These nutritious toppers are great additions to your pup’s daily meals.
While dry food is a cheap way to give your dog the nutrients they need, sometimes kibble needs a little boost. That’s where food toppers come in. A food topper, which can be sprinkled atop your dog’s normal food, is a tasty way to help incorporate more nutrients into your pet’s diet.
Because picking the right dog food topper can be overwhelming, our team carefully reviewed several top products to find the best option for your dog. We ranked and rated each food topper based on a number of criteria, like safety, affordability, ease of use, the quality of the ingredients, and more. Here’s what we found.
Broth contains a healthy amount of collagen, which is good for dogs’ joints. Because of the limited, responsibly-sourced ingredients, our vet didn’t express any health concerns. The granules are easy to mix and help to entice even the pickiest of eaters. We definitely recommend this one!
The powdered form makes this topper super convenient to quickly shake over a bowl of kibble. Our vet Dr. Alleyne also likes this pick since it can easily be sprinkled over either dry or moist food, making it as versatile as it is delectable.
While pumpkin does have some health benefits, our vet Dr. Alleyne isn’t sure that this topper can live up to its claim of preventing diarrhea. That said, he does like how convenient it is to mix in with kibble.
Our vet recommends this product because it’s a quick and palatable way to add human-grade nutrition to your dog’s diet. However, the shelf life may be shorter than powdered options, so be sure to check the expiration date.
We scoured the internet for the most popular food toppers on the market, making sure to avoid added sugars, fats, and unwholesome ingredients like GMOs and meat byproducts. Our veterinarian also helped us narrow down our list before we purchased our selections. We then bought the products and sent them to our reviewer to see how they worked. After putting each topper to the test, our expert and vet then picked their favorite. Our “top pick” is the product that ranks the highest in all of our criteria.
Here’s a glance at how the toppers stack up against each other.
*price at the time of our review
Our veterinarian analyzed the chosen products for nutritional value and determined whether the ingredients were safe. Below are the categories we thought would be most important to dog parents when choosing between similar products:
That depends. Toppers are typically used to help entice a picky pet to eat or provide your dog with the nutrients they lack. Since some options can be high in fat, it’s best to use a topper as an occasional treat for added nutrition and hydration, rather than a long-term solution. Always consult your vet to determine what might be best for your dog. In addition, if your dog isn’t eating their normal meals, you should check with your pup’s veterinarian to see what might be going on.
👉 If your dog is truly just picky, our guide to food for picky eaters can help.
Toppers come in many different forms, so the best option for your dog will depend on their unique needs and preferences. Some toppers are designed to be mixed with water, while others are meant to be sprinkled on top of your dog’s daily meals.
There are a few benefits to using food toppers to supplement your pup’s meals, some of which are listed below:
Here’s what you need to think about when choosing a dog food topper.
Check the ingredients — In general, the best dog food toppers have ingredients like organic bone broth and vegetables. You should avoid toppers that are high in fat, carbohydrates, and sodium. You should also avoid any broth-based food topper that contains actual bones.
Count your dog’s calories — Treats and supplements shouldn’t account for more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. This will help keep your dog at a healthy weight and limit their risk of developing certain health conditions.
Start small — You should be especially aware of your dog’s food allergies and sensitivities if you’re considering feeding them a topper. You may want to give them a small amount initially to make sure there aren’t any issues. If your dog is allergic to a certain ingredient, you should also double-check the topper’s ingredient list.
Keep your pet’s history in mind — Dogs with a history of pancreatitis, obesity, or gastrointestinal disease should avoid using a food topper. These dogs tend to be on calorie-restrictive diets, so they really shouldn’t be given any treats or toppers. If you’re unsure what to feed your dog, always check with a vet.
Some toppers contain excess calories and can cause your dog to gain weight. Ideally, a food topper should be used in moderation to temporarily fix your dog’s pickiness or until you find a food they like. If your dog has a nutritional deficiency that the topper helps to address, then your vet may advise you to use it long term.
In small quantities, food toppers can be OK for puppies. That said, make sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure you’re feeding your dog the correct amount. Keep in mind that it can take a puppy some time to ease into a normal eating routine, so you should be patient with their diet.
Food toppers can be a great way to entice your dog to eat their food! Toppers can also have lots of extra nutritional value for dogs. If your dog is still refusing their food even with a topper, there might be something else going on. This is a sign that you should take your dog to the vet.
If your dog typically chows down on their food but suddenly won’t eat, they could be sick, so you’ll need to call your vet. If your pup ordinarily shows disdain for their dry food, however, then they might just be a picky eater. Talk to your vet about switching their formula to something they might enjoy more.
Broccoli, strawberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are all healthy, delicious toppers that your dog will love! If you want more suggestions, try asking your vet.
