Vet-Recommended Dog Food Toppers to Boost Your Dog’s Nutrition

Regardless of what you currently feed your pup, you may be looking for ways to enhance their bowl without undergoing a total dietary overhaul. Whether you have a dog that has suddenly become uninterested in their dinner or you simply want to provide a nutritional "insurance policy," adding the best dog food toppers is a simple and effective strategy.

Many pet parents are discovering that raw feeding supports gut health, even when used as a topper. By introducing moisture-rich, species-appropriate ingredients to a bowl of dry food, you can improve digestion, increase hydration, and provide essential nutrients that high-heat processing often strips away.

This guide counts down the top-rated dog food toppers—ranging from simple kitchen staples to professional-grade raw mixers—to help you build a better bowl for your pup.

The Role of Dog Food Toppers in a Balanced Diet

The role of a dog food topper is to supplement your dog's main meal with additional nutrients and variety. While a high-quality kibble provides a baseline of nutrition, it is a dry, shelf-stable product that remains the same day after day.

Toppers act as a functional addition, allowing you to tailor your dog’s diet to their specific needs—whether they need a boost in omega fatty acids for their skin or probiotics for their stomach.

For many owners, toppers also serve as the perfect bridge for a transition. If you are curious about the benefits of raw food but aren't ready to switch completely, using raw food as a topper allows your dog to reap the rewards of live enzymes and bioavailable proteins while keeping their current routine.

Key Benefits of Adding Toppers to Your Dog's Bowl

Adding healthy dog food toppers to a kibble-based or gently cooked diet offers several distinct advantages that can lead to visible improvements in your dog's vitality:

• •Increased Palatability: Toppers are the ultimate solution for picky eaters. The addition of real meat, broth, or fresh produce provides enticing aromas and textures that encourage dogs to finish their meals.

• •Enhanced Hydration: Kibble is very low in moisture. Adding liquid toppers like bone broth or fresh cucumbers helps protect kidney and bladder health.

• •Improved Nutrient Bioavailability: Raw and fresh ingredients contain vitamins and minerals in their most natural form, making it easier for your dog's body to absorb and utilize them.

• •Gut Health Support: Ingredients like plain kefir or raw eggs provide the building blocks for a healthy microbiome.

10 Healthy Dog Food Toppers to Boost Your Dog's Bowl

Here are ten of the most effective ways to upgrade your dog's meal, which include many of the most nutritionally powerful options available.

10. Blueberries

Blueberries are a powerhouse of antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins, which help combat oxidative stress and support cognitive function in aging dogs. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent "superfood" sprinkle for any bowl.

9. Bone Broth

Standard kibble lacks moisture, which can leave dogs in a state of chronic mild dehydration. Bone broth is one of the vet-recommended dog food toppers for hydration because it is rich in collagen, glycine, and glucosamine, which support joint health and gut lining integrity.

Ensure you use a dog-safe broth free of onions and excessive salt.

8. Cucumbers

If your dog needs to lose a few pounds but still wants a treat, cucumbers are the perfect crunchy topper. They are 95% water, providing an extra hydration boost with almost zero calories.

7. Fresh Vegetables

Steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or green beans add beneficial phytonutrients and fiber to a dry diet. These help with satiety and can improve stool consistency for dogs prone to digestive upset.

6. Plain Yogurt or Kefir

Probiotics are essential for a strong immune system. A dollop of plain, unsweetened yogurt or kefir provides live active cultures that help balance the bacteria in your dog's gut. Just be sure to avoid any products containing xylitol or added sugars.

5. Anchovies

Small, oily fish like anchovies are incredible sources of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These healthy fats reduce inflammation, support heart health, and contribute to a shinier, softer coat. Use unsalted, water-packed varieties.

4. Sardines

Like anchovies, sardines are a nutrient-dense whole-food topper. Because they are low on the food chain, they contain fewer heavy metals than larger fish. They provide a massive boost of protein and Vitamin D, making them a top-rated dog food topper for physical performance.

3. Raw Egg

The egg is nature's "perfect" protein. Adding a raw egg to your dog’s food provides high-quality amino acids, biotin for skin health, and riboflavin. It is an affordable and easy way to significantly increase the protein quality of a dry meal.

2. We Feed Raw Frozen Patties

For those looking to introduce the power of raw feeding, our frozen patties are the ultimate choice. These are cold pasteurized using high-pressure processing (HPP) to ensure they are as safe as gently cooked food.

Because they are formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist, they provide a perfectly balanced ratio of meat, organs, and bone. With our new easy-peel packaging, you can simply thaw a patty in the fridge for 24 hours and crumble a portion over your dog's kibble. It adds the high-protein, moisture-rich nutrition dogs were biologically designed to eat.

1. We Feed Raw Freeze-Dried

Taking the number one spot is our freeze-dried raw food. This is the best dog food topper for owners who want maximum results with zero prep. It is shelf-stable and requires no thawing, allowing you to scoop it directly onto kibble just like a traditional "mixer."

Our freeze-dried recipes are cold-pressure pasteurized to inactivate pathogens and provide 100% raw integrity. While these recipes are specifically formulated for adult dogs, they can even be used as a topper for puppies, provided they make up a very small portion (10% or less) of the puppy's daily caloric intake.

Our freeze-dried food is the most convenient way to turn a standard bowl of kibble into a high-performance, raw-infused meal.

Safe Handling and the Science of Cold Pressure Pasteurization

When adding raw toppers to a kibble diet, safety is often a concern for pet parents. At We Feed Raw, we take the stress out of the equation. We use a safety protocol known as cold pasteurized technology.

This process uses extreme water pressure to inactivate pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli without ever raising the temperature of the food. This means the vital enzymes and nutrients remain active and raw, while the food remains as safe as gently cooked meals.

Ready to Upgrade Your Dog's Bowl?

Whether you are looking for dog food toppers for picky eaters or you want to provide a long-term health boost, adding toppers is the easiest way to improve your dog's life. From fresh berries to our PhD-formulated freeze-dried raw, every addition brings your dog one step closer to the vibrant health they deserve.

Take our quiz today to find the perfect We Feed Raw recipe to use as a topper for your dog's current diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use We Feed Raw freeze-dried as a topper for puppies?

Yes. While our freeze-dried recipes are complete and balanced for adult dogs only, they can be used as a topper for puppies.

Just ensure the topper makes up a very small portion (10% or less) of the puppy's total daily calories to maintain the nutritional balance of their primary growth diet.

How long do the frozen patties take to thaw?

Our frozen patties feature easy-peel packaging for your convenience. To use them as a topper, place the patty in your refrigerator for a full 24 hours to ensure it is completely thawed before peeling and crumbling it over your dog's kibble.

Is raw food as a topper safe to mix with kibble?

Absolutely. Because We Feed Raw uses cold-pressure pasteurized technology, our food is as safe as gently cooked alternatives. This process inactivates pathogens while keeping the food raw, making it safe to handle and mix with your dog's existing dry food.

What are the best dog food toppers for picky eaters?

For dogs that are uninterested in plain kibble, we recommend our freeze-dried or frozen raw patties. The high-protein aroma and natural flavors are highly enticing. Liquid toppers like bone broth are also excellent for adding scent and moisture to dry food.

Who formulates the recipes at We Feed Raw?

All of our recipes are formulated by a highly experienced PhD animal nutritionist with over 30 years of experience. This ensures that when you use our food as a topper, you are adding scientifically balanced, species-appropriate nutrition to your dog's bowl. As a pet parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure your dog lives a long, healthy life. And that means feeding your pup a balanced diet with all the right nutrients they need to stay active and keep their immune systems in top-notch condition.

Ensuring your dog is eating right isn’t always easy. Whether you have a picky eater or one you're trying to wean off addictive kibble, perfecting your dog’s diet can take some work. Luckily, you can add dog food toppers to provide your pup with added nutrients and enhanced flavors to entice them to eat their different (but healthier!) raw meals.

The Role of Dog Food Toppers

Dog food toppers are as straightforward as they sound. They can range from liquids such as bone broth to fresh veggies and freeze-dried superfoods.

Benefits of Dog Food Toppers

You can add healthy dog food toppers to your dog’s meals to:

• •Help in the transition from kibble to raw. Adding other flavors and scents can appeal to picky eaters and entice them to try their healthy new raw food.

• •Address specific ailments. Some dogs may need extra supplements added to their meals for health reasons or you may choose to add supplements that support things like healthy bones or a shiny coat.

• •Improve digestibility. Some dogs have sensitive digestive systems and do well with tummy-soothing toppers, like a good probiotic or canned pumpkin.

• •Add variety to your dog's diet. By changing which toppers you add, you can easily add a lot of variety to your pup's bowl without worrying about throwing off the balance of their meal.

Necessity of Toppers for Dog Food

While dog food toppers can be a good addition to your pup’s meals, they shouldn’t be used to correct nutritional deficiencies among healthy dogs. Experts agree that your priority should be providing them with a balanced, healthy diet with all the nutrients they need.

At We Feed Raw, your dog will get all the nutrients they need to thrive from the raw food we provide. There are no fillers, no preservatives, and no artificial colors or flavors in our meals. We also include a high-quality vitamin and mineral premix for an added boost of nutrition.

Our food is complete and balanced for dogs of all life stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies. While it’s not necessary to add dog food toppers to our raw meals, you may choose to use them depending on your preference and your pup’s palate.

Best Dog Food Toppers for Picky Eaters

When it comes to raw dog food toppers, these fresh, whole-food additions can be great for supporting your dog's immune system, enticing picky pups to eat raw food, or giving your pooch some variety in their daily diet.

1. Canned Pumpkin

Plain, canned, organic pumpkin is one of the best toppers for dog food out there. Not only is it easy to find in the grocery store and keep on hand, but it’s also packed with nutrients and fiber, helping to regulate the digestive system. (It helps correct both constipation and loose stools!) Pumpkin is low in calories and sodium but high in antioxidants that support eye health, healthy skin, fur, and the immune system.

It’s recommended to serve your dog 1 tsp of plain canned pumpkin per day per 10 lbs of body weight.

2. Fresh Vegetables

Some of our customers will choose to add their own veggies to their dog's WFR meals, and that's great...in moderation. Our PhD nutritionist suggests no more than a 5-8% veggie inclusion. 

With dogs, plant matter usually passes out as part of the stool, undigested. In other words, dogs can't break down plant matter the way humans can. Their bodies have to work much harder to do it.

If you do decide to include veggies that are healthy for dogs, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and green beans, we recommend pureeing them to help aid in digestion. (Dogs do not have natural cellulase, an enzyme that helps to break down fiber, so pureeing them does the trick.)

3. Sardines

These small fish are another convenient and delicious raw dog food topper. They are an amazing source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10.

Sardines also contain less mercury compared to larger fish, making them a safer choice for your pet. The fatty acids and amino acids can support your pup’s health by decreasing inflammation and reducing the risk of illness.

Stick with sardines packed in water, however, as sardines packed in oil can add too much fat to your pup’s diet and make them sick (or at least prevent them from maintaining a healthy figure).

4. Phytoplankton

These single-celled organisms contain nearly every nutrient your dog needs to live a healthy life. Along with being packed with nutrients, phytoplankton can aid your dog’s digestion, support their liver, and help ward off disease.

5. Raw Egg

Raw eggs, shell and all, are chock full of protein and vitamins for your pup. They can make a great dog food topper. No need to worry about the eggshell cutting your pet's insides. Wolves and coyotes of the wild have been raiding bird nests for millions of years. A dog's stomach acid softens the shell edges, and additional routine digestion (enzymes, pH, muscular contraction) ensures eggshell serves as a nutritious ingredient.

6. Anchovies

Some of the many benefits of anchovies (packed in water, not oil) for dogs include:

• •Skin and coat health: Since anchovies are full of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, they can help hydrate your pup’s skin and improve the thickness and shininess of their fur.

• •Reduced inflammation: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help manage or prevent autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, support your dog’s immune system, and prevent or lessen joint pain.

• •Provide nutrients: In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, anchovies are an excellent source of many other essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E, and K.

• •Support metabolism and digestion: Anchovies are a good source of selenium, which is an essential mineral for digestion and regulating your dog’s metabolism.

• •Help with memory and brain development: Two of the most important essential fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are abundant in anchovies. DHA and EPA are critical for memory, cognitive function, and the healthy growth of a puppy’s brain.

7. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are an excellent low-calorie snack option for pups who need to lose or maintain their weight: since the vegetable is 96% water, half a cup of cucumber slices only has 8 calories, compared to 40 calories in a typical medium dog biscuit.

In addition to being high in water content and low in calories, cucumbers also contain benefits like:

• •Vitamins K, C, and B1

• •Magnesium

• •Molybdenum

• •Potassium

• •Copper

• •Manganese

• •Biotin

• •Fiber

8. Bone Broth

Not only do dogs find bone broth to be delicious, but it also has numerous benefits, including:

• •Maintain healthy coat and skin

• •Boost immune system

• •Support strong joints

• •Enhance appetite and hydration

• •Fight inflammation

• •Improve digestive health

9. Plain Yogurt or Kefir

Yogurt and kefir both provide important probiotics for your pup’s gut health. Make sure to buy plain varieties of yogurt, kefir, or Greek yogurt, as added sugar or other ingredients may upset your dog’s stomach.

Goat milk is often easier for dogs to digest than cow milk, so if regular yogurt or kefir gives your pup tummy trouble, try versions made from goat milk instead.

10. Blueberries

Chock full of antioxidants, blueberries make an excellent addition to your dog’s meal. They don’t even need to be fresh—frozen blueberries are just as beneficial and are easier to keep on hand if you’re only giving your dog a few berries (no more than a small handful) daily.

Dog Food Toppers for Different Diets: Focus on Kibble Toppers for Dogs

Whether you're looking to fully transition your dog off of kibble or simply improve your dog's diet, We Feed Raw makes an excellent kibble topper. Our nutritionally complete and balanced raw dog food is delicious and provides numerous benefits, including a healthier skin and coat, reduced allergy symptoms, and a stronger immune system.

In addition to We Feed Raw, other excellent kibble toppers include canned pumpkin, fresh vegetables, sardines, raw eggs, minnows, blueberries, and kefir.

Puppy Food Toppers: The Best Options

How you feed your puppy has a huge impact on how long and healthy of a life they're likely to have, so it's natural to want the very best puppy food toppers.

If you're feeding your puppy kibble, an excellent topper to add is We Feed Raw, which is nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs of all ages, including for the growth of large-breed puppies. Even adding a little bit of raw food to your puppy's kibble can help prevent allergies and strengthen their immune system.

If you're already feeding your puppy We Feed Raw, some excellent puppy food toppers include minnows, kefir, blueberries, canned pumpkin, bone broth, phytoplankton, and pureed vegetables.

Food Toppers for Picky Dogs

Feeding picky pups can be extremely frustrating. Luckily, toppers can help. some of the best dog food toppers for picky eaters include We Feed Raw, canned pumpkin, minnows, anchovies, kefir, plain yogurt, bone broth, and raw eggs.

To Conclude

When choosing the best dog food toppers, remember that you can add a small amount of your preferred probiotic, prebiotic, fish oil, or omega-3 oil to their meal. However, avoid adding a multivitamin as we already include a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix in our recipes. Dog food toppers are an excellent supplement for your dog's meals, whether you're trying to make food more appealing to picky eaters, add variety to their diet, or help in transitioning from kibble to a raw diet. However, it's critical to remember that they should not replace a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Instead, they should complement it by providing additional nutrients and flavor to your dog’s meals.

Learn more about the benefits of feeding your dog a raw diet.

FAQs

What are the best dog food toppers to add to my dog's meals?

The 10 best dog food toppers include canned pumpkin, fresh vegetables, sardines, phytoplankton, raw eggs, anchovies, cucumbers, bone broth, plain yogurt or kefir, and blueberries. These toppers not only enhance the taste of your dog's meals but also provide added nutrients and health benefits.

Are toppers for dog food necessary for a balanced diet?

While dog food toppers can be beneficial in providing additional nutrients and flavors, they are not necessary for a balanced diet if your dog is already consuming a healthy and complete diet containing fresh dog food. Your priority should be providing your dog with a balanced diet containing all the necessary nutrients they need.

What are the best food toppers for dogs with picky eating habits?

For picky eaters, it can be helpful to experiment with different food toppers for dogs. Some popular options include canned pumpkin, sardines, and plain yogurt or kefir. These toppers can entice your dog to try new foods and can help in the transition from kibble to raw diets.

Are healthy dog food toppers suitable for all dogs?

Most healthy dog food toppers can be suitable for all dogs, but it is essential to monitor your dog's reaction and consult with a veterinarian in case your dog has specific dietary needs or allergies.

Can kibble toppers for dogs help with the transition to a raw food diet?

Yes, kibble toppers for dogs can be beneficial in helping your dog transition from kibble to a raw food diet. They can make the new food more appealing and help your dog adjust to the new taste and texture of raw food.

What are some dog food toppers for picky eaters?

Dog food toppers like canned pumpkin, sardines, and bone broth are great options for picky eaters. These toppers provide added flavor and can help entice your dog to eat their food.

How can healthy food toppers for dogs support my dog's overall health?

Healthy food toppers for dogs can provide additional nutrients, antioxidants, and probiotics that can help support your dog's immune system, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and help your dog be happy, healthy, fluffy, and shiny.