Natural Food Toppers for Dog & Cat Food
Written by: Richard Rowlands, Pet Health Expert
Natural food toppers are something you might have recently noticed on the shelves of your local pet store or while browsing the Only Natural Pet dog food and cat food sections. They’ve become an instant hit with pet owners who use them as they not only make food more palatable for dogs and cats, but also provide nutritional value, increase hydration, and more.
New products can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, especially when there is such a wide variety. No need to worry because in this article, we’ll cover all the basics! By the end, you’ll be up to speed on what natural food toppers are, their benefits, the different types, and how you can select the kind best suited for your dog or cat.
What Are Natural Food Toppers?
Natural food toppers are a great choice for dogs or cats. They have a wide variety of uses and can add a lot of goodness to a beloved pet’s daily menu. Usually designed to be given as a diet enhancer or treat, some toppers are also formulated to be given as a complete meal. It’s important to read labels carefully to distinguish which you have, as nutritional content can vary.
There is a diverse range of natural food toppers available to meet the needs and convenience of both pets and owners alike. Dry varieties include dehydrated and freeze-dried. There are also many wet options to choose from like bone broth, soup, salmon oil, and Superfood Sauce.
What Are the Benefits of Natural Food Toppers?
A standout benefit of natural food toppers is how great they are for picky eaters. Made from nutritious and delicious ingredients that will satisfy even the pickiest of palates, you’re guaranteed to find something that works. Brands like Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Meal Mixers Dog Food Toppers let you choose from a long list of flavors that will up the appeal of even the blandest foods. Some of their mouth-watering options include Tantalizing Turkey, Dandy Lamb, and Savory Salmon & Cod.
The nutritional value of many natural food toppers is also a great benefit. Some, like Only Natural Pet Bone Broth, include glucosamine and chondroitin which support joint health, especially important for senior dogs. Other beneficial nutrients found in toppers include omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics. Omega-3s are great for reducing arthritis inflammation, aiding the immune system, improving heart and kidney health, and helping keep skin healthy with coats gleaming. Probiotics can improve gut health in dogs and cats, which in turn also benefits the immune system, aids in the digestion process, and ups nutrient absorption.
The wet natural food toppers will increase hydration. This is a benefit for dogs or cats who simply don’t get enough water in their day to day lives. For those who live in warmer climates or who experience hotter summers, it’s definitely something to consider.
Types of Natural Food Toppers for Pets
Natural food toppers can be separated into two categories: dry and wet. In the dry column you’ll find freeze-dried and dehydrated. In the wet, you’ll see bone broth, soup, salmon oil, and Superfood Sauce.
They all have their benefits. One may be more appropriate for you and your pet’s lifestyle, so keep reading to find your perfect pick.
Dry Natural Food Toppers
Both freeze-dried and dehydrated natural dog food toppers are a great way to always have something on hand to liven up mealtime or for that special treat. They have a longer shelf life, as both methods involve reducing the moisture content of ingredients to safely preserve them. Dehydration zaps up to 95 percent of the moisture while freeze drying removes up to 99 percent. This makes both ideal for pet owners who want to use toppers occasionally or to keep a variety of topper choices in the house without the risk of any spoiling.
Most freeze-dried options, like K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food Toppers, provide the convenience of being able to easily open the package and sprinkle some goodness onto your dog or cat’s meal before serving it. Others, such as The Honest Kitchen Proper Toppers, are dehydrated and meant to be rehydrated with water before adding to your pet’s food. This might be a bit more work for the busy pet owners out there, so choose according to what will meet your needs. And as always, read the label and directions before serving them to your pet.
Wet Natural Food Toppers
With more options to choose from, including bone broth, soup, salmon oil, and Superfood Sauce, you won’t struggle to find something that both you and your dog or cat will find appealing.
There are two ways to get your bone broth, which is full of minerals, vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids. One option is dehydrated, such as Only Natural Pet Bone Broth, which is made with human quality ingredients, including grass-fed and free range bones and superfood ingredients. There’s also ready-to-go options from The Honest Kitchen. Simply open and pour over you dog or cat’s kibble, no prep needed.
Soups, such as Only Natural Pet’s 5 Ingredient Soup Food Topper for Cats and Only Natural Pet’s 6 Ingredient Soup Food Topper for Dogs, are other ready-to-go options that give the added benefit of ingredient diversity. Variety is the spice of life, after all, and using different flavor combinations will definitely bring cheers from your furry friends.
Salmon oil is a favorite for many dogs and cats, as the smell and taste both appeal to even picky eaters. Not only that, but it’s great for them! Salmon oil provides levels of both omega-3 and -6 essential fatty acids not commonly found in regular pet foods. A great option in this category is Only Natural Pet’s Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil because it Marine Stewardship Council certified, wild caught salmon, creating a better product overall.
A final, great option for dogs and cats alike is Superfood Sauce from Only Natural Pet. Easily squeeze it onto your pet’s otherwise boring food to deliver a party for their taste buds with loads of added benefits. There are different varieties to aid digestion, improve skin and coat, and to support healthy joints.
Choosing a High-Quality Natural Food Topper
You love your pet and you want to give them the best. Your choice in natural food topper is no exception. For that reason, choose products made from natural ingredients.
Also consider the following questions:
- Why are you adding the topper to their diet?
- Is it a treat, a meal enhancer, or for a complete meal?
- Does your dog or cat need some extra beneficial nutrients like omega-3 and -6 in their life?
- Do you need something that’s open and pour or do you have time to prepare the topper?
Answering these questions will narrow things down for you in an instant.
In the End, Your Pet Comes Out on Top
No matter what you choose, a high-quality natural food topper is a great choice for dogs and cats alike. They make boring meals exciting, are a great way to add some extra nutrients to your pet’s diet, and provide variety in flavors and ingredients.
