As a dog owner, you're always seeking the best for your furry friend. A common question that arises is whether it's appropriate to mix dry dog food with raw dog food. This practice, often referred to as "mixed feeding," has its pros and cons, which depend on the quality of the food, your dog’s tolerances and your personal budget. A good diet equals a happy dog, which is why it is incredibly important to get the balance right.
In our comprehensive guide, we will detail how you can suitably mix dry dog food with raw food, whether or not you can feed dry and raw dog food at separate times, and the possible disadvantages of feeding a mixture of raw and dry dog food. We will also highlight our top dog food choices here at Fetch, and how a consultation with our canine nutrition specialists can help.
Discover whether mixing raw and dry dog food could be beneficial for your dog
To reduce the chance of digestive upset, here’s how you can mix raw and dry dog food appropriately
Instead of mixing together, consider feeding dry and raw dog food at different times throughout the day
Despite the many benefits, there could be some disadvantages present
Browse our extensive collection of dry dog food
Here’s how we can assist
We answer some common queries
Can You Mix Dry Dog Food with Raw?
Blending raw and dry dog food can offer a diet diversity, which can enhance your dog’s meal experience. There are several things to consider:
- Digestive Differences: Dry and raw food digest at different rates. Dry dog food typically takes longer to break down, which might lead to digestive discomfort when mixed with faster-digesting raw food.
- Bacterial Exposure: Raw diets can introduce bacteria like Salmonella. While many dogs handle these bacteria without issues, mixing raw with dry food might alter the stomach's acidity, potentially affecting its ability to neutralise harmful pathogens. If left out for a while, raw food has a tendency to be a breeding ground for other potentially harmful bacteria.
- Nutritional Balance: Ensuring a balanced diet is crucial. Combining two food types without proper knowledge might lead to nutrient imbalances.
That said, many pet owners successfully feed their dogs a mixed diet by ensuring gradual transitions, proper portioning, and monitoring their dog's digestion. If you need help making the transition from raw to dry, or need advice on how to appropriately mix the two, consult one of our canine nutrition specialists today.
How to Safely Mix Dry and Raw Dog Food
If you decide to mix dry and raw food in the same meal, consider the following tips to make the transition smoother:
- Gradual introduction: start with small amounts of raw food alongside dry food and increase it gradually.
- Choose high-quality products: ensure both the dry food and raw food you select are high in nutrients and free from artificial additives. At Fetch, we recommend Orygo cold pressed dog food for easier digestion and great provision of the essential nutrients your dog needs. Cold pressed dog food is a great option if you wish to transition your dog from raw to dry dog food.
- Monitor digestion: watch for signs of digestive distress, such as bloating, diarrhoea, or excessive gas.
- Feed appropriately: consider adjusting portion sizes to ensure your dog is not overfed or underfed.
- Maintain proper hygiene: handle raw food carefully to prevent bacterial contamination.
Can I Feed My Dog Dry Dog Food and Raw Dog Food at Different Times?
Another alternative to mixing in the same meal is feeding dry dog food and raw food at separate times. With this, both can be properly digested and may reduce potential digestive issues.
For instance, you may feed dry food in the morning and raw food in the evening. This method provides variety in your dog’s diet whilst potentially reducing digestive upset.
Tips for Feeding Dry and Raw Separately:
- Keep a consistent schedule to maintain digestive stability.
- Ensure fresh, clean water is always available.
- Monitor your dog’s stool and overall health for signs of digestive distress.
- Feed raw meals first, as they digest faster than dry food.
- Consult a veterinarian or nutritionist if you’re unsure about portioning.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Mixing Dry and Raw Dog Food?
While some dogs may thrive on a mixed diet, potential issues include:
- Digestive upset: As mentioned, differing digestion rates can lead to discomfort, gas, or bloating.
- Nutritional imbalance: Without careful planning, combining diets might result in deficiencies or excesses of certain nutrients.
- Feeding complexity: Managing two types of food can be more time-consuming and may require additional storage considerations.
- Cost consideration: High-quality raw food can be expensive, and combining it with dry food may still increase overall feeding costs.
- Risk of bacteria and contamination: If not handled properly, raw food may introduce harmful bacteria that could affect both your dog and your household.
Despite these potential downsides, many dog owners successfully manage a mixed diet by staying informed and careful about food selection and preparation. A consultation with a canine nutritionist can help you develop a feeding plan that suits not only your dog and their health, but your budget and lifestyle too.
Dry Dog Food Options at Fetch
At Fetch, we offer a diverse range of high-quality dry dog foods to cater to various dietary needs:
| Brand & Product | Description |
| DARF Cold Pressed Dog Food | Minimally processed to retain nutrients, available in flavours like salmon, lamb, and wild game. Cold pressing preserves natural enzymes and vitamins. |
| Nourish Rite Grain-Free Adult Dog Food | Features high-quality, balanced, grain-free options focusing on sustainably sourced ingredients. Recipes include premium meats and vegetables. |
| Air-Dried Dog Food | Offers minimally processed ingredients, with the air-drying process maintaining more nutrients than other drying methods. Available in various flavours. |
| Ydolo Cold Pressed Dog Food | Similar to DARF, Ydolo is a premium option perfect for transitioning your dog from a raw to a dry dog food diet. |
Each of these options is designed to support canine health, ensuring that even if you mix dry and raw, your dog gets balanced nutrition.
How Our Canine Nutritionists at Fetch Can Help
Understanding the best dietary approach for your dog can be challenging. Our canine nutrition experts at Fetch are here to offer tailored consultations to assess your dog's health, lifestyle, and dietary needs, providing expert recommendations. With an extensive range of products, we can guide you to the most suitable options, whether you're considering raw, dry, or a combination.
Get in touch today for your personalised consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all dogs handle mixed feeding?
Some dogs may have sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions that make mixed feeding unsuitable. It’s always best to consult a vet before making dietary changes.
Will mixing raw and kibble affect my dog’s weight?Â
If portion sizes are not adjusted correctly, mixed feeding can lead to overfeeding or underfeeding. Always measure food properly and monitor your dog’s weight.
What if my dog refuses to eat the mixed diet?Â
Some dogs may take time to adjust. Introduce changes gradually and experiment with different raw food options to find what works best.
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