Best Dog Food Toppers: Complete Guide (2025)

What Are Dog Food Toppers?

Dog food toppers are supplemental foods added on top of your dog's regular meals to enhance flavor, nutrition, or both. Unlike complete meals, toppers are meant to complement a balanced diet rather than replace it.

Think of them as the equivalent of adding toppings to your salad - they make meals more interesting and can provide additional health benefits without completely changing the base nutrition.

Benefits of Dog Food Toppers

Food toppers offer several advantages for both dogs and their owners:

Encourage picky eaters: The added aroma and flavor entice dogs who turn their noses up at plain kibble
Add variety: Rotating toppers prevents mealtime boredom and provides diverse nutrients
Boost hydration: Wet toppers like bone broth add moisture, especially important for dogs on dry food
Increase nutrition: Quality toppers add protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals
Support specific health needs: Certain toppers target joint health, digestion, or coat condition
Make medication easier: Hiding pills in tasty toppers helps with medication compliance

Types of Dog Food Toppers

Here's an overview of the most popular food topper categories:

Type	Price Range	Best For
Freeze-Dried Raw	$15-$40/bag	Picky eaters, protein boost
Bone Broth	$8-$25/container	Hydration, joint support
Fresh/Cooked	$3-$8/meal	Maximum nutrition, sensitive stomachs
Dehydrated	$12-$35/bag	Convenience, travel
Goat's Milk	$10-$20/container	Digestion, probiotics
Canned/Wet Food	$2-$5/can	Budget-friendly, moisture

Freeze-Dried Toppers: Most Popular Choice

Freeze-dried toppers have become the go-to choice for many dog owners. The freeze-drying process removes moisture while preserving nutrients, flavor, and the raw benefits dogs love.

Benefits of Freeze-Dried Toppers

Intense flavor and aroma that dogs love
Nutrient-dense - maintains most vitamins and enzymes
Long shelf life (no refrigeration needed)
Easy to store and serve
Can be rehydrated or served dry
Great protein source

Popular Freeze-Dried Topper Brands

Stella & Chewy's: Wide variety of proteins, meal mixers specifically designed as toppers
Primal Pet Foods: Organic options, single-protein formulas
Instinct Raw Boost: Mixers with freeze-dried raw pieces
Northwest Naturals: High-quality ingredients, various proteins
Vital Essentials: Pure protein toppers with minimal ingredients

Happy dog enjoying a nutritious meal with food toppers

Dogs often show improved enthusiasm for meals when quality toppers are added

Bone Broth Toppers: Hydration & Joint Support

Bone broth has become increasingly popular as a dog food topper, and for good reason. It's naturally rich in collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin - all beneficial for joints.

Benefits of Bone Broth

Joint support: Natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin
Hydration: Encourages fluid intake for dogs who don't drink enough
Gut health: Gelatin helps soothe and heal the digestive tract
Appetite stimulant: The savory smell and taste entice even the pickiest eaters
Nutrient absorption: May help dogs better absorb nutrients from their food

Choosing Bone Broth for Dogs

Not all bone broth is safe for dogs. Look for these qualities:

Dog-specific products: Made without onions, garlic, or excessive salt
Low sodium: Human bone broth often contains too much salt
No artificial additives: Avoid preservatives and flavor enhancers
Quality ingredients: Look for grass-fed, free-range sources

Homemade Bone Broth Warning

If making bone broth at home, never add onions, garlic, chives, or leeks - these are toxic to dogs. Skip the salt and avoid cooked bones (only use raw bones for broth). Simmer for 24+ hours for maximum nutrient extraction.

Fresh & Cooked Toppers: Maximum Nutrition

Fresh food toppers, whether commercial or homemade, provide the highest nutritional value. They're minimally processed and contain whole, recognizable ingredients.

Commercial Fresh Toppers

The Farmer's Dog: Human-grade, gently cooked meals that work as toppers
Ollie: Fresh recipes delivered frozen
JustFoodForDogs: Vet-developed fresh food options
Freshpet: Refrigerated rolls and pouches available in stores

Safe Homemade Toppers

Many everyday foods make excellent homemade toppers:

Lean proteins: Cooked chicken, turkey, beef (unseasoned)
Eggs: Scrambled or hard-boiled (no butter/oil)
Fish: Canned sardines in water, cooked salmon
Vegetables: Steamed carrots, green beans, pumpkin puree
Fruits: Blueberries, apple slices (no seeds), banana

How Much Food Topper to Use

The golden rule: Toppers should make up no more than 10-20% of your dog's daily calories. This ensures their base diet remains nutritionally complete.

Dog Size	Freeze-Dried	Bone Broth	Fresh Topper
Small (under 20 lbs)	1 tbsp	1-2 oz	1-2 tbsp
Medium (20-50 lbs)	1-2 tbsp	2-3 oz	2-3 tbsp
Large (50+ lbs)	2-3 tbsp	3-4 oz	3-4 tbsp

Remember to Adjust Base Food

When adding toppers, slightly reduce your dog's regular food portion to prevent overfeeding. If you're adding 10% calories from toppers, reduce kibble by about 10%.

Choosing the Right Topper for Your Dog

The best topper depends on your dog's specific needs:

If Your Dog...	Try This Topper
Is a picky eater	Freeze-dried raw (high aroma/flavor)
Doesn't drink enough water	Bone broth or goat's milk
Has joint issues/is senior	Bone broth (natural glucosamine)
Has digestive issues	Goat's milk, pumpkin, or bone broth
Needs more protein	Freeze-dried meat or fresh cooked protein
Has allergies	Single-ingredient, novel protein toppers
Has a dull coat	Sardines (omega-3s) or fish oil toppers

What to Avoid in Food Toppers

Added sugars: Unnecessary and can lead to weight gain
Artificial colors/flavors: No nutritional benefit, potential sensitivities
Excessive sodium: Check labels, especially on wet/canned options
Onion/garlic: Toxic to dogs, even in small amounts
Xylitol: Artificial sweetener that's highly toxic to dogs
Grapes/raisins: Toxic and sometimes hidden in "fruit" toppers

Keep Your Dog Looking Great Too

Good nutrition supports a healthy coat. Pair quality food toppers with regular grooming for a happy, healthy dog.

Find Groomers Near Me

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best dog food toppers?▼

The best dog food toppers include freeze-dried raw meat (like Stella & Chewy's), bone broth, fresh cooked toppers (like The Farmer's Dog), dehydrated toppers, and goat's milk. The best choice depends on your dog's needs - freeze-dried for picky eaters, bone broth for hydration, and fresh for maximum nutrition.

Are food toppers good for dogs?▼

Yes, food toppers can be very beneficial for dogs. They can encourage picky eaters, add nutrition and variety, improve hydration (especially bone broth), support joint and gut health, and make mealtime more exciting. However, toppers should complement a complete diet, not replace it.

How much food topper should I give my dog?▼

Food toppers should make up no more than 10-20% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Follow package instructions for specific products. For freeze-dried toppers, 1-2 tablespoons per meal is typical. For bone broth, 1-4 ounces depending on dog size. Adjust your dog's regular food portions to account for topper calories.

What is the healthiest dog food topper?▼

The healthiest dog food toppers are single-ingredient, minimally processed options like freeze-dried raw meat, plain bone broth (no salt/onions), fresh cooked lean proteins, and sardines in water. Avoid toppers with added sugars, artificial preservatives, or excessive sodium.

Can I use bone broth as a food topper for dogs?▼

Yes, bone broth is an excellent dog food topper. It's hydrating, supports joint health with natural collagen, aids digestion, and most dogs love the taste. Use dog-specific bone broth or homemade without onions, garlic, or added salt. Pour 1-4 ounces over kibble depending on your dog's size.

Are freeze-dried food toppers safe for dogs?▼

Yes, freeze-dried food toppers are safe and popular for dogs. The freeze-drying process preserves nutrients while eliminating moisture and bacteria. Look for products from reputable brands with single-ingredient or limited-ingredient formulas. They're shelf-stable and convenient to use.

The Bottom Line

Dog food toppers are an excellent way to enhance your dog's meals, encourage picky eaters, and provide additional nutrition. Freeze-dried raw toppers offer convenience and intense flavor, bone broth supports hydration and joint health, and fresh toppers provide maximum nutrition.

Remember to keep toppers to 10-20% of your dog's daily intake and choose products without harmful additives. Start with small amounts when introducing new toppers and watch for any digestive upset. With the right topper, mealtime can become something your dog truly looks forward to every day.