The tastiest food will get boring if you have to eat it every day, so imagine how your dog feels eating the same old kibble all the time. It can be even worse if you have a picky eater on your hands. A dog food topper is a tasty add-on to dry kibble that can help you switch your pup to a new food, make it easier to administer medication, or spice up their bowl! Let’s talk about toppers and what kitchen staples you can use to make meals tastier.

What Are Dog Food Toppers?

A dog food topper, or kibble topper, is anything you put over your pup’s kibble. There are plenty of store-bought toppers, but you can also make your own easily. There are countless foods in your refrigerator and cupboards that you can add to kibble to make it more flavorful and pack in more nutrients. What’s more, making your own meal topping gives you total control over what does and doesn’t go into the topper (like artificial preservatives or flavors).

When and Why Should You Add Toppers to Your Dog’s Food?

If your dog’s appetite has suddenly decreased, adding kibble toppers could encourage them to start eating again. However, it would be wrong to teach your dog that if they don’t like regular food, then you will make it better by adding real food toppers. To prevent this, avoid using toppers daily.

You can also use toppers as a reward. For example, reward your dog with nutritious superfoods and tasty treats after a good training session.

Dog food toppers are as straightforward as they sound. There are many options, ranging from fruits and veggies to some meats. Before we get to the best meal toppers, let’s talk about other times you should add some to your dog’s diet:

• Toppers help your dog transition from kibble to raw food
• Adding flavors and scents can appeal to a picky eater
• You can address specific ailments and add extra supplementation to your dog’s meal (for example, they can help your dog maintain healthy skin)
• Improve digestion in dogs with sensitive stomachs

Delicious and Nutritious Dog Food Toppers

• Unflavored and unsalted bone broth: an excellent nutrient source that helps improve joint health
• Shellfish (including mussels): contain glucosamine for joint health
• Organic pumpkin puree: contains many nutrients and fiber, helping with digestion
• Fresh vegetables, including carrots, sweet potato, broccoli, and green beans: puree them and top the kibble with them (do not add more than 5% veggies to your dog’s meal)
• Sardines: an amazing source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and they contain less mercury than larger fish
• Egg: a tasty topper that contains a high amount of protein and vitamins for your pup
• Anchovies packed in water: help with coat and skin health, reduce inflammation, and provide iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, B2, and A
• Cucumbers: a great low-calorie snack that can help with weight management and increase hydration
• Plain, sugar-free yogurt or kefir: provides probiotics for gut health
• Lean, low-fat muscle meats: an easy way to make food more appetizing
• Duck feet: one of the most popular raw kibble toppers or treats
• Olive oil and fish oil: safe for pets and help with skin health

AUTHOR PROFILE

Aleksandar Mishkov

Aleksandar Mishkov is a 36-year-old dog enthusiast. He has been living with dogs his entire life, and nowadays, he shares his life with a 6-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, Milo. Visit Aleksander at his website, The Daily Tail, where he shares helpful tips on how to train and make sure your dog behaves properly.