Food Toppers for Pets: Benefits, Types & How to Choose the Best One
Whether you have a picky pup or a fussy feline, meal time can sometimes be a challenge. That’s where food toppers come in. Packed with flavour and nutrients, toppers are a delicious way to boost your pet’s meals — but are they right for your furry friend? In this guide, we’ll break down how they work, their benefits, and what to look for when shopping for toppers in New Zealand.
What Are Food Toppers?
Food toppers are add-ons you sprinkle, pour, or mix into your pet’s regular food to enhance taste, texture or nutrition. They can come in the form of freeze dried meat, broth, dehydrated raw food, or even soft stews.
Many New Zealand pet parents are turning to toppers as a solution for fussy eaters or to add variety without changing their entire pet’s diet. They’re especially helpful for pets who need encouragement to eat more due to age, recovery or stress-related loss of appetite.
You can find cat and dog toppers made from high-quality, species-appropriate ingredients, often mirroring raw or whole-prey diets.
Benefits Of Using Food Toppers
- Enhanced flavour: Toppers can make meals more appealing to picky eaters, helping them look forward to meal times.
- Added nutrition: Many toppers include supplements like omega oils, probiotics, or glucosamine, which support skin and coat, digestion and joints.
- Hydration boost: Wet toppers like bone broth or stews are a great way to increase your pet’s water intake, particularly for cats who may not drink enough on their own.
- Variety without the risk: Adding toppers gives your pet mealtime excitement without risking tummy upsets from switching their whole diet.
If your pet has dietary sensitivities or is recovering from illness, you might want to look for toppers with added health support such as probiotics or joint care ingredients.
Are Food Toppers Right For Every Pet?
Generally, yes — but with a few considerations. Food toppers suit most dogs and cats when used as a complement to complete and balanced meals. If your pet is on a vet-prescribed diet, or has specific health conditions, it’s best to have a chat with your vet before adding toppers to the mix.
For pets with food allergies or intolerances, check the ingredient list carefully. At Petdirect, many of our toppers use single or limited proteins to support sensitive tummies, including options from leading NZ brands like ZIWI, K9 Natural, and Animals Like Us.
Choosing The Right Topper For Your Pet
When picking a topper, consider your pet’s:
- Dietary preferences: Some pets love the crunch of freeze-dried toppers, others prefer moister options like gravy or stews.
- Life stage: Puppies and kittens may benefit from toppers designed to support growth, while older pets might enjoy calorie-dense or joint-support options.
- Health needs: Look for toppers with added supplements to support digestion, joints, coat condition or hydration. Browse our skin and coat health supplements collection to get started.
And don’t forget to use an appropriate pet food bowl that suits wet or dry topper consistency — easy cleanup is always a bonus!
Feeding Tips And How Much To Use
Always follow the feeding guidelines on the topper packaging. Some toppers are designed for daily use, while others may be more suitable as an occasional treat. A little goes a long way when it comes to added flavour and nutritional benefits!
Start small — especially if your pet is trying toppers for the first time — and monitor their digestion and appetite. From there, you can build a topper routine they’ll love.
If you’re using toppers as treats or training rewards, be mindful of your pet’s total daily calorie intake to avoid accidental overfeeding. Explore our full range of tasty pet treats for more mealtime motivation.
Toppers, Tail Wags, And Happy Meows
Food toppers are more than just flavour boosts. They’re a fun, flexible way to nourish your pet’s health and add excitement to their mealtime routine — especially for picky eaters or pets with special dietary needs.
From freeze-dried raw to hydrating stews, there’s a topper for every pet. And as always, if you’re unsure, Our Petdirect team is here to help — because We Get Pet.
Ready to level up bowl time? Shop our dog and cat toppers now, and discover the paw-some benefits for yourself.