One of the more useful things about a brand that makes multiple formats is that you don't actually have to pick just one. A lot of dog owners end up building a routine that mixes two or three Open Farm formats depending on the day, the budget, or what their dog is in the mood for. Here's how that typically works.
Why Mix Formats At All
There are a few practical reasons owners build a mixed routine instead of sticking to one format:
- Cost management. Freeze-dried raw is nutrient-dense but pricier per pound than kibble. Using it as a topper rather than the sole diet stretches the budget while still getting some raw nutrition into every meal.
- Variety. Some dogs simply do better, both physically and behaviorally, with some variation in texture and format rather than the exact same bowl every day.
- Travel and convenience. Kibble is easy to pack and doesn't need any prep, which makes it the practical choice for boarding, travel, or busy weeks, even if freeze-dried or RawMix is the everyday routine at home.
A Few Ways to Combine Formats
Kibble as the base, freeze-dried as the topper. A base of Goodbowl or Epic Blend kibble with a crumbled scoop of Grass-Fed Beef freeze-dried raw mixed in is one of the most common approaches. It boosts palatability and protein density without the cost of a fully freeze-dried diet.
RawMix as an all-in-one middle ground. If you like the idea of a raw-coated kibble without managing separate components, RawMix Front Range already builds the freeze-dried raw and bone broth coating into the kibble itself — no assembly required.
Freeze-dried for special occasions or transitions. Some owners keep freeze-dried raw on hand specifically for picky days, travel, or as a reward-adjacent addition, rather than feeding it as a full daily meal.
What to Watch When Mixing Formats
A few practical tips if you're combining formats for the first time:
- Introduce one new format at a time, not multiple at once, so you can tell what your dog is or isn't tolerating well
- Adjust total calories, not just total volume — freeze-dried raw and kibble have different calorie densities per cup, so combining them means recalculating portions rather than just splitting your usual scoop in half
- Keep single-protein options on hand if your dog has any known sensitivities, so you can isolate a protein source if something doesn't agree with them
Talk to Your Vet About the Balance
There's no universal ratio that works for every dog — how much freeze-dried, RawMix, or kibble makes sense depends on your dog's size, activity level, and budget. If you're not sure how to balance the mix, your vet can help you land on proportions that keep the diet complete and appropriately calorically balanced.
Shop the Full Lineup
You can find Goodbowl, Epic Blend, RawMix, and Grass-Fed Beef freeze-dried raw all at The Hungry Puppy. Freeze-dried orders of $75 or more ship free nationwide, and auto-delivery subscriptions save you 6% on every order — handy if your routine includes a recurring freeze-dried component.
We've been helping Farmingdale-area pet parents put together feeding routines that actually work for their household since 1987. If you want help figuring out the right mix for your dog, call us at 732-938-4470.