Feeding a picky dog can be a challenge for many pet parents. Even though they need the essential nutrients, some dogs would rather skip meals than eat their regular dog food. This can be frustrating and concerning for the pet owner. However, there are ways to entice your dog to eat. One such solution is to add toppers to their food. Toppers come in many forms, including fresh, wet, raw or cooked meats, fruits, and specially formulated wet and dry toppers. These toppings can encourage your dog to eat their meals with enthusiasm. In addition, our list of Best Dog Foods for Picky Eaters can also provide useful suggestions.
Portland Pet Food Company Meal Pouch
Our Favorite Features
– Uses human-grade ingredients
– Free from additives, preservatives, and byproducts
– Made and sourced in the U.S.
– Ready to serve without thawing or adding water
– Offers five different protein options
What We Don’t Like
– Pouches are not resealable
When you open a pouch of Portland Pet Food, you’ll immediately notice the smell of delicious, human-grade ingredients. Their recipes include recognizable, natural ingredients such as chicken, eggs, yams, kale, salmon, and carrots. Not only are the ingredients sourced and made in the U.S., but there are no artificial preservatives, colorings, or additives in the mix, and no meat byproducts. You can even choose from five different protein options to accommodate your dog’s specific dietary needs or allergies.
The best part? There’s no need to thaw or add water to this wet food – simply add a spoonful to your dog’s meal. However, we do wish that the pouches were resealable for easier storage. After opening, store the food in the refrigerator for up to five days.
At $26 for a pack of four pouches, Portland Pet Food is a bit pricier than some other options on the market. But if you’re willing to spend a little extra for the peace of mind that comes with human-grade ingredients and a U.S.-based supply chain, it could be worth it for you and your furry friend.
Open Farm Beef Bone Broth
Looking for a way to enhance the flavor of your dog’s food with ethical and environmentally conscious ingredients? Look no further than Open Farm’s Bone Broth Toppers! Made from slow-simmered proteins and collagen-rich bone broth, these delicious liquids will have your furry friend licking their bowl clean. What’s more, all proteins used are third-party verified to be raised humanely, and Open Farm prides itself on offering ingredient-tracing opportunities for concerned pet owners. Environmentally friendly packaging seals the deal. Choose from three tantalizing single-protein flavors, including Grass-Fed Beef, Homestead Chicken, and Homestead Turkey. However, keep in mind that after opening, these tasty toppers require refrigeration. Additionally, the low-calorie content may not be suitable for dogs that need to gain weight.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Toppers Wild Cuts Wet Dog Food
This grain-free dog food topper is made with real beef or chicken and features natural ingredients to enhance its taste. The semi-moist kibble makes it ideal for dogs of all life stages to enjoy since it’s easy to chew, nutritious, and delicious. It comes in a three-flavor variety pack and is perfect for enhancing any meal your pup consumes.
Type: Wet dog food
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Chicken & Beef
Price: $1.75/can
Pros
– High in protein with real meat
– Promotes healthy hydration
– Contains no fillers, by-products, or preservatives
– Comes in a fantastic variety pack
– Priced affordably
Cons
– Some Amazon customers have complained about a lack of quality control.
Ingredient Analysis:
The real chicken or beef is the primary ingredient, offering a quality source of protein. The chicken broth is utilized for enhancing taste and texture, while potato starch provides a small amount of carbohydrates.
Satisfied customers rave about the food’s scent and appearance and claim it entices their dogs to eat, even when they were not eating before. Some critical reviews discuss a suspicion of counterfeit dog food being sold by sellers on Amazon. Nonetheless, most dog owners rate this recipe with 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Open Farm provides top-quality ingredients for savvy dog owners. Their raw toppers, created with responsibly sourced vegetables and humanely raised meats, guarantee premium goodness. These freeze-dried delights come in three superb flavors: chicken, turkey, and beef, ensuring satisfaction for even the most finicky canines.
Stella And Chewy’s Meal Mixers “Super Beef” (+ More Flavors)
These scrumptious scoops are freeze-dried using a natural cold-press process, allowing your furry friend to enjoy a raw ingredient diet without the risk of harmful bacteria often associated with raw feeding. The super beef flavor is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters (if only they could speak or knew Spanish!)
Product Type: Freeze-dried raw
Flavors Available: Beef, chicken, pork, duck, lamb, turkey, salmon, and grass-fed beef super blends.
Primary Ingredients: Beef, beef liver, beef kidney, beef heart, and beef tripe.
Manufactured: Made in the USA with beef ingredients sourced from the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
What we love:
The beef is grass-fed and raised without hormones or antibiotics.
The fruits and vegetables are 100% organic-certified.
No grains, gluten, fillers, artificial preservatives, or colorings are included.
The natural cold-press process eliminates harmful bacteria and provides a safe raw-feeding experience.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Food Topper
Choosing the right dog food topper can be a daunting task, but it’s important to consider a few factors before making your decision. High-quality dog food often doesn’t require a topper, as it may add unnecessary calories to your pup’s diet. However, if your dog doesn’t enjoy the taste of their premium food, a topper can be helpful. Wet or raw toppers, such as bone broth, are best for improving digestion and adding moisture to a dry kibble. Freeze-dried toppers offer high-quality protein and nutrients, but require careful handling due to potential pathogens. For senior dogs or those with health issues, wet toppers or bone broth may be a better option than high-fat freeze-dried products. Toppers won’t drastically alter the nutritional value of your dog’s food, but can improve the overall flavor and appeal, saving you from wasting an expensive bag of kibble.
FAQs
Q: Can dog food toppers improve dog health?
A: Yes, they contain tons of nutrients that are essential for healthy muscle, brain, and bone growth.
Q: Can I use a food topper daily?
A: Consult the guidelines by the manufacturer and give the recommended amount for your dog’s age and weight.
Q: Can meal toppers help with digestion?
A: Yes, they can help digestion if they include fiber.
