Why Use Cat Food Toppers?
Cats are famously finicky eaters, and sometimes their mealtime attitude can leave you frustrated—or worried. That’s where cat food toppers come in. These flavorful add-ons not only entice picky eaters but also offer an easy, effective way to sneak in supplements or medications your cat might otherwise avoid.
According to Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, Medical Director at BondVet, “Meal toppers can be beneficial for a cat’s health in several ways. They can provide additional nutrients, such as protein and moisture, which can be especially helpful for cats prone to dehydration or those requiring a more protein-rich diet.”
Our Top Picks for the Best Cat Food Toppers
🥇 Best Overall: Purina Fancy Feast Classic Broths Variety Pack
This broth-based topper comes in three fish-forward flavors and is loaded with moisture to support hydration. With no artificial colors or added flavoring, it’s a great everyday option for boosting both taste and nutrition. Its smooth texture and inviting aroma make it a favorite even among the pickiest felines—and it’s budget-friendly for daily use.
🍗 Best Broth Option: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Bone Broth
Crafted from ethically sourced ingredients, this slow-simmered chicken bone broth is rich in collagen and nutrients. It’s an excellent choice for cats needing extra hydration or joint support, and its simple, natural ingredient list gets a thumbs-up from both vets and pet parents.
😺 Best Calming Topper: Purina Pro Plan Calming Care
Ideal for anxious or high-strung cats, this probiotic-packed powder supports calm behavior and gut health. It can be sprinkled over any wet or dry food, making it a great way to help reduce stress-related symptoms while encouraging your cat to eat.
🐾 Best Low-Calorie Option: Inaba Churu Lickable Treats Variety Pack
These creamy, lickable tubes are low in calories and packed with moisture—perfect as a treat or topper. They come in a wide range of flavors like tuna, chicken, and scallop, making it easy to find a match for your cat’s taste. Bonus: They’re ideal for hiding pills or mixing with medications.
Our Favorite Cat Food Topper
Purina Fancy Feast Broths Gourmet Cat Complement
CREDIT: AMAZON
🐟 Best Overall Cat Food Topper
Purina Fancy Feast Classic Broths Variety Pack
What We Like:
✔️ Three cat-approved seafood flavors
✔️ Protein and broth are the first two ingredients
✔️ No artificial colors or preservatives
✔️ Resealable pouches make storing leftovers easy
What We Don’t Like:
❌ Contains guar gum and tapioca starch (may irritate sensitive stomachs)
❌ Strong fishy smell that some pet parents find unpleasant
If your cat turns up their nose at mealtime, Purina’s Fancy Feast Classic Broths Variety Pack might just be the solution you’ve been looking for. This topper offers three enticing flavors—Tuna, Shrimp & Whitefish; Tuna, Anchovies & Whitefish; and Salmon with Vegetables—that are designed to tempt even the pickiest eaters.
The texture is silky-smooth, the scent is highly appealing to cats (and, yes, a little fishy for humans), and the high moisture content makes it an easy way to boost hydration—especially helpful for cats who aren’t big water drinkers. It’s also great for disguising supplements or meds thanks to its rich aroma and taste.
Each pouch has only 18 calories, so it adds flavor and hydration without significantly overfeeding—just be sure to slightly adjust your cat’s meal portions if using daily. We also appreciate the ingredient list, which starts with broth and real protein (like tuna or salmon), plus subtle veggie inclusions like carrots, spinach, or tomato for added nutrients.
However, the inclusion of guar gum and tapioca starch may not sit well with all cats—especially those with sensitive digestive systems. And while the seafood smell makes cats come running, it might be a bit much for owners with a sensitive nose.
Still, for a topper that checks the boxes on taste, hydration, and convenience, Fancy Feast Classic Broths is a solid, affordable go-to for daily use or picky-eater emergencies.
✅ Great for hydration, flavor enhancement, and picky eaters
✅ Ideal for mixing in supplements or medications
Another Great Choice
Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze Dried Cat Food Toppers
CREDIT: AMAZON
🥩 Best High-Protein Cat Food Topper
Instinct Raw Boost Mixers – Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food Topper
What We Like:
✔️ Packed with raw, nutrient-dense animal protein
✔️ Supports digestion, healthy skin, and a shinier coat
✔️ Made with cage-free or farm-raised meat, including organ meat
✔️ Free from grains, soy, gluten, potato, and artificial additives
What We Don’t Like:
❌ Higher fat content may not suit all cats
❌ Contains fruit and veggie fillers, which some owners may want to avoid
If you’re looking to give your cat the nutritional boost of a raw diet—without overhauling their entire mealtime routine—Instinct Raw Boost Mixers are a smart and easy solution. This freeze-dried raw topper is made with whole-animal ingredients including real muscle meat, organ meat, and ground bone, offering your cat the kind of biologically appropriate diet they’d eat in the wild.
Available in cage-free chicken or farm-raised rabbit (with pork), this topper is especially helpful for cats who may need a novel protein due to food sensitivities or allergies. Each soft, chewy piece adds texture and taste to your cat’s food while delivering real benefits like improved digestion, shinier fur, and more energy.
Unlike many commercial toppers, Instinct Raw Boost is free from grains, soy, potato, artificial preservatives, and colors. Instead, it uses non-GMO fruits and vegetables as natural binders and fillers. While these plant-based ingredients can be helpful for digestion, they may not appeal to purists seeking strictly meat-based diets.
It’s also worth noting that this is a high-protein, high-fat product. That’s great for active or underweight cats—but you’ll want to scale back regular meal portions to avoid overfeeding, especially if your cat is more sedentary or prone to weight gain.
✅ Great for boosting nutrition without changing your cat’s main food
✅ Supports skin, coat, and digestive health naturally
Available Flavors:
- Cage-Free Chicken
- Farm-Raised Rabbit (includes pork)
🐾 What to Look for in Cat Food Toppers
Cat food toppers can be a game-changer when it comes to boosting your cat’s appetite, hydration, or nutritional intake—but choosing the right one matters. To avoid overfeeding or upsetting your cat’s digestion, here are the key things to keep in mind when shopping for the best meal topper for your feline friend:
📊 1. Calorie Content: Don’t Let the Extras Add Up
While cat toppers can enhance mealtime, they also add extra calories—which can quickly contribute to weight gain if not monitored. According to veterinary nutritionists, meal toppers should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s total daily caloric intake.
If you’re also giving your cat treats, the combined calories from toppers and treats should still stay under that 10% threshold. This helps maintain a balanced diet and reduces the risk of feline obesity, which is linked to diabetes and joint problems.
✅ Tip: Check the packaging or brand website for calorie info and adjust your cat’s food portions accordingly.
⏱️ 2. Feeding Frequency: Use in Moderation
Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, Medical Director at BondVet.com, emphasizes that toppers should never replace your cat’s main meals. They’re meant to complement—not substitute—a complete and balanced cat food.
Feeding your cat meal toppers too frequently or in large amounts can lead to:
- Nutritional imbalances
- Weight gain
- Digestive upset
“Always use them as a complement to your cat’s main diet, not a primary food source,” advises Dr. Fadl.
🥩 3. Ingredients: Choose Clean, Real, and Recognizable
When evaluating cat food toppers, the ingredient list is your best friend. Look for:
- Real animal proteins (like chicken, tuna, or salmon) as the first ingredients
- Limited or no fillers like corn, soy, or artificial thickeners
- No by-products or artificial preservatives
If your cat has food sensitivities, allergies, or is on a specialized diet (e.g. grain-free or novel protein), be extra careful. “Always read labels to avoid allergens and make sure the topper matches your cat’s dietary needs,” says Dr. Fadl.
✅ Tip: Single-ingredient toppers or limited-ingredient formulas are best for cats with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
In Summary:
When choosing a cat food topper, keep these three things in mind:
🔹 Calories — Don’t exceed 10% of daily intake
🔹 Moderation — Toppers aren’t a substitute for a complete diet
🔹 Quality Ingredients — Go for real meat, no junk
Cat toppers are a great way to support picky eaters, cats on medication, or those who need a hydration boost—just be sure you’re picking one that’s as healthy as it is tasty.
More We Recommend
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Bone Broth for Cats
CREDIT: AMAZON
🥣 Best Broth Topper: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Bone Broth
What We Like:
✅ Made from humanely raised, antibiotic- and hormone-free chickens
✅ GMO-free ingredients with no artificial additives
✅ Great for both wet and dry food
✅ Resealable pouch with multiple servings
What We Don’t Like:
❌ Includes extras like cinnamon, which aren’t necessary for all cats
❌ Not suitable for kittens under 12 months
Why We Recommend It
If you’re looking for a clean, flavorful way to add hydration and nutrition to your cat’s meal, Open Farm’s Harvest Chicken Bone Broth is a top-tier option. This slow-simmered bone broth is made from humanely farmed chicken—free from antibiotics, hormones, or steroids—and cooked for 10 hours to extract natural collagen and flavor.
It’s a fantastic topper for picky eaters or cats who need a little encouragement to finish their meals. Pour it over wet or dry food to add rich, meaty taste and extra moisture to your cat’s diet.
We also love the recyclable pouch with a resealable spout, which keeps leftovers fresh and makes pouring a breeze. One 12 oz pouch yields several servings, depending on your cat’s size (Open Farm recommends 2 tablespoons per 10 lbs of body weight).
What’s Inside
In addition to bone broth, this topper includes non-GMO carrots, pumpkin, parsley, and cinnamon—ingredients known for their digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. However, some cats may not need or tolerate extras like cinnamon, so it’s worth noting if your cat has a sensitive stomach or food sensitivities.
Flavors Available: Chicken, Turkey, Beef
🐾 Bottom Line:
Open Farm Bone Broth is one of the cleanest, most responsibly sourced broth toppers on the market. It’s perfect for pet parents who want to elevate their cat’s meal without artificial ingredients or questionable meat sources. While the bonus botanicals might not be necessary for every cat, the hydration, collagen, and flavor benefits are hard to beat.
Purina Pro Plan Cat Calming Care Veterinary Supplements
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🧘♀️ Best Calming Food Topper: Purina Pro Plan Calming Care Probiotic Powder
What We Like:
✅ Eases anxious and aggressive behaviors
✅ Supports healthy gut-brain connection
✅ Easy to mix into wet food
✅ Liver flavor makes it more enticing
What We Don’t Like:
❌ Results can take up to 6 weeks
❌ Not effective with dry food alone
❌ Pricey for long-term use
Why We Recommend It
For cats who struggle with stress, anxiety, or aggressive tendencies, Purina Pro Plan Calming Care offers a science-backed, vet-approved solution—delivered conveniently through your cat’s food. This powdered meal topper contains a specific strain of probiotic (Bifidobacterium longum BL999) that helps support emotional balance by influencing the gut-brain connection.
It’s an excellent choice for cats with stress-related behaviors such as hiding, over-grooming, urine marking, or sudden aggression. Over the course of six weeks of daily use, many pet owners report a noticeable shift in their cat’s temperament—calmer, friendlier, and more adaptable to change.
How It Works
BL999 is designed to help regulate your cat’s cortisol production, the hormone associated with stress. By reducing stress at the source, this supplement promotes positive social behaviors and overall well-being. The powder is flavored with liver to make it more palatable, but it must be mixed into wet food, as it won’t adhere well to dry kibble.
Each box contains a 45-day supply (one sachet per day), and though the investment can add up, many pet owners consider the behavioral improvements well worth the cost.
🐾 Bottom Line:
Purina Calming Care Probiotics is a smart, low-effort way to support your cat’s emotional health—especially if you’re dealing with anxiety or aggression. While it’s not an instant fix, its long-term benefits for gut and behavioral balance make it a standout option in the calming supplement space.
INABA Churu Lickable Cat Treat
CREDIT: AMAZON
🐟 Best Low-Calorie Topper: Inaba Churu Lickable Treats
What We Like:
✅ Only ~6 calories per tube—great for weight management
✅ High moisture content supports hydration
✅ Tons of flavor options to please picky eaters
✅ Can be used in full or partial servings
✅ Works as both topper and treat
What We Don’t Like:
❌ Some cats lick the topper off and skip the food
❌ Contains tapioca starch (a filler not suitable for all cats)
Why We Recommend It
If your cat needs a little mealtime motivation but you’re watching their waistline, Inaba Churu Lickable Treats are an excellent choice. With only around 6 calories per serving, these creamy tubes offer a guilt-free way to entice picky eaters, stimulate appetite, or sneak in supplements and medications.
Each squeeze tube is packed with flavor, high in moisture, and low in fat, making it ideal for senior cats, those with dental issues, or anyone on a calorie-restricted diet. Plus, they come in a wide variety of cat-approved flavors like tuna, chicken, and scallop, so you’re bound to find one your kitty loves.
How to Use It
You can:
- Squeeze the Churu directly over your cat’s food as a topper
- Mix it in thoroughly to avoid your cat licking the treat off and ignoring the meal
- Serve it between meals as a high-reward treat
Tapioca starch gives Churu its signature creamy texture, which cats adore—but if your cat has a sensitive stomach or known food allergies, it’s something to be mindful of.
🧴 Bottom Line:
Inaba Churu Lickable Treats are a versatile, low-calorie food topper that offers both flavor and function. Whether you’re trying to tempt a picky eater or support a weight-conscious cat, Churu tubes are a convenient, cat-loved option that doubles as a treat and hydration boost.