Freeze-Dried Food For Life Stage Changes

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
6 min read

Freeze-Dried Raw Food: High nutrient retention, supports all life stages, easy digestion, but higher cost and requires rehydration.
Dry Kibble: Convenient, affordable, long shelf life, but lower nutrient density and includes fillers.
Wet Food: Helps with hydration and easy to eat, but shorter shelf life and may include preservatives.

Quick Comparison

Factor	Freeze-Dried Raw	Dry Kibble	Wet Dog Food
Nutrient Retention	Excellent	Moderate	Good
Digestibility	High	Moderate	High
Convenience	Needs rehydration	Very convenient	Requires refrigeration
Cost (50 lb dog)	$4.50–$7.00/day	$1.50–$3.50/day	$6.00–$8.00/day
Shelf Life	18+ months	12–18 months	3–5 days (opened)
Life Stage Support	Balanced for all	Often stage-specific	Great for transitions

Freeze-dried raw food is a versatile option for all life stages, offering balanced nutrition and better health outcomes. Transitioning diets gradually is key to avoiding digestive issues. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best food for your dog’s needs.

How To Transition To Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

1. Freeze-Dried Raw Food

Freeze-dried raw food offers a nutrient-packed option for dogs, thanks to a process that retains essential vitamins and minerals while removing moisture. This creates a shelf-stable product that supports muscle health, digestion, and smooth dietary shifts.

Tailored for Every Life StageWith high protein levels, this food helps puppies build strong muscles and keeps adult and senior dogs in good shape. Loyal Saints' recipes deliver balanced nutrition for all life stages and meet AAFCO requirements.

Gentle on DigestionMade with human-grade ingredients and no fillers, freeze-dried raw food is easy on sensitive stomachs, making it a great choice for both puppies and older dogs. Its digestibility also helps with smooth dietary transitions.

How to TransitionSwitching to a new diet? Go slow to avoid tummy troubles. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your dog’s current meals, gradually increasing the ratio over time.

Customer Feedback

"My dog transitioned fully in less than a week and ignores the old food" - Brady, Loyal Saints Customer.

Packed with NutrientsThe process keeps the natural goodness of whole fruits and vegetables - like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber - intact, promoting overall health at every stage of life.

2. Dry Kibble

Dry kibble is a common choice during different life stages, but it often falls short in nutrient density and ingredient quality compared to freeze-dried raw food. Understanding its features can help pet owners make better decisions for their dog's diet.

Nutritional ProfileDry kibble usually contains about 18% protein for adults and 22% for puppies, as per AAFCO guidelines. However, it often includes fillers, which reduces the nutrient density compared to freeze-dried options that prioritize whole food ingredients.

Digestive ChallengesAbout 30% of pet owners notice digestive issues when switching their dog's diet abruptly [2]. Puppies are especially vulnerable due to their sensitive digestive systems, which can react poorly to sudden changes or variations in kibble formulations.

Life Stage	Protein Needs	Fat Requirements	Key Factors
Puppy	22%	8%	Higher calorie intake for growth
Adult	18%	5%	Balanced nutrients for maintenance
Senior	18% or less	Lower fat	Support for joints and mobility

Transition GuidelinesWhen introducing a new kibble, do it gradually over 7–10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the current diet, increasing the proportion slowly while keeping an eye on stool consistency and behavior. If problems arise, slow down the transition and consult your veterinarian.

Quality ConsiderationsLook for kibble that lists whole food ingredients first and avoids artificial preservatives. Check the kibble size to ensure it's suitable for your dog's breed and age. Senior dogs may benefit from formulas that include ingredients to support joint health.

While dry kibble is convenient and has a long shelf life, its lower nutrient density and the use of additives make freeze-dried raw food - such as Loyal Saints' products - a strong alternative for providing better nutrition throughout all life stages. Up next, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of these feeding options to help you choose what’s best for your dog.

3. Wet Dog Food

Wet dog food offers specific benefits for dogs during different life stages, especially when transitioning diets. With a moisture content of 75–80%, it helps keep dogs hydrated. This is particularly useful for puppies moving from milk to solid foods and for senior dogs who may not drink enough water. Let’s take a closer look at its nutritional benefits for each life stage.

Nutritional Benefits by Life Stage

Wet dog food is generally formulated to meet AAFCO standards, though the cooking process may reduce some nutrients compared to freeze-dried raw options. Here’s how it supports dogs at different stages:

Life Stage	Benefit
Puppy	Eases the transition from milk to solid food
Adult	Helps maintain hydration
Senior	Soft texture makes it easier to eat for dogs with sensitive teeth

Tips for Transitioning

When introducing wet food, do it gradually. Mix small amounts of wet food with your dog’s current diet, increasing the ratio over time to avoid digestive upset.

Storage and Quality

Wet dog food contains preservatives to maintain freshness. Once you open a can or pouch, refrigerate it and use it within 24–48 hours to keep it safe and tasty.

Digestive Considerations

The high moisture content aids digestion, but some wet foods may include additives that could cause sensitivities in certain dogs. Always monitor your dog’s reaction to new foods.

While wet dog food is great for hydration and easy feeding, it may not retain nutrients as well as freeze-dried raw food. Keep this in mind when planning your dog’s diet through different life stages.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Let’s break down freeze-dried raw food, dry kibble, and wet dog food based on factors like health benefits and convenience.

Nutritional Value and Health Impact

Brands like Loyal Saints use human-grade, high-protein ingredients, and the freeze-drying process helps preserve nutrients. One dog owner reported noticeable improvements in their pet's digestion after switching to freeze-dried raw food.

Cost Comparison

Dog food costs can vary widely depending on the type:

Food Type	Cost per Pound	Daily Cost (50 lb dog)	Shelf Life
Freeze-Dried Raw	$3.00 – $5.00	$4.50 – $7.00	18+ months (sealed)
Dry Kibble	$1.00 – $3.00	$1.50 – $3.50	12–18 months
Wet Dog Food	$2.50 – $4.00*	$6.00 – $8.00	3–5 days (opened)

*Based on equivalent dry matter content.

Balancing cost with nutritional quality is essential when choosing the best option for your dog.

Comprehensive Comparison

Here’s how the three types of dog food stack up across key factors:

Factor	Freeze-Dried Raw	Dry Kibble	Wet Dog Food
Nutrient Retention	Excellent	Moderate	Good
Digestibility	High	Moderate	High
Convenience	Needs rehydration	Very convenient	Can be messy; needs refrigeration
Life Stage Support	Balanced for all stages	Often stage-specific	Suitable for transitions
Storage Requirements	Cool, dry place	Room temperature	Refrigerate after opening

This comparison highlights the pros and cons of each type, especially during life stage changes.

Key Considerations for Life Stage Transitions

Choosing the right food during life stage transitions is all about your dog's specific needs. Freeze-dried raw food offers balanced nutrition for all stages, often with vet-approved formulations for puppies, adults, and seniors. However, it comes with a higher price tag and requires rehydration.

Health Outcomes and Feeding Preferences

Freeze-dried raw food stands out for its nutrient retention and digestibility. Research shows dogs on these diets often have shinier coats and more energy compared to those on kibble. These benefits become even more important during life stage changes, when nutritional needs can shift significantly.

When deciding, consider your dog's health, your budget, storage space, prep time, and feeding preferences. Tailor these factors to your dog's unique requirements to ensure they get the nutrition they need at every stage of life.

Summary and Recommendations

Freeze-dried raw food is a versatile choice for dogs at every stage of life. Let’s break down the specific benefits and suggestions for each life stage.

Puppies and Growing Dogs

Freeze-dried raw food provides the nutrients puppies need for healthy growth. Products like Loyal Saints’ high-protein formulas help build strong muscles, while their easy-to-digest nature reduces the risk of stomach upset during weaning.

Adult Dogs

For active adult dogs, freeze-dried raw food delivers the protein needed to sustain energy and maintain muscle health. Its lack of fillers and preservatives makes it a great option for dogs with food sensitivities.

Senior Dogs

Older dogs gain from the digestibility and nutrient retention of freeze-dried raw food. Look for options that include joint-support ingredients and omega fatty acids to promote mobility and overall well-being.

Transitioning to Freeze-Dried Raw Food

Switching diets gradually is key to avoiding digestive issues. Follow this schedule:

Day Range	New Food	Current Food
Days 1–3	25%	75%
Days 4–6	50%	50%
Days 7–8	75%	25%
Days 9–10	100%	0%

Keep an eye on your dog’s response and adjust the timeline if necessary. Don’t forget to rehydrate the food properly for better digestion and nutrient absorption.

What to Look For in Quality Freeze-Dried Raw Food

When choosing a product, prioritize:

Human-grade ingredients
AAFCO compliance
Veterinarian approval
No artificial additives

Choosing high-quality freeze-dried raw food helps promote your dog’s health and vitality. As Loyal Saints puts it:

"We prioritize thoughtful formulations that not only nourish your pet but also enhance their vitality and happiness."