Don’t Just Fill the Bowl to Fuel Their Health
Kibble is easy, affordable, and it’s the go-to for most dog parents. But when it comes to nutritional completeness, dry food doesn’t have what it takes.
Whether you’re feeding premium kibble or a more basic option, adding healthy toppers is one of the simplest ways to turn an everyday bowl into a source of real, functional nutrition.
And nope, you don’t need to go fully raw or cook gourmet dog meals to make a difference. Just a sprinkle of the right topper can support everything from gut health to joints, immunity, anxiety, and skin.
Further Reading - For more information on enhancing your dog's diet:
Pet Nutrition Guide: What to Feed Your Dog or Cat
Balanced Diet for Dogs: A Real Food Guide to Better Health
Can Dogs Eat Human Food? Safe Options & Real Food Benefits
What Are Healthy Kibble Toppers (and Why Bother)?
Dog food toppers are nutrient-dense additions you crumble or mix into your dog’s kibble. They’re used to improve:
- Flavour – great for picky or anxious eaters
- Digestive health – via fibre, probiotics, and natural enzymes
- Joint and mobility support – through anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Skin and coat condition – especially with omega-rich options
- Immunity and vitality – thanks to vitamins, antioxidants, and adaptogens
Toppers work best when they’re made from real food, not synthetic fillers. And that’s where whole ingredient supplements and freeze-dried treats shine.
Natural Kibble Toppers That Actually Do Something
Freeze-Dried Treats
These are not just training treats, they double as ultra-functional toppers. Freeze-dried meats retain all the raw nutrients without the mess, offering easy, shelf-stable nutrition.
A few crumbles of:
- Seafood – Foods like sardines, fish, salmon and green lipped mussels are rich in omega-3s for brain, skin, and joint health
- Organs – Organs like chicken and lamb hearts are packed with iron, taurine, and B vitamins
- Chicken Necks – A natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin
- Novel Prolines – Crocodile, turkey and kangaroo are hypoallergenic proteins for dogs and cats that suffer with gut health and allergies.
These are easy to crumble over kibble for a high-value meal topper. Start small and rotate proteins for better nutritional coverage.
Functional Treats That Go Beyond Taste
PetWell’s functional topper treats are infused with our supplement blends and made with freeze-dried proteins, making them a tasty and therapeutic addition to any meal.
- DIGEST + Kangaroo – for sensitive tummies, with probiotics, turmeric, and gut-soothing ingredients
- MOBILITY + Beef – for active dogs or seniors needing joint support
- CALM + Lamb – helps anxious eaters relax with natural L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine for dogs and cats
- RELIEF + Venison – great for allergies and skin flare-ups, packed with anti-inflammatory superfoods
Pop them over meals, use as a reward, or mix and match with freeze-dried options for even more health benefits.
Healthy Dog Food Toppers from Your Fridge or Pantry
You don’t have to buy anything new to start improving your dog’s kibble. Some of the best toppers are already in your kitchen:
- Plain Chicken or Beef – great protein boost (unseasoned only!)
- Scrambled or Boiled Egg – adds biotin and complete protein
- Plain Greek Yoghurt (unsweetened) – full of probiotics for gut health
- Cooked Pumpkin or Sweet Potato – high in fibre for digestion
- Blueberries – antioxidant-rich and low in sugar
- Steamed Greens (spinach, kale) – chlorophyll, fibre, and nutrients in every bite
Just be sure to avoid onions, and artificial sweeteners. Introduce slowly and always observe how your dog reacts.
Add a Sprinkle of Supplement Support
When we think of food toppers, we often picture meaty bits or fresh veg, but whole food supplements deserve a spot in the bowl too.
PetWell’s powdered blends are designed to be topped straight onto kibble, offering targeted health benefits using real ingredients like:
- Probiotics, turmeric, and ginger for gut health
- Green-lipped mussel and MSM for joint and mobility support
- Spirulina, oyster extract, and burdock root for skin, coat, and immune health
- Lemon balm, green tea and chamomile - for nervous system support and calming
Each formula is developed by a animal naturopath and made with human-grade, functional ingredients, nothing synthetic, nothing filler.
A daily scoop stirred through your dog’s kibble delivers a boost of bioavailable nutrition designed to do more than just taste good. The natural flavours from real food tend to win them over quickly.
Combine a powdered supplement with one of our freeze-dried toppers for a next-level meal that supports your dog inside and out.
Rotate, Mix, and Match for Better Balance
Every dog’s nutritional needs are different, and no topper fits all. That’s why rotation matters.
Instead of using the same topper daily, try:
- Switching up proteins (e.g. beef one week, kangaroo the next)
- Combining freeze-dried treats with a spoon of pumpkin or yoghurt
- Using functional treats in the morning and whole meat toppers at night
- Crumbling a topper one day, stirring in bone broth the next
This variation not only reduces risk of food sensitivities, it also provides a more complete micronutrient profile.
How Much Is Too Much?
Toppers should make up no more than 10–15% of your dog’s total daily intake. Too much of even a good thing can unbalance the diet, especially for small dogs.
Start slow. Observe their digestion, energy levels, coat quality, and stool consistency. The right topper routine will help your dog feel better from the inside out.
Real Food. Real Health Benefits.
At PetWell, we’re big believers in whole food feeding, even when life gets busy. You don’t need to go all-in on raw or cook meals daily to nourish your dog, just start with smarter additions.
Whether it’s freeze-dried treats, a scoop of calming topper, or a spoonful of something from your fridge, each bite can move your dog closer to better health, naturally.
Want to see what’s working for thousands of Aussie pet parents?
Explore our human-grade, vet-approved range of topper-worthy treats and functional blends here:
👉 PetWell Freeze-Dried Treats
👉 PetWell Supplements
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care
