These dog food toppers are made using natural ingredients and add a boost of nutrition and flavor at mealtimes.
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6 Best Dog Food Toppers To Keep Your Pup Happy and Healthy
Updated on Apr. 25, 2024
Similar to people, dogs can get sick of eating the same food over and over again. Instead of going out and buying a whole new bag of kibble or overdoing it with treats, try adding dog food toppers to their bowl. These additions can be as simple as pour-over bone broth, wet food, sprinkles or even sardines. The point isn’t to replace their normal meals or vet-recommended diet altogether, it’s only to incentivize them to eat their food on days when they’re being picky.
Thankfully, the best dog food toppers on the market can be found at online retailers like Chewy and Amazon, making it easy to purchase multiple options in order to find the right fit for your canine. Each option on this list is made of natural ingredients that offer additional protein and added flavors to keep pups healthy and happy.
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Best overall dog food topper
Solid Gold Turkey Bone Broth
It’s no secret that dogs are super smart animals, so we wouldn’t be shocked if extremely picky eaters tried to get away with only eating the dog food toppers and leaving the kibble behind. Luckily, that’s not the case with bone broth since the liquid coats the dog food itself. Plus, the smell and taste are so irresistible, they likely won’t want to leave anything behind in their bowls anyway.
What’s great about this pouch in particular is it can be resealed and used again within seven days of opening. It’s available in single containers and in bulk so you can try it out before committing to a big batch.
Pros
- Main ingredient is turkey bone broth
- 100% human-grade
- Naturally occurring collagen
- Available in single pouches and in bulk
- Resealable
Cons
-
Can make food soggy if not eaten right away
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Best wet food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Canned Dog Food
Most dogs gravitate toward wet food more than kibble due to the tasty gravy on top, which is why this canned pick is one of the best dog food toppers. Better yet, Hill’s Science Diet is one of five approved dog brands by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), so you know this canned food is packed with nutritional value. Given that a single can is at least one meal in itself, you only need a small amount on top of their dry food to get them intrigued. The rest can be saved and eaten within the next 24 hours.
Pros
- Easy-to-digest, high-quality ingredients
- Everyday diet dog food
- Brand approved by the AVMA
- Supports heart health
Cons
-
Recommended only for adult dogs 1 to 6 years old
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Best broth
The Honest Kitchen Superfood Pour Overs
The Honest Kitchen Pour Overs stand out from other versions of bone broth because it incorporates delicious chunks of food, providing a tasty treat-like experience for dogs. Each case comes with 12 boxes, with each box containing 5.5 ounces of dog food topper—enough for approximately two servings.
The broth resembles a stew and is created using human-grade ingredients, emitting an appetizing smell. It does not contain artificial flavors or preservatives and is non-GMO, making it a healthy choice suitable for dogs of all ages. The broth can be used as is or warmed up to enhance its aroma.
Pros
- Tasty and nutritious bone broth recommended by vets
- Chunky consistency
- All-natural ingredients
- 100% human-grade
- Healthy choice for all ages
Cons
-
Only available in bulk
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Best sprinkles
Crumps’ Naturals Beef Liver Sprinkles
If you want quick and easy dog food toppers that can be reused for more than a few days, look no further than Crumps’ Naturals Sprinkles. It consists of only two ingredients, beef and rosemary extract. The pieces are small enough to prevent your dog from picking them out of their food. Not to mention it’s a highly cost-effective choice, and a small amount goes a long way.
Among the 4,000+ five-star ratings on Amazon, one satisfied reviewer, Sarah, even describes it as “magic dust” due to its remarkable effectiveness. Another happy customer, Bianca, echoes her sentiment, writing: “I have the pickiest dog ever. Whenever I top his food with this, he goes crazy! It’s nice seeing him finally eat! This stuff is magic. Highly recommend.”
Pros
- Only two ingredients
- Easy to add to food
- Budget-friendly
- Long-lasting
Cons
-
Easy to overfeed
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Most natural
Chicken of the Sea Sardines in Water
Sardines serve as an excellent alternative to broth and sprinkles for dogs who need to visually see the presence of dog food toppers. Although they might emit an unpleasant smell to us, it proves irresistible to them. Opting for sardines packed in water (avoiding oil) provides an abundance of additional protein and Omega 3 fatty acids, while also enhancing the flavor of regular dry food.
Experts suggest that large breed dogs can consume up to three sardines daily. However, as it significantly increases the meal’s calorie content, it is advised to adjust their daily intake accordingly.
Pros
- Wild-caught and responsibly-sourced sardines
- Contains only simple ingredients—with no preservatives
- Stored in water
- High in protein and Omega 3 fatty acids
- Gluten-free
Cons
-
Might have an unpleasant odor for some
Best dried
Solid Gold Air Dried Dog Food Topper
Pros:
- Doubles as a treat or food topper
- Available in three flavors
- Can be purchased in bulk or small packets
Cons:
- Pricier compared to other toppers
If you’re looking for a versatile option that works as a dog treat and a food topper, consider this air-dried dog food topper from Solid Gold. Available in three flavors—beef, chicken or bacon—start with a small four-ounce trial size to see how it works for your pet before investing in larger one- or two-pound bags. These treats gently air-dry to preserve the meat’s nutrients and flavor, ensuring they taste great for your dog.
What to consider when buying dog food toppers
If you’re new to dog food toppers, start with a single bag, pouch or can before committing to bulk purchases. Toppers aren’t meant for everyday consumption and should be used as needed. When choosing the best topper for your dog, consider their favorite treats, whether that’s chicken snacks, salmon bites, veggies or fruit.
FAQ
