Choosing Dog Food Toppers
We all want to give our dogs the best we can, right? And for many pet parents feeding kibble, that means looking for ways to “upgrade the bowl.”
Toppers are marketed as the easy answer. But are they actually improving your dog’s nutrition—or just draining your wallet?
Let’s talk about the good, the bad, and the truly worthwhile when it comes to kibble toppers.
What Are Toppers, Really?
Most toppers on the market are just fancy marketing in a small bag.
They’re usually:
Fresh, Freeze-dried or dehydrated bits of meat
Caution — see why adding meat regularly on it’s own may not be idea
Powdered blends of vitamins and minerals
Moist versions of kibble (like canned dog food)
Often sold as “premium” nutrition for a premium price
You’ll see words like boost, superfood, and nutrient-dense… but that doesn’t always mean fresh, balanced, or even necessary.
Here’s the Truth: You Can’t Supplement Your Way Out of a Bad Diet
I say this all the time, and it applies here too.
A high-priced topper won’t undo the downsides of a processed, carb-heavy kibble. Especially when most commercial toppers still fall into the processed food category themselves.
Yes, adding real food to the bowl can help…
But don’t confuse that with marketing-based “add-ons.”
Let’s Break It Down…
🧊 Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated Toppers
These can provide:
A little extra protein
Crunch or texture variety
Different flavors
But they are:
Highly processed
Often expensive
Sometimes low in real nutrient value once rehydrated
You’re mostly paying for convenience and packaging, not robust nutrition.
🥫 Canned Food as a Topper
Canned dog food is basically wet kibble.
Still processed
Still synthetic
Still high carb, low real-food value
It does offer added moisture (which is great for hydration), but you can get that benefit more naturally—like adding bone broth or water to meals.
So What Should You Use?
✅ The Best Kibble Toppers Are Fresh Foods
You can seriously elevate your dog’s nutrition without relying on commercial toppers at all.
Try these instead:
Raw or lightly cooked muscle meat (chicken, turkey, beef, pork)
Eggs – soft boiled or raw if sourced safely
Sardines or anchovies (in water, no salt)
Liver & organs – in small amounts only (no more than 10% of fresh food additions)
Low-glycemic fruits like berries or apple slices
Non-starchy veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or spinach
Bone broth – boosts hydration and gut health
Raw meaty bones a few times a week (for dental and mental health)
Need help sourcing good quality meat or organ blends?
Check out my list of trusted brands and raw suppliers.
💡 Pro Tip: Aim for Up to 20% Fresh Food Additions
Even just a fifth of the meal being fresh can make a noticeable difference in:
Skin and coat quality
Digestion and stool health
Immune function
Longevity
Don’t overthink it—rotate ingredients weekly and shop the sales.
Want a Quick Win? Here’s My Top Kibble Upgrade Strategy:
Add a whole-food, non-synthetic multivitamin to support what kibble lacks
Use real fresh food, not powders and puffs
Feed 1–2 raw or cooked fresh meals a week if your budget allows
Add a raw grind from a butcher or local co-op (balanced muscle/meat/bone)
Rotate proteins and toppers weekly to avoid imbalance
What About Sensitive Dogs?
If your dog doesn’t tolerate transitions well, it’s a sign their gut needs support.
Work on rebuilding with:
Probiotics
Digestive enzymes
Food-based anti-inflammatory support
Let’s get that gut resilient before adding too many new things at once. I can help you build that plan.
Real Clients Do This…
Some of my clients do:
Kibble in the morning
Fresh food (Volhard or homemade) in the evening
That’s a smart way to stretch the budget without sacrificing nutrition.
Others give raw meaty bones a couple times a week for dental and mental enrichment—and their dogs love it!
Top 5 Things to Do Instead of Commercial Toppers
Skip canned food and freeze-dried mixes unless you trust the source
Invest in a whole food vitamin-mineral blend
Use fresh food scraps and leftovers wisely
Add 1–2 fresh meals a week to your routine
Visit your butcher for raw grinds and organ meats
Let Me Help You Upgrade the Bowl
Need help deciding what fresh foods are best for your dog’s needs?
💬 Let’s get your dog the personalized support they need.
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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