A food topper is a type of supplemental food that is designed to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dog's regular meals. They are usually marketed towards those feeding kibble which can often be bland and lack the nutritional punch of other diets. A food topper can come in different forms, including wet or dry and can be made from various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, fruits, and grains.
A food topper is typically added to your dog's regular food to provide additional flavor, texture, and nutrients. It can be a great option for picky eaters, dogs who need extra encouragement to eat their meals (perhaps during a health struggle) or dogs needing an added supplement due to a condition such as pregnancy or a health condition. When chosen carefully, food toppers can provide a variety of health benefits, such as added vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. When choosing a food topper, it's important to be familiar with the nutrients in the food you are already feeding (the one you are topping). Select a topper to add to those nutrients and fill in gaps. Think of this like identifying gaps in your own personal nutrition and the taking the appropriate vitamin. If you drink a gallon of orange juice a day, you don't need a Vitamin C supplement. Food toppers can be store bought or homemade. Here are a few of our favorites from both categories: STORE BOUGHT OPTIONS: 1. Stella & Chewy - Stella & Chewy has some great nutritional products but we're particularly fond of this Magical Dinner Dust in Beef Flavor which is a meal topper / mixer. It's great for diets that need more protein, contains fiber, probiotics and a host of added vitamins and minerals that are great for your dog. We also LOVE their line of meal morsels that you can mix in with your dog's food to address specific issues such as Skin & Coat (with wild caught salmon) and Hip & Joint (with tons of ingredients added to improve join health in older dogs). 2. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers - This is another great raw line with a variety of options that are sure to meet your dog's needs. These toppers also make great healthy treats (and are often less expensive than products marketed as treats). Standouts include their Grain Free Beef mixer (great for dogs on a grain free and poultry free diet due to allergies) or their functional support line which also addresses unique needs in dogs such as Gut Health, Calming Support, and MultiVitamin. 3. Canned Dog Food - While we aren't generally a fan of canned dog food, don't overlook it as a good topper if you are dealing with picky eating or a dog refusing food near end of life. Make sure to use only highly rated canned food with a solid nutritional profile. Our top pick is a lesser known brand, Weruva, whose fun flavors and small can sizes make a good topper when needed. 4. Fresh Pet Food - Fresh home delivered pet food has quickly become mainstream on the dog food scene and for good reason, it's incredibly nutritious, usually human grade, dog for your food that takes the confusion out of raw but is substantially better than most kibble products on the market. Our pick in this category is Ollie and it makes a great topper or mixer for your chosen kibble. Our dogs prefer the beef but all flavors are a solid choice. Click here to get your first box at 60% off. HOMEMADE OPTIONS: There are many homemade dog food toppers right in your own fridge that can be a great addition to your dog's diet. Here are a few easy and healthy options:
It's important to remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs, so always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog's diet. Also, make sure to avoid foods that are toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and raisins. In closing, food toppers can be an incredibly useful tool in yit's important to choose a food topper that is appropriate for your dog's dietary needs and preferences, and to introduce new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset.
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April 2024
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