10 Easy Homemade Dog Food Toppers to Make Your Dog's Dinner Fun

Has your dog started to turn up their nose at the healthy dry dog food you are putting in their bowl every day? If that is the case, you aren’t alone. Often, dogs get bored with the same kibble day after day and refuse to eat. So what should you do? Make a homemade dog food topper! Dog food toppers are fun, nutritious, and often extremely easy to whip together.

10 Homemade Meal Toppers, Guaranteed to Make Your Dog’s Mouth Water

Dogs can’t talk, so they can’t tell you what to do or why they don’t want to eat that bowl full of kibble that they used to dive into, so you have to make some educated guesses. We suggest you begin with some basic meal toppers (especially if you’re short on time) then launch into a bit more flavour if needed.

1. Add a little liquid

Sometimes all it takes is a little moisture to get your dog excited about dinnertime. It will give the kibble a different feel and different smell–that might be all that it takes to get your dog eating. Not only that, but it will help keep them hydrated, which is important during hot weather.

Water

You can start with just adding a little water to the kibble and giving it a good stir. The water will form a gravy that should stimulate your dog’s appetite.

Milk

If milk products don’t bother your doggo’s tummy, you can add a little milk. That will help provide additional calcium and vitamin D.

Broth

Meat broth can be either store-bought or homemade. If you buy it, make sure it is low in sodium so your dog doesn’t get too much salt. 

DIY Homemade Meat Broth Receipe

It is easy to make your own broth, and a homemade approach allows you to control the ingredients that go in. 

1. Put the bones, any extra meat, and whatever veggies you would like in a pot, cover with water, and then simmer for a couple of hours on low. 
2. Check from time to time to be sure there’s plenty of liquid left in the pot.
3. Strain the broth, and add any little chunks of meat and vegetables that you think your dog would like.
4. Mix a little with your dog’s kibble. Refrigerate the leftovers.

When your dog finishes their meal, make sure that you wash out the bowl so that bacteria doesn’t grow. Bacteria could cause problems with your dog’s digestive tract.

2. Give your dog a home-cooked meal

Food simmering on the stove or baking in the oven will fill your home with wonderful smells. You can bet that your dog will notice and that will stimulate their appetite. 

If you’re eating something healthy, spoon out a bit before you fully salt the dish. Then mix a little of whatever you are having with their kibble. Just make sure that it is only a small amount so that they will still be getting the proper nutrients provided by the kibble.

3. Want yogurt with that?

Some dogs love yogurt! And luckily, it’s also something healthy that might induce them to eat.

Plain, low-fat yogurt will add vitamin D and live lactobacillus acidophilus for improved gut health. It is low in calories and will help your doggo with bowel movements, too. But watch for diarrhea–not all dogs can digest milk and milk products.

4. Freshening things up with fruit and veggies

There are a variety of fruits and veggies that you can add to get your furry friend to eat their kibble. 

Experiment by adding some of the following until you find some that your dog can't resist:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Green beans
• Kale
• Peas
• Spinach
• Sweet potato

The veggies work best cooked, and give them just a little to start with to make sure that it doesn’t cause problems with their digestive tract.

You can even double down and add some of these tasty fruits and veggies to some plain yoghurt for an irresistible kibble topper! If these options leave you craving more creativity, learn different fun ideas to add veggies to your dog’s diet.

5. Add some eggs

Give eggs a try, either raw or cooked (although some dogs prefer their eggs cooked). Eggs are a good source of protein and will provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are also a great source of essential amino acids and fatty acids. 

Don’t forget that you can give them the shell too for added calcium. 

6. Sardines: a secret superfood

Open a tin of sardines and mix a couple of them in with the kibble. They will add flavour and omega-3 fatty acids, too. You can be sure that your dog will notice the smell!

7. Spice it up with a few herbs

If your dog has a refined palate, provide a bit of variety with healthy herbs. Some you might want to try, include:

• Chamomile
• Cinnamon
• Dill
• Fennel
• Ginger
• Goldenseal
• Milk thistle
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Turmeric

Avoid spices like comfrey, garlic, ma huang, pennyroyal, tea tree oil, white willow bark, wormwood and yucca.

8. Add watered-down peanut butter

Few dogs can resist peanut butter! If your dog doesn’t want their dinner, just mix a spoonful of peanut butter with a little water or cooking oil, then mix it with the kibble. Most dogs love the flavour–it is easy and inexpensive.

9. Mix with dried meat cut into small pieces

Cut or chop dried meat into small pieces and add that to the kibble. Some varieties of dog food already do this. Just make sure that your dog isn’t getting too much sodium.

10. Add wet or raw food

Most dogs feel canned food and raw dog food smells and tastes better than kibble, so if all else fails, give that a try. Remember to balance your dog’s caloric intake.

Don’t Quit the Kibble

One thing to keep in mind is that if your dog is a bit picky, don’t overthink it if it’s just once or twice. If your doggo turns up their nose, they might not be too hungry, or their tummy is a little funny. Before ditching your dog’s current kibble, check to see if there may be an underlying reason they’ve stopped eating.

If their lack of appetite persists, it is time to see the vet. Your dog might have some health issues that are reducing their appetite. The vet can also check to see if a sore tooth or infected gums are making it painful for your dog to chew their kibble.

Kibble provides many benefits

Well-balanced, high-quality kibble provides a nutritious diet for your dog, providing the right proportion of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Dry dog food also helps to scrub your best buddy’s teeth as they eat, which can lead to fewer dental problems in the long run.

Check the date on your dog’s dinner

While kibble will last a long time on the shelf, it doesn’t last forever. So if your dog stops digging in, check to see if your dog’s kibble has passed its expiration date. If so, the fats might have turned rancid and that could affect its appeal to your dog.

How to Increase Your Dog’s Appetite at Mealtime?

Some dogs thrive on variety. Others just aren’t hungry. If you’re wondering if a homemade dog food topper is worth your time, check these other approaches to increasing your dog’s appetite, first.

Keep your dog’s feeding schedule regular

Dogs, like many people, are creatures of habit. Feed them at the same time or times each day. They will get used to the schedule and be ready to eat when the food is presented to them.

Let your dog eat or not

When it is time to eat, put their food out. If they aren’t hungry, they won’t eat, but leave it out so that they can eat it when they do get hungry. Of course, for a multi-dog home, this might not be an option because the other doggos might get to it first.

Reduce your doggo’s snacks

Why did your mom make you eat your meal before she gave you dessert? So you would get your nutrients before your stomach was full. The same is true for your dog. If you give them too many dog snacks and treats, they might not have an appetite come mealtime. 

Treats are made to be tasty (and many are nutritious, too), but they won’t provide the right balance of nutrients, and they are usually high in calories.

Walk before you feed your pupper to stimulate their appetite

Try taking your doggo for a brisk walk before dinner. Sometimes the additional activity will stimulate their appetite, making them more likely to eat the kibble that you give them. 

Not only does walking release happy endorphins, but when your dog has been outside, smelled some wonderful smells and spent some quality time with their favourite human, they’re less likely to object to their dinner. They will be happy and a little tired, a perfect state of mind for not fussing over a meal of the kibble that they have been eating.

How to Use Kitchen Scraps Safely

Before you scrape that cutting board into the bin, stop! Many of the "scraps" we discard while prepping our own meals are actually nutritional powerhouses for our doggos. However, as a pet parents always remember: the difference between a healthy topper and an emergency vet visit is all in the preparation.

You can easily "upcycle" these common kitchen leftovers to add a boost of vitamins and crunch to your dog’s dinner:

1. Veggie ends & peels: Don’t toss those carrot peels, broccoli stalks, or the ends of your zucchini. 
   Vet Tip: Steam and mash broccoli stalks before serving; they are incredibly fibre-rich but can be a bit tough on a dog's digestion if served raw and chunky.
   
   
2. Fruits: Apple skins (strictly no seeds!) and berries that are a bit too mushy for your morning muesli are perfect. They are packed with antioxidants to support immune health.
   
   
3. Lean meat trimmings: Small pieces of chicken skin are a lovely treat occasionally. Just ensure they are completely unseasoned and cooked through.
   
   
4. Eggshells: Don’t throw these out! Dry them in a low oven, grind them into a fine powder using a blender, and sprinkle a tiny pinch over kibble for a natural calcium boost.

While we love reducing waste, some human foods are toxic to dogs. Keep these out of the bowl:

• The onion family: Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives are toxic to dogs and can cause haemolytic anaemia. Even a tiny amount of seasoning from a leftover roast chicken can be risky, so it's best to avoid them entirely.
  
  
• Fatty scraps & gristle: Avoid giving your dog large amounts of pure fat or gristle. This can trigger Pancreatitis, a painful and serious condition that often leads to emergency vet visits.
  
  
• Pits and seeds: Apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, while fruit pits (like peach or plum) are major choking and blockage hazards.
  

FAQs: Homemade Toppers for Dog Food

Is it cheaper to make my own dog food toppers?

Yes, absolutely. While premium store-bought toppers can cost upwards of $15-$25 per pack, you can create a high-quality homemade dog food topper batch for as little as $2.00 AUD by upcycling kitchen scraps like veggie ends, eggshells, and lean meat trimmings.

How often can I give my dog food toppers?

You can use a topper at every meal if you follow the 10% rule. Ensure that the total calories from all toppers and treats do not exceed 10% of your dog's daily intake. 

What is the best dog food topper for a picky eater?

"Stinky" is usually better! Strong-smelling toppers like Sardines in water (drained) or warm bone broth are most effective. 

Can I mix raw toppers with cooked kibble?

While many dogs handle "mixed" bowls well, some vets recommend against it if your dog has a sensitive stomach, as raw and processed foods digest at different rates. If you choose raw toppers (like Kangaroo mince), ensure they are human-grade and introduced slowly.

Do I need to refrigerate homemade toppers?

Yes. Because homemade toppers lack the preservatives found in commercial options, they should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in an ice cube tray for a convenient "pop-and-serve" meal boost.

Are eggshells really safe for dogs?

Yes, but they must be prepared correctly. Never give large shards of shell. Instead, dry the shells in a low oven to kill bacteria, then grind them into a fine powder. 

Toppers Turn Your Dog’s Dinner into a Delight!

Dogs, just like people, can get fussy about their food. And don’t forget that their tastes can change over time, too. Make sure that their lack of appetite isn’t caused by poor health or dental problems, then start experimenting until you find something that your doggo can’t resist.

When whipping together homemade kibble toppers, just make sure that they aren’t feeding them so many “added” calories. And always check with your vet to be sure your dog is receiving a balanced, healthy diet.

Keep track of what they like and what they don’t and note those added treats that give them digestive discomfort. Soon you will figure out what they like and what they don’t and develop a few strategies to get them to eat properly.

Your dog will love you for it, and you will be happy that you took the time and effort to find out what they really, really want.