As a devoted pet parent, your utmost priority is ensuring your canine companion enjoys a vibrant, healthy life. This commitment entails providing a well-rounded diet that is rich in essential nutrients for sustaining their vitality and bolstering their immune resilience.
However, navigating your dog’s dietary needs can pose challenges. Whether contending with a discerning palate or endeavoring to transition away from enticing yet nutritionally deficient kibble, refining your dog’s dietary regimen demands diligence. Fortunately, incorporating the best dog food toppers offers a solution, enriching your pup’s meals with supplementary nutrients and tantalizing flavors, encouraging them to embrace healthier, raw meal options.
Best dog food toppers
Honest Kitchen Pour Overs
Honest Kitchen Pour Overs
Honest Kitchen Pour Overs offers a variety of pourable stew flavors, including chicken, turkey, lamb, and beef, turkey and pumpkin, chicken and pumpkin, beef, turkey and salmon, chicken, and salmon and pumpkin.
Each 5.5-ounce serving is packed with human-grade ingredients, providing a delicious and nutritious meal enhancement for your beloved canine companion.
Pros
Mix of broth and chunks
Limited ingredients and no additives or fillers
Made in the United States with human-grade ingredients
Easy to pour and reuse
Cons
Cartons can be hard to open.
A fusion of broth and chunks, these savory stews are crafted to enhance your dog’s mealtime experience. Honest Kitchen prides itself on pioneering human-grade ingredients in pet food, evident in these delectable pour-overs. With a commitment to quality, they contain limited ingredients and are free from GMOs, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
Offering an array of nine enticing flavor combinations, ranging from single proteins like chicken or turkey to blends with pumpkin for digestive support, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Slow-cooked to perfection, these stews can be gently warmed for added allure. Each box provides at least two servings, ensuring freshness for your furry friend’s enjoyment. While the cartons may pose a slight challenge to open, they can be securely closed and refrigerated until the next meal.
Furthermore, Honest Kitchen offers fortified meal boosters for additional nutrients alongside dry kibble and pate-style options, all crafted with human-grade, whole ingredients.
Portland Pet Food Company Meal Pouch (Best Wet Food)
Portland Pet Food Company Meal Pouch (Best Wet Food)
Portland Pet Food Company Meal Pouches offers a variety of wet dog food flavors, including beef and rice, turkey and yams, chicken and yams, pork and potato, and salmon and rice.
Each 9-ounce pouch contains human-grade U.S.-sourced ingredients.
No thawing or water addition is needed, but pouches are not resealable.
Pros
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
Cons
Pouches aren’t resealable.
Rip open a Portland Pet Food meal pouch, and you’re greeted with an aroma akin to something you’d serve on your plate. Made with human-grade, recognizable, natural ingredients such as chicken, eggs, yams, kale, salmon, and carrots, the food is meticulously sourced and crafted in the U.S., ensuring quality and freshness.
Portland Pet Food Company prioritizes domestic sourcing, unlike many competitors who source ingredients globally. Free from artificial preservatives, colorings, additives, and meat byproducts, this food offers a wholesome meal for your furry friend. You can tailor your dog’s diet to avoid allergies or enhance their nutritional variety with five protein options.
As it’s essentially wet food, there’s no need for thawing or adding water; scoop a spoonful onto your pup’s regular dinner. Store at room temperature until opened, then refrigerate for up to five days. However, the lack of resealable pouches is a minor inconvenience, requiring alternative storage methods to maintain freshness.
Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers (Best Freeze-Dried Raw)
Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers (Best Freeze-Dried Raw)
Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers provide freeze-dried raw chunks from 1 ounce to 35 ounces, with flavors like chicken, beef, lamb, salmon and cod, turkey, duck and goose, and pork.
Made with 95% meat, organs, and bones from responsibly sourced proteins and supplemented with organic fruits and vegetables, they offer a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet, whether dry or wet.
Pros
95 percent meat, organs, and bones
Organic fruits and vegetables and responsibly sourced meats
It can be used dry or wet
Cons
Sometimes, pieces are crushed and powdery.
Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers boast an impressive ingredient list, exemplifying their commitment to quality. Crafted in the U.S. with global ingredients, their food is free from grains, gluten, hormones, and artificial preservatives or colors. These meal mixers comprise 95 percent meat, organs, and bones sourced from grass-fed, cage-free, or wild-caught proteins, complemented by certified organic fruits and vegetables.
These freeze-dried raw chunks offer versatility, whether sprinkled dry over your dog’s meal or rehydrated with water. Some trainers recommend breaking them into smaller pieces to use as high-value treats for extra motivation. With various proteins and sizes available, there’s ample choice to suit your dog’s preferences.
Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Boost Mixers (Best Sprinkles)
Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Boost Mixers (Best Sprinkles)
Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Boost Mixers offer natural, freeze-dried raw bits in 6-ounce and 14-ounce flavors, including chicken, lamb, and beef.
Made in the United States with international ingredients, these mixers feature responsibly sourced proteins without artificial additives.
The resealable bag ensures freshness and convenience in storage.
Pros
Responsibly sourced ingredients
No artificial ingredients, colors, or preservatives
Resealable bag
Made in the United States (with international ingredients)
Cons
It can be powdery if not stored or transported well.
Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Boost Mixers offer natural, freeze-dried raw bits without artificial additives. These versatile mixers can be used whole or crumbled, dry or moistened, providing flexibility in feeding options. With variations targeting specific health concerns such as skin and coat, gut health, or immune support, there’s an option to suit every need.
Crafted in the United States with international ingredients, including responsibly sourced proteins like cage-free chicken and grass-fed lamb, these mixers prioritize quality. They offer a wholesome addition to your dog’s diet and are free from grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, byproduct meals, artificial colors, or preservatives. Each bag features a convenient resealable design, ensuring freshness and ease of use.
Solid Gold Bone Broth (Best Broth)
Solid Gold Bone Broth (Best Broth)
Solid Gold Bone Broth offers 8-ounce pouches of beef, turkey, or chicken flavors.
Made with human-grade ingredients, including meat proteins and vegetables, it can be served as is or warmed up.
Its high collagen content and added turmeric may help reduce inflammation.
Once opened, the resealable pouches can be refrigerated for up to seven days.
Pros
Can be served as is or warmed up
Human-grade ingredients
Lasts seven days after opening if refrigerated
Resealable pouches
Cons
It might spill when opened.
Solid Gold Bone Broth offers versatility, whether served directly from the pouch or warmed for a comforting treat. Made with a select blend of human-grade ingredients, including meat proteins and vegetables, these aromatic liquids are high in collagen, potentially aiding in inflammation reduction. Additionally, the inclusion of turmeric provides added health benefits.
Bone broth is ideal for enticing picky eaters and elevates a bowl of dry kibble. Once opened, pouches can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for extended storage. While twist-off containers are resealable, be cautious as they may leak if not kept upright.
Alternatively, you can explore The Doggo Bio’s comprehensive guide to the best dog foods for picky eaters.
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food (Best Premium)
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food (Best Premium)
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food offers various sizes ranging from 3.5 ounces to 22 ounces and flavors including pork, beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and surf and turf.
It is made with responsibly sourced and organic ingredients and contains no artificial additives or preservatives.
This premium option provides six different proteins for a well-rounded diet.
Pros
Responsibly sourced and organic ingredients
No artificial additives or preservatives
Six different proteins
Cons
It is more expensive than many others.
Open Farm prioritizes natural, responsibly sourced whole ingredients in their freeze-dried raw dog food. Humanely raised meats and wild-caught salmon are combined with organic elements like carrots, blueberries, and squash, ensuring a wholesome diet free from artificial flavors, preservatives, or additives.
These freeze-dried raw kernels can be used as a dry sprinkle topper or hydrated with warm water before serving. Additionally, Open Farm offers chicken, turkey, and beef bone broth options to enhance meals, featuring human-grade ingredients and convenient, reusable cartons and pouches.
I and Love and You Meal Enhancer (Best Fortified)
I and Love and You Meal Enhancer (Best Fortified)
I and Love, and You Meal Enhancer offers 3-ounce wet meal toppers in beef, chicken, and duck flavors.
Enriched with omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, they promote healthy skin and coat, aid digestion, and provide superfood benefits.
With meat as the first ingredient and no fillers or preservatives, they prioritize quality and nutrition.
Pros
No fillers, preservatives, colors, or flavors
Fortified with omegas, minerals, and vitamins
Meat is the first ingredient
Made in the United States (with global ingredients)
Cons
Pouches aren’t resealable.
I Love, and You Meal Enhancer offers three flavors of wet meal toppers fortified with omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. These extras promote healthy skin and coat, aid digestion, or provide superfood benefits. With meat as the first ingredient and no fillers, byproducts, flavors, colors, preservatives, or carrageenan, these toppers prioritize quality and nutrition.
Conveniently packaged in a box of a dozen pouches, they are easy to store in the pantry. While the pouches are simple to open, it’s unfortunate that they aren’t resealable. However, any unused portions can be refrigerated for several days.
Instinct Healthy Cravings Grain Free Recipe Variety Pack Dog Food Topper (Best Variety Pack)
Instinct Healthy Cravings Grain Free Recipe Variety Pack Dog Food Topper (Best Variety Pack)
Instinct Healthy Cravings Grain Free Recipe Variety Pack offers a selection of beef, chicken, and lamb flavors, with four pouches each in the 12-pack.
Made in the United States with all-natural ingredients and no artificial coloring or preservatives, it promotes healthier skin and coat and aids digestion.
While suitable for all life stages, some dogs may not enjoy every flavor.
Pros
All-natural ingredients
Made in the United States
Grain-free
No artificial coloring
Cons
Some dogs only like some of the flavors.
Instinct’s Healthy Cravings Grain Free Recipe Variety Pack is the answer when seeking variety. This pack includes three flavors—beef, chicken, and lamb—with four pouches of each flavor, providing ample options for your furry friend.
The meaty pieces in gravy resemble wet dog food and are made in the United States with no artificial coloring or preservatives. According to the brand, this food promotes healthier skin and coats and aids digestion. However, some dogs may only enjoy some of the flavors offered in the 12-pack. Suitable for all life stages, from puppy to senior, this dog food topper can also be given as a standalone treat.
And you can explore The Doggo Bio’s detailed guide to the best senior dog foods when your dog grown.
How to Choose The Best Dog Food Toppers
1. Ingredients:
Toppers typically feature one protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish, often with added fruits, vegetables, or other foods. Consider your pet’s dietary needs and any health issues.
“If your pet has a dietary sensitivity, make sure there is nothing in the topper that is going to aggravate their gastrointestinal tract or skin,” advises Kathy Baker, DVM, of Lucy’s Veterinary Care. Avoid unnecessary additives like artificial coloring, which can be problematic for some pets.
Some toppers claim “human grade,” indicating that all ingredients and resulting products meet human food safety standards. While human-grade foods may not necessarily be healthier, they usually contain recognizable ingredients, appealing to many pet owners.
2. Types:
Dog food toppers come in various forms, including freeze-dried chunks, stews, broths, and moist options. Freeze-dried chunks can be sprinkled whole or soaked in water or broth before serving. Stews and broths can be poured over regular food and mixed in, while moist toppers resemble wet dog food, allowing easy mixing with your pet’s meal.
3. Storage:
Most toppers do not require refrigeration before opening and can be stored in the pantry or cabinet. However, broths, stews, and wet foods need refrigeration once opened. Resealable packages facilitate storage, eliminating the need for secondary containers.
4. Serving Size:
Add a spoonful or two toppers to their regular meal to entice your dog. While some packages suggest larger serving sizes or can be fed as a complete meal, remember to introduce any new food gradually. “Remember it is an ‘extra’ and is not the primary source of nutrition,” emphasizes Dr. Baker.
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Frequently Ask Question
What is a dog food topper?
Dog food topper encompasses anything added to or mixed into a pet’s food. This can range from wet food combined with the usual dry diet to powdered supplements or human foods like meat, eggs, or cheese.
Commercially prepared toppers come in various forms, including dry options that can be sprinkled on top, stews and bone broths suitable for pouring over kibble, and wet food designed for mixing with dry meals.
Discover The Doggo Bio’s extensive guide to the best dry dog foods.
Do You Need Dog Food Toppers for a Balanced Diet?
While dog food toppers can offer added nutrients and flavors, they are optional for a balanced diet if your dog is already enjoying a healthy and complete diet featuring fresh dog food.
Your primary focus should be ensuring your dog receives a well-rounded diet encompassing all the essential nutrients they require.
Can kibble toppers for dogs help transition to a raw food diet?
Indeed, kibble toppers for dogs can aid in the transition to a raw food diet. These toppers play a valuable role in the transition process by enhancing the appeal of the new food and assisting your dog in adapting to the different tastes and textures of raw food.
Can dog food toppers help dogs gain weight?
Yes, dog food toppers benefit dogs aiming for diverse objectives, including weight management. The outcome hinges on the type of topper chosen and its provision method.
Opting for a high-protein topper effectively boosts calorie intake, fostering weight gain and muscle development. Conversely, a low-calorie broth, such as Brutus Bone Broth, can entice dogs to consume low-calorie dog food they might otherwise reject.
For recommendations, explore The Doggo Bio’s comprehensive guide to the best dog foods for weight gain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best dog food toppers is pivotal for pet owners seeking to enhance their furry companions’ dining experiences.
These toppers offer versatile solutions, whether aiming to entice picky eaters, introduce variety into their diet, or augment their nutrition. From freeze-dried chunks to flavorful broths, the options are diverse.
However, it’s crucial to prioritize quality ingredients, considering factors such as nutritional content, absence of additives, and sourcing practices.
By carefully selecting the proper toppers tailored to your dog’s preferences and dietary needs, you can elevate their mealtime enjoyment while ensuring they receive the essential nutrients they require for optimal health and vitality.