Mixed feeding: combining chunks and meat
Providing meat – wet food or meat sausages – is a normal part of the diet for dogs and cats these days. Many owners see meat as a tasty treat, which raises the question of whether it is a good idea to mix it with kibble (mixed feeding). This article focuses on dogs.
Facts
You often hear that kibble floats (or sinks) in the stomach and that adding meat would disrupt digestion. There are stories that meat and (certain) kibbles do not work well together in the stomach, and that it only works with cold-pressed kibble? This calls for clear facts. The idea that kibble floats (or sinks) and meat sinks is incorrect and has no influence on digestion. The stomach reaches a low pH that digests both meat and kibble perfectly well, regardless of their properties. Compare it to a meal of meat and vegetables: they also pass through the stomach together. Despite the difference in the type of kibble (extruded and cold-pressed), the total digestion time in the stomach is almost identical for both types.
Flexible gastrointestinal tract
Combining kibble and meat is usually not a problem. The idea that meat, wet food, or raw meat diets can only be combined with certain types of kibble is marketing, not biology. The stomach pH drops sufficiently during digestion, and there is no "floating or sinking." The stomach is an active organ that continuously mixes and digests everything. The stomach adjusts the acidity (pH) based on the presence of proteins, not based on the shape of the food. Meat actually stimulates a strong production of gastric acid. The gastrointestinal tract of a healthy dog or cat is extremely flexible and can perfectly digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates from different sources at the same time. Only animals with a sensitive digestive system or disturbed gut flora might experience gas or diarrhea when mixing. This is due to the complexity of the meal, not the "floating" or "sinking." Mixing meat – wet food or raw meat products, possibly with supplements – with kibble is therefore usually fine, unless the dog or cat does not react well to it. It is therefore a matter of trying it out. Some people choose kibble in the morning, which ensures stable energy during the day, and meat in the evening. Meat – wet food or meat sausages – digests quickly, so the dog or cat is less likely to have a full stomach and there is less risk of regurgitation.
Separate or combine?
The separate approach (kibble in the morning for stable energy, wet/meat in the evening) has practical advantages for many owners and fits well with the natural digestion process. However, mixing is also perfectly fine and often just as good. The most important thing is what your dog or cat tolerates best and what you are consistent with.
For the calorie calculation it actually does not matter whether you mix everything in one meal or give it separately (e.g., kibble in the morning and wet food/meat in the evening). The total daily energy requirement (in kcal) of the dog remains the same. You always calculate based on weight, activity (for you, about 1 hour of exercise + play), age, and any health issues, and then distribute the kcal across the different types of food. For more info, see "How it works in practice".
Advantages of mixed feeding:
Mixed feeding, using both dry food (kibble) and wet food with or without additional products like fats, oil, or herbs, offers several advantages:
-
Better digestion
The fibers from both dry and wet food keep the intestines in balance and stimulate a healthy gut flora. The high moisture content prevents hard, dry stools. -
Tastier for picky eaters
Wet food smells stronger and more intense. By mixing it with kibble, you make the meal more attractive for picky dogs, making it easier for them to eat everything. -
More moisture, healthier bladder
Wet food contains a lot of water, which causes your dog to drink more automatically. This dilutes the urine and lowers the risk of bladder crystals or stones. -
Full faster, without extra calories
Wet food consists of 75-80% moisture. Your dog feels satiated sooner but does not consume more energy – ideal for maintaining a healthy weight. -
Prevention of food intolerance and allergies
Feeding too much of just one type of food can increase the risk of food intolerances and allergies in your pet. By offering diverse protein sources (different animal species), you can help avoid intolerances and allergic reactions. In addition, variety in the diet can reduce the chance of selective eating behavior, where your dog or cat might start avoiding certain foods. -
Mental stimulation
Variety in food can also contribute to the mental stimulation of your pet. Dogs and cats are naturally curious and find different textures, tastes, and smells attractive. By regularly changing the food, it remains engaging and challenging for them, which prevents boredom. -
Dietary enrichment
In addition to regular meals, dogs and cats can benefit from extra food products. These natural supplements can be given to enrich your pet's diet. Examples include dried snacks to keep teeth healthy and prevent plaque, or vegetable mixes for extra nutrients.
Observation
Although variety in the diet has many advantages, it is crucial to introduce changes step by step, especially with pets that are sensitive to gastrointestinal issues or have a food allergy. Add new ingredients gradually and keep a close eye on how your pet reacts.
Combining and quantity
When combining kibble (dry food) with wet food, e.g., via their lick mat or feeder and possibly with meat products together with oils, sheep fat treats, herbs, and tablets, you must calculate how much of each food type you need. For a household dog that receives about an hour of physical exercise in addition to playing, we recommend calculating this amount carefully based on Kcal/kg.
The FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) has established nutritional guidelines that manufacturers of commercial dog food must comply with. According to the Nutritional Guidelines for Complementary Pet Food for Dogs and Cats, a dog has an average energy requirement, calculated as kcal × (body weight in kg)0.75
Energy requirement based on age
- Senior dogs (>7 years): 95 kcal × (weight)0.75
- Adult dogs (3–7 years): 110 kcal × (weight)0.75
- Young adult dogs (1–2 years): 130 kcal × (weight)0.75
Energy requirement adjusted for activity level
The two most important factors influencing energy requirements are age and activity. Below is the adjustment based on movement (intensity and duration):
| Activity level | Energy requirement |
|---|---|
| Low activity (<1 hour/day, low intensity) | 95 kcal × (weight)0.75 |
| Moderate activity (1–3 hours/day, low intensity) | 110 kcal × (weight)0.75 |
| Moderate activity (1–3 hours/day, high intensity) | 125 kcal × (weight)0.75 |
| High activity (3–6 hours/day, high intensity) | 150–175 kcal × (weight)0.75 |
These formulas are guidelines. With mixed feeding (e.g., kibble + fresh meat/wet food), you must calculate the total kcal intake per day and distribute it across the different food types, taking into account their energy density.
Then, the number of kilocalories ÷ metabolizable value (of the product) × 1000 = amount of food.
Do not hesitate to adjust these amounts according to circumstances!
How it works in practice (separate or mixed)
- First, determine the total kcal per day that your dog needs (via a food calculator, vet, or formula such as ~460 kJ × kg^0.75 for an adult dog, adjusted for activity).
- Check the packaging for the kcal per kg (or per 100g) of kibble, wet food, meat products, treats, oils, etc.
- Add everything up so that you reach the daily total — whether you mix or split it.
You can provide 400 kcal of kibble + 400 kcal of wet food/meat.
That can be mixed in one or two meals, or 500 kcal of kibble in the morning and 300 kcal of wet food in the evening. The total kcal remains the same.
Practical differences (not calorie-related)
- Mixing → Easier to do per meal, but harder to weigh exact portions if you quickly add something extra (risk of overfeeding). Wet food + kibble in one bowl can also spoil faster.
- Separate → Better control per meal, easier to measure, and you retain benefits like the more stable energy from kibble during the day. Many people find this more practical.
- Supplements (oils, sheep fat treats, herbs, tablets) → Always include these in the kcal count, as they add up quickly (fats are ~8.5-9 kcal per gram). This applies regardless of whether you mix or not.
Important tips:
- Adjust gradually (over 7-10 days) to prevent digestive problems.
- Keep an eye on the total daily amount of calories — wet food has fewer calories per volume than kibble.
- Choose high-quality brands for both (preferably from the same line or compatible).
- In case of health problems (kidney, bladder, overweight, allergies), always consult your vet first.
For more information, email: info@bfpetfood.nl or use the contact page.
