Top 10 Healthy Dog Food Toppers That You Already Have at Home
February 11, 2025 | By David Jackson
Ever feel like your dog looks at their bowl of kibble with the same enthusiasm as a kid faced with a plate of plain steamed broccoli?
While commercial dog food provides the necessary nutrients, adding a little extra something can make mealtime more exciting, more nutritious, and even more beneficial for their health.
The good news? You don't need to run to the pet store or spend a fortune on fancy toppers - your kitchen likely holds plenty of simple, wholesome options that can boost your dog's meals with ease...
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Use Meal Toppers?
There's something of a bone of contention when it comes to meal toppers for dogs. Many argue they are entirely unnecessary and a waste of money. But meal toppers can be more than just a tasty addition to your dog's food!
In fact, when chosen and used wisely, meal toppers can serve up multiple nutritional and functional purposes that are great for your dog, for instance:
 Enhance Nutritional Value
Adding nutrient-rich ingredients can fill any potential gaps in your dog's diet.
Boost Hydration
Wet meal toppers add moisture, which can be great for keeping your pup hydrated, especially for dogs that don't drink enough water.
Improve Palatability
Picky eaters may be more inclined to eat their meals when a tasty topper is added.
Support Digestive Health
Certain meal toppers can aid digestion and improve gut health.
Now, the issue with meal toppers isn't necessarily their concept - it's the price tag.
Some brands charge upwards of £15 for just 225g (and we've even seen higher!), making the pre-packaged toppers a costly addition to your dog's diet.
But the good news is you may already have plenty of nutrient-rich meal toppers right in your own kitchen - without the premium price tag.
So before splurging at the pet store, why not try these simple, wholesome ingredients instead that can give your dog's meal a nutritious boost for a fraction of the cost...
Top 10 Dog Food Toppers
1. Bone Broth
Bone broth is a fantastic way to add hydration, nutrients, and flavour to your dog's meals!
It's packed with amino acids, collagen, and minerals that support joint health, digestion, and the immune system.
Simply pour a small amount over your dog's kibble or mix it into wet food.
You can even make your own, but if you do remember not to add onions and excessive salt.
2. Plain Yoghurt
A spoonful of plain, unsweetened yoghurt provides probiotics that can improve your dog's gut health.
It also adds a creamy texture that loads of dogs seem to love.
If your dog is lactose-sensitive, Greek yoghurt or a dairy-free alternative should do the trick - just remember to read the ingredients list and make sure there is no added sugar etc.
3. Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins like B12 and biotin.
Scrambled, boiled, or lightly cooked eggs (without butter, salt, or seasoning) make a great meal topper that supports skin, coat, and muscle health.
Plus, the eggshells are great for giving your pup a calcium boost too.
Some of the fat is however cholesterol which should be kept to a minimum if your dog has high blood pressure or a history of heart problems.
4. Canned Sardines or Tuna
Fish like sardines and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, a shiny coat, and cognitive function.
Always choose fish packed in water (no brine) and avoid varieties with added salt or oil.
 5. Pumpkin Puree
A spoonful of plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) is a great source of fibre, vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene.
It supports digestion and can help with both constipation and diarrhoea. Better yet - making your own is really, really easy...
6. Fresh or Steamed Vegetables
Vegetables like carrots, spinach, and broccoli are excellent sources of fibre, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.
Lightly steaming them makes digestion easier, but raw veggies can also be given as crunchy toppers.
Always remember to cut the veggies into bite-sized chunks for your dog to reduce the risk of choking.
7. Cottage Cheese
Rich in protein and calcium, cottage cheese is a great occasional meal topper.
If you choose to add this to your dog's meals, use plain, unsalted cottage cheese in small amounts, as too much dairy can cause digestive upset in some dogs.
8. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit joint health and the immune system.
Mix a small amount of turmeric powder with coconut oil to create a simple "golden paste" that can be drizzled over food.
That said, turmeric has been shown to cause stomach upset, bloating, and constipation in some dogs, so if you do decide to add it, start slowly and monitor how your dog reacts.
9. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Mash them plain (without butter, sugar, or salt) and add a spoonful to your dog's meal for a nutritious and tasty boost.
10. Apple Slices
Apples provide a natural source of fibre and vitamins, but be sure to remove the seeds and core before serving.
Chop into small pieces and sprinkle over your dog's food for a hint of sweetness.
How to Boost Your Dog's Meals with Toppers
When adding meal toppers to your dog's diet, follow these simple guidelines:
- • Start Small: Introduce new ingredients gradually to avoid digestive upset.
- • Watch for Allergies: Some dogs may be sensitive to dairy, fish, or other foods. Monitor for any reactions.
- • Moderation is Key: While toppers add variety and nutrients, they should not make up more than 10-15% of your dog's daily caloric intake.
- • Avoid Harmful Ingredients: Never add foods like grapes, chocolate, or anything high in salt and artificial sweeteners.
In Conclusion
Adding meal toppers to your dog's food is an easy and effective way to enhance nutrition, improve flavour, and support overall health.
With so many simple, healthy options available right in your kitchen, you can easily create a variety of delicious meals that your pup will love without breaking the bank on fancy packaged toppers at your local pet store.
That said, we do appreciate how handy these can be at times!
Whether you're looking to encourage a picky eater, boost your dog's diet, or simply add a bit of excitement to mealtime, these easy meal topper ideas are a great place to start.
Have you tried any of these meal toppers for your dog? Let us know below which ones your pup enjoys the most...
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I add meal toppers to my dog’s food?
Meal toppers can be added to your dog’s meals daily, but moderation is key. They should make up no more than 10-15% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to ensure a balanced diet. Always introduce new toppers gradually to avoid digestive upset.
Can I use meal toppers for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Yes! Some meal toppers, like plain pumpkin puree, bone broth, and plain boiled chicken, can actually support digestion and soothe sensitive stomachs. However, avoid dairy if your dog is lactose intolerant, and always monitor for any signs of allergies or stomach issues.
Are there any meal toppers I should avoid?
Some human foods are toxic to dogs and should never be used as meal toppers. Avoid grapes, raisins, chocolate, artificial sweeteners (like xylitol), and anything heavily seasoned or high in salt. Always double-check before adding new ingredients to your dog’s food.
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