Is your dog a picky eater? No matter how many different dog foods you buy, does your dog refuse to eat it? If this sounds like your pup, kibble toppers for dogs may be just what you are looking for.
A growing trend in pet nutrition is kibble toppers – special treats that are added to dry dog food to give it flavor and extra vitamins and minerals. Kibble toppers are an incredibly simple, but incredibly effective way of adding more variety, nutrition, and most importantly, excitement to your pet’s meals.
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Related: Senior Dog Food For A Sensitive Stomach
What Are Kibble Toppers?
Kibble toppers are a type of dog food that you put on top of your dog’s regular food or you can mix it into your dog’s food. Kibble toppers can also be used as a treat for your dog.
What Should I Top My Dog’s Kibble With?
There are many different types of kibble toppers available including:
- Freeze-Dried. These are dried meat with limited ingredients.
- Wet. These are made with meat and usually some vegetables in a broth.
- Powders. Flavors that can be sprinkled on top of your dog’s food.
- Liquids. Flavor boosts that you pour over your dog’s food.
The most common type of kibble topper available is freeze dried, followed by the wet toppers.
What Does It Mean If A Food Is Freeze-Dried?
Freeze-drying a food means the food is first frozen. Next, a vacuum sucks the moisture out of the food, leaving a dry product behind.
When a food is freeze-dried, it continues to contain all of its nutrients. It does not lose any on the process.
Freeze-dried dog food is raw food that has gone through this process. Not only does it retain its nutrients, it also tastes and smells the same as before it is freeze-dried.
Are Dog Food Toppers Good For Dogs?
Dog food toppers are good for dogs to have. Dogs that can especially benefit from kibble toppers include:
- Dogs with food allergies.
- Picky eaters.
- Dogs who need to gain weight due to a medical condition.
- Pups with sensitive stomachs.
- Dogs who don’t tolerate eating certain meats commonly found in dog food.
Are Freeze-Dried Meal Toppers Good For Your Dog?
Freeze-dried meal toppers are good for your dog to eat. By having the food freeze-dried, your dog is getting pure meat without any preservatives or additives they don’t need.
What Is The Benefit Of Dog Food Toppers?
Using a dog food topper can be beneficial for your dog. Kibble toppers:
- Provide your dog with a boost of protein, as they generally contain a meat product as its main source of nutrients.
- Entice your dog to eat their food.
- Can motivate your dog when training.
It is important to note that kibble toppers are not a meal substitute. They do not contain all the vitamins and minerals that a balanced dog food would have.
How Much Kibble Topper Do I Add To Dog Food?
When deciding on how much topper to put on your dog’s food, it is best to follow the recommended amount by the manufacturer or per your veterinarian.
If you are using a dried topper, a few pieces crumpled up may be all that you’ll need.
If the food topper you choose is wet, a teaspoon may be enough.
Mostly, it depends on the size of your dog and the portion amount of food you are giving to them.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Kibble Topper For My Dog?
The most important thing to look for when you are deciding on a meal topper for your dog is the ingredients.
Freeze dried meal toppers will have the least ingredients and are best for dogs on a limited diet or are sensitive to certain ingredients.
Wet kibble toppers are bathed in broth, but they also contain fruits and vegetables. This adds more ingredients to the topper. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it is probably best to avoid this type.
Are There Any Side Effects To Kibble Toppers?
The most common effect a meal topper may have on your dog is increased gas.
Some dogs may also experience an upset stomach such as diarrhea and/or vomiting. This is also why it is very important to read the ingredients before purchasing to be sure there aren’t any ingredients that your dog can’t tolerate.
When in doubt, check with your veterinarian.
Pros To Using Kibble Toppers
- Easy to feed your dog.
- Encourages dogs to eat their food.
- Provides extra protein.
- Can be used as a treat.
Cons To Using Kibble Toppers
- Packaging is small.
- Expensive for the amount in each package.
- Can cause an upset stomach in some dogs.
- Once dogs taste it, they may not eat their regular food without it.
- Does not provide a balanced diet on its own.
Best Kibble Toppers For Dogs
These are our top 6 kibble toppers for your dog. We have included 3 freeze-dried options and 3 wet food options. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Freeze-Dried Kibble Toppers
Instinct Raw Boost Mixers
This kibble topper combines meat with fruits and vegetables and does not contain any artificial ingredients.
- Available in different flavors.
- Grain free.
- All natural.
- Nothing artificial.
- Soft.
- Easy to chew.
- Corn free.
- Wheat free.
- Soy free.
- No by-product meal.
- Potato free.
- No artificial colors.
- No preservatives.
- Non-GMO fruits and vegetables.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper
These meal mixers contain certified organic fruits and vegetables with their meat.
- Grain free.
- Limited ingredients.
- No added hormones or antibiotics.
- Gluten free.
- All produce is 100% certified Organic.
- Made in the USA.
Check Price At: Chewy
Natural Core Natural Grain Free Bare Bowl Boosters
This meal topper contains limited ingredients to benefit those with a sensitive stomach.
- Available in Turkey or Beef.
- Gluten free.
- No corn, soy, or wheat.
- Grain free.
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Check Price At: Amazon
Wet Kibble Toppers
Cesar Soft Wet Dog Food Loaf & Topper
This wet food topper has added vitamins and minerals.
- Comes in a variety of flavors.
- Grain free.
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- Easy, peel away seal.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Check Price At: Amazon
Blue Buffalo Delectables Grain Free Natural Wet Dog Food Topper
This dog food topper comes in pouches, has no by- products, and also contains added vegetables.
- Includes vegetables in broth.
- Grain free.
- No chicken/poultry by-products.
- Corn, wheat, and soy free.
- No artificial preservatives or flavors.
Check Price At: Amazon
The Honest Kitchen Superfood Pour Overs
This kibble topper is in the form of a stew that you pour over your dog’s food.
- Chunky, pourable stew.
- Contains vegetables.
- No meat by-products.
- Grain free.
- Non-GMO ingredients.
- No artificial colors or flavors.
- Human grade.
- No corn, wheat, or soy.
- Box is BPA free.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Check Price At: Amazon
Kibble toppers for dogs are a great addition to your dog’s diet. They are especially helpful if your dog is a picky eater or has food sensitivities.
Not only do they add variety to your dog’s diet, they can also provide additional nutrition and help to ward off boredom. Kibble toppers are an easy and delicious way to add variety and nutrition to your pup’s diet.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.