Checklist for Feeding Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
5 min read

Choose Quality Food: Look for AAFCO-approved, human-grade options with named protein sources and no artificial additives.
Store Properly: Keep unopened food in a cool, dry place. Use airtight containers after opening.
Prepare Correctly: Rehydrate with warm water, measure portions based on your dog's weight, and serve at room temperature.
Transition Gradually: Switch over 7-10 days, starting with 25% freeze-dried food and increasing daily.
Monitor Health: Track stool, appetite, energy, and coat quality during the transition.

Freeze-dried food, like Loyal Saints, is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs, offering digestibility and natural flavors. Follow these steps to ensure your dog thrives on their new diet.

How to Feed Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Selecting Quality Freeze-Dried Food

Choosing freeze-dried dog food with clear quality markers and top-notch ingredients ensures your pet gets the nutrition they need. Knowing what to look for can help you pick products that retain their benefits when stored and prepared correctly.

Quality Standards

Evaluating the quality of freeze-dried dog food starts with certifications and ingredient transparency. Here are key factors to consider:

Quality Indicator	What to Check	Why It Matters
AAFCO Approval	Look for AAFCO standards on the label	Guarantees balanced, complete nutrition
Ingredient Grade	Check for "human-grade" labeling	Reflects stricter quality control
Protein Sources	Ensure named meats are listed first	Supplies essential amino acids
Additives	Avoid artificial preservatives or fillers	Minimizes risk of sensitivities

Dr. Janet R., a veterinarian, shares her perspective:

"As a vet myself, this is what sold me and I can attest!"

Loyal Saints Products

Loyal Saints stands out by meeting these quality benchmarks with:

High-quality ingredients sourced in the USA
Formulations approved by veterinarians
Balanced nutritional profiles
Specialized recipes for dogs with dietary challenges

"At Loyal Saints, we believe that healthy ingredients lead to happy, vibrant lives for our beloved pets. That is why we meticulously craft our unique blends, each thoughtfully designed to provide balanced nutrition tailored to meet the diverse needs of dogs everywhere."

Their commitment to using whole, natural ingredients makes their products especially suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions, while also promoting overall health.

Once you've chosen the right food, proper storage is the key to preserving its nutritional value.

Storage Requirements

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of freeze-dried dog food and preventing it from going bad.

Storage Tips

Keep unopened packages in a cool, dry, and dark place to maintain freshness.
Once opened, transfer the food to airtight containers to minimize air exposure.
Consider buying smaller packages to reduce the risk of spoilage.

Once you’ve stored the food correctly, handling it safely is just as important.

Safe Handling Guidelines

Always wash your hands before handling pet food.
Use a clean, dry scoop or measuring tool dedicated solely to your dog's food.
Make sure storage containers are completely dry - replace any that show signs of moisture.

Food Preparation Steps

Once you've stored the food correctly, the next step is to prepare it in a way that keeps its nutrients intact. Rehydration is key to ensuring your dog gets the most out of their meal.

Portion Size Guide

Determine the right portion size based on your dog's weight, activity level, and the recommendations on the packaging or from your vet. For precision, use tools like a measuring cup or kitchen scale.

Rehydration Instructions

Measure the required amount of freeze-dried food.
Slowly mix in warm water, stirring until the food softens evenly.
Allow the food to sit until it’s fully rehydrated, ensuring it has a consistent texture before serving.

Feeding Guidelines

After rehydrating your dog's food, follow these steps to ensure they get the most nutrients while keeping the meal safe.

Serving Steps

Use a clean, shallow stainless steel or ceramic bowl that matches your dog's size. Always provide fresh water in a separate bowl.
Serve the rehydrated food at room temperature (around 70°F) for better taste and nutrient absorption.

For easier digestion, split the daily food portion into two meals:

Morning meal: Serve within 30 minutes of rehydrating the food.
Evening meal: Offer the second portion 8–12 hours after the first.
Keep an eye on your dog while eating for about 20 minutes.

Proper handling after meals is just as important for your dog's health.

After-Meal Care

Remove any uneaten food within 20–30 minutes.
Store leftover dry food in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid reusing partially rehydrated or wet food.
Watch for changes in eating habits, such as how long it takes to finish meals, the amount eaten, appetite shifts, or stool consistency.
Clean food and water bowls after every meal with hot, soapy water. Once a week, sanitize bowls with a solution of 1 tablespoon unscented bleach per gallon of water, rinse thoroughly, and let air-dry.

If you notice digestive problems or major changes in your dog's eating habits, reach out to your veterinarian to ensure the feeding plan is right for them.

Switching Food Types

Once you're comfortable with food preparation and feeding guidelines, you can start transitioning to a fully freeze-dried diet. This switch should be done gradually to help your dog adjust.

7-10 Day Transition Plan

Use this simple 7-10 day plan to make the switch:

Day	Old Food	Freeze-Dried Food
1-2	75%	25%
3-4	50%	50%
5-6	25%	75%
7-10	0%	100%

Some dogs adjust faster than others. For instance, Brady, a Loyal Saints customer, shared:

"In less than a week my dog made the full transition and won't even look at her old food so safe to say it's a hit. Thank you"

To make the transition smoother, rehydrate the freeze-dried portion according to the package instructions, mix it well with the current food, and serve immediately. Stick to regular meal times, and adjust the timeline if your dog needs more time.

Health Tracking

Keep a close eye on your dog's progress during the transition by tracking these signs:

Daily indicators:

Stool consistency and color
Energy during walks and play
Water intake
Appetite and eating habits

Weekly indicators:

Weight changes
Coat quality
Overall mood and behavior

One customer, for example, noticed positive changes quickly:

"We started transitioning Nef over to Loyal Saints a few weeks ago and he is loving it! We have already noticed a huge improvement in some of the stomach issues we were noticing on his previous food. Excited to see how else this new food benefits Nefarian"

If your dog shows ongoing diarrhea, vomiting, or a loss of appetite, slow down the transition and consult your veterinarian. Every dog's adjustment period is different, so be patient and attentive.

Summary

Feeding your dog freeze-dried food involves careful selection, proper preparation, and a slow transition process. Here's a quick recap of the key points covered earlier. Brands like Loyal Saints use USDA-sourced, human-grade ingredients to provide high-protein meals without unnecessary additives.

Key tips to follow:

Choose quality formulas: Look for AAFCO-approved, human-grade options.
Store properly: Keep the food sealed in a cool, dry place.
Rehydrate correctly: Stick to the package instructions for rehydration.
Transition gradually: Take 7–10 days to switch to the new food.

These steps help ensure your dog gets the most nutrients and stays healthy.

Pet owners often notice better digestion, shinier coats, and more energy when using these feeding methods. Keep an eye on your dog's digestion, coat, and energy levels during and after the transition to assess the benefits.

A consistent feeding routine and careful preparation will help your dog thrive on freeze-dried food.