7 Best Cat Food Toppers of 2026

This lickable bone broth isn’t just another topper—it’s a hydration revolution in a can. Made by Nacho delivers a rich, protein-packed formula crafted from cage-free turkey, slow-simmered to extract maximum nutrients and flavor. With prebiotics for gut health, plus non-GMO pumpkin, carrots, and apples, it’s a complete sensory upgrade for picky eaters who turn their nose up at plain kibble. If your cat struggles with dehydration or digestive sensitivity, this is the nutrient-dense nectar that makes every meal count.

In real-world use, the 11 oz. size offers generous servings—just shake, pour, and watch even the most skeptical feline dive in. The broth’s high moisture content (over 90%) helps bridge the hydration gap most dry-food-fed cats face, while the added prebiotics support consistent digestion. It performs exceptionally when mixed with kibble, transforming a stale bowl into a steaming, aromatic feast—though it’s equally effective served solo as a snack. That said, cats expecting meaty chunks may sniff and retreat; this is a liquid-only experience, not a textured topper.

Compared to freeze-dried mixers like Instinct Raw Boost, Made by Nacho skips the crunch but wins on effortless hydration and gut support. It’s not trying to be a protein bomb—it’s a daily wellness enhancer, ideal for seniors, kittens, or cats recovering from illness. While it lacks the raw meat appeal of Tiki Cat or INABA Churu, it outperforms in digestive care and broad life-stage suitability. For cat parents prioritizing hydration, digestion, and clean ingredients, this broth delivers more holistic value than splashier, pricier options.

Raw power meets gut science in Instinct Raw Boost, a freeze-dried topper that redefines what ‘functional’ means in feline nutrition. At its core is cage-free chicken, gently freeze-dried to preserve enzymes and nutrients, paired with pumpkin, chicory root, and live probiotics—a trifecta that actively supports digestive balance. For cats with irregular bowel movements or post-antibiotic gut disruption, this is targeted nutritional therapy disguised as a treat. And with zero fillers or grains, it’s a clean-label champion in a market flooded with fluff.

When rehydrated or sprinkled dry, the small nuggets add a crunchy, meaty texture that picky eaters find irresistible. The 5.5 oz bag lasts weeks with daily use, and a little goes a long way—just a teaspoon revitalizes a bland meal. It excels in adding raw nutrition without the mess of handling raw meat, making it ideal for owners seeking the benefits of a raw diet with convenience. However, some cats may need time to adjust to the intense aroma, and the freeze-dried format doesn’t contribute meaningful moisture unless mixed with water.

Next to Made by Nacho’s broth, Instinct trades hydration for digestive firepower and protein density. While Tiki Cat offers more moisture, Instinct delivers proactive gut support that few toppers match. It’s the best choice for cats with sensitive stomachs or those needing a vitality boost, though it’s less suited for hydration-focused goals. For owners who want raw nutrition with clinical benefits, this topper offers deeper functional value than most wet alternatives.

Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Broths are flavor bombs in foil pouches, engineered to ignite a cat’s carnivorous instincts. Each 1.3 oz. serving delivers a meaty, aromatic broth with tiny shreds of real meat—chicken, turkey, beef, or fish—creating a sensory-rich experience that turns mealtime into a hunt. The variety pack format means you can test multiple proteins, a game-changer for finicky cats with flavor fatigue. With no grains, gums, or fillers, it’s hydration done right: clean, craveable, and cat-approved.

In practice, the single-serve pouches make portion control effortless—just tear and pour. The broth clings to kibble, softening it slightly while releasing a steamy aroma that draws cats from across the room. It’s especially effective for increasing water intake in cats on dry diets, and the meaty bits add satisfying texture. However, the small serving size means you’ll go through packs quickly with larger cats or multi-cat households. And while the meat content is visible, it’s still broth-forward—don’t expect a full meal replacement.

Against Hartz Delectables or Fancy Feast, Tiki Cat stands out with higher meat quality and no seafood dominance, making it ideal for cats sensitive to fish. Compared to INABA Churu, it offers more volume and variety, though less hand-feeding intimacy. It’s the ultimate rotation tool for owners wanting to keep meals exciting while supporting hydration. If you value protein diversity and gourmet appeal, this pack delivers broader culinary satisfaction than single-flavor toppers.

Hartz Delectables fills a rare niche: a non-seafood gravy that’s rich, creamy, and universally appealing. For cats allergic to fish or owners tired of fish-scented homes, this chicken-forward topper is a breath of fresh air. Each 1.4 oz. pouch delivers 93% moisture, turning dry kibble into a succulent feast while supporting daily hydration goals. The smooth, lickable texture appeals to older cats with dental issues, and the cage-free chicken formula avoids by-products and artificial junk—making it a surprisingly clean option in a budget-friendly line.

In real use, the gravy spreads evenly over food, creating a uniform, enticing coating that even moderately picky eaters can’t resist. It works well as a medication disguise or bonding treat when fed by hand. The 12-pack includes two chicken-based flavors—pure chicken and chicken-turkey—offering mild variety without seafood crossover. That said, the ingredient list isn’t as premium as Instinct or Made by Nacho, and probiotics or functional nutrients are missing. It’s hydration-first, not health-first.

Versus Fancy Feast, Hartz offers similar texture and convenience but with a stronger non-seafood focus. Compared to INABA Churu, it lacks taurine and vitamin fortification but wins on cost per pouch and family-sized variety. It’s best for owners who want a reliable, no-fish option that’s easy on the nose and gentle on the budget. If your priority is odor control and hydration without seafood, this delivers practical performance with fewer bells and whistles.

INABA Churu isn’t just a topper—it’s a bonding ritual in a tube. The squeezable purée format lets you feed by hand, turning treat time into interactive play that strengthens trust and reduces stress. Each 0.5 oz. tube contains 91% moisture and only 6 calories, making it a low-calorie hydration hack perfect for overweight or sedentary cats. Infused with taurine and vitamin E, it supports heart and immune health while delivering a creamy, meaty flavor cats obsess over. For picky eaters, medication resisters, or shy kitties, Churu is cat behavioral magic.

In action, the tubes allow precise portioning—a stripe over kibble or a dab on your finger works wonders. The chicken and beef combo pack keeps flavors fresh, and the grain-free, carrageenan-free formula ensures clean feeding. It dissolves quickly, coats food well, and is even used by vets to administer pills. But the small tube size means frequent purchases, and aggressive chewers might bite the tube, risking plastic ingestion. It’s not a meal enhancer so much as a targeted engagement tool.

Against Hartz or Fancy Feast, Churu wins on ingredient quality and interactive design, though it costs more per ounce. Compared to freeze-dried toppers, it offers less protein density but far more emotional value. It’s the top choice for owners dealing with picky eating, medication refusal, or socialization challenges. If you want a multi-purpose motivator that doubles as a topper, Churu offers unmatched versatility and feline fascination.

Purina Fancy Feast’s Lickable Broth line brings gourmet flair to mainstream feeding, offering a grain-free, creamy broth made with real salmon, tuna, or chicken. These 1.4 oz. pouches are designed to elevate everyday meals with a silky, aromatic pour that cats lap up eagerly. With no by-products, fillers, or artificial additives, it’s a surprisingly clean option from a mass-market brand. The variety pack lets cats explore different proteins, while the high moisture content supports urinary and kidney health—especially crucial for indoor cats on dry diets.

In testing, the broth spreads smoothly and cools quickly, making it ideal for warm-day feeding or cats who dislike sticky residues. It’s particularly effective at reviving stale kibble, adding a fresh, appetizing sheen that triggers immediate interest. The texture is thinner than INABA Churu but thicker than Tiki Cat, striking a middle ground between gravy and soup. However, the fish-heavy lineup may alienate non-seafood households, and the broth lacks functional additives like probiotics or taurine.

Compared to Hartz Delectables, Fancy Feast offers more seafood variety but less non-fish flexibility. Against Made by Nacho, it lacks bone broth depth and digestive support. Yet for owners seeking a widely available, grain-free broth with trusted branding, it hits a sweet spot of accessibility and quality. If you want affordable, no-fuss hydration with a touch of luxury, this delivers consistent performance without the specialty price.

Don’t let the price fool you—Good ‘n’ Tasty delivers big flavor in a tiny shaker. This triple-seafood flake topper blends real Alaskan salmon, herring, and shrimp into a crunchy, aromatic sprinkle that transforms bland kibble into a gourmet experience. At just under $5, it’s the most budget-friendly option here, yet it packs omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health. The shaker-top design makes portioning effortless, and the no-artificial-ingredients formula proves affordability doesn’t mean compromise.

In real use, the flakes add audible crunch and rich scent, appealing to cats who love texture contrast. It works well as a topper or standalone treat, and a little goes a long way—a light sprinkle reignites interest in stale food. However, the 0.8 oz. size means refills come fast, and the seafood-only profile won’t suit cats with fish allergies. It lacks moisture, so it won’t help with hydration, and picky eaters used to wet food may ignore the dry flakes altogether.

Compared to INABA Churu or Tiki Cat, it offers no hydration or interactive benefits, but it beats them on cost per use. Against pricier freeze-dried mixers, it skips probiotics but delivers omega-rich flavor at a fraction of the cost. It’s best for owners who want an affordable, no-mess flavor boost without breaking the bank. If your cat loves fish and you’re watching expenses, this topper provides outsize value for its footprint.