free Healthy Cravings 

Flavor	Beef	Chicken	Lamb
Life Stage	All	All	All
Form	Chunks in gravy	Chunks in gravy	Chunks in gravy
Protein (Ingredients)	Beef broth, beef, chicken, beef liver, eggs,	Chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver, eggs	Lamb broth, lamb, beef, beef liver, eggs
Protein Analysis	9% min	8% min	8.5% min
Calories	73 kcal/pouch	73 kcal/pouch	85 kcal/pouch
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only

Growing puppies need a lot of things, but grain, potato, soy, corn, and artificial colors and preservatives aren’t on that list. Instinct’s raw-inspired grain-free pouches are available in beef, chicken, lamb, and salmon. Featuring cuts of USA-raised beef, cage-free chicken, and grass-fed lamb, each pouch is made with savory gravy.

This grain-free wet dog food topper offers supplemental nutrition designed to support a dog’s health from puppyhood to senior. Made with high-protein meat first, all wet recipes are crafted in the United States. 

Highlights

• Easy-to-serve wet food pouches with real meat
• Designed as a pet food topper or supplemental treat
• Can be fed to puppies and adults
• Reasonably priced
• Available in a variety pack 

Things to Consider

• This food topper is fully cooked
• Must be fed along with a complete and balanced diet
• Pouches are not resealable 

Best Powder Dog Food Topper

Our pick: Flavors Food Topper For Dogs

Flavor	Red Meat	Chicken	White Cheddar	Peanut Butter
Life Stage	All	All	All	All
Form	Powder	Powder	Powder	Powder
Protein (Ingredients)	Beef, dehydrated beef bone broth	Chicken, dehydrated chicken bone broth	White cheddar cheese	Roasted peanuts
Protein Analysis	43% min	22% min	8% min	28% min
Calories	6 cal/tsp	8 cal/tsp	8 cal/tsp	8 cal/tsp

Sometimes a sprinkle or two is all it takes to get a dog excited about mealtime. FLAVORS brand food topper is an easy-to-serve powder designed to blend well with kibble so dogs can’t separate flavors. It mixes easily with water to form a delicious broth over your dog’s food. 

FLAVORS recipes are low in calories, unlike some dog food toppers, and contain no artificial or synthetic flavors, preservatives, or colors. Pet parents can choose from red meat, chicken, peanut butter, white cheddar, or a variety pack. 

Highlights

• Meat is the first ingredient in the meat-based formulas
• Made with natural, human-grade ingredients
• Grain-free
• Low calorie and low sodium 
• Made in the United States
• Beef formula contains bone broth packed with amino acids and collagen 
• Affordable large size

Things to Consider

• Must serve at least 1 teaspoon per 1 cup kibble
• Some dogs may prefer a broth, so product can be mixed with water
• Some reviews state hit or miss flavors depending on your dog’s palate

Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food Mixer or Topper

Our pick: Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters

Flavor	Beef	Turkey	Turkey & Chicken	Whitefish & Salmon
Life Stage	Adult	Adult	Adult	Adult
Form	Freeze dried topper	Freeze dried topper	Freeze dried meal or topper	Freeze dried meal or topper
Protein (Ingredients)	Beef	Turkey	Turkey, chicken	Whitefish, salmon
Protein Analysis	60% min	70% min	31% min	30% min
Calories	219 kcal/cup ME	170 kcal/cup ME	411 kcal/cup ME	360 kcal/cup ME
Meets AAFCO Standards?	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Intermittent or supplemental feeding only	Yes	Yes

Some dogs need a single protein for a sensitive stomach, and Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters satisfy that requirement. Grain-free and made with 100 percent raw freeze-dried pieces of meat, Bowl Boosters are easy to serve and simple to add to a meal.

This pet food topper can be mixed in or placed atop the dog’s food. It contains one main ingredient, a single source of protein, along with ingredients to preserve freshness. It can be used as a snack and is rich in nutrients, flavor, and palatability. 

Highlights

• Package contains about 1 cup to mix into a dog’s food
• Raw freeze-dried meat is the main ingredient
• Available in several varieties
• Grain-free and protein-rich
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider

• A 4-ounce bag can be used up quickly 
• The freeze-dried meat is raw
• Pieces are about the size of a chickpea
• Can be used a snack but in moderation 

What Are Dog Food Toppers?

Dog food toppers are exactly what they sound like: an item that “tops” your dog’s food. Topper varieties include freeze-dried, dry, moist (like gravies), and broths. 

No matter what type of food your dog eats—from raw to frozen, kibble to canned—toppers allow for an easy, nutritious way to add flavor and benefit to your pup’s meals. 

“They can be used as an appetizer, an aid in administering medications or supplements, and to enhance nutrition,” says Dr. Laurie S. Coger, veterinarian and founder of Healthy Dog Workshop. 

As pet parents become more educated, realize the health benefits of a nutritious meal, and treat their dogs like family, pet food toppers are making their mark. According to PetBusiness.com, one of the driving factors in the growth of the dog food toppers and mixers category is their nutritional value. 

In human terms, you could sit down with a bowl of oatmeal every morning or add some nuts, grains, fruits, or syrups to the bowl for a flavor and nutrition boost. The same is true for dog food toppers, which are available in several formats including:

• Freeze-dried raw
• Gravy
• Crunchy toppers 
• Powders
• Broths

Pet humanization, sometimes called anthropomorphism, is more common these days, with people feeding their pets “human-like” meals with “human-like” trends. PetAge.com says nutritious, good food is essential for people and pets. As a result, pet parents want products that are made with high-quality ingredients.

Dog Food Toppers Buyer’s Guide

Benefits of Dog Food Toppers

In addition to pleasing your pup’s palate, there are nutritional benefits to dog food toppers. Wet toppers, such as gravies and broths, can provide hydration. Dogs who don’t drink enough water or get frequent urinary tract infections may benefit. 

Kibble can be hard on a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, but toppers and mixers add moisture to the diet. By adding a healthy topper, dry dog food may be more digestible. Dogs may grow tired of eating the same food—and who among us wouldn’t be bored eating the same thing day after day—so toppers encourage pets to eat and get the nutrients they need.

Dogs who are sick, are on medication, undergoing treatments, or aren’t feeling good may lose their appetite. Enticing a dog with pet food toppers may benefit even the most stubborn, finicky, or uninterested eater. As a bonus, dogs who are losing weight get more calories in their diet.

Senior pets and those with fewer teeth may do well on toppers. Some dogs lose their enthusiasm to eat with time, but toppers give pet food a boost. Some people use crunchy toppers as a delicious treat, to fill a Kong toy, or as a training reward. 

A few other benefits of pet food toppers include:

• Additional protein for dogs who need an extra boost
• Added vitamins and minerals
• More fruits and vegetables in the dog’s diet
• Moisture added to dry food
• Surprise your dog by rotating flavors 

Dog Food Toppers: What To Look For

Like all pet products, dog food toppers vary in nutritional value. Coger advises pet parents to watch out for any toxic or dangerous ingredients on the topper’s label.

“I would also avoid cooked fats or overcooked meats, as the content of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is implicated in degenerative diseases, premature aging, and some cancers,” she notes. “Statements such as ‘formulated by a veterinarian’ aren’t required by law or necessarily even fully truthful.”

In the same way some dogs prefer chicken over beef, the sniff and eat test is the best way to see if your dog enjoys a topper. Before adding anything new to his diet, always check with your veterinarian first. 

A few questions to ask yourself before adding a dog food topper to your pet’s diet:

• How many calories per serving or topper? (Will you need to decrease the amount of food served due to the caloric boost?)
• What type of topper will your dog like: broth or gravy, food rolls, canned dog food, dried kibble topper like freeze-dried or air-dried?
• Are there extra additives, sugar, or salt in the topper that may do more harm than good?
• Is a dog food topper necessary, or is it time to consider changing the dog’s food?
• Does the product require refrigerated storage?
• Cost considerations: Is a dog food topper in your budget?
• Is it made and/or sourced in the United States?
• Are there any specific safety certifications noted on the labeling?
• Does your dog have sensitivity to any of the ingredients?

Pro tip: Read the label as you would a human food: with a close eye, scrutiny, and certainty that your dog will benefit in some way from consuming the product. 

Dog Food Toppers: Tips and Advice 

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, so ensure you are counting calories your dog consumes each day. Use a pet nutrition calorie counter to determine your pet’s recommended caloric intake and talk to your veterinarian for guidance when using dog food toppers.

A recent U.S. pet obesity survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention classified 55.8 percent of dogs as overweight or obese. A veterinarian should always examine dogs who aren’t eating or simply refuse their food.

Dog food toppers can be an enticing treat and easy way to mix up your dog’s meals, but use caution. Sometimes dogs can become finicky and refuse to eat their food when too many things are added too often. “I prefer fresh foods as toppers, whether meat, vegetable, bone broth, etc.,” Coger says. 

If you are thinking of making a homemade dog food topper, use the same scrutiny and discretion you would when adding anything new to your dog’s diet. Understand the types of food and ingredients dogs should avoid and what is nutritionally safe to feed. 

Here’s to happy, healthy eating with good ingredients and wholesome pet food toppers when needed!