Why Mixing Raw and Kibble Is a Bad Idea

As pet owners become more aware of the benefits of raw feeding, many consider transitioning their dogs from kibble to a species-appropriate diet. However, some attempt to mix raw and kibble in the same meal, thinking it offers a balanced approach. While the intention is good, this practice can create digestive issues and counteract the benefits of raw feeding. Here’s why mixing raw and kibble is not a good idea for your dog’s health.

1. Different Digestion Rates
One of the biggest concerns with mixing raw and kibble is the difference in digestion rates. Raw meat and bones are processed quickly in a dog’s stomach, typically within 4-6 hours, allowing for optimal nutrient absorption. Kibble, on the other hand, is highly processed and contains fillers, which can take 8-12 hours to digest. When mixed, kibble slows down the digestion of raw food, leading to fermentation in the gut, increased gas, and a higher risk of bacterial overgrowth.

2. Altered Stomach pH
A raw-fed dog has a naturally acidic stomach environment (pH 1-2), which helps break down raw meat, kill harmful bacteria, and properly digest bones. Kibble, being high in carbohydrates and processed ingredients, requires a more alkaline pH (around 4-5) for digestion. Mixing both in the same meal can neutralize stomach acid, making it less effective at killing harmful pathogens and digesting raw bones safely. This imbalance can increase the risk of foodborne illness and bone-related digestive issues.

3. Increased Risk of Gastrointestinal Upset
Mixing kibble and raw can cause inconsistent stool quality, diarrhea, bloating, or vomiting. The gut flora must adapt to processing raw proteins efficiently, but kibble can disrupt this process, leading to unnecessary digestive distress.

4. Nutrient Absorption Issues
Raw feeding is designed to provide bioavailable, species-appropriate nutrition. However, kibble contains synthetic vitamins, preservatives, and fillers that may interfere with nutrient absorption. The body may struggle to efficiently absorb essential nutrients from raw food when mixed with processed kibble, limiting the full benefits of a raw diet.

5. Increased Risk of Bacterial Contamination
While raw-fed dogs naturally have the stomach acid and enzymes needed to handle bacteria in fresh, properly sourced raw food, kibble-fed dogs may not. When kibble is mixed into a raw diet, the prolonged digestion time and altered stomach acidity may create an environment where harmful bacteria like E. coli can thrive, increasing the risk of digestive upset or infection.

Conclusion
While it may seem like a good idea to mix raw and kibble, doing so can create digestive complications, reduce nutrient absorption, and increase the risk of bacterial issues. To fully reap the benefits of a raw diet, it’s best to switch your dog appropriately and avoid mixing the two. Feeding a species-appropriate diet without interference from processed kibble will support better digestion, stronger immunity, and overall improved well-being for your canine companion.