The 5 Best Dog Food Toppers For Picky Eaters

Though most dogs will eat just about anything, others need to be coaxed, begged, or even downright duped into chowing down. Some pooches are naturally picky, while others may have all sorts of reasons for not being hungry, including medical conditions. Regardless, every dog needs to eat, and dog food toppers make it easier to entice your furry friend to enjoy whatever’s on the menu. Sometimes referred to as kibble toppers, these tasty additions can provide extra flavor, texture, and extra nutrients to your dog’s meal to make it more appetizing. However, not all toppers are created equal, so it’s important to know what to look for when selecting one for your pet. To help you find the best dog food toppers for your dog’s needs, we rounded up a varied assortment of our favorites.

Best Dog Food Toppers to Consider

Just like individual people, every dog has preferences and quirks, so there’s no single dog food topper we can deem “the best.” Still, there are features that can help you sort out the best from the rest, and doing so will probably simplify your search.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to choose a dog food topper that is made from high-quality, natural ingredients. Look for products that use real meat or fish, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid those that contain artificial preservatives, fillers, or byproducts. This will help ensure that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition from their food topper.

It’s also important to consider the type of topper that will work best for your dog’s needs. Some toppers come in wet or gravy form, which can be great for adding moisture and flavor to dry kibble. Others come in a freeze-dried or dehydrated form, which can be more convenient and long-lasting, but may require rehydration before feeding. Choose a topper that suits your dog’s preferences and needs. Obviously, you’ll need to take your own lifestyle into account, too, as more high-maintenance options may require more time.

When selecting a topper, it’s also a good idea to take your dog’s health and dietary needs into account. If your dog has food sensitivities or allergies, look for toppers that are free of common allergens like dairy or soy. If your dog is overweight or has a tendency to gain weight, opt for toppers that are low in calories and fat.

Finally, don’t forget to consider your budget. While high-quality options may be more expensive, they are often worth the investment for the health and happiness of your furry friend. Look for deals and promotions, or consider buying in bulk to save money over time.

Stella & Chewy’s Dog Food Topper

While some folks choose to add scrumptious treats or even expensive wet food to their dog’s kibble to make it more appetizing, there’s another way. This “dust” from Stella & Chewy’s is a paw-lickin’ good alternative that’s easier to use and equally delicious. Thanks to its nifty easy-pour spout, all you have to do is tilt the package and sprinkle a little bit of the powder on top of your dog’s meal. From there, the alluring aromas will take over. Those aromas come from foods that dogs can’t resist, such as chicken liver, organs, and bone, as well as healthy vegetables and fruits, such as blueberries and spinach. The formulation is also replete with fiber, taurine for heart health, and probiotics to support Buster’s digestion. And for us, it’s the premium quality of the ingredients that sets this apart from other powdered dog food toppers.

Pros:

• Produced in the USA
• Works for dogs of all ages
• A little goes a long way

• If it isn’t mixed in well with food, your dog may just lick the powder and ignore the rest of the meal
• A bit pricy, but as we mentioned, a little goes a long way

The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Topper

Mega-popular with dog parents all over the world, this beloved offering wins our top marks. Sure, it isn’t the cheapest option on the market, but when it comes to our dogs’ diets, we like to think of it as an investment. What we really like about this formulation is that it can be used as a topper or as a complete meal on its own. As such, its nutritional profile is well-rounded. Here you’ll find many flavors on offer, such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and more. And since there are so many different sizes available, you can pick the one that best suits your needs. When it comes to toppers, this one stands out — and it’s the company’s sterling reputation that bumps this formulation up even higher up our list than it otherwise might.

Pros:

• Free of preservatives, GMO ingredients, and other potential nasties
• Packed with whole-food ingredients
• Enormous range of sizes and flavors

Cons:

• Some dogs may not take to it, but most seem to
• If you use it frequently, the costs can add up

Crumps’ Dog Food Topper

We were amazed when we discovered this affordable option, which seems to outcompete many of the fancy, high-ticket dog food toppers on the market. Made of 100% beef liver, this is a product made with a winning philosophy: keep it simple. It contains no additives or preservatives — seemingly, it’s made of nothing but pure flavor. We love how easy it is to use. As mentioned earlier, powdered toppers are a breeze, and this one is no exception. And because it’s low in fat, it may be a good option for dogs on a diet or suffering from pancreatitis. That being said, don’t take medical advice from us at Dogtime — instead, always check with your vet when making dietary changes to your dog’s regimen.

Pros:

• Unlike some dog food toppers, this scent is bearable
• Excellent price
• Family-owned company

Cons:

• If your dog has a sensitive tummy, this may irritate it
• Some may find it to be too powdery

The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Topper

Typically, when people talk about dog food toppers, they seem to focus on dry options. But what many dog parents don’t realize is that wet toppers can be just as viable an option. This bone broth topper from The Honest Kitchen proves that. Made of 100% human-grade ingredients (instead of low-quality feed-grade), this formulation isn’t just tasty, it’s also packed with potent nutrients. Dogs seem to go wild over the Beef Stew flavor, which complements kibble marvelously. Simply open the box and pour a little bit over your dog’s dry food, and then refrigerate the container. Don’t be surprised if, by the time you close the refrigerator door, your pooch has already scarfed down their entire dinner.

Pros:

• Made in the USA
• Sourced from minimally processed whole foods
• Contains no fillers

Cons:

• Boxes aren’t so easy to open
• A bit pricy

Natural Dog Company Dog Food Topper

Strange as it may seem to you or me, many dogs can’t think of a more appetizing way to top their dinner than by adding a couple pumps of fish oil on top. Though we prefer ketchup ourselves, we appreciate how much dogs seem to like this, as it makes our lives as pet parents a lot easier. Derived from wild Alaskan salmon, this fish oil topper is jam-packed with healthy omega fats. That means it can help improve the sheen of your dog’s coat, their skin, and possibly their eyesight. We also appreciate that, with this American-made option, you can feel confident about the sourcing of the formulation’s ingredients. It’s produced in an FDA-registered facility from just a single ingredient: the aforementioned wild Alaskan salmon.

 

Pros:

• Single-ingredient formulation
• Easy to use and store
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• As you might expect, it does smell fishy, but the scent is not too strong
• Could make a mess if your dog tends to scatter their food around outside the bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a dog’s sharp olfactory sense impact their enjoyment of dog food toppers?

Dogs have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, with up to 300 million olfactory receptors compared to humans’ measly 6 million. This means that smells are much more important to dogs than they are to us, which can greatly impact their enjoyment of food. Dog food toppers are often designed with strong aromas to entice dogs to eat, as the robust aromas can stimulate a dog’s appetite and make them more excited about their meal. By adding a flavorful topper to their regular food, you can make mealtime more enjoyable for your dog and encourage them to eat a balanced, nutritious diet.

Can dog food toppers be used for dogs with health issues?

Yes, dog food toppers can be a great way to add additional nutrition and hydration to a dog’s diet, especially for dogs with health issues. For example, toppers with added joint supplements can benefit dogs with arthritis, while toppers with added fiber can benefit dogs with digestive issues. However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before adding any new food items to your dog’s diet, especially if they have a health condition.

Can I use dog food toppers for my puppy?

If it’s appropriate, definitely. However, it’s important to choose age-appropriate toppers that are formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of growing pups. Also, it’s not a good idea to rely on food toppers too much, because if you do, your dog might not want to eat anything without toppers in the future, which leads us to the next point.

Are there any downsides to using dog food toppers?

One potential downside of using dog food toppers is that, much like dog treats, some dogs may become reliant on them and refuse to eat their regular food without the topper. It’s important to use toppers in moderation and encourage your dog to eat their regular food as well. Additionally, some toppers may contain ingredients that could trigger food sensitivities or allergies in certain dogs, so it’s important to read the labels carefully and choose a topper that is appropriate for your dog’s needs.

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