The Hybrid Diet: the best of both worlds
Thinking about mixing fresh food with your dog's kibble? Whether you’re new to raw feeding or a seasoned pro, combining dry food with raw meats and vegetables can be both convenient and cost-effective. But is it safe?
There’s plenty of confusion out there about mixing raw food and kibble. Let’s clear it up. Here’s why and how you can blend these diets to give your pet a balanced meal.
Busting Myths About Hybrid Diets
Your pet’s diet is the cornerstone of their health, and the internet is flooded with advice on raw food and kibble diets. But beware, not all of it is accurate, especially when it comes to combining the two. Let’s cut through the noise and debunk some common myths about mixing kibble and raw food.
MYTH #1: Raw and Kibble Are Too Different to Digest Together
Yes, raw food and kibble are different. Raw food is rich in fat, protein, and moisture, while kibble varies in protein, fat, and carbohydrates and is low in moisture. Many believe these differences make them hard to digest together, with kibble supposedly raising stomach pH and hindering raw meat digestion.
But, guess what? That’s a myth. Your pet’s GI tract doesn’t care about “kibble” or “raw” once it hits the stomach. It deals with water, protein, fatty acids, and carbs by releasing acids, hormones, and alkaline substances to break them down. Digestive enzymes handle these nutrients effortlessly, no matter their source.
MYTH #2: Mixing Raw and Kibble Upsets Stomachs
Some think blending raw food with kibble will upset their pet's stomach. The truth? It’s sudden changes in diet—like a quick switch from kibble to raw—that can cause issues. Gradual transitions allow your dog’s stomach bacteria to adapt, making the mix perfectly digestible.
MYTH #3: Mixing Foods Breeds “Bad” Bacteria
Bacteria in your pet’s gut adapt and stabilise based on their diet. Both kibble and raw foods influence bacterial growth differently. While sudden changes might cause digestive upset, mixing the two is something your pet’s robust digestive system can handle. With plenty of hydrochloric acid, their stomach is ready for the challenge.
Exactly What is a Hybrid Diet?
The Hybrid Diet combines kibble with fresh, whole foods—real food that can make a real difference. This simple change can lead to amazing health benefits for your furry friend. Plus, it's a fantastic first step if you're thinking about transitioning to a 100% fresh food diet in the future.
When you're adding whole foods to your dog's kibble-based diet, take it slow. Your dog's digestive system needs time to adjust to the new pH levels, bacteria, and enzymes. This gradual shift also helps sync your dog's gut and brain, which are used to high-carb kibble loaded with plant matter because it's cheaper for manufacturers than using more meat.
Your Ultimate Transition Guide
Day 1:
Kick things off by swapping out 10% of your dog's kibble with some delicious, bland meat like turkey, chicken, or white fish. Serve it lightly cooked or raw, but if your pup has a sensitive stomach, lightly cooked is your safest bet.
At this stage, stick to just the meat—no bones like chicken wings or necks. If your dog has allergies, use whatever protein works best. Steer clear of game meats like venison; they're too rich for now. Can't get past the 10% mark? Cook the meat and introduce a dog-friendly probiotic and digestive enzyme.
If you decide to maintain the 10% level, check out this list of foods you can rotate in. Add them one at a time if your dog has a sensitive tummy to see what works.
Day 2:
If your dog's poops look good, remove another 10% of the kibble and add more meat, now feeding 80% kibble and 20% whole foods. If things aren't looking solid, take a step back, stabilise, and go slower—think 15% whole foods instead of 20%.
Stop Here or Keep Going:
If all's well, and you're aiming for a full transition to fresh foods, move on to Day 3 guidelines. If you’re sticking with 20%, check out this list of foods to rotate. Introduce them one at a time to see what your dog thrives on.
Feeding 20% whole foods + 80% kibble? No need to stress about "balance." But if you go beyond 20%, you'll need to balance that portion, which we'll cover in Day 3.
Day 3:
Alright, it's Day 3! If Fido's poos are looking good, pull out another 10% of that kibble and toss in more meat. You'll now be serving up 70% kibble and 30% fresh, whole foods.
Day 4:
Day 4, here we go! If everything's still solid in the poo department, remove another 10% of kibble. This time, add 5% meat and 5% cooked, mashed pumpkin (no skin). Your new mix: 60% kibble, 35% meat, and 5% pumpkin.
Day 5:
Day 5, let’s kick it up a notch! If poos are still A-OK, drop another 10% of kibble. Add 5% meat, 5% cooked mashed pumpkin, and 5% raw or cooked broccoli. Now you're feeding 50% kibble, 40% meat, 5% pumpkin, and 5% broccoli.
Day 6:
Day 6, baby! If poos are still looking good, remove yet another 10% of the kibble. This time, add 5% pumpkin and 10% broccoli. Your new lineup: 40% kibble, 40% meat, 5% pumpkin, and 10% broccoli.
Day 7:
One week in and it’s Day 7! If poos are still solid, drop another 10% kibble. Add 10% meat and 20% of mixed mashed veggies that are safe for dogs. Your new blend: 30% kibble, 50% meat, and 20% mixed veggies.
Day 8:
It’s Day 8, time to add bones! Choose a safe chicken or turkey bone (without skin). If your dog has issues with these, pick a bone from an animal they’re okay with.
Your formula: 20% kibble, 30% meat, 10% plant matter, and roughly 40% edible bone.
For small to medium dogs, think 1-4 chicken necks or wing tips. For larger dogs, 1/2 to 1 chicken carcass. These are just examples—choose bones you trust for your dog. Learn more about feeding bones here.
Day 9:
Day 9 means it’s offal time! Liver can be rich for newbies, so start with kidney. Avoid offal from pigs and game animals for now—they’re too rich. If you can't get kidney, use whatever liver you can find.
Blend it well with other foods to make it more palatable. Your new mix: 10% kibble, 50% meat, 5% kidney, 15% plant, and the rest in edible bone.
Learn more about organs here.
Day 10:
Day 10, say goodbye to kibble! If poos are fine, finalise your transition. Use the B.A.R.F. model to create your balanced meal plans.
Time to enjoy a healthier, happier pup!
Supplements to Help The Transition
Digestive Enzymes - Help the body digest the new foods for comfortable digestion without gas, bad breath, vomiting or abdominal discomfort >> Shop here
Probiotics - Balance the gut microbiome and promote the production of enzymes and lactic acid for healthy digestive processes and colon pH balance. >> Shop here
Slipper Elm Powder
This natural remedy has been trusted for ages to soothe digestive discomfort. When mixed with water, it creates a slippery, easily digestible substance that works wonders to support healthy digestion & soothe the entire digestive tract. >> Shop here
Bone broth
Bone Broth is a powerhouse of easily absorbable nutrients, perfect for enhancing your dog's meals by healing the intestinal lining and reducing inflammation. >> Shop here
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