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The 15 Best Dog Food Toppers [2024]

By: Kelli Brinegar
For more than five years, Kelli Brinegar has been using her ability to write and her passion for research to tell the tale of what cats are thinking and why. She has provided care to more than 30 cats in her lifetime.Read more
| January 3, 2024

Reviewed by: Dr. Theresa Fossum

Reviewed by:

Dr. Theresa Fossum

Meet Dr. Theresa (Terry) W. Fossum, DVM, MS. Ph.D., Diplomate ACVS – a remarkable animal lover whose passion for animal care and innovative solutions has left an indelible mark on the veterinary world. As the CEO of both Phoenix Animal Wellness and Epic Veterinary Specialists, she's ensuring dogs and cats receive the highest level of care and compassion.Read more
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If you’ve got a picky pup, our list of the best dog food toppers will rescue them from mealtime boredom while saving your sanity! When your furry one turns up their nose at the dinner they once found delicious, a dog parent will often find themselves stressed about what to do. But dog food toppers serve as an effective way to enhance the flavor of your dog’s regular meals. Plus, they also provide an extra boost of nutrients to ensure your pup gets the maximum nutritional benefits from mealtime.

But with so many options on the market, which dog food topper is the right one for your best friend? Worry not, dog lover; that’s where our list of the best dog food toppers comes in handy! We’ve scoured the market, consulted all the pups, and read the reviews to find the best of the best. Before we get there, though, here’s what to remember when choosing a dog food topper. Your dog will appreciate you checking out our FAQs about these tasty toppers, so start scrolling! 

best dog food topper

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Food Toppers?

What is a Dog Food Topper?

Kibble toppers are any product meant to go on top of dog food. They usually add flavor and nutrients to the meal, so they can enhance dry dog food.

Should I Add A Topper To My Dog’s Food?

No one likes to eat the same food over and over, including your pup! Food toppers for dogs are an excellent choice to upgrade their bland meals by bringing variation to ordinary kibble, making them more delicious. Plus, they’re a great way to entice picky eaters. Additionally, food toppers provide your dog with healthy nutrients and minerals. 

Are Wet Toppers Or Dry Dog Food Toppers Better?

Both wet and dry food toppers are equally delicious while providing almost the same nutritional value. Really, it comes down to your dog’s preference or what you think is easier to serve and store. Dry toppers tend to be shelf-stable and may have more vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, wet food toppers are a great way to keep your dog hydrated and make dry meals more enticing. If you’re interested in switching your dog to dehydrated food, see our 7 Best Dehydrated Dog Foods list.

Do Food Toppers Work for Picky Dogs?

If your dog is getting fussy about their regular meals, food toppers are an excellent option to help them enjoy dinnertime once again. Food toppers are flavorful, enhance the taste of ordinary kibble, and contain high nutritional value. Made with real meat, toppers can tempt your pup’s appetite and leave them licking their bowls clean.

best dog food topper

Are Dog Food Toppers Raw?

They can be, but not all food toppers are raw. Some are freeze-dried raw options because they can contain fresh ingredients and retain more nutrients that way. Yet, there are other options if you prefer not to give your dog raw food.

What Foods Can I Top My Dog’s Meals With?

Adding chopped raw vegetables or fresh fruit can naturally add flavor and nutrients to your dog’s meals. Plain eggs or meat can also benefit your dog by adding tasty protein.

Is It Ok To Put Broth In Dog Food?

Adding chicken or beef broth is a great way to provide your dog with extra nutrients. If your dog is a picky eater or has issues with hydration levels, including broth in their regular meals can aid in whetting their appetite and supplying them with much-needed moisture. Broths help your dog stay hydrated, treat upset stomachs, and promote good gut health. So, sure, add a little reduced sodium broth to your dog’s food. 

Can Dogs Eat Cat Food Toppers?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat food toppers designed for cats. Eating them once in a while may not harm your dog, but cat food toppers are formulated differently than dog food toppers. Toppers for cats may have more protein than dogs normally need, leading to health concerns.

Do I Need To Ask The Vet Before Giving Any Food Topper?

There’s generally no need for a veterinarian consultation when considering adding food toppers to your dog’s diet. Most food toppers are healthy and do not contain any harmful ingredients. However, if your dog suffers from medical issues or chronic conditions and requires a special diet, talk to your vet about which food toppers would be best for your pup. For more information on food for puppies, see our list of the 10 Best Puppy Dog Foods

Now that you’ve got your answers, it’s time to shop. But with so many options on the market, the hunt for the right food topper can be overwhelming. But our list of the best dog food toppers will put an end to your search and offer your pup’s taste buds a tantalizing kick.

The 14 Best Dog Food Toppers

#1 – iHeartDogs Happy, Healthy™️ Nutrition Boost Food Topper 

best dog food topper

Happy, Healthy Topper boosts your dog’s diet with nutrient-dense ingredients and great taste. A simple sprinkle of this savory superfood-boosted topper will turn boring dinnertimes into a taste-filled adventure that tempts even the fussiest eaters! Freeze-dried for optimal nutrient preservation and packed with farm-raised chicken, beef, organ meat, blueberries, carrots, and kale, iHeartDogs meal toppers offer raw food benefits at a fraction of the cost while boosting the immune system, stabilizing the digestive system and helping maintain weight. And as always, iHeartDogs uses fresh, human-grade ingredients to increase your dog’s nutrition and help them live their best life. And our toppers are sourced and made in the USA. Plus, every bag of meal toppers purchased provides seven hungry shelter dogs a hearty meal.

Pros

  • Superior, USA-sourced ingredients with no fillers
  • Maximizes nutrients during mealtime while adding minimal calories
  • Fights food boredom and tempts picky eaters
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Highly affordable option

Cons

  • Your dog will wish the bag was bigger

 

 

#2 – Brutus Bone Broth

Brutus Bone Broth will turn your dog’s dinnertime into a delicious event, thanks to masterfully crafted recipes made with the purest ingredients. Your pup will love their tasty beef, chicken, pork, or salmon flavors. Plus, Brutus adds powerful glucosamine and chondroitin supplements that can reverse cartilage loss, help keep cartilage tissue hydrated and flexible for impact stress, and inhibit destructive enzymes that damage cartilage. And because it’s easily digestible, this bone broth is great for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.

And you can choose how best to serve it—reconstitute dehydrated food, serve as a frozen treat, or top your dog’s regular food. And for senior dogs, use it to moisten dry food for ease of chewing. It’s also an excellent way to be sure your dog gets an extra boost of hydration too. Brutus processes their broth in a human-grade facility, and their products are always non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, low fat, low sodium, and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Pros

  • Made with 100% human-grade ingredients
  • Added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
  • Collagen for healthy skin and fur
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
  • Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, wheat-free
  • Recycled packaging
  • Boosts flavor of ordinary food for picky eaters
  • Hydrates and nourishes
  • Easy to digest and promotes natural detoxification of the gut

Cons

  • Your dog might gobble it up too fast!

#3 – A Pup Above

If your dog is bored with their regular food, try adding a little of A Pup Above dog foods as a topper! Choose their gently cooked fresh food option or their Cubies dry food. Either type promises a tasty experience of 100% human-grade ingredients and non-GMO veggie superfoods that promote joint, immune, and digestive support. And because every ingredient can be traced back to its source, you can trust A Pup Above to provide a premium food option that will entice your pup to eat their regular food. Plus, you can make life simple and subscribe to have your dog’s food topper brought to your door on the schedule that fits your needs best. As a special offer for iHeartDogs readers, receive $50 OFF orders of $100 or more when you use promo code: HEARTDOGS

Pros

  • Human-grade and non-GMO ingredients
  • Fresh food and Cubies dry food options
  • Veterinarian approved
  • Made in USDA facilities
  • Boasts 50% more protein than competitors
  • Sampler packs available
  • A percentage of every purchase donated to White Buffalo Land Trust

Cons

  • Not a true topper, but can entice picky eaters to eat their regular food

Related: 9 Best Dry Dog Foods

#4 – Native Pet Bone Broth

Give your dog’s dinner an upgrade with Native Pet Bone Broth, a super-nutritious and organic bone broth made from only three ingredients: organic chicken broth, chicken powder, and sweet potato flour. With Native Pet, you’ll never find fillers or anything fake. It’s great way to provide your dog with extra hydration and support joint, immune, and heart health. And with this easy-to-scoop powder, you can simply sprinkle it over their food. Or mix it with water and serve it to your furry friend for sipping! If chicken isn’t your pup’s favorite, try beef instead. Plus, this yummy bone broth is made in the USA.

Pros

  • Made with grass-fed, organic chicken
  • Veterinarian developed
  • Only three ingredients
  • Dogs love the flavor
  • Picky eater approved
  • Good for small and large dogs

Cons

  • Reviewers mention issues with packaging

#5 – Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Boost Mixers

best dog food topper

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers will entice your dog’s taste buds while promoting a healthy digestive system. This grain-free food topper includes all the natural goods your dog needs and the great taste they want with a recipe that contains cage-free chicken, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, chicory root, apple cider vinegar, and probiotics. And by eliminating harmful ingredients like soy and artificial flavors from their recipes and using whole food ingredients, Instinct upgrades the ordinary kibble experience even further. It’s minimally processed and made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world. Plus, the resealable airlock packaging means easy storage. 

Pros

  • Formulated with all-natural ingredients
  • Made with cage-free chicken
  • Grain-free formula 
  • No soy or preservatives

Cons

  • Easily crumbles 

Related: 10 Best Fresh Dog Food Brands in 2022

#6 – Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Toppers

best dog food topper

Your dog likes a little variety in their bowl, and Blue Buffalo Trail Toppers will give them just that with a variety pack of dog food toppers. These individually packaged portions of chicken and beef toppers are grain free and use only natural ingredients to upgrade boring kibble with real meat. They satiate your dog’s appetite while also giving them an energy boost. Use it dry or wet; your pup will love it either way. Enhanced with vitamins and minerals, Blue Buffalo is whole nutrition that’s free of meat by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives. Plus, it’s suitable for dogs of all ages. 

Pros

  • Made with real chicken and beef
  • Can be fed to dogs as a snack
  • Enriched with all-natural vitamins and minerals
  • Offers two varieties in one package
  • Individually portioned packs

Cons

  • Expensive

#7 – Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare

best dog food topper

Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare are made with a single protein, making them ideal for pups with sensitive tummies. And because it contains only delicious freeze-dried beef, your dog will think they’ve won a jackpot when it comes to mealtime! This convenient dog food topper is an excellent way to introduce the benefits of raw food into your dog’s diet. Made with only premium, all-natural ingredients, you’ll never find any wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, or artificial preservatives in these yummy bits, meaning you can trust your dog’s tummy to Wellness Core. Rich in protein and taste, this is an optimum choice for picky eaters.

Pros

  • Suitable for sensitive stomachs
  • Made with chunks of dried beef
  • No preservatives added
  • Easy to digest 

Cons

  • Tend to be on the crunchy side 

#8 – Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Digestive Health

best dog food topper 

Another first-class product by Wellness Core, this dog food topper provides an excellent option for dogs with digestive issues. It’s made using 100% fresh chicken meat and paired with probiotics that help your dog’s gut stay healthy. The addition of healthy fruits and veggies provides fiber to help your pup stay regular. Wellness Core uses only the finest globally sourced ingredients and prepares each of its recipes in a state-of-the-art USA facility with wholesome, non-GMO ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits. A perfect food topper for sensitive stomachs, these tasty bites ensure good gut health and promote a healthy digestive system. Plus, picky eaters will love them too. 

Pros

  • Best choice for gut health
  • Includes natural fiber and vitamins
  • Made with real chicken
  • Suitable for all breeds and ages

Cons

  • Shipping tends to crush product to dust 

#9 – Herbsmith Smiling Dog Kibble Seasoning

 

Make your dog’s meal appetizing and irresistible with a kibble seasoning that’s delicious and easy to use. Made with human-grade ingredients, Herbsmith Smiling Dog Kibble Seasoning is packed with real meat and vegetables sourced in the USA. It tastes so good, your dog will be smiling with every bite! And you’ll smile knowing their recipes are free of preservatives, soy, gluten, and other harmful ingredients. Plus, all of Herbsmith’s recipes were created by a holistic veterinarian with more than 30 years of experience. This seasoning provides a wealth of healthy vitamins and minerals in a single serving and pleases even the pickiest of eaters. Grain-free and suitable for all breeds and ages. 

Pros

  • Contains no artificial flavor or preservatives
  • Made with all-natural fruits, vegetables, and meat
  • A little goes a long way
  • For use on both wet and dry foods

Cons

  • One of the pricier options 


#10 – SuperGravy PAW jus – Natural Dog Food Gravy Topper

best dog food topper

Now your dog can enjoy delicious gravy with ease. Top your dog’s kibble with this appetizing beef gravy and watch them lick the bowl clean. With a 3-way gut health complex comprised of probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes, this wet food topper supports superior digestibility and nutrient absorption, making it ideal for pups with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Artisan-crafted from whole foods, including beef liver sourced in the USA, every batch is slow-cooked at low temperatures in order to preserve nutrients. And SuperGravy is always free of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and fillers. Plus, there are no GMOs, gluten, or grains. It’s also a great aid in treating dehydration in dogs.    

Pros

  • Includes probiotics and prebiotics
  • Easy to use
  • Aids in gut health
  • Free of gluten and grains

Cons

  • Can cause gas and stomach upset in some dogs 

#11 – CESAR Simply Crafted Adult Soft Wet Dog Food Meal Topper

best dog food topper 

Cesar Simply Crafted utilizes only the best and most flavorful ingredients to create a wholesome addition to any meal that adds flavor, not filler. This tasty wet food topper appeases the pickiest of pups by using only fresh meats and veggies while steering clear of anything artificial. And with no fillers or by-products, you can trust Cesar to consistently deliver beef or chicken as their first ingredient in every recipe. Plus, it’s easy to serve and offers a filling portion size for dogs with delicate appetites.

    Pros

    • All-natural chicken, beef, and duck
    • High in protein 
    • Variety of recipes
    • Ample portion size for small eaters 

    Cons

    • Designed for adult dogs only 

    #12 – Halo Freeze-Dried Raw Skin & Coat Topper

    best dog food topper

    Satisfy your dog’s meat cravings with a tasty food topper made from beef, beef liver, and salmon skin, a rich source of omega-3 and other nutritious fatty acids. Halo Freeze-Dried Raw Skin & Coat includes blueberry, sweet potato, carrots, and pumpkin to provide a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, giving your pup a delectable experience while promoting healthier skin and a shinier coat. Real and raw, your dog won’t be able to resist this minimally processed topper. And all Halo’s meal toppers are made with premium ingredients sourced, harvested, and packed in the USA.

    Pros

    • Uses only USA-sourced meats
    • High protein content
    • Supports healthy skin and coat
    • Contains no soy or artificial flavors

    Cons

    • High-priced 

    #13 – The Honest Kitchen Bone Broth Pour Overs

    best dog food topper

    A succulent and enticing food topper option that brings an extra boost of nutrition and taste to your pup’s mealtime, Honest Kitchen Bone Broth Pour Overs uses diced ranch-raised beef and carrots in a savory bone broth to mix it up at mealtime. Simply pour these slow-cooked stews over your dog’s regular food and watch the frenzy begin! Plus, this wholesome food topper is free of preservatives and artificial flavoring. All ingredients are natural, human-grade, and sourced from trusted suppliers in the USA and around the world. And with a 90% moisture content, it’s a great way to offer your dog extra hydration. 

    Pros

    • Includes only natural, human-grade ingredients
    • No preservatives or artificial colors
    • Easy to serve
    • Helps boost hydration levels

    Cons

    • On the expensive side 

    #14 – Ruff Greens

    Ruff Greens believes your dog needs live nutrition from fruits and veggies just like you do! And instead of “dead food,” they deliver your dog a delicious plant-based experience that’s rich in live bio-available proteins, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, digestive enzymes, omega oils, and anti-oxidants. That’s a ton of nourishment for your best friend in one easy-to-use formula. Just add a scoop to your dog’s usual food and watch them polish off dinner in flash! From their puppy days to the senior years, dogs of all ages can benefit from this premium nutritional supplement. And by treating your dog to such rich flavor and nutrition, you’re helping to support their brain, joint, heart, and immune function. Ruff Greens can also help digestion for improved breath and poop!

    And when you buy now, get 10% off on Vita Smart Large Bag!

    Pros

    • 100% vegan plant-based dog food topper
    •  Human-grade ingredients
    • No GMOs, antibiotics, hormones, fillers, artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors
    • Made in the USA with NO Chinese ingredients
    • No refrigeration necessary
    • Easy to use; just scoop over food

    Cons

    • One bag may not last 30 days with larger dogs

    #15 – Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust

    magical dinner dust food topper

    Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust is an impressive addition to any dog’s meal. This protein-rich, grain-free topper, with its ‘What’s Shak’n Bak’n’ recipe, adds a burst of flavor and nutrients to regular dog food. Ideal for picky eaters, it entices dogs with its appealing bacon taste. The freeze-dried raw formulation ensures the preservation of nutrients and natural flavors, making it a healthier choice.

    Pros

    • Enhances taste for picky eaters
    • Protein-rich and grain-free
    • Freeze-dried to preserve nutrients
    • Flavorful ‘What’s Shak’n Bak’n’ recipe

    Cons:

    • May require gradual introduction to prevent digestive issues

    best dog food toppers

    Summary: Best Dog Food Toppers

    Sometimes dogs get bored with the same meal day after day and require something different and delicious to boost their taste buds. If you want to help your pup eat more healthy food and finish their meals, toppers are just the thing to rev up dinner time. And if it’s a picky pup you’re dealing with, food toppers are an excellent choice since they contain real meat and other nutritious ingredients, ensuring your furry one gets the nutrients they need. Whether your dog is a fussy eater or one who gobbles down their dinner, surprise them with one of these delicious dog food toppers. They’ll show their appreciation by cleaning their bowl! 

    To see all the benefits and compare brands, check out our list of the 10 Best Fresh Food Brands in 2023 and the 8 Best Dog Foods of 2023.

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