The concept of commercial dog food, particularly kibble, is relatively new. It's worth exploring the history to understand the evolution of canine diets. The first dog biscuit appeared in the late 1800s, created by James Spratt, an American electrician, using ingredients like vegetables, wheat, and blood. The 1920s and 1930s saw the introduction of dry dog food by the F.H. Bennett Biscuit Company (Milk-Bone). While canned wet food gained popularity in the 1940s, World War II led to metal shortages, impacting its availability. In the 1960s, extrusion technology standardized kibble production. Oma's Pride began crafting raw pet food in the 1990s after witnessing a family dog's illness from kibble, leading to the creation of their Signature Mix, inspired by the diets of wild wolves. Today, the pet food industry is vast, with pet owners purchasing food from various sources. This article explores the option of combining raw food and kibble in a dog's diet, examining the benefits, potential risks, and practical methods for implementation.
What is Kibble?
Kibble is made by boiling or steaming ingredients like meat, vegetables, grains, and legumes, shaping them into standard forms, and spraying them with a brown color. Vitamins, minerals, and fats are then added. The high-heat processing used to extend shelf life can affect the quality, which varies significantly across brands based on ingredients and processing methods. Some kibble bags may list generic ingredients like "meat meal," which may come from various sources, including roadkill or dying animals.
Understanding Raw Dog Food
Raw dog food consists of uncooked meat, bones, and organs, considered a biologically appropriate diet for carnivorous dogs. A popular approach is the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet, recommending a composition of "70% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% other secreting organ, 2% seeds or nuts, and 1% fruit."
Benefits of a Half Raw, Half Kibble Diet
Incorporating raw food into a dog's diet can offer several advantages.
Improved Hydration
Dry dog food typically contains only 5-10% moisture. Dogs must drink water separately, and their bodies use stored moisture to process the food, potentially leaving insufficient water for other bodily functions. Raw diets are rich in intracellular moisture, providing better hydration.
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Reduced Carbohydrate Intake
Many raw feeders believe that excessive carbohydrates are not nutritionally appropriate for dogs. High-carbohydrate diets can lead to gut microbiome dysbiosis, obesity, and cardiovascular issues. Raw diet formulations often maintain carbohydrate levels at 2-4%, using ingredients like broccoli and carrots.
Higher Quality Ingredients
Some kibble companies use inexpensive ingredients, favoring plant-based proteins over animal sources. Lower-quality kibbles may source ingredients from rendering plants, which process leftover ingredients from slaughterhouses, spoiled food, and even euthanized animals. Raw diets tend to contain higher-quality ingredients that are more bioavailable, allowing dogs to absorb more nutrients, enzymes, and minerals.
Improved Fatty Acid Profile
Kibble diets often use oils like sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, and soybean, while raw diets use high-quality oils like coconut or flaxseed, which have better omega-6 to omega-3 ratios. Maintaining an appropriate omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is crucial for managing inflammation and skin health.
Long-Term Health Benefits
Although raw food may be more expensive initially, many pet parents find that they save money in the long run due to improved health outcomes.
Debunking Myths About Mixing Kibble and Raw Food
Several misconceptions surround the practice of mixing kibble and raw food.
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Myth #1: Raw and Kibble Dog Food Are Too Different to Digest Together
The digestive system processes water, protein, fatty acids, and carbohydrates regardless of their source. Digestive enzymes break down these macronutrients effectively, whether from kibble or raw food.
Myth #2: Mixing Raw Food and Kibble Can Cause an Upset Stomach
An upset stomach is typically caused by sudden dietary changes, not the combination of raw and kibble. Gradual transitions help a dog's stomach bacteria adapt.
Myth #3: Mixing Food Can Cause “Bad” Bacteria to Grow In the Gut
Bacteria naturally exist in a dog's gut, and their composition changes based on the diet. While sudden changes may cause temporary issues, mixing raw and kibble is generally manageable, as dogs have strong stomach acid to process various foods.
Practical Ways to Mix Raw and Kibble
There is no single "right" way to mix raw dog food and kibble. Even a small addition of raw food can provide health benefits.
Raw Food as a Topper
Use raw food as a topper for kibble to make mealtime more appealing and nutritious.
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Raw Food as a Base
Use raw food as a base and top it with kibble or other nutritious toppings.
Alternating Meals
Switch between kibble and raw food meals during the day to help the raw food supply last longer and allow the dog’s gut to adapt gradually.
Safety Considerations
While mixing raw and kibble is generally safe, handling raw meat requires precautions.
Handling Raw Food
Treat raw food like any other raw meat: handle carefully, avoid splashes, and cook to an internal temperature of 165 degrees if desired. Clean and disinfect all surfaces and dishes afterwards, and wash hands thoroughly.
High-Risk Groups
If feeding raw food, prevent contact with high-risk groups (young, old, immunocompromised, or pregnant individuals) to avoid potential harm from shedding organisms.
Monitoring Your Dog's Health
Consult a veterinarian for diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in behavior, especially when introducing new foods.
Potential Risks of Raw Food
Despite the benefits, there are risks associated with raw food.
Bacterial Contamination
Raw meat can contain foodborne pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria, or toxigenic E. coli. Freeze-drying does not eliminate these risks.
Antimicrobial Resistance
Some raw food products contain bacteria that produce enzymes degrading antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat.
Addressing Digestive Issues
Mixing kibble and raw food can sometimes lead to digestive issues due to differences in digestion times and pH requirements.
Maintaining Stomach Acidity
The presence of starch in kibble can affect the pH balance in a dog's stomach, hindering the activation of pepsin and the breakdown of bones.
Strategies for Maintaining Acidity
Incorporate probiotics and apple cider vinegar into the diet to support healthy digestion and maintain stomach acidity. Gradually introduce raw meat and organs before adding bones to the diet.
Transitioning to a Raw Diet
Transitioning to a raw diet can be done gradually or abruptly.
Gradual Transition
Replace 1/4 of the kibble with raw food each week, gradually increasing the amount as long as stools remain firm.
"Cold-Turkey" Transition
Switch directly to a raw diet, which is suitable for most dogs. For sensitive dogs, start with a bland diet of lean white raw meats, meaty bones, and cooked starchy vegetables.
Managing Loose Stools
If loose stools occur, use probiotics, digestive enzymes, and slippery elm powder. Adjust the diet to be bland, lower in fat, and higher in fiber.
Picky Eaters
If a dog is hesitant to eat raw food, try these tips:
Enhance Palatability
Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or lightly cook the grinds.
Consistent Mealtimes
Set consistent mealtimes to avoid grazing behavior.
Watch the Treats
Avoid catering to pickiness with excessive treats.