Toppers can increase palatability for picky eaters, add hydration, provide a nutritional boost, and make mealtime more engaging for your dog. They're also a practical tool for transitioning between foods or supporting dogs who are recovering from illness.
Your dog’s mealtime is a big opportunity for you to both get creative with their meal and boost their nutrition. Whether you're trying to entice a picky eater, add hydration, or simply give your dog a little something extra, dog food toppers and mix-ins are one of the easiest ways to upgrade mealtime without overhauling your dog's entire diet.
Here's everything you need to know about dog food toppers: what they are, why pet parents use them, and how to mix them in the right way.
What Are Dog Food Toppers?
Dog food toppers, also called dog food mix-ins or meal enhancers, are foods added to your dog's primary meal to boost flavor, nutrition, or both. They sit on top of or get mixed into your dog's regular kibble or wet food, transforming an ordinary bowl into something your dog gets really excited about.
Toppers come in a wide range of formats. Bone broths pour directly over kibble for a savory upgrade. Freeze-dried raw toppers add concentrated protein and texture. Meaty pouches and gently cooked options blend seamlessly with dry food for a heartier meal. Each type serves a different purpose, and many pet parents use more than one depending on the day or their dog's needs.
Benefits of Using Dog Food Toppers
Irresistible Flavor for Picky Eaters
Some dogs are simply pickier than others. If your dog sniffs their bowl and walks away, or eats around certain pieces of kibble, a topper can make the difference between a skipped meal and a clean bowl. The added aroma and flavor of a high-quality topper, especially a protein-rich one, can reengage your dog’s interest in food that's become routine.
Added Hydration
Dogs don't always drink as much water as they should, and dry kibble contains very little moisture on its own. Liquid-based toppers like bone broth are an easy way to increase your dog's daily fluid intake, which supports kidney function, digestion, and overall hydration—especially helpful for dogs who tend to be light drinkers.
Nutritional Boost
Not all toppers are just for flavor. Freeze-dried raw toppers, for example, deliver concentrated protein and nutrients in a minimally processed format. Gently cooked toppers add whole-food ingredients that complement your dog's primary diet. Used thoughtfully, dog food meal enhancers can fill nutritional gaps or add variety to support long-term mealtime enthusiasm.
Transition Support
Toppers are a practical tool when transitioning your dog to a new food. Adding a familiar, appealing topper to a new kibble can ease the transition and help your dog continue to eat consistently during the adjustment period.
Types of Dog Food Toppers
Not all toppers work the same way, and choosing the right format starts with understanding what each type brings to the bowl.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is a versatile topper that pours directly over kibble to add moisture, aroma, and a savory flavor dogs love. Nulo's bone broths are kettle-cooked for up to 10 hours to draw out nourishing protein, then gently infused with whole ingredients like parsley, thyme, and turmeric. They're a great daily addition for dogs who need a little extra encouragement at mealtime.
Freeze-Dried Raw
Freeze-dried raw toppers are a nutrient-dense, minimally processed option that can be sprinkled easily over kibble. Nulo's freeze-dried raw options come in flavors like Chicken & Blueberries, Turkey & Salmon, Beef & Apples, Lamb & Raspberries, and Duck & Pears—real animal protein paired with complementary whole-food ingredients, with no artificial preservatives. They add texture and flavor while delivering a complete and balanced nutritional boost.
Meaty Pouches
Meaty pouches are a convenient, portion-ready option that blends wet food richness with the simplicity of a pouch. Nulo's Meaty Pouches come in variety packs, making it easy to rotate proteins and keep meals interesting.
Gently-Cooked
Gently cooked food sits in a sweet spot between kibble and raw, with whole ingredients cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients and natural flavor while still delivering the convenience of a ready-to-serve meal. Mixed into dry kibble, gently cooked toppers add moisture, texture, and a freshness that dogs tend to find irresistible. Nulo's Gently-Cooked Meals offer lots of flavor variety and rotational protein options for an exciting mealtime.
How to Mix Wet and Dry Dog Food with Toppers
Mixing toppers into your dog's meal isn't complicated, but a few simple guidelines will help you do it right.
Start with your dog's regular kibble as the base.
Toppers work best as an addition to a complete and balanced diet, not a replacement for one. Make sure your dog's primary food meets their full nutritional needs before adding any enhancements.
Adjust portions to account for added calories.
If you're adding a calorie-dense topper, slightly reduce your dog's kibble portion to keep total daily calories on target. Bone broth is very low in calories and generally doesn't require a portion adjustment.
Mix or top, depending on your dog's preference.
Some dogs prefer toppers mixed throughout their kibble, while others like them poured on top. Experiment to find what gets your dog most excited.
Introduce new toppers gradually.
Especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach, introduce a new topper over several days rather than all at once. Watch for any changes in stool consistency or digestion and adjust accordingly.
Choosing the Right Topper for Your Dog
The best dog food topper depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
If your dog is a picky eater, start with something high in aroma and animal protein, like bone broth or a freeze-dried raw topper with a protein your dog already loves. If hydration is the goal, bone broth is your most direct solution. If you're looking to add nutritional variety, complete and balanced freeze-dried raw toppers offer the most comprehensive boost. For dogs managing their weight, stick to very low-calorie options like bone broth and adjust kibble portions accordingly.
When in doubt, look for healthy dog food toppers made with named animal proteins, whole-food ingredients, and no artificial additives.
A great base diet is just the beginning. Dog food toppers and mix-ins let you customize your dog's meal for their specific needs without starting from scratch. Explore Nulo's full line of dog meal enhancers to find the right addition for your dog's bowl.