A mixture preparation strategy was proposed and evaluated in a diesel-natural gas dual-fuel engine to reduce hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions under low load conditions. An experimental investigation was conducted in a single-cylinder compression-ignition engine. Natural gas was supplied with air during the intake stroke, and diesel was injected directly into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke. First, effects of diesel start of energizing (SOE) and natural gas substitution ratio on the combustion and exhaust gas emissions were analyzed. Based on the results, the mixture preparation strategy was established. A low natural gas substitution ratio and a high exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate were effective in reducing the HC and CO emissions.