Imagine all your meals being cooked with zero seasoning. Sure, the food has all the nutrients you need, but ugh, how disappointingly bland would every meal be?! That’s exactly how many dogs feel about their kibble. Our dogs deserve all the tastebud tongue-tingles of good flavor, too! That’s where dog food toppers come in!
Need a good place to start? Check out the BARK toppers collection!
What Are Dog Food Toppers?
Dog food toppers are anything that add a little zing, zip, kapow, and calories or extra nutrients to your dog’s favorite meal—basically, some extra flavor to top off your dog’s regular food. They come in a wide variety of textures, flavors, and wet and dry formulas, such as:
- Freeze-Dried Raw Kibble Toppers—Raw ingredients freeze-dried naturally into kibble-sized bits.
- Freeze-Dried Raw Sprinkles—Raw ingredients freeze-dried into sprinkle seasoning.
- Dehydrated—Dehydrated cooked ingredients. Just add water to rehydrate.
- Broth/Stew—Protein based broth or stew to top off or mix in with your pup’s favorite food.
- Purée—Single or mixed ingredients blended with water for mixing with kibble.
- Whole Ingredient, Wet Topper—Whole, cooked ingredients to add protein or flavor to your dog’s favorite food.
- Gravy/Sauce—Similar to a purée.
Try BARK Food’s single-ingredient beef liver food topper, Bada Bing! Bada Beef!
What Are The Benefits Of Dog Food Toppers?
If you or your dog haven’t been introduced to the wonderful world of dog food toppers, you’re in for a treat—and your dog is in for a delicious dinner. Here are just a few reasons why you might want to give a food topper a try:
Your Dog Is A Picky Eater
There are two types of dogs: those who eat everything in sight (including your tax returns and dirty socks), and those who will turn up their nose at just about anything you put in front of them. Food toppers are the easiest way to pack on loads of flavor, turning your picky pup’s ordinary meal into a gourmet treat they can’t resist. This is especially helpful if your dog needs a specific health diet or prescription diet that they’re really not thrilled about.
Flavor Variety
Can you imagine eating the same exact kibble every day? Exploring different foods and flavors is a joy of life that everyone deserves—including our four-legged best friends! With the wide variety of toppers out there, your dog can stay on their regular diet and enjoy novel flavors that get them excited to eat.
Nutrients/Supplements/Probiotics
Toppers can be a great way to add extra protein, fiber, or nutrients to your pup’s diet, depending on their individual needs. Some toppers have pre and probiotics or supplements (such as glucosamine and chondroitin) for additional support.
Extra Hydration
Toppers like broths, stews, purées, or whole-ingredient wet foods can be a great option to help your pup stay hydrated. This may be ideal for elderly dogs, dogs with health issues, or dogs that really just forget their hydro-homie routines of drinking enough water daily.
Softens Kibble
Some dogs really just don’t dig crunchy kibble. Others may have difficulty chewing—though this may be an indication of a more serious dental issue, so you should consult with your vet. Broth, gravy and stew-type toppers can help soften kibble enough so your pup can munch away without trouble.
Related Article: 10 Dog Food Toppers For Picky Eaters In 2023
