No-Waste Homemade Dog Food Topper Recipe – Easy & Nutritious!

As dog owners, we all want to give our pups the best nutrition possible, but let’s be honest—high-quality food can be expensive, and food waste is a problem in many households. That’s why I started making this no-waste homemade dog food topper—a simple, budget-friendly way to boost my dogs’ meals while using up leftovers that might otherwise go to waste.

This easy-to-make recipe is flexible based on what you have on hand. Every time I trim meat or have unseasoned leftovers, I freeze them until I have enough to make a batch. Then, with just a few extra ingredients like frozen veggies, dog-safe herbs, and quick-cooking rice, I turn those scraps into a nutritious, hydrating food topper my dogs love.

Whether you’re looking for a way to reduce food waste, add extra nutrition, or make kibble more exciting, this homemade topper is a great solution. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and store! Let’s dive into how you can make it for your own pup.

One of the best things about this no-waste dog food topper is its flexibility. You can customize it based on what you have available while ensuring it remains healthy and safe for your dog. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

Protein

Use a mix of:

• Raw or cooked meat scraps – Unseasoned trimmings from chicken, beef, turkey, pork, or fish

• Leftover unseasoned meat – Avoid anything with heavy seasoning, onions, or garlic

• Organ meats – Liver, kidney, or heart (in small amounts)

Vegetables (Nutrient Boost)

• Frozen or fresh veggies – Green beans, carrots, peas, spinach, zucchini

• Avoid toxic veggies – No onions, garlic, or excessive potatoes

Carbohydrates (For Energy & Texture)

• Minute rice or cooked oats – Quick-cooking options that absorb flavor well

• Sweet potatoes or pumpkin – Great fiber sources for digestion

Dog-Safe Herbs & Extras

• Parsley or basil – Freshens breath and aids digestion

• Rosemary – Natural preservative with antioxidant benefits

• Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory benefits

• A dash of bone broth – Adds extra flavor and nutrients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this homemade dog food topper is simple and doesn’t require much prep. Here’s how to turn your saved meat scraps and leftovers into a nutritious, no-waste meal booster for your pup. If watching a video is more your style I have also included our YouTube video below with complete instructions.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Take your frozen meat scraps and leftovers out of the freezer. If using fresh ingredients like vegetables or herbs, have those ready as well.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

1. Place the frozen or fresh meat scraps into a medium-sized saucepan.

2. Add enough water to cover the meat completely.

3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

4. Cook until the meat is fully thawed and tender (about 15-20 minutes).

Step 3: Add Vegetables & Herbs

1. Once the meat is cooked, add frozen or fresh veggies to the pot.

2. Sprinkle in dog-safe herbs like parsley, rosemary, or turmeric.

3. Let everything simmer for another 5-10 minutes until veggies are soft.

Step 4: Stir in Rice or Oats

1. Add 1-2 cups of minute rice (or cooked oats if using).

2. Stir well, adding extra water if needed.

3. Cook until the rice has fully absorbed the liquid (about 5 minutes).

Step 5: Cool & Store

1. Let the mixture cool completely before handling.

2. Divide into storage containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

3. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized amounts.

Step 6: Serving

1. Scoop a large spoonful per dog into a microwave-safe bowl (adjust based on your dog's size).

2. Add about ½ to ¾ cup of water to the bowl before reheating. This not only helps warm up the topper but the extra water gets some great flavor that can also hydrates their kibble, making it easier to eat.

3. Heat for about 1.5 minutes, then mix well before serving over their food.

4. Adjust kibble portions – I typically reduce my dogs' kibble by about 20% when using this topper to keep their calorie intake balanced.

My Dogs' Reaction

My dogs absolutely love this topper! As soon as they hear me warming it up, they sit in the kitchen waiting with anticipation—tails wagging, eyes locked on their bowls. It’s become a much-anticipated part of mealtime, and I love knowing they’re getting extra hydration and nutrients with every meal.

Benefits of a No-Waste Dog Food Topper

This recipe is not the only dog food topper that we use. I have a post on dog food toppers and a playlist on YouTube for more information.

Making your own dog food topper isn’t just easy—it comes with several benefits for both your dog and the environment. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your dog’s diet:

1. Reduces Food Waste

Instead of throwing away meat scraps, unseasoned leftovers, and unused veggies, this topper gives them a second life as a nutritious meal addition for your pup. It’s a simple way to minimize food waste while making the most of what you already have.

2. Hydrates Kibble for Better Digestion

Kibble alone can be dry and tough on digestion, especially for dogs who don’t drink much water. Adding ½ to ¾ cup of water when reheating the topper softens their food and helps keep them hydrated.

3. Adds Nutritional Variety

This topper lets you incorporate a range of meats, veggies, and herbs, ensuring your dog gets a mix of nutrients beyond their standard kibble. The flexibility means you can adjust based on what you have available while still offering balanced, wholesome ingredients.

4. Encourages Picky Eaters

If your dog ever turns their nose up at plain kibble, this warm, flavorful topper can make mealtime exciting again. The combination of real meat, veggies, and broth-like moisture enhances the aroma and taste, making it irresistible to picky eaters.

5. Saves Money on Store-Bought Toppers

Buying pre-made fresh dog food or toppers can get expensive. Since this topper uses leftovers and budget-friendly ingredients, it’s a cost-effective way to add high-quality nutrients to your dog’s meals without breaking the bank.

Storage and Shelf Life

To keep this homemade dog food topper fresh and safe, here’s how I store it:

Refrigeration

• Once the mixture cools completely, I divide it into airtight containers and store them in the fridge.

• It stays fresh for up to 4-5 days—perfect for making a batch at the start of the week.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

• If I make a larger batch, I freeze portions in silicone molds or freezer-safe containers for easy thawing.

• Frozen portions last up to 3 months—just defrost overnight in the fridge before using.

Portioning Tip

• I store single servings in small containers or ice cube trays so I can quickly grab what I need.

• By storing it properly, I always have a fresh, homemade meal boost ready to go for my dogs!

Conclusion

This no-waste homemade dog food topper is a simple, flexible, and budget-friendly way to boost your dog’s meal while reducing food waste. By repurposing leftover meat scraps, veggies, and pantry staples, you can create a nutritious and hydrating addition that makes kibble more appealing—especially for picky eaters.

From its ease of preparation to the benefits of better digestion and cost savings, this topper offers an eco-friendly solution to improve your pet’s diet. Plus, with simple storage and portioning tips, you can have a fresh batch ready whenever mealtime comes around.

I hope you give this recipe a try and see how much your furry friend enjoys it! If you have any tips, tweaks, or personal experiences to share, please leave a comment below. Happy cooking and here’s to making mealtime both sustainable and delicious for your pup!

If you aren’t already, follow us on our YouTube channel or on Facebook where I share weekly easy food toppers for your dogs.

This recipe is intended as a supplemental food topper and not a complete replacement for your dog’s regular diet. Please consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet, especially if your pet has any pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.