BARF as supplement to commercial diet

[jenn77]

Can anyone point me to any resources (books, articles, previous posts) on ways to feed BARF plus a commercial kibble? I'm not even sure if this is a viable feeding method (maybe one meal a day is kibble and one is raw? Is that how it would work?)

I know there is some stuff on this in Dr. Pitcairn's book, which I just ordered, but first-hand advice is always appreciated. Thanks!

 

[jenn77]

Ahhhhhh ok nevermind -- I see now that you're not supposed to do that (mix raw and kibble). I'm learning....

 

[kit02]

I think you're not supposed to mix bones and kibble. In Pitcairn's book he mixes raw meat and kibble in some of his recipes - "kibble boosters".
As with everything, each dog is different and some dogs may not digest the mixing of kibble with meats but Owen does just fine.

 

[jenn77]

I was thinking of making up veggie slop and feeding that with the kibble. I would love it if I could, but due to our lifestyle I don't think I can go all the way right now with raw meats and bones though.

 

[BooBoo & Riley]

I sometimes switch back and forth from kibble to BARF... but I would never do it over one day like you said before. I would just switch and keep them on one diet for at least a week before switching back.

I normally only switch back to kibble because of emergency or traveling...

 

[kit02]

I should add that I don't barf, I 1/2 homecook but I also add fresh meat to the kibble sometimes.

 

[nanabear]

(maybe one meal a day is kibble and one is raw? Is that how it would work?)

!

We do it every day !
Mack eats kibble with a few bites of fruit and yougurt with his breakfast. Dinner is kibble and a variety of "veggie glop" with raw meat. I don't do bones unless they are in ground meat (thank you Bob, Ozzie's Dad) but do give recreational femurs for gnawing.
He's fine, has no problems with his diet and in a pinch or an emergency - happily eats kibble-only, if he has to.
I rotate kibbles and offer a wide variety of meat, dairy, veggies and fruit - his tummy and digestive system is completely normal and he WUVS his food!

 

[ulbsterx]

mixing kibble and raw?

I have only been doing raw since 11-15, so am still learning. I thought that it was "bad" for them if you fed this way? (mixing kibble w/raw)
Although the dogs LOVE their new raw diet, it is more expensive and time consuming. It's no big deal now (the time issue) because I am not currently working. I will hopefully start a new job soon and am concerned that we won't have time to continue the raw diet. I know that there are tons of people here who do it w/ no problem. I am sure it will just take more organization and planning to get more efficient at it. As always, I appreciate any tips and/or advice. Thanks!