How to Transition Your Dog to Raw Freeze-Dried Food

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
6 min read

Why Choose Freeze-Dried Food?It’s minimally processed, retains nutrients, and mimics a natural diet. Compared to kibble, it’s easier to digest and free from fillers.
Steps to Transition:
1. Week 1: Start with 25% freeze-dried food, 75% current food.
2. Week 2: Move to a 50/50 mix.
3. Week 3: Increase to 75% freeze-dried food.
4. Week 4: Switch to 100% freeze-dried food.
Watch for Signs:Look for shinier coats, firmer stools, and steady energy. If digestive issues arise, slow the transition or consult your vet.
Pro Tips:
- Rehydrate food with warm water for better digestion.
- Use pumpkin puree or goat’s milk to ease stomach upset.

Quick Comparison:

Feature	Freeze-Dried Raw	Traditional Kibble
Ingredients	Raw meat, organs, bones	Processed meals, grains
Processing	Low-temp freeze-drying	High-temp extrusion
Nutrient Retention	High	Moderate to low
Price Range	$25–50 per pound	Varies widely

Take your time, monitor your dog’s response, and consult your vet for a smooth transition.

Before You Start: Getting Ready

Talk to Your Vet First

Before switching your dog to a raw freeze-dried diet, consult your vet to evaluate any specific dietary needs or restrictions. Studies show that dogs on raw diets for over a year have demonstrated better health markers compared to those on standard diets. If your vet has concerns, provide detailed nutritional information from the brand you're considering. This ensures the transition is safe and well-informed.

Pick the Right Food Brand

When selecting a freeze-dried raw food brand, keep these factors in mind:

Consideration	What to Look For
Quality Standards	Human-grade ingredients, AAFCO compliance
Nutritional Profile	A complete and balanced formula
Life Stage	Formulated for your dog's age
Special Needs	Options free from allergens, if necessary
Form	Whole pieces or ground mixture, based on preference

Loyal Saints is one option to consider. They offer freeze-dried raw dog food made with human-grade ingredients and vet-approved recipes. Their products are high in protein and free from artificial additives or fillers, making them a good choice for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.

Measure Correct Food Amounts

Portion sizes vary based on your dog's weight. Use this guide:

Dog Size	Daily Feeding Guidelines
Up to 5 lbs	5-6% of ideal body weight
6-10 lbs	4-5% of ideal body weight
11-14 lbs	3-3.5% of ideal body weight
15-19 lbs	2.5-3% of ideal body weight

For adult dogs at their ideal weight, aim for 2-2.5% of body weight per day. Active or underweight dogs might need closer to 3%, while seniors or less active dogs may require as little as 1.5%. To aid digestion and maintain steady energy levels, divide the daily portion into two meals. Adjust portions as needed based on your dog's activity level and condition.

How to Feed Freeze-Dried Dog Food: A Step-by-Step Guide

4-Week Food Switch Plan

Ready to transition your dog's diet? Here's a step-by-step guide to make the switch smooth and stress-free.

Week 1: Start with 25% New Food

Kick things off by mixing 25% raw freeze-dried food with 75% of your dog's current food. If your dog shows signs of sensitivity, scale back to 10% raw food and gradually increase it over time. To make the food more appealing and easier to digest, try adding warm water or bone broth.

Pro tip: If your dog has loose stools, mix in 1 teaspoon of pure pumpkin puree for every 10 pounds of body weight. This can help firm things up during the adjustment period. Once your dog is comfortable with this ratio, move to a 50/50 mix in Week 2.

Week 2: Move to 50% New Food

At this stage, aim for an even split: 50% raw freeze-dried food and 50% old food. Stick to consistent meal times and watch for these signs:

Well-formed stools with a consistent texture
Normal energy levels
Steady eating habits

You can also introduce raw goat's milk as a natural probiotic to support digestion during this phase.

Week 3: Increase to 75% New Food

Now, raw freeze-dried food becomes the main part of the diet, making up 75%, with the remaining 25% being the old food. Keep an eye on your dog's reaction. If loose stools appear, don't panic - it's normal. Simply go back to the Week 2 ratio temporarily.

"Loose stool during the transition period is completely normal and nothing to worry about. It doesn't mean your dog got sick from the food or that they will never adjust. Their digestive system simply needs some time to adjust." - We Feed Raw

Week 4: Switch to 100% New Food

By now, your dog is ready for a full transition to 100% raw freeze-dried food. During this final stage, you might notice some temporary detox symptoms, such as:

Bad breath
Mild gas
Mucus-covered stools

To support your dog's digestion during this phase, consider these helpful aids:

Digestive Aid	Purpose	Amount
Pumpkin Puree	Firms stools	1 tsp per 10 lbs
Goat's Milk	Probiotic support	As directed on package
Pre/Probiotic Supplement	Boosts gut health	As directed on package

If your dog struggles with persistent digestive issues, don't rush. Extend the transition period as needed. Older dogs or those with sensitive stomachs might need up to a month or longer to fully adjust.

Watch Your Dog's Response

Signs of Good Health

As your dog adjusts to the new diet, look for these positive signs:

Shinier, softer coat with less shedding.
Consistent energy levels throughout the day.
Healthier stools that are firm, well-formed, and less smelly.
Decreased water consumption due to the higher moisture content in the food.
Stable appetite, though your dog might seem hungrier at first since the food contains fewer fillers.

Addressing Common Digestive Issues

If your dog experiences stomach problems, try these remedies:

Issue	Remedy	Dosage/Method
Loose stools	Pure pumpkin puree	1 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight
Gas or bloating	Raw goat's milk	Use as directed on the package
General upset	Probiotic supplement	Follow the package instructions

If these don't resolve the issue, consider these steps:

Extend the transition period: It may take up to six weeks for your dog to fully adjust.
Try a different protein: Switch to another meat source if your dog shows signs of sensitivity.
Add moisture: Mix warm water into the food to ensure proper hydration.

For persistent problems, consult your veterinarian promptly.

When to Contact Your Vet

Reach out to your vet immediately if you notice:

Severe digestive problems:
- Ongoing diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite lasting more than two days.
- Frequent vomiting.
Emergency symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Severe pain (e.g., shaking, panting, hiding).
- Seizures or unconsciousness.
- Sudden mobility changes.

While mild digestive adjustments are normal, ongoing issues should be addressed by a professional. Always keep your vet updated during the diet transition, especially if your dog has existing health concerns.

Making Raw Freeze-Dried Food Work Long-Term

Food Storage Rules

Keep freeze-dried food in its original, sealed packaging and store it in a cool, dark, and dry spot. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, heat, or extreme temperatures like refrigeration or freezing. Always use clean hands or tools when handling the food, and make sure to reseal the bag tightly after each use. If you transfer the food to another container, opt for one that's airtight and pest-proof. Don’t forget to label it with the purchase date. For smaller bags, it's fine to keep the food in its original packaging.

How to Add Water Correctly

Proper rehydration is essential for keeping the food’s texture and digestibility intact.

"When adding water to our Freeze-dried dog food, we recommend rehydrating equal parts food to warm water. 1 cup food = 1 cup water"

Here’s how to rehydrate:

Mix equal parts freeze-dried food and warm water.
Stir thoroughly and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to fully rehydrate.
For patties, crumble them into a bowl and add ¼ cup warm water for every 2 patties.

You can adjust the water amount depending on your dog’s preference for moisture. After rehydration, offering different protein options can help create a more balanced diet.

Mix Up Protein Sources

To maintain long-term benefits, switch up your dog’s protein sources regularly. Aim to rotate at least three different proteins each month, such as:

Beef
Rabbit
Salmon

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, introduce new proteins gradually. Start by mixing small amounts of the new protein with their current food. Keep an eye on their coat, energy levels, and stool consistency to ensure the transition goes smoothly.

Conclusion: Next Steps for Your Dog's Diet Change

To wrap up your dog's diet transition, follow these final tips. Before starting the switch to raw freeze-dried food, check in with your vet to confirm your pet is ready.

Take your time - each dog adjusts differently. If you notice digestive issues, slow down the process and make adjustments as needed. Keep an eye on stool consistency and water intake during the first few weeks. Stick to regular feeding times and reach out to your vet if your dog hasn’t had a bowel movement for 2-3 days.

To make the food more appealing, try rehydrating it with warm water or broth and add a favorite treat. This method can help your dog settle into the new diet while still enjoying the health perks of raw freeze-dried food.