Pet Food Toppers

Probiotics vs Food Toppers 

It should be noted that probiotics and pet food toppers are two different products with very different uses.  Veterinarians may recommend probiotics for specific and sporadic use only. We do not recommend probiotic use as part of your pet’s ongoing, regular diet.  Probiotics have excellent results when used for short periods of time for the correct medical or wellness purpose. 

Food toppers, however, may be used as part of your pet’s ongoing, daily diet.  Read on for more information about food toppers and how they might help you and your pet.

What is a Food Topper?

Pet food toppers are a supplementary food item or ingredient designed to provide additional taste, texture, moisture and nutrients to your pet’s diet, making their meals more enticing and enjoyable. They can be particularly beneficial for picky eaters or pets with specific dietary needs, helping to ensure they receive a well-rounded and nutritious diet.

Food toppers can be beneficial for encouraging fussy eaters and to provide additional nutrients. Toppers or treats should make up no more than 10% of the diet.

Toppers come in various forms, see below for a comprehensive list of what is currently available on the pet food market.  Some toppers include nutrition support; others are simply flavour or texture enhancers.  

Notes of Caution

1/ Check with Your Veterinarian

Some disease conditions require specialised diets for management. Treats or toppers may not be suitable for these conditions.  

2/ Pet Food Standards of Australia

Pet food manufacturing in Australia is a self-regulated industry and pet food toppers are no exception.  Manufacturers are tasked to abide by the Australian Standard for the Manufacturing and Marketing of Pet Food Standards (The Australian Standard AS5812) however, this is not compulsory. Interested to read more?  Read about the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA) Standards and Regulations here. 

3/ Read the Label

We recommend careful reading of pet food ingredients, in particular where the label states it as a “complete and balanced” food.  Pay particular attention to ingredients that are toxic to pets such as garlic and onions and excesses like salt or iodine.  If you need help understanding ingredients names and their purpose, be sure to ask us for help. Our staff are trained to read and understand pet food labels.

4/ A Balanced Diet is Critical

Be aware of how you are using this product – a flavour enhancer or a dietary supplement? Balanced nutrition is crucial for our pets’ overall health. Nutritional excesses, deficiencies and toxins are common causes of ill-health in our pets. 

Why use a food topper

Using a pet food topper can significantly enhance the dining experience for your pet. These toppings, typically made from high-quality ingredients such as real meat, vegetables, or nutritional supplements, not only add variety to your pet’s meals but also boost the flavour and palatability of their food. 

By introducing different textures and tastes, pet food toppers can entice picky eaters to finish their meals and encourage better eating habits. Additionally, many toppers are fortified with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, providing an extra nutritional punch to your pet’s diet. Whether you’re looking to add excitement to your pet’s meals or ensure they’re getting a well-rounded diet, incorporating a pet food topper is a simple and effective solution.

How to use Food Toppers

Using a pet food topper is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use one:

1. Choose the Right Topper: Select a pet food topper that complements your pet’s regular meals and dietary needs. Consider factors such as flavour preferences, nutritional requirements, and any dietary restrictions.
2. Prepare Your Pet’s Meal: Start by preparing your pet’s regular meal, whether it’s dry kibble, wet food, or a homemade recipe. Ensure that the food is served at the appropriate temperature and consistency.
3. Add the Topper: Sprinkle or spoon the desired amount of the pet food topper over your pet’s meal. The quantity can vary depending on your pet’s size, dietary requirements and taste preferences. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
4. Mix Well (Optional): If your pet prefers their food mixed, gently stir or toss the topper into their meal to ensure even distribution. This helps to incorporate the flavours and textures of the topper with the base food.
5. Serve: Present the topped meal to your pet in their usual feeding bowl. Encourage them to eat by offering praise and positive reinforcement.
6. Store Properly: Seal the container of the pet food topper tightly after each use to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Follow any storage instructions provided on the packaging.
7. Monitor Your Pet’s Response: Observe your pet’s reaction to the topped meal. If they enjoy it, continue using the topper as part of their regular feeding routine. If they show any signs of discomfort or adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.

Types of Food Toppers

There are various types of pet food toppers available to suit different dietary preferences and needs.  Food toppers can be freeze-dried or dehydrated meats, wet gravies or sauces, powdered supplements, broths or stocks, raw ingredients, or homemade mixtures.

1. Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Toppers: These toppers often consist of real meat, fish, or poultry that has been freeze-dried or dehydrated to preserve its nutrients and flavour. They can be crumbled over your pet’s food to add protein and enhance taste.
2. Wet Toppers: Wet toppers typically come in the form of gravy, sauce or pâté and are made from high-quality ingredients such as meat, vegetables or broth. They add moisture and flavour to dry kibble, making it more appealing to pets.
3. Powdered Supplements: Powdered toppers are often fortified with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support your pet’s overall health. They can be sprinkled over food to provide additional nutrition, especially beneficial for pets with specific dietary requirements or deficiencies.
4. Broths and Stocks: These liquid toppers are made by simmering meat, bones and vegetables in water to create a flavourful broth or stock. They can be poured over dry or wet food to add moisture and enhance taste while providing a nutritional boost.
5. Raw Toppers: Raw toppers consist of raw meat, organs and bones that are finely ground or diced. They offer a natural source of protein and other nutrients and can be mixed with your pet’s food for added variety and nutrition.
6. Homemade Toppers: Some pet owners prefer to make their own toppers using ingredients like cooked meat, vegetables and grains. This allows for customization based on your pet’s preferences and dietary requirements.

Overall, pet food toppers offer a convenient way to enhance the nutritional value and taste of your pet’s meals, catering to their individual needs and preferences.

Sources

• Dr Elle Burton-Bradley BAnVetBioSci (Hons I) DVM, Veterinarian, The Village Vet
• WSAVA feline nutrition: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/The-Savvy-Cat-Owner-s-Guide-to-Nutrition-on-the-Internet.pdf
• WSAVA canine nutrition: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/The-Savvy-Dog-Owner-s-Guide-to-Nutrition-on-the-Internet.pdf
• Pet Diets: https://www.petdiets.com/
• Balance IT: https://balance.it/