7 Easy DIY Dog Food Toppers

Seeing your furry friend lose interest in the same boring kibble day after day can be discouraging to say the least.

You want to make their meals exciting with some DIY dog food toppers, but you also want to ensure you’re only adding something nutritious to their bowl.

Our goal in this DIY guide is to help you do just that and answer the burning question of what to add to dog food.

We offer simple DIY dog food topper recipes, essentially homemade dog meal toppers, that require only wholesome ingredients and easy-to-follow directions.

Each of these easy recipes for kibble toppers for dogs is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.

Use these recipes as inspiration the next time you ask, ‘What can I add to my dog’s food?’ Just don’t skip the vet’s advice before trying anything new.

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What To Add to Dog Food to Make It Taste Better

The following are some of the ingredients/foods you can use for your DIY dog food toppers to improve taste, while giving you plenty of nutritional dog meal ideas:

• Warm, low-sodium broth
• Plain canned dog food
• Plain unsweetened yogurt
• Cottage cheese or kefir
• Cooked lean meats
• Scrambled egg without seasoning
• Sardines or salmon
• Chopped fresh dog-safe vegetables
• Small amounts of dog-safe fruit
• Freeze-dried raw toppers or meat crumbles
• Cooked oatmeal or plain rice
• Crushed dog-safe treats or kibble dust

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How To Make Dog Food Taste Better

Your dog could be skipping meals because they just aren’t happy with the taste or texture of their food.

The good news is that there are many easy dry dog food add ins or ways to increase dog food taste and palatability that your vet will approve.

Wetting dry kibble with warm water can help soften the texture and unlock some natural aromas.

This makes each bite more appealing to your pup. Try a splash of low-sodium broth for even more moisture and flavor, without having to switch your dog’s food entirely.

Food toppers for dogs can also help. A spoonful of plain canned dog food, unsweetened yogurt, or kefir can add variety, creaminess, and a more appealing aroma.

These additions will make food more palatable and, in moderation, also offer digestive advantages.

Cooked lean meats such as chicken or turkey, scrambled eggs, or a few sardines or salmon can also enhance meals.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent food to add to dog kibble. You can give chopped carrots, pumpkin, or blueberries as healthy things to add to dry dog food.

Remember that the feeding style you choose is just as important as the ingredients you are adding to meals.

Puzzle feeders or slow bowls can change a dull meal into a fun challenge, which might trigger your dog’s interest.

If your dog has any kind of food aversions or a medical condition, make sure to consult your trusted vet nutritionist before introducing anything new.

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7 DIY Dog Food Toppers

1. Green Boost Dog Food Topper

Ingredients

• 2 cups kale and parsley, chopped & stemmed
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 3 to 4 dried shiitake mushrooms
• Juice from 1 can of sardines in water
• 1 cup bone broth with turmeric

Instructions

1. Wash the kale and parsley. Strip kale of any thick stems. Add both to a food processor. Add coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and chia seeds.
2. Pulse the ingredients until a very fine consistency is achieved, as evenly as possible, like a thick green chop.
3. Add the dried shiitake mushrooms and the sardine juice to the food processor. Pulse until the mushrooms are incorporated into the mixture.
4. Slowly add the bone broth, 1 cup at a time, adding more as needed or as much as your food processor can accommodate. Blend everything into a thick paste.
5. Transfer the finished blend to ice cube trays or silicone molds. Freeze, then store in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

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2. DIY Frozen Meal Topper Cubes

Ingredients

• Canned pumpkin
• Goat’s milk
• Plain yogurt
• Mashed banana
• Cooked sweet potatoes
• Steamed carrots
• Chopped blueberries
• Chopped apples
• Bone broth
• Crushed kibble or treat dust

Instructions

1. Pick your ingredients, and prepare them, if necessary, by blending, cooking, and/or mashing until smooth enough to scoop. Store-bought toppers can be used as is from the container.
2. Drop a small spoonful into each cube section of an ice cube tray. Add a little water, if necessary, to thin a thick or dry mix, so it drops easily.
3. Freeze the tray without disturbing it for at least two hours, until completely frozen.
4. Remove from tray and store cubes in a labeled freezer bag.
5. Serve one or two kibble toppers for puppies as needed. They are great for ingredients like goat’s milk that don’t keep long once thawed.

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3. Salmon Mango Chill Cubes

Ingredients

• 1 can salmon, low sodium
• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. Drain the canned salmon. Chop the mango and cucumber into smaller pieces if necessary to help them blend.
2. Put the drained salmon, along with mango and cucumber pieces, into a blender together with water. Blend until smooth, and the liquid mixture is pourable.
3. Pour the liquid into ice cube trays or silicone molds, filling each cube slot to the top.
4. Place the trays in the freezer and freeze for 4 to 6 hours or until completely solid.
5. Pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Top your dog’s regular meal with the cool cubes.

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4. A Lot of Liver Dog Food Topper

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw organic liver
• 2 tablespoons filtered water
• 1 tablespoon whole flour
• Pinch of turmeric

Instructions

1. Put the chopped liver in a small pan. Add the filtered water, the optional whole flour, and a sprinkle of turmeric, then stir gently until everything is evenly combined. Then turn the heat on.
2. Put the pan on medium heat, and let the mixture heat slowly, stirring it occasionally to prevent sticking, until the liver is cooked and no longer raw, about 5 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat, and set the pan aside to cool completely before feeding it to your dog.
4. If you, or your dog, like these puppy kibble toppers smooth, or if you want it to be pourable, you can also put the cooled mixture in a food processor and pulse until it’s soft.

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5. Roast Pumpkin or Squash Kibble Topper

Ingredients

• Whole pumpkin or
• winter squash (such as butternut, acorn, or spaghetti)

Instructions

1. Wash the outside of the pumpkin or squash under cool water to remove any dirt. Set in a baking dish that is deep enough to contain the juices released while baking.
2. Pierce the skin all over with a sharp knife a few times to vent steam during baking. This will help prevent the pumpkin from splitting or exploding.
3. Bake in a 350°F oven for 2 to 3 hours. The baking time will vary depending on the size and density of the pumpkin. Test for softness with a fork at intervals.
4. Remove from oven and allow to cool before handling, or let cool in the oven after turning off the heat.
5. Cut the pumpkin in half, being careful of the liquid that may be inside. Scoop out the seeds and stringy core with a large spoon.
6. Scrape the flesh from the rind into a large bowl with a sturdy spoon.
7. Blend the pumpkin into a spreadable puree using an immersion blender, countertop blender, or food processor. This can be used to evenly top a quantity of dry kibble.
8. Store extra servings in ice cube trays, then transfer to freezer bags when frozen. Use small portions as needed. Refrigerated servings should be used within five days.

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6. Easy Dog-Safe Gravy Topper

Ingredients

• 2 cups low-sodium or homemade stock/broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour

Instructions

1. Place 1 ½ cups of stock in a small saucepan. Set it over medium heat and let it simmer, watching so it doesn’t boil too vigorously.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ½ cup of cold stock with the cornstarch until smooth and lump-free.
3. When the stock on the stove reaches a low boil, whisk in the cornstarch mixture a little at a time, stirring constantly.
4. Stir and bring back to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat just a bit and allow the gravy to thicken for a minute or two.
5. Remove from the heat and allow the gravy to cool to a warm temperature, then spoon it over your dog’s food.

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7. Pumpkin, Carrot & Strawberry Puree Topper

Ingredients

• Pumpkin
• Carrots
• Strawberries

Instructions

1. Wash the pumpkin, carrots, and strawberries well and cut them into small pieces that fit in your food processor.
2. Put the prepared produce in a food processor and blend until smooth, adding a bit more water if needed for the consistency.
3. Put the mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate up to three days, or freeze in servings for up to six months.
4. Serve a spoonful of these food toppers for puppies over dry kibble, cooked meat, or fish just before feeding. It helps improve flavor and supply natural nutrition.

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Conclusion

DIY dog food toppers provide an easy way to enhance your pup’s meals without changing their food or spending more than necessary.

They add flavor, nutrition, and control over ingredients in their bowl. With just a few ingredients and a bit of preparation, you can create meals your dog will love.

We recommend starting with a few recipes and watching how your pooch likes it. Make sure to introduce new foods gradually and monitor your dog for any signs of allergies or upset.

The beauty of introducing these dog food toppers homemade bit by bit is that you’ll get to know what your canine friend craves over time and can adjust it as you like.

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