Can I Mix Kibble and Raw Food?

One of the most common questions from people considering raw feeding is: "Can I feed kibble and raw together?"

The short answer is yes, many dogs can successfully eat a combination of raw and kibble. However, there is a lot of misinformation online about mixed feeding, so it is important to look at the individual dog, the quality of the foods being fed and the overall nutritional balance of the diet.

Do Dogs Need to Eat Either Raw or Kibble?

No. There is no requirement that a dog must eat exclusively one type of food.

Dogs are adaptable animals, and many owners choose different feeding approaches depending on their dog's needs, lifestyle and their own circumstances.

Some owners feed:

• 100% raw

• 100% kibble

• A mixture of raw and kibble

• Raw meals alongside other complete foods

The most important consideration is that the overall diet provides the nutrients your dog needs.

Can Dogs Digest Raw and Kibble Together?

A common claim is that raw food and kibble digest at completely different speeds and should never be fed together.

There is currently no strong scientific evidence that healthy dogs cannot digest raw and kibble in the same meal.

Dogs have evolved to digest a variety of foods, and their digestive systems are designed to process mixed meals.

However, some individual dogs may be more sensitive to dietary changes. If your dog experiences digestive upset when combining foods, you may find that feeding them separately or transitioning more slowly works better.

Should I Feed Raw and Kibble at Different Times?

Some owners prefer to feed raw and kibble separately, for example:

• Kibble in the morning

• Raw in the evening

Others feed them together.

There is no universally recommended approach, and what works best will depend on your individual dog.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, introducing one change at a time can make it easier to identify what suits them.

Why Do Some People Avoid Mixing?

There are several reasons some owners choose not to mix raw and kibble:

They prefer a specific feeding philosophy

Some raw feeders prefer to keep their dog's diet completely raw because it better aligns with their feeding goals.

Their dog does better on one food

Some dogs simply thrive on a consistent diet and may experience digestive upset when foods are changed frequently.

They are managing a specific health concern

Dogs with certain medical conditions may require a carefully managed diet, and changes should be discussed with your veterinary surgeon or a qualified nutrition professional.

Can I Use Raw as a Topper?

Yes, many owners add small amounts of raw food to their dog's existing diet as a topper or enrichment.

However, remember that extras still contribute to your dog's overall calorie intake. If you add additional foods regularly, you may need to adjust the amount of the main diet to maintain a healthy weight.

How Do I Transition from Kibble to Raw?

If you are moving towards feeding more raw, introduce changes gradually if your dog needs it.

Some dogs cope well with an immediate switch, while others benefit from a slower transition.

A simple approach is:

• Introduce one complete raw food.

• Avoid changing multiple things at once.

• Monitor stools, appetite and body condition.

• Introduce variety gradually once your dog has settled.

For a full guide, see our article: How Do I Transition My Dog to a Raw Diet?

Is Mixed Feeding Suitable for Every Dog?

Many healthy dogs can tolerate a mixed diet, but every dog is different.

Seek advice before making significant dietary changes if your dog:

• Has a medical condition.

• Has ongoing digestive issues.

• Is a puppy.

• Is pregnant or nursing.

• Is under veterinary care.

• Requires a therapeutic diet.

Common Questions

Will mixing raw and kibble cause bloat?

There is no good evidence that mixing raw and kibble causes gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat). Bloat is a complex condition with multiple risk factors, including breed, body shape, genetics and feeding practices.

Will feeding kibble after raw "ruin" the benefits of raw?

No. Feeding a mixed diet does not automatically cancel out the nutritional value of either food. The important factor is whether the overall diet meets your dog's needs.

Is raw healthier than kibble?

This depends on many factors, including the quality and formulation of the food, the individual dog and how the diet is fed. Both raw and cooked commercial diets can be formulated to provide complete nutrition when made and fed appropriately.

Can I change between raw and kibble?

Many dogs can switch between different diets, although sudden changes may cause digestive upset in some individuals. Introduce changes gradually where needed.

Key Takeaways

• Many dogs can successfully eat a combination of raw and kibble.

• There is no requirement to feed only one type of food.

• The overall nutritional balance of the diet matters most.

• Introduce changes gradually if your dog is sensitive.

• Monitor your dog's body condition and digestion.

• Seek professional advice for dogs with medical conditions or special dietary needs.

Further Reading

For more evidence-informed information about feeding approaches:

• Raw Feeding For Dogs Made Simple (RFFDMS UK)

• Raw Pet Medics

• The Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS)

• The Balanced Canine

  
  

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace veterinary advice. If your dog has a medical condition or requires a specific therapeutic diet, seek advice from your veterinary surgeon before making dietary changes.