How to Mix Fresh Food and Kibble Without Compromising Nutrition

Feeding your dog a fresh food diet can feel like a big commitment, especially when your grocery bill is already higher than usual. At Fetching Dog, we know that pet parents want to feed their dogs the very best. But we also know that life is expensive right now.

The good news? You don’t have to go all-in on fresh food to give your dog better nutrition. With a hybrid feeding plan that combines fresh food and high-quality kibble, you can strike a balance that supports your dog’s health and fits your budget.

Here’s how to make it work.

Why Fresh Food Is Worth It (Even in Small Amounts)

Species-appropriate, raw food diets are packed with fresh, minimally processed ingredients. When done right, fresh food can support better digestion, healthier skin and coat, improved energy, and even smaller, less smelly stools. While raw is the most nutrient-dense because it has never been exposed to heat, which breaks down nutrients, gently cooked food is second best as long as it is made without synthetic additives or filler starches that you will find in many online brands.

But even if you can’t commit to feeding fresh food full time, incorporating it part-time still makes a difference. Adding even 20 to 25 percent fresh to your dog’s diet can boost overall nutrient absorption, support the gut, and introduce natural enzymes and moisture that traditional dry food lacks.

The Benefits of Mixing Raw or Gently Cooked Food and Kibble

You don’t need to choose between convenience and nutrition. A mixed feeding approach offers the best of both:

1. Budget-Friendly Flexibility

You can stretch your fresh food supply by using it as a topper or a portion of your dog’s daily meal. This keeps costs down without cutting nutrition.

2. Gradual Transition

For pet parents new to using fresh food, mixing it with kibble is a gentle way to introduce it without upsetting your dog’s stomach or your routine.

3. Improved Palatability

Dogs love fresh food. If your pup is picky or losing interest in kibble, a scoop of raw or gently cooked food can entice them to eat. Although we typically find that dogs who are picky are getting more than they need, try reducing portions a bit, especially if your dog is overweight.

How to Start a Hybrid Feeding Plan

We recommend using as much fresh food as possible and using kibble to make up any deficits. Mixing raw or gently cooked food and kibble can be simple once you find the right balance. Here are a few ways to structure it:

Option 2: Balanced Fresh Meals 3 or More Times a Week

Keep your dog on a kibble for most meals, and swap in raw food two or three times per week. This is an easy way to introduce fresh food without changing your entire feeding schedule.

Example Schedule:

• Monday AM: Kibble
• Monday PM: Fresh Food
• Tuesday: Kibble
• Wednesday PM: Fresh Food
• Thursday: Kibble
• Friday: Fresh
• Saturday & Sunday: Fresh Food or Kibble

Option 3: Fresh Food as a Topper

Add a small scoop of fresh to each kibble meal. Even a few ounces goes a long way.

Why it works:

• Enhances flavor
• Adds moisture and live enzymes
• Provides a nutritional boost without overwhelming your budget

Option 1: Split Meals

Feed part fresh and part kibble in the same bowl. For example, 70% kibble and 30% fresh or vice versa if your budget allows.

What to Watch For When Mixing Fresh Food with Kibble

When you’re blending two food types, it helps to keep a few things in mind.

Digestive Adjustment

If your dog is new to raw or gently cooked food, go slow. Start with small amounts and gradually increase over 7 to 10 days. This gives their digestive system time to adjust.

Food Quality Matters

Not all kibbles are created equal. If you’re pairing raw with dry food, choose a kibble with:

• Named meat proteins
• No artificial preservatives or synthetic vitamins and minerals (if possible)
• Low filler content (like grains or legumes)

Our staff at Fetching Dog is always happy to help you compare ingredient panels and find a kibble that complements your fresh feeding goals.

Storage and Handling

While commercial raw and gently cooked foods are made to much higher standards than kibble diets and contain way less contaminants, they do not contain preservatives and must be kept frozen until ready for consumption. Fresh food can remain in your fridge for about 4-5 days but it will change in texture and palatability so is best used within 1-2 days of thawing. Store it in its original packaging with the air squeezed out and the zipper sealed for freshness. As is the same with all kibble diets, dog and cat dishes should be washed with soap and water after each meal.

How Much Fresh Food Should You Feed?

Even a little goes a long way. Here’s a rough guideline for using raw or gently cooked as a topper:

Adjust up or down based on your dog’s activity level, age, and current diet. Our team can help you find the right ratio to get you started but all dogs are different and may require adjustments.

Budget-Saving Tips from Fetching Dog

Here are a few simple ways to save while feeding smarter:

• Buy bulk raw when possible. We offer larger box discounts on select brands.
• Take advantage of loyalty programs. Many of our fresh food brands have automated frequent buyer punch cards.
• Ask about promos. We often feature rotating discounts and in-store specials on raw and gently cooked food and kibble alike.
• Use your freezer wisely. Stock up when it’s on sale and store individual portions in its original packaging for freshness.

Final Thoughts: Better Nutrition Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

Feeding fresh food doesn’t have to be all or nothing. By mixing raw or gently cooked food with kibble, you can make meaningful improvements to your pet’s health without overstretching your budget.

At Fetching Dog, we’re here to help you find a plan that works for both your pet and your wallet. Stop by the shop or give us a call — we’re happy to answer questions, compare ingredients, and guide you toward a smart, sustainable feeding routine.

Did you know we now offer home delivery? We can make this transition even easier for you!

Shop online or call in your order by phone!