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Dobermans are so incredibly varied in their personalities. While some scarf down any food scrap in sight, others have a more picky (or shall we say, “refined”) palate and quickly tire of their everyday dog food. What can be done when your Doberman decides to stop eating their food, or is no longer excited about it?
The Dog Food Topper Craze and the Dangers of Many Food Toppers for Your Doberman
Food toppers have become incredibly popular in the pet food/treat industry in recent years, but the concept isn’t anything new. For hundreds of years, many dog owners have thrown human leftovers of some kind into their dog’s food bowl.
While this often gets the job done, it also exposes your dog to unnecessary salt and ingredients that humans have no problem processing, but that a dog’s body is not designed for.
If You’re Going to Top Your Doberman’s Regular Food with Something Tastier, How Can You Ensure the Topper Ingredients Are as Healthy as Possible?
A Google search of the term “dog food toppers” results in thousands of results. One popular name-brand food topper contains a whopping 87% water. Not exactly worth paying for, in our opinion.
The recent dog food and treat trend toward limited ingredients is a great sign, as many dog owners are becoming increasingly conscious of what goes into their dog’s body.
Most dog food contains an unnecessarily high amount of carbohydrates. Why? Because all those grains are cheap and a great filler, bringing the cost down, but also the nutrition along with it.
RELATED: The Complete Dog Food Guide: Nutrition, Ingredients, Feeding & How to Choose
The (Healthy) Food Topper Dobermans Really Want
Real meat isn’t cheap, but it’s what the ancestors of dogs were designed to eat in the wild — and not cooked meat, but raw, nutrient-packed meat.
For many people, the thought of feeding their dogs raw meat seems gross and unsafe. But a dog’s short digestive system is far different than a human’s and is able to process raw meat without any problems.
With that said, many dog owners opt for a freeze-dried raw meat product, which is far safer, less messy, and significantly more convenient. Freeze drying maintains 98% of the nutrients without the use of chemicals to preserve them.
Are Freeze-Dried Meat Toppers Right for Your Doberman?
Earlier this year, when my dog began to tire of her (expensive) everyday dog food, I gave raw freeze-dried toppers a try. What happened next amazed me. Instead of her lazily free-feeding her food over a period of 24 hours, she quickly gobbled down the majority of the bowl in minutes. The topper I used actually coats her existing kibble and boosts both the flavor and nutrition. The topper is also available on Amazon Prime.
It was my personal experience, and the experience of many other dog owners I talked to, that led us to create our line of freeze-dried raw treat toppers here at iHeartDogs.
I’d highly encourage you to look into the benefits of freeze-dried meat toppers, but most importantly, I’d encourage you to make sure whatever you top your dog’s food with is healthy and safe for the long term. After all, a Doberman’s life is short enough; they deserve the absolute best!
Frequently Asked Questions about Your Doberman’s Dog Food Topper
1. What can I give my picky Doberman?
Dobermans can easily tire of the same food each and every day. Some dog owners like to occasionally top their dog’s food with chicken, eggs, or ground beef. While this can definitely increase the palatability of your Doberman’s food, they may simply pick out the good stuff. Many Doberman owners have found great success with freeze-dried dog food toppers. Since the meat is in a powder form, it coats the kibble and improves the flavor, making your dog less likely to notice it’s the same food.
2. How can I get my Doberman to eat their food?
It’s normal for your Doberman to tire of their everyday food—just imagine eating the same thing every day yourself! One effective strategy is to use a freeze-dried meat dog food topper. If the topper comes in a powder form, it will coat their existing food and boost the flavor, making meals more appealing. As with any dietary change, introduce the topper gradually, and consider adding a probiotic to strengthen your dog’s digestive system and reduce the risk of diarrhea.
3. Are Dobermans picky or finicky eaters?
In our experience, many Dobermans can be fussy eaters. But it’s easy to understand—who would want to eat the same meal every day? Many Doberman owners find success by rotating different freeze-dried meat toppers over their dog’s food. Because the meat is powdered, your Doberman can’t just pick out the tasty bits. Instead, the topper evenly boosts the flavor of the regular food, encouraging your dog to eat more consistently.
4. What fruits or vegetables can my Doberman eat?
Feeding your dog fresh fruits and vegetables (if they’ll eat them) is an excellent way to add variety and nutrition. Most store-bought pet foods are heavily processed, so fresh additions can boost both flavor and health benefits. Good options for Dobermans include carrots, blueberries, kale, and spinach. If your dog won’t eat fresh produce, consider freeze-dried dog food toppers with fruits and vegetables. A meat-based topper makes it more likely that your Doberman will eat them, and freeze-drying preserves up to 98% of the nutrients in fresh foods.
5. Can I use a dog food topper as a complete meal for my Doberman?
No, dog food toppers are not designed to replace a complete and balanced meal for your Doberman. They should be used to enhance flavor, nutrition, and variety when added to your dog’s regular kibble or wet food. Always use toppers as a supplement, not a substitute, unless the label specifically states it is a balanced meal option.
6. How Do I Safely Switch My Doberman to a New Dog Food or Topper?
When transitioning your Doberman to a new dog food or adding a topper, it’s important to do it gradually to avoid digestive upset. Begin by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of the current food, slowly increasing the new portion over 7–10 days. Freeze-dried meat toppers are a great option because they’re easy to digest and full of flavor, which encourages eating. To support healthy digestion during the switch, consider adding a probiotic. Keep an eye on your Doberman’s stool, appetite, and overall energy levels, and consult your veterinarian if any digestive discomfort occurs.
Make Every Meal Exciting for Your Doberman
In the end, choosing the right food topper for your Doberman comes down to balancing taste, nutrition, and safety. Freeze-dried raw toppers stand out because they preserve nutrients, boost flavor, and avoid the fillers found in many commercial options. Whether your Doberman is a picky eater, needs extra joint support, or simply deserves more excitement at mealtime, toppers can make a real difference. Always prioritize high-quality, safe ingredients and consult your vet before making changes. A healthy Doberman is a happy Doberman.
Toledo, United States.