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6 min read

Enhancing Your Pet's Meal with a Food Topper

HUFT Editorial

Content Writer

Feb 27, 24

My friend’s dog Casper, a 10-year-old German Shepherd, is perhaps one of the fussiest dogs I might have come across. His meal routine is fixed. Dad or mom (my friend’s parents) need to be physically seated next to him and when he stops eating, it is their task to then hand feed him whatever is in the bowl. Yes, feed him by hand! It takes him an entire hour to eat lunch. This is probably one of the most amusing sights I’ve come across.

Dogs, depending on their age, special conditions or in Casper’s case just a peculiar personality, can be extremely fussy when it comes to eating meals. Which is why, dog food toppers are literally a blessing in disguise. But what are they? Does your dog even need them? How much of it is enough for your dog? Let’s take a good, hard look at each of these questions.

Welcome to the world of dog food toppers where every meal is now a culinary adventure for your doggo!

Table Of Contents:

1. What are dog food toppers?

2. Benefits of dog food toppers

3. Popular products as dog food toppers

4.Popular foods as dog food toppers

5. Tips for using dog food toppers

6. Frequently Ask Questions

What are dog food toppers?

Our founder Rashi Narang says this often: “Imagine having the same meal every day. How boring our lives would be!” The same goes for our dogs as well. Contrary to the norm, dogs enjoy relishing new tastes and meals once in a while. If you’ve got a fussy eater on your hands, chances are they might be extremely bored with what they see in the bowl every day. (And we don’t blame them!)

Imagine you’re having toasted bread for breakfast. There’s butter but there’s also jam, peanut butter and banana. It’s nice to have flavour options, isn’t it? Dog food toppers are somewhat similar and as the name suggests, are dog meal supplements that enhance the taste of the existing dog meal while adding flavour, texture and nutrition to it. Whether it’s the savoury crunch of the dehydrated dog treats, the comforting richness of bone broth for dogs or just wholesome goodness of fresh fruits and veggies, these meal toppers for dogs have the magic to transform any ordinary meal into something wonderful!

Please Note: Food toppers should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet. They should be used in moderation and as a supplement to your dog's regular food. Always check with your veterinarian before adding any new foods or supplements to your dog's diet.

HUFT Sara's Rich Blend Bone Broth...

₹249 ₹236.55 5% off

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HUFT Food Topper Chicken Liver with O...

₹249

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2. Benefits of dog food toppers

Benefits Of Food Toppers For Dogs

Now if you’re wondering, why go the extra mile to choose a meal toppers for dogs? Apart from giving your dog a choice of better meal, dog food toppers provide multiple health benefits to your dog. Here are a few that top our list!

2.1. Add variety to meals: Yes, we know we’ve mentioned it already but it’s important! Food rotation and exploring new flavours is essential to keep our dogs’ tummy and minds happy. It elevates boredom and makes mealtime more enjoyable. Moreover, it also helps reduce the chances of your dog developing food sensitivities over time.

2.2. Makes taking medicine easier: As pet parents, giving our pets medicine is one of the most difficult tasks. And let’s face it, they don’t taste well even to us, let alone our dogs. Food toppers not only make them taste better but also give our dog some added nutrition. A while back, Khushbu Bhatia, a pet parent shared her heartwarming testimonial with us: “My pet struggled with cancer and used to refuse to eat the medicines, but the HUFT food topper for dogs really helped her take them.”. Need we say more?

2.3. Great for vegetarian households: A lot of pet parents shift to a vegetarian or vegan diet for their dogs due to their dog’s allergies or other health issues. Meal toppers for dogs are life-saving as they give your dogs nutrition from the protein-rich meat ingredients, without the risk of your dog developing meat allergies.

2.4. Improved nutrition: By reading up on the ingredients of your meal toppers for dogs you can boost your dog’s immunity with additional nutrients. For example, veggies like carrots and spinach can provide vitamins and fibre. Another example is bone broth for dogs which offers joint-support as they’re rich in glucosamine and chondroitin.

2.5. Weight management and digestive health: Specific meal toppers for dogs can help solve a problem area for your dog’s health. Green beans or plain boiled chicken, for example, can be used to add volume to meals without significantly increasing calorie intake. On the other hand, probiotic-rich dog yoghurt or pumpkin can aid in digestion, promoting overall gastrointestinal health.

2.6. Encourages picky eaters: Most dog food toppers have a natural meaty flavour that’s loved by dogs. The tantalising aroma of meal toppers for dogs can make any dog drool and gobble up their meal! So if you’ve got a picky eater, then by not getting different food toppers, you’re missing out on a lot!

2.7. Versatile: Dog food toppers can be added on top of anything your dog eats. These include dog kibble, wet dog food, home-cooked meals, packaged dog food, medicines and yes fruits for snacks. Imagine the countless flavour combinations your dog will love!

3. Popular products as dog food toppers

3.1. HUFT Sara’s Wholesome Bone Broths: Made by canine nutritionists in our state-of-the-art kitchen, HUFT Sara’s Wholesome Bone Broths are expert-made food toppers and a rich, delicious supplement blend. Not only are they hydrating but also come in 4 different meaty flavours - turkey, lamb, chicken and a rich blend of lamb, pork and buffalo bones!

Moreover, Sara’s Wholesome Bone Broths are great for improved immunity and detoxification. They also aid in reducing inflammation, promoting a healthy gut and joint health and supporting faster recovery from illnesses.

3.2. HUFT Food Topper: Developed by our scientist at HUFT Innovation and Manufacturing Centre, our HUFT Food Topper is an all-natural supplement made with two simple ingredients: 100% fresh chicken liver and organic turmeric. Loved by all dogs, chicken liver is a delicious protein rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Organic turmeric is used in century-old traditional medicine that helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and improve skin and coat health.

3.3. Dehydrated Sara’s Treats: Whether they’re made from chicken, fish or just veggies or fruits, our HUFT Sara’s Treats are dehydrated, without any preservatives. They add a delicious taste to your dog’s meal and their favourite - a crunchy texture!

4. Popular foods as dog food toppers

4.1. Cheese: Grated cheese adds a savoury flavour and creaminess to your dog’s meals, making it a simple yet effective topper for pets who enjoy dairy!

4.2. Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt contains probiotics that promote gut health in pets. Just be sure they're pet-friendly and avoid yogurt with added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

4.3. Fruits and vegetables: Fresh or steamed fruits and vegetables like blueberries, apples, carrots, and green beans can provide a nutritional boost to your pet's diet. Plus, they’re actually liked by most pets!

5. Tips for using dog food toppers

5.1. Follow the feeding instructions: While food toppers for dogs can enhance meals, one should know they do precisely that - enhance. Food toppers are not a complete meal and hence should only be a small part of your dog’s overall diet. Make sure that the food topper portion you’re giving your dog is appropriate for your pet’s size and dietary needs.

5.2. Read the ingredients carefully: This tip comes in handy for all food items that you purchase for your dog. Read the labels thoroughly to avoid ingredients that your dog perhaps might be allergic to. Always opt for supplements that do not include excessive salt, artificial flavours, preservatives, colours or fillers. If your dog has a gluten allergy, a food topper that has no wheat, corn, soy or rice will be a good choice.

5.3. While introducing, do it gradually: Once you’ve purchased your preferred dog food topper, introduce them to your pet gradually. This will allow some adjustment time to your pet’s digestive system. Remember to monitor for any signs of reactions or upset stomach. If you notice such symptoms, consult your vet.

5.4. Consult your vet: As we said before, dog food toppers are not complete foods and should only be used in moderation and as a supplement to your dog’s regular food. Always check with your vet before adding any new foods or supplements to your dog’s diet. If you’re unsure which dog food topper would suit your pet, they can help you with personalised recommendations according to what your dog needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can meal toppers improve picky eating habits in pets?

Absolutely! Meal toppers for dogs have a distinct flavour and texture that can make your dog’s meal more appealing, encouraging them to be excited about their regular food. Introducing different food toppers in your pet’s diet can help break meal monotony and stimulate appetite.

2. Are bone broths safe and beneficial as meal toppers for dogs?

Yes, bone broths are 100% safe and beneficial as meal toppers for dogs. HUFT Sara’s Wholesome Bone Broths are made by canine nutritionists. These rich, delicious supplement blends are not only hydrating but also come in 4 different meaty flavours that make it enticing for all dogs. These include real turkey, lamb, chicken and a rich blend of lamb, pork and buffalo bones. Moreover, they are great for improved immunity and detoxification. They also aid in reducing inflammation, promoting a healthy gut and joint health and supporting faster recovery from illnesses.

3. Do bone broths need to be refrigerated?

Yes! Once opened, we advise you to refrigerate your HUFT Sara’s Wholesome Bone Broths at all times and consume within 48 hours

4. How often should I use meal toppers in my pet’s diet?

The frequency of using meal toppers in your dog’s diet depends on the individual pet’s needs and preferences. Some use them with their dog’s daily meals while some use them occasionally as a special treat or to address specific dietary needs. What’s important to remember is food toppers aren’t a substitute for your dog’s balanced diet. They should be used in moderation and as a supplement to your dog’s regular food. We recommend checking with your vet before adding any new foods or supplements to your dog’s diet.

5. What are some common benefits of dog food toppers?

Dog food toppers offer multiple benefits to your dog. These include adding variety, flavour and texture to your dog’s meal and providing them with extra nutrition. Food toppers also encourage picky eaters to enjoy their meals, help manage your dog’s weight and aid in digestive health. They are also a great choice for dogs in vegetarian households.

6. Can meal toppers help with digestive health in pets?

Yes, certain meal toppers can help with digestive health in pets. These include food toppers rich in fibre-rich ingredients such as pumpkin or sweet potato. They help promote gut microbiome, regulate bowel movements and alleviate digestive issues like constipation or diarrhoea. Moreover, our Sara’s Wholesome Bone Broths are made with lamb bones, turkey bones and chicken bones which aids in digestive health, builds immunity and reduces inflammation.

7. How to introduce meal toppers to a pet’s diet safely?

To introduce meal toppers safely, start by gradually incorporating small amounts into your pet’s regular food. Monitor their response for any signs of upset stomach or food sensitivities. Slowly increase the amount over time as your pet adjusts to the new flavours and textures.

8. What are the options when it comes to flavour enhancement for dog food?

Multiple meal toppers for dogs are available which can enhance the flavours of your dog’s meals. These include Sara’s Wholesome Bone Broths, HUFT Food Topper and crunchy Dehydrated Sara’s Treats. You can also top off your dog’s kibble with cheese, pet-safe yoghurt and different foods and veggies. Remember to not go overboard and feed these to your dog in limited quantities.

9. Do meal toppers provide additional nutritional value?

They do! Depending on the ingredients used, meal toppers made from high-quality proteins, fruits, vegetables and supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids or probiotics can provide your dog with additional nutrition that complements your dog’s regular diet and adds to their overall health and well-being.