What can be mixed with dry dog food?
Dry dog food is designed to supply the complete nutrition your dog needs, but that doesn’t mean every meal has to be plain kibble. Mixing in toppers and mixers can add flavor, aroma, moisture, and variety to meals—making eating more appealing for picky, older, or small-breed dogs without sacrificing balanced nutrition. You can also combine wet and dry food for texture and palatability. Below are safe and practical ways to mix with dry dog food and the types of toppers commonly used.
Many pet food brands offer bowl boosters, tender toppers, and mixers crafted to complement kibble. These products are typically developed to preserve nutrients and provide appealing textures. Some are formulated to be used as a complete meal, while others are meant as an occasional topper to increase appetite and enjoyment. Ingredients are often selected for freshness and quality, and some products are frozen, freeze-dried, canned, or packaged as broths or pates to retain flavor.
Common options include simple freeze-dried meat toppers, shredded meat stews, flavorful pates, and nutrient-focused functional toppers that support digestion, joint health, or skin and coat. Because textures and ingredients vary, it’s easy to find a topper that suits your dog’s preferences and dietary needs.
- CORE Bowl Boosters Digestive Health
- CORE 95% Beef with Carrots
- CORE Simply Shreds Mixer or Topper — Tuna, Beef & Carrots
Different Types of Mixers & Toppers
Toppers and mixers generally come in three main forms: canned wet food and pates, broths and stews, and dry or freeze-dried meat toppers. Each type offers different benefits depending on your dog’s needs and preferences.
- Canned wet food – Canned toppers are shelf-stable and can add moisture and rich flavor to kibble. Pates and wet blends soften dry food and are often accepted by dogs who need enticing aromas or a softer texture.
- Broths and stews – Broths and shredded meat stews add moisture and savory scent, making dry kibble more appealing. Many broths are formulated without fillers and can also be offered as a hydrating snack.
- Freeze-dried and dry toppers – One-ingredient toppers, such as pure freeze-dried meat pieces, are lightweight and nutrient-dense. They are easy to store and can be crumbled over kibble for extra protein and flavor.
Some functional toppers also include probiotics for digestion, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, or omega-rich ingredients for skin and coat health. Choose a topper that complements your dog’s existing diet and health goals.
- CORE Bowl Boosters BARE 100% Beef
- CORE Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers — Digestive Health
- CORE Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers — Joint Health
Who Are Mixers & Toppers For?
Toppers and mixers are useful for many types of dogs. They help vary flavor and texture, encourage eating, and can make mealtime more enjoyable without requiring you to prepare separate meals from scratch.
- Picky eaters – Dogs that turn up their noses at plain kibble often respond to new textures and tastes. Adding a mixer or topper can renew interest and help you discover combinations your dog prefers.
- Older dogs – Aging dogs may have reduced smell and appetite. Moist, aromatic toppers can stimulate interest in food and help ensure seniors consume their necessary nutrients.
- Small breeds – Small dogs often prefer richer textures and stronger flavors. A tasteful topper can satisfy their refined palates and make portioned meals more enticing.
- Dogs with dental issues – Wet toppers or broths soften kibble and make chewing easier for dogs with missing teeth or dental sensitivity, while still allowing them to get a balanced meal.
- Dogs with low appetite – When a dog is recovering from illness, bored with their diet, or simply less food-driven, novel flavors and aromas from toppers can help restore mealtime enthusiasm.
How To Mix Wet And Dry Dog Food
There’s no single correct way to combine wet and dry food—what matters is making meals safe, balanced, and appealing. Below are simple, practical methods to try. Always monitor portion sizes and total daily caloric intake to avoid overfeeding.
- Scoop it on top like a treat – Thaw or warm a tender topper slightly and add a scoop to the center of the kibble. This creates an attractive presentation and a burst of flavor with each meal.
- Mix and toss like a salad – Stir a topper into the kibble evenly to distribute flavor and moisture throughout the bowl. This is an easy way to combine textures so every bite includes a little of both.
- Let it marinate – For brothy mixers or shredded stews, add the topper to kibble and let it sit briefly so the dry food absorbs some moisture. This softens kibble for easier chewing—especially helpful for senior dogs—but feed within a short time to maintain freshness.
- Sprinkle like seasoning – Crumbled freeze-dried meat or powdered toppers can be sprinkled sparingly over kibble to enhance smell and taste without changing texture much, ideal for dogs who already enjoy their dry food.
When introducing a new topper, offer it in small amounts first and observe your dog for any digestive changes. For dogs with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions, consult your veterinarian before making major changes. Used thoughtfully, mixers and toppers are a convenient way to make dry dog food more enjoyable and to support individual feeding needs.