What are Dog Food Toppers?

TL;DR: Dog Food Toppers Enhance Meals and Health

• Purpose: Add excitement and nutrition to regular dog meals.
• Benefits: Increases nutrient intake, hydration, and enhances flavor; allows dietary customization.
• Types: Broths, gravies, pates, freeze-dried meats, vegetables, and fish oil.
• Usage: Can be applied on top, underneath kibble, or as a snack/treat.

As pet parents, finding the perfect food for your pup is all about balance. You want your dog to have a complete and balanced diet but also a meal they enjoy eating.

But sometimes, the same old kibble or wet food can become boring. That's where dog food toppers swim into the picture!

Whether it’s to boost nutrition or just to add a splash of extra flavor, dog kibble toppers can make mealtime exciting again. Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of dog food toppers and explore how these delicious additions can support your pet’s health.

Dog Food Toppers 101

Dog food toppers are exactly what they sound like – a delicious and nutritious way to enhance your furry friend's everyday meals. Think of them as the seasoning on a meal or the cherry on top of a sundae, only much healthier and chosen to cater to your dog's dietary needs.

Benefits of Dog Food Toppers

Of course, toppers are more than just a tasty treat. Here are some of the benefits of incorporating high-quality dog meal toppers into your pet’s mealtime:

• Nutritional Enhancement: Many toppers are formulated to be high in nutrients that your dog may not be getting enough of from kibble or wet food alone. They often include additional vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, which are crucial for your dog's overall health. For example, toppers rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve skin and coat health, amongst many other benefits.
• Increased Hydration: Hydration is vital for your dog’s health, affecting everything from kidney function to digestion. Wet toppers like broths, gravies, or wet food mixes can significantly increase your dog's water intake. This is especially beneficial for dogs that are reluctant to drink enough water on their own and regularly eat dry dog food.
• Enhanced Flavor and Aroma: Did you know that dogs have their own palate for flavors? The American Kennel Club shares that dogs have individual preferences to tastes, but often gravitate toward moist foods. Toppers can dramatically improve how enticing your dog's meal is. The added flavors and smells can be a game-changer, especially for picky eaters.
• Dietary Customization: Toppers allow pet parents to tailor their dog's diet more to meet health conditions or nutritional needs. This customization can be particularly beneficial for managing weight, sensitivities, or specific dietary restrictions.

What are Good Toppers for Dog Food?

Not all dog meal toppers are created equal. It’s important to find high-quality toppers that offer a variety of benefits without adding too many more calories to mealtimes. These are widely considered to be good toppers for dog food:

Broths, Gravies, and Pates

Perfect for pouring or squeezing over dry kibble, these options are not just about enticing flavors; they are excellent for hydration, too. Adding these moisture-rich toppers can help prevent dehydration and promote healthier digestion.

You can often find savory bone broth or chicken gravy to add to kibble, but seafood is another option with potentially more added benefits. Seafood pate made with premium quality salmon delivers vital Omega-3 fatty acids that promote skin, fur, heart, eye, and cognitive health for both cats and dogs, while also providing additional hydration.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is an amazing addition to your dog’s food, particularly because of its rich concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats are not produced naturally by your dog's body and therefore must be obtained from their diet. Whether used as a drizzle over kibble, wet food, or mixed into other toppers, fish oil can contribute to a healthier, more lustrous coat and improved heart, brain, eye, joint, and digestive health.

Freeze-dried or Dehydrated Meats

These toppers are a hit among canines due to their intense flavor and crunchy texture. They offer a convenient way to add raw nutrition to your dog's diet, however, you should be cautious if your dog has a food sensitivity to any common proteins.

Cooked Vegetables

From canned pumpkin puree to cooked peas and carrots, these veggies can provide some excitement for mealtime and add some extra nutrients. Speaking to Forbes, Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, D.V.M. advises that 90% of your dog’s diet should come from regular food, while 10% can be made up of healthy treats that include fruits and vegetables.

Some dogs may have trouble digesting raw veggies, so it’s important to steam them and even puree them to help.

Are Dog Food Toppers Healthy?

As you can see, dog meal toppers can be a healthy addition to your pet’s diet. It all depends on the quality of the ingredients. Choose toppers that are not only delicious but also prioritize supporting your pet’s overall health.

This starts with ingredients. Look for toppers made with whole, recognizable ingredients without fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives. High-quality proteins should be at the top of the list, and remember that the simpler the ingredient list, the better. Also, keep an eye on moisture content and calorie count.

If you’re curious about the best dog food topper for your pup, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. They can help you understand which ingredients and portions are best for your dog’s health and dietary needs.

How to Use Dog Food Toppers

Dog food toppers are a convenient addition to your dog’s diet. However, as the experts at Dogster explain, toppers don’t always have to go “on top” of your dog’s kibble. Here are a few suggestions for how to incorporate this extra boost into your pet’s food.

1. On Top of Kibble: The classic way to add a topper to dry kibble.
2. Underneath Kibble: This is a great way to encourage your pet to eat their dry food first.
3. As a Snack: Some dog food toppers can also be standalone snacks.
4. As a Treat: Consider using a tasty topper as a treat or for added enrichment.

At Boat to Bowl, we recommend adding two tbsp. of our Seafood Pate topper per 15 lbs. body weight each day on top of dry food or wet food. Or, add a few quick squeezes (about ½ tbsp. per 10 lbs. body weight) of our Fish Oil Omega food topper directly on top of dry or wet food every day. The right dog toppers can enhance your pup's health while making mealtime exciting. Shop our dog food toppers now, also available at a Target near you!