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Food ‘toppers’ for picky dogs and cats

Food ‘toppers’ for picky dogs and cats

Written by Mara | Dierenarts | April 16, 2026

Many dog and cat owners recognise this: you put the food down neatly, but your pet walks away, has a quick sniff… and doesn’t eat. Picky eating behaviour is more common than you might think. Fortunately, there are more and more ways to make food more appealing, and one of them is using so-called toppers.

Yorkshire Terrier looking at bowl with kibble

What exactly are toppers?

Toppers are additions you put on top of or mix through the food to improve smell, taste and texture. They are becoming increasingly popular and can often make just enough difference for a dog or cat to start eating.

Toppers come in different forms and flavours. They are added to regular food, usually dry kibble, to make it more appealing.

You can think of:

creamy purées, pastes or liquid sticks
wet food in gravy or jelly
broth or soup
powders or sprinkles
freeze-dried meat pieces

In practice, wet toppers are used most often. They have a strong smell and flavour, which is especially important for the appetite of cats, but also for dogs.

Relevant products

Can toppers help with picky eaters?

Yes, toppers can definitely help picky dogs and cats. Especially animals that leave their food but still show interest can benefit from an extra flavour boost.

This is because smell and taste play a major role in appetite. By adding a topper, the food becomes more appealing, making animals more likely to eat.

However, it is important to realise that toppers are not always the solution. If your pet consistently eats poorly, loses weight or behaves differently, it is advisable to visit your vet. There may be a medical or behavioural issue.

Also read our blogs: Cat sniffs food but won’t eat it and Dog refuses food but eats treats.

Toppers for cats

Cats are known for being picky eaters. For them, smell plays an even bigger role than for dogs. In addition, taste and mouthfeel are very important. That is why soft, creamy toppers often work best.

The most popular toppers for cats are:

creamy snacks and liquid sticks
soft pastes
soup or broth

Examples include products such as Vitakraft Liquid Snacks, Churu’s, Catit Creamy and GimCat Snack Cream. You can add these directly on top of the food or mix them in. Many cats find this texture and taste very appealing.

Cat soup is also a good option. It not only makes the food tastier, but also helps increase moisture intake, which is especially important for cats.

Toppers for dogs

Dogs are generally less picky than cats, but selective eating behaviour still occurs regularly.

For dogs, wet food is often used as a topper on kibble. This adds extra aroma and makes the meal more palatable.

You can also consider:

pastes or spreadable snacks
peanut butter specifically for dogs

Examples include Trixie Premio dog paste or special peanut butter such as Peamutt. These can help make food more appealing, especially for dogs that quickly leave their kibble.

Toppers and mixed feeding

Using toppers fits well with the concept of mixed feeding, where you combine dry and wet food. This can provide more variety, better acceptance and sometimes improved hydration.

What should you consider when using food toppers?

Although toppers are useful, it is important to use them in moderation. Adding too much can cause your pet to only want “extras” and refuse their regular food.

Use toppers as support, not as a replacement for a complete diet. Preferably choose products that match your dog’s or cat’s nutritional needs. Do not exceed 10% of the daily food intake as a topping.

Toppers are therefore a simple and effective way to make food more appealing for picky dogs and cats. Wet toppers, such as creamy snacks and wet food, often work best. They can help stimulate appetite, but are not a solution for every problem. If your pet continues to eat poorly, it is important to consult your vet.

With the right balance, toppers can give just the boost your dog or cat needs to enjoy their meals again.

Do you have any questions about food toppers for your dog or cat? Please contact us via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.

Read our other blogs

The benefits of mixed feeding for your cat

If a cat is used to being fed wet food alongside kibble from a young age, chances are that wet food will be much appreciated by your cat. It smells good and enriches the taste experience for your cat. But those are not the only benefits!

The benefits of mixed feeding for your dog

Do you only feed your dog kibble, or are you considering adding wet food as well? It’s perfectly possible to combine the two. There are several benefits to offering both dry and wet food, and your dog is likely to enjoy it, too!

Cat sniffs food but won’t eat it

Cats can be picky eaters. Every day, you find yourself pulling out all the tricks to get your cat to eat. But why do cats behave this way? We’re here to explain it to you!

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About the author

Mara van Brussel-Broere, Veterinarian at Vetsend

Graduated as a companion animal veterinarian from Utrecht University, she uses her practical experience to advise customers and share knowledge at Vetsend. She finds it important to provide pet owners with clear information about health and wellbeing.