Generally speaking, it is fine to mix different dog foods, including Raw/Dry. We feel there are not many practical purposes to mixing foods unless it is part of a transition, in comparison to the downsides. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
1. Mixing Raw/Wet Food with Dry:
You may hear some stories about how you should not mix Raw food with Dry food, due to the dog digesting them at different rates. This is argument should NOT be taken into consideration. One of the healthiest diets a dog can have is a proper and balanced raw diet; sourcing the various meats, bone, offal, organs etc from a trusted Butcher. All of the elements of a correct raw diet such as meat and bone, will digest at different rates in any case. Dogs have a much smaller intestinal tract than humans, meaning food is digested and expelled much quicker. The acidic levels in a healthy dogs’ stomach are also high enough to break down these different materials at a rate where it would not cause any adverse health effects.
2. Gradual Transition:
Whenever any dietary change is made, it should be done so gradually. If you are currently feeding raw and wish to feed a 50/50 mix of raw and dry to save a little time and money, you should introduce the dry food gradually whilst reducing the quantity of raw. This helps prevent digestive upset and allows your dogs’ system to adjust to the new diet. Always monitor stools throughout any transition, as they can be a good indicator of overfeeding if they start to become consistently loose. Some trial and error may be required to find a balance in quantity between the mix of foods, before you find a quantity that suits your dog best.
3. Consistency in Nutrition:
Ensure that the combined foods provide a balanced and complete diet for your dog. They should complement each other in terms of nutritional content. The easiest way to mix foods is by making sure both foods are a ‘complete’ food, meaning they contain everything the dog needs for a complete and balanced diet.
4. Avoid Overfeeding:
Be mindful of the total calorific intake. If you mix different types of high-calorie foods, you might inadvertently overfeed your dog, leading to weight gain and/or loose stools. One dry food may be much higher in nutritional value than another dry food. If you are doing a 50/50 mix for example, you should check the feeding guidelines for both foods to work out what half of a complete meal would be for each, as half a meal of one food may be a very different quantity to half a meal of the other food.
5. Allergies and Sensitivities:
If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, carefully read the ingredient lists of both foods to ensure there are no common allergens such as grain. Mixing foods that contain allergens could exacerbate allergic reactions. It is worth noting that mixing foods can make things more difficult should any allergic reactions or digestive issues arise, as it is harder to know what food may be causing it.
Remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one dog may not be suitable for another. You are always welcome to contact us at Bentley’s for unbiased nutritional advice, we will be honest if we feel our food would not be suitable for you and your dog. Our philosophy is simply to see more dogs on a healthier diet.
