How To Choose A Dog Meal Topper?

A great topper has the power to transform a bland meal into something your dog will devour with excitement! But most importantly, it can add nutrition to your dog’s diet for gut health and overall well-being.

Yet most of us have, at some point, spent hours in a pet store aisle or scrolling through endless online options looking for the perfect dog meal topper. The options can be overwhelming and confusing.

From freeze-dried toppers, wet dog food toppers, meal mixers, and more - how do you choose the best one for your fur baby? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll break it all down for you.

So, let’s get started and find out how to choose the best dog meal topper.

Types of Dog Meal Toppers

When picking out meal toppers for your dog, there are two main types to consider: dry and wet. Let’s dive into each.

Dry Meal Topper

Dry toppers are made from air-dried, freeze-dried raw, or dehydrated ingredients. Popular dry toppers are powders, flakes, or small nuggets that can be sprinkled on top of meals. Some freeze-dried dog food toppers can even be used as dog treats during training!

Wet Meal Topper

On the other hand, wet meal toppers come in the form of broths, sauces, and gravies.

Some options, like the Dog Sauce wet topper, combine broths and rich gravies made from a blend of natural ingredients like sweet potato, carrots, and flavorful bone broths. They can make meals more delicious and enticing, especially for those finicky pups who turn their noses up at plain kibble.

Wet meal toppers are also great for hydration. Veterinarians often recommend them for dogs that need extra hydration and nutrients in their diet.

Things To Look For When Choosing a Dog Meal Topper

Now that you are educated on the available types, what should you consider when selecting a meal topper? When choosing a dog meal topper, I start with the basics: what’s in it? Here are a few things you should also look for to ensure you’re giving your fur baby the best.

Natural Ingredients

First, the ingredients. Go for toppers that list real meat (turkey, beef, or chicken), veggies (sweet potato, carrots, etc.), and fruit as the main ingredients. Many pet parents also prefer grain-free toppers for their dogs.

Choose products that use high-quality natural ingredients and no artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers. If it’s something you wouldn’t eat yourself, why would you feed it to your dog?

Vitamins, Minerals, and Beneficial Additives

Next, consider the nutritional content. A good dog meal topper should be packed with essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health and well-being.

Look for a balanced mix of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc, so the meal is delicious and complements their daily dietary needs.

Some toppers even include superfoods or beneficial additives like turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, or bone broth, which can support joint health and digestion.

These extras can turn a simple meal topper into a powerful supplement for your dog’s diet.

Cost and Value

Even though we want the best for our pets, it has to fit the budget. The cost of dog meal toppers can vary greatly, so it’s important to consider value for money.

Look for toppers that are reasonably priced but still have high-quality ingredients, so you know you’re not compromising on quality for cost.

Some brands offer subscribe-and-save options, which can help reduce the regular price and ensure you always have your dog’s favorite topper.

Brand Transparency

Lastly, transparency is everything, especially regarding what our beloved pets consume.

Although we always want to assume good intentions from pet food manufacturers, most corporations are in business to make money.

Some may even cut costs by using cheap processing methods or synthetic ingredients.

A good brand will tell you what’s in their product and how it’s made so you can trust it.

For example, Dog Sauce stands out not only for its taste but also for its clear labeling and natural, high-quality ingredients. We source our ingredients from a reputable manufacturer with over 50 years of experience!

Dog Meal Topper Ingredients To Avoid

Picking the right meal topper is not just about what to look for; it’s also about what to avoid. So, let’s look at some ingredients to avoid in meal toppers.

Harmful Additives:

Here are some additives to avoid in dog food toppers:

• Artificial Preservatives: Chemicals like Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), and Ethoxyquin have been linked to health risks, including cancer. These preservatives may extend shelf life but compromise your dog’s health.

• Artificial Colors and Flavors: These are added to make the toppers look more appealing to pet owners, not for any nutritional benefit. The long-term effects of artificial colors on health are still debated. Still, some have been linked to behavioral changes and cancer risk.

• Fillers and Thickeners: Ingredients like corn syrup and carrageenan can cause digestive issues and other health problems in dogs. Carrageenan has been linked to gastrointestinal inflammation and even cancer.

• Excessive Salts and Sugars: High levels can cause obesity, dental problems, and even diabetes. Watch out for hidden sugars and sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Benefits of a Dog Meal Topper

Dog food toppers go beyond enhancing flavor in regular to dry kibble. Let’s get into the benefits in detail.

More Palatable

One of the most significant advantages of dog food toppers is they make meals more appealing, especially for picky eaters. We’ve all seen our dogs sniff around their bowl, uninterested in their kibble.

Add a sprinkle of dry topping or a splash of wet topping, and indifference turns into excitement. It’s like adding seasoning to our meals—suddenly, every bite is irresistible!

Extra Nutrition

Beyond making mealtime fun and tasty, dog food toppers are full of extra nutrition. Whether it’s added vitamins, minerals, or protein, toppers fill in any nutritional gaps your dog may have.

For example, if your dog’s main diet lacks certain nutrients, a well-chosen topper can ensure a more balanced intake. It’s easy to boost your dog’s health without changing its whole diet.

Some toppers, like DogSauce, have bone broth and certain amino acids that can support your dog’s health, such as joint function or gut health.

Hydration Benefits

There’s an added hydration benefit, especially with wet food toppers. Some dogs don’t drink enough water, and we worry about their hydration levels, right?

Adding wet toppers like broths or gravies can significantly increase their fluid intake, help keep them hydrated, and support their kidney and urinary tract health.

Variety in Diet

Different meal toppers can add variety to your dog’s diet without completely changing their food. This can be especially true for picky eaters. A variety pack of toppers can be a great way to determine which flavors your dog prefers.

DogSauce - The Best Meal Topper

Now that you’re an expert on dog meal toppers let us introduce you to Dog Sauce, the best meal topper for your dog.

We created our Dog Sauce superfood meal topper with human-grade ingredients to fix your dog’s appetite and give them a nutritional boost for a healthier coat and longer life.

Best of all, Dog Sauce is for all dogs, whether you have a picky eater, a puppy, or a senior dog. It’s designed to support dogs through all life stages.

Drizzle an ounce or two on their kibble, and you’ll fix your picky eater in no time. It’s the perfect dry dog food mix-in.

So, what options do you have for Dog Sauce? Our best sellers and flavor options include chicken recipe and beef recipe:

• Starter subscription

• Chicken Broth and Sweet Potato

• Beef Broth and Sweet Potato Recipe

For subscription options, you can enjoy 20% off and free US shipping. Dog food toppers are delivered to you every 30 days for convenience.

When you’re ready to make a purchase, add your chosen products to your shopping cart, review your subtotal at checkout, and complete your first order to start enjoying Dog Sauce’s benefits.

FAQs

Are meal toppers good for dogs? 

Generally, yes! Meal toppers can be a great addition to your dog’s diet if you purchase from reputable brands. They can boost nutrition, increase palatability, and add variety to your pup’s meals. Dog Sauce, for instance, is a tasty option that many dogs love. Remember to use toppers in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

What can I add to my dog’s meals? 

You could try Dog Sauce, specifically designed as a meal topper. Other possibilities include small amounts of cooked lean meats, dog-safe fruits or vegetables, or a dollop of plain yogurt. Always introduce new foods gradually, and check with your vet if you are unsure.

How to use a dog food topper?

It’s pretty simple! You’d typically drizzle a small amount over your dog’s regular food for a product like Dog Sauce. We recommend adding one ounce per 25-pound animal to every meal.

What are the nutritional benefits of adding a meal topper to my dog’s kibble? 

Meal toppers can provide extra vitamins, minerals, protein, or healthy fats. Dog Sauce, for example, might offer additional nutrients that complement your dog’s regular food. Toppers can also increase moisture intake, which is especially beneficial for dogs who don’t drink enough water.

Is Dog Sauce Meal topper good for all life stages? 

Yes, Dog Sauce is formulated to be suitable for dogs of all life stages, from puppies to seniors. Its all-natural, human-grade ingredients make it a safe and nutritious choice for dogs of any age.

Can meal toppers help with my dog’s gut health? 

Many meal toppers, including some varieties of Dog Sauce, contain ingredients that can support gut health. Look for toppers with probiotics, bone broth, or easily digestible ingredients. Always consult your vet if you have specific concerns about your dog’s digestive health.