What Are Dog Food Toppers? 

Pet parents who want to ensure their dogs enjoy their meals while also getting the necessary nutrition are increasingly turning to dog food toppers. But what are toppers for dog food, and which dogs truly benefit from them? Here’s what to know. 

What Are Dog Food Toppers?

Dog food toppers add to—not replace—a balanced diet for dogs. They are an easy way to add specific nutrients to their diet or to give regular dog food a flavor boost. However, dog food toppers usually don’t provide complete nutrition themselves.  

Many types of toppers for dog food are available, including: 

• Tasty sprinkle powders  

• Meaty freeze-dried or air-dried chunks  

• Wet foods 

• Gravies 

• Broths 

Despite the “topper” name, it’s usually best to thoroughly mix a dog food topper into a dog’s food. Mixing prevents dogs from eating just the topper, leaving their food (and most of its nutritional value) behind in the bowl. 

Benefits of Dog Food Toppers

To be clear: Dog food toppers are optional and not a necessary part of a dog’s diet. With that said, they can provide several benefits. 

1. They Make Meals More Exciting

Dry dog food is convenient and usually less expensive than other types of diets, but for some dogs, it’s not all that appealing. Adding a topper can encourage picky dogs to eat.  

You can rotate through different toppers to add variety at mealtimes without making significant changes to your dog’s diet. 

2. They Add Moisture

Toppers that contain a lot of water, like broths, are a tasty way to soften kibble. You can even add a water-rich topper to wet dog food to maximize a dog’s water intake and keep them well-hydrated.  

3. They Boost Protein

Some toppers are much higher in protein than typical dog foods. Adding a high-protein topper to dog food is an easy way to up your dog’s protein intake. 

4. They Promote Better Health

There are also healthy dog toppers that contain nutraceuticals, or food ingredients typically added to dog food for their health benefits.  

For example, a topper containing omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, benefiting dogs with conditions ranging from allergies to arthritis. 

How To Add Toppers to Your Dog’s Food

If you choose to add a topper to your dog’s diet, here are a few tips to help you avoid some of their potential pitfalls.

Keep a Focus on Food

A high-quality, complete, and balanced dog food still needs to take center stage in your dog’s diet. No topper can compensate for poor nutrition.  

Start Slow

Anything new that a dog eats can lead to an upset stomach, so make dietary changes gradually.  

Initially, add only a small amount of topper to your dog’s food and watch for symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, gassiness, and a poor appetite.  

Don’t Add Too Much

Many dog food toppers are labeled for “intermittent or supplemental feeding” because they don’t provide all the nutrition a dog needs.  

As a general rule, a complete and balanced dog food should supply 90% of a dog’s calories, and the remaining 10% can be from toppers, dog treats, and other extras. 

Reduce Calories Elsewhere

Toppers add calories to your dog’s diet. To prevent unwanted weight gain, make sure you cut back on other treats to compensate.  

Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions about the best way to incorporate a topper into your dog’s diet.  

Keep the Toppers Stored Properly

Some dog food toppers require refrigeration, while others do not or should only be refrigerated after you open the package.  

Follow the storage instructions that are printed on the label of any dog food topper you purchase. 

The Best Dog Food Toppers

Considering what you’re trying to accomplish is vital to picking out the best dog food toppers for your dog. Here are some vet-recommended options to get you started. 

• For picky eaters: The Honest Kitchen Superfood POUR OVERS Variety Pack Wet Dog Food Toppers come in a variety of flavors that are easy to mix in dry dog food. 

• Extra moisture: Merrick Chicken Bone Broth Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Topper is 97% moisture, flavored with chicken, sweet potato, apple, parsley, and turmeric. 

• Protein boost: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Toppers Wild Cuts Chunky Salmon Bites in Hearty Gravy Grain-Free Dog Food Topper contains 44% protein on a dry matter basis. 

• Skin and joint support: Marly & Dan Booster Omega-3 Treats & Topper Freeze-Dried Salmon for Dogs is a natural source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. 

• Joint care: Primalvore Free Range Chicken Bone Broth with Collagen & Turmeric Hip & Joint Support Grain-Free Liquid Dog Food Topper provides several ingredients known to promote joint health.

• Gut health: Instinct Raw Boost Shakers Chicken Recipe Gut Health Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food Topper contains probiotics, prebiotics, and other ingredients that support digestion and overall gut health. 

• Complete nutrition: Solid Gold Complete & Balanced Beef Recipe Air Dried Dog Food Topper provides complete nutrition, so you can use it to replace more than 10% of your dog’s current diet without the risk of nutrient imbalances.