Can I mix a BARF diet with kibble? Complete Guide
The short answer is yes, it's possible - but there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know.
More and more pet owners want to feed their dogs a more natural diet without sacrificing the convenience of kibble. Therefore, the question "can I mix BARF with kibble?" is one of the most common among those exploring raw feeding. The short answer is yes, it's possible—but there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. In this article, we explain everything you need to know.
What is the BARF diet?
BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, a concept created by Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst in the 1990s. The central idea is to feed dogs a diet similar to what they would have in nature—raw meat, meaty bones, offal, and small amounts of vegetables and fruit, without cooking or industrial processing.
Can I mix BARF with dry kibble?
Yes, you can—and it's an increasingly common practice, known as "mix feeding." Combining the two forms of feeding can reduce the risk of nutritional imbalances associated with an exclusive diet, in addition to bringing more variety and practicality to daily life.
There is, however, an important point: it is not recommended to mix BARF and kibble in the same meal, in the same bowl. The two types of food have different digestion times—raw food is digested more quickly, while dry kibble, being processed, takes longer in the stomach. Mixing the two can slow down the digestion of raw food and promote gastrointestinal discomfort, including gas, diarrhea, or, in rarer cases, excessive bacterial growth in the stomach.
How to combine BARF and kibble correctly?
The safe way to do this is to separate meals throughout the day, instead of mixing foods in the same bowl. For example, you can give dry kibble in the morning and BARF in the evening, keeping each meal with only one of these types of food.
If you are transitioning from an exclusively kibble-based diet to also include BARF, the ideal is to introduce raw food gradually, over 7 to 10 days, starting with small quantities and progressively increasing the proportion, to give your dog's digestive system time to adapt.
Benefits of combining the two diets
By combining BARF with kibble, many pet owners manage to get the best of both worlds: the variety and nutritional value of raw food, with the practicality, convenience, and balanced formulation of quality kibble. This combination can also help reduce the risk of excesses or nutritional deficiencies that can arise from a poorly planned exclusively raw diet.
Risks and precautions
Handling raw meat requires extra hygiene precautions—always wash your hands and utensils after preparing meals, do not leave raw food exposed for too long at room temperature, and store meat properly refrigerated or frozen until serving. These precautions protect both your dog and the people at home, as raw meat can contain bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli.
The BARF diet is also not suitable for all dogs. Animals with chronic kidney disease, pancreatitis, or a weakened immune system should only follow this diet under veterinary supervision, as in these cases a poorly adjusted raw diet can worsen existing health problems. Very young puppies and senior dogs should also benefit from a more cautious and monitored approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give BARF in the morning and kibble at night? Yes, or vice versa. This is precisely the recommended way to combine the two diets—in separate meals throughout the day, and not mixed in the same bowl.
Is mixing BARF with kibble bad for my dog? Not necessarily bad, but it can cause digestive discomfort in some dogs due to the different digestion times of the two foods. Therefore, the general recommendation is to separate meals rather than mix them.
How long does the transition to include BARF in my dog's diet take? The process usually takes between 7 to 10 days, introducing raw food gradually and slowly increasing the proportion, while observing your dog's digestive tolerance.
Can all dogs eat a BARF diet? No. Dogs with kidney disease, pancreatitis, a weakened immune system, or other specific health conditions should only follow this diet with veterinary supervision, as it may not be suitable in these cases.
Do I need to supplement vitamins if I combine BARF with kibble? It depends on the proportion of each food and your dog's needs. If the percentage of BARF is low, it is usually not necessary, but your veterinarian or nutritionist may recommend supplementation in specific cases to ensure a complete and balanced diet.
How should I safely store and handle raw meat? Always keep the meat refrigerated or frozen until serving time, wash your hands and utensils thoroughly after preparing it, and do not leave raw food scraps exposed for too long at room temperature.
