Can You Combine Raw and Kibble in Your Dog's Diet

When it comes to feeding our canine companions, pet owners are constantly seeking the best approach to ensure their dogs receive optimal nutrition. If you’re new to raw feeding or have been doing it for years, you may be curious about mixing kibble with raw food. Combining dry kibble with raw meals can indeed be a convenient and cost-effective strategy. But is it safe? Let’s clear up some misconceptions and explain how you can create a balanced, nutritious diet for your dog by mixing the two.

Debunking Common Myths About Mixing Kibble and Raw Diets

There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there about mixing raw food and kibble. At CaNine, our mission is to help you cut through the noise and make informed choices for your dog. Here, we’ll tackle some of the most common myths about mixing kibble and raw food, and shed light on why they may not be accurate.

Myth #1: Raw and Kibble are Too Different to Digest Together

It’s true that raw food and kibble differ significantly. Raw diets are rich in protein, fat, and moisture, while kibble is lower in moisture and contains varying levels of macronutrients. Some people argue that these differences cause the foods to digest at different rates, potentially leading to digestive problems. More specifically, it’s believed that processed kibble can raise the stomach’s pH, making it harder to digest raw meat.

However, this is not the case. Once food reaches the stomach, the digestive system doesn’t differentiate between kibble or raw. It recognizes nutrients like protein, fat, and carbohydrates and secretes digestive enzymes accordingly. The digestive tract is equipped to handle various foods simultaneously, breaking down the nutrients for optimal absorption.

Myth #2: Mixing Raw Food and Kibble Can Upset the Stomach

Another common belief is that combining raw food with kibble can cause digestive distress, like an upset stomach. But it’s not the mixing of the foods that causes problems—it’s sudden changes in the diet. Abruptly switching from kibble to raw food, or vice versa, can shock the digestive system, resulting in gastrointestinal issues.

To avoid this, it’s important to gradually introduce new foods. Slowly mixing raw with kibble allows the gut bacteria time to adapt, minimizing the risk of an upset stomach.

Myth #3: Mixing Kibble and Raw Promotes “Bad” Bacteria Growth

It’s true that the type of food your dog eats can affect the bacterial balance in their gut. However, bacteria naturally exist in the digestive system, and the digestive environment adapts based on dietary changes. The stomach’s hydrochloric acid is potent enough to handle diverse foods, including raw meat, minimizing the risk of harmful bacteria flourishing.

Again, gradual transitions are key. When introduced slowly, the combination of kibble and raw can be digested effectively, without promoting harmful bacterial growth.

Can You Safely Mix Kibble and Raw?

Yes, you can mix raw food with kibble in your dog’s diet. It’s a practical approach to balancing the benefits of raw feeding with the convenience of kibble. By introducing raw food in stages, you can reduce the chances of upsetting your dog’s stomach, while still reaping the health benefits of a raw diet.

How to Combine Kibble and Raw Food

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mixing kibble and raw dog food. Even adding just 25% raw to your dog’s diet can make a positive impact. To make things easier, we’ve developed a Supplement Calculator to help you determine the right amount of CaNine supplement and kibble for your dog. Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Use Raw Food as a Topper
Enhance your dog’s kibble by adding a small portion of raw food on top. Human-grade muscle meat, organ meat, and bone can make meals more appealing and nutritious.
2. Raw as the Base
If you’d like to increase the raw content, use raw food as the base and sprinkle kibble on top. This approach allows you to integrate raw nutrition while still including some familiar dry food.
3. Alternate Feeding Times
Try feeding your dog a small amount of kibble in the morning and raw food later in the day. Alternatively, offer raw meals a few times a week to extend your raw food supply, though this method may slow the adjustment process for your dog’s digestive system.

No matter how you choose to mix raw and kibble, it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction. Gradual changes will help prevent digestive issues, and combining the two can offer a well-rounded diet that supports better digestion, reduces allergies, boosts immunity, and promotes overall wellness.

The Bottom Line

Feeding a mix of kibble and raw food is a practical option for many pet owners. It provides flexibility while still delivering the nutritional advantages of a raw diet. Remember to introduce new foods gradually and observe your dog’s response. With the right approach, you can support your pet’s health, help them adapt to dietary changes, and give them a happier, healthier life.