Mixing feeding involves combining several types of food in a dog's daily ration: kibble and wet food, kibble and cooked meat, or even kibble with a small amount of raw food.

In practice, this is probably one of the most common feeding methods. However, it remains very little studied.

The reason is simple: most studies compare different types of food (dry, wet, or raw), but very few focus on their combination. Current recommendations are therefore mainly based on the knowledge acquired for each type of food taken separately.

Kibble and Wet Food: The Simplest Combination

This is also the most common.

When done correctly, it generally doesn't pose a problem, provided two principles are followed.

The first is to choose complete and balanced foods. Some wet foods are only complementary and do not alone meet a dog's nutritional needs. They should therefore not represent a significant portion of the ration.

The second is to adjust quantities. Adding wet food without reducing the amount of kibble quickly increases energy intake and promotes weight gain.

More Water in the Ration: A Well-Documented Benefit

The main advantage of adding wet food is to increase water intake.

One study showed that dogs fed a food containing approximately 71% water absorbed more total water than dogs receiving only kibble, even if they drank less from their bowl. Daily water intake was about 88g higher.

This effect can be particularly beneficial for:

• dogs who drink little;

• dogs predisposed to urinary problems;

• senior dogs;

• during periods of high heat or significant activity.

Today, this is one of the best-supported benefits of mixing feeding in the literature.

Mixing with Raw Food: The Real Questions

The combination of kibble and raw food is often presented as bad for digestion.

To date, no solid scientific data shows that this combination causes digestive problems in a healthy dog. The dog's digestive system is capable of handling various foods.

The main issues lie elsewhere.

The first is microbiological. Raw foods can contain bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, or Campylobacter. Several studies report sometimes high contamination rates. This risk exists with any raw diet, whether given alone or mixed with kibble.

The second is nutritional. Replacing part of a complete food with an incomplete food alters the overall balance of the ration. Without proper calculation, certain intakes can become insufficient, particularly in calcium, vitamins, or trace elements.

"Toppers": A Generally Safe Practice

Many owners add a small amount of food to make the meal more palatable.

For example:

• some cooked vegetables;

• a cooked egg;

• unsalted broth.

When these additions represent less than 10% of the ration's calories, they are unlikely to unbalance a complete food.

However, they can improve palatability and help some picky eaters.

The Most Common Mistakes

Mixing feeding becomes problematic when improvised.

The most common mistakes are:

• adding several foods without adjusting quantities;

• using large quantities of complementary foods;

• mixing foods intended for different life stages (puppy, adult, senior);

• changing the diet of a dog suffering from an illness without veterinary advice.

Furthermore, some foods or supplements can interact with treatments or be contraindicated in certain pathologies. In case of chronic illness or therapeutic diet, it is best to discuss it with your veterinarian before changing the diet.

Key Takeaways

Mixing feeding is a common practice that appears safe when properly constructed, but it remains understudied as such.

Its main benefits are:

• improving palatability;

• increasing water intake when wet foods are used;

• providing more variety.

Its main risks are:

• caloric excess;

• nutritional imbalance if the ration is not recalculated;

• exposure to microbiological risks when raw food is used.

Ultimately, it is not the act of mixing several foods that poses a problem, but how the ration is constructed. The goal remains the same: to meet the dog's nutritional needs while respecting its health status.

Sources

• Weese JS. Raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats: a review. 2019.

• Solís A. et al. 2022.

• Fritsch D. et al. 2025.

• FACCO – Guide des bonnes pratiques d'alimentation des carnivores domestiques.

• FEDIAF – Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs.