Most cats eat the same food every day. It’s easy to fall into the routine of scooping kibble into your cat’s food bowl. Cats appreciate variety as much as we do, so switch up your feline friend’s diet by adding a pet food topper to their meals. Pet food toppers provide the flavor and nutrients necessary for a delicious, well-balanced diet.
Here are the benefits of pet food toppers and the most popular choices for cats.
What are pet food toppers?
Pet food toppers are supplements, products and ingredients mixed into your cat’s meals. They’re designed to boost the nutritional content of canned and dry commercial foods. Many pet food companies create specially formulated topper products, but whole foods like spinach, blueberries, chicken and pumpkin puree are also healthy options for supplementing a cat’s diet.
Pet food toppers are best suited for cats that are missing specific nutrients from their regular kibble or canned food. Many toppers are single-source ingredients that can reverse nutritional deficiencies or address other health problems. For example, fish oil is recommended as a topper for arthritic cats because the omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation. Toppers are a quick and easy way to add nutrients without switching your cat to a completely new diet.
Benefits of pet food toppers
There are many different types of pet food toppers, and each one offers a unique set of health benefits. The topper you choose will depend on the dietary needs of your cat. Toppers can aid in weight loss, proper hydration, food allergies and more.
Here’s how your cat could potentially benefit from a pet food topper.
- Add nutritional value: Commercial food doesn’t always provide all the vitamins, minerals and protein essential to your cat’s health. When this is the case, a pet food topper can fill the gaps in your cat’s diet. Your vet might recommend a specific pet food topper if your cat is struggling with a nutritional deficiency. Cats with medical conditions might need more of a certain nutrient than what’s typically found in commercial food. Toppers let you customize your cat’s diet based on their needs.
- Increase hydration: Cats are prone to dehydration because they don’t drink a lot of water. Their ancestors adapted to living in the desert by getting all their moisture from prey rather than a natural body of water. Because of this, most cats don’t visit their water bowls very often. Pet food toppers let you add moisture back into your cat’s diet. Many are available in liquid form that you can mix with dry kibble.
- Stimulate their appetite: Pet food toppers can make food more palatable to picky eaters. The toppers’ intriguing flavors, textures and aromas entice cats to finish their meals. Toppers are especially useful for cats experiencing loss of appetite due to a medical condition. They help maintain a healthy weight among cats with chronic stress, digestive upset and kidney disease.
The best food toppers for cats
There’s a pet food topper to suit every cat. The best one for your feline companion should not only be delicious but include nutrients targeted at their unique dietary needs. Here are some of the most popular pet food toppers your cat might enjoy.
- Fish oil: Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids reduce chronic inflammation, which is a precursor to diseases like arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids can also promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. The aroma of fish oil is appealing to cats, and it easily mixes into dry or canned food.
- Bone broth: Bone broth has an appetizing taste that can encourage cats to stay hydrated. You could also try different flavors like chicken or beef broth to see which one your cat likes the best. Warm up the broth to enhance its aroma, then pour it over your cat’s regular food.
- Powdered supplements: Powdered supplements are ideal for cats who don’t want to swallow a tincture or capsule. There’s a supplement for almost any ailment, whether that’s joint problems, anxiety, heart disease or general wellness. Simply sprinkle the supplement over their regular food to add those extra nutrients.
- Pumpkin puree: A dollop of pumpkin puree can alleviate digestive problems. Pet parents often give pumpkin puree to cats when they experience vomiting, constipation or diarrhea because the fiber in pumpkin regulates bowel movements. Pumpkin puree can also minimize digestive symptoms as you switch to a new cat food.
Pet food toppers make a wonderful addition to your cat’s diet. Cats love toppers for their interesting textures, flavors and aromas. Aside from their palatability, pet food toppers provide vitamins, minerals and proteins your cat could be missing from their regular food. They’re a win for your cat’s health as well as their taste buds!
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