Kibble vs. Freeze-Dried: Digestive Health During Transition

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
5 min read

Updated: Nov 21

Switching your dog from kibble to freeze-dried food can improve digestion and overall gut health. Freeze-dried food offers nutrient-packed, human-grade ingredients without fillers or preservatives, making it easier to digest. However, transitioning requires careful planning to avoid stomach upset. Here's what you need to know:

Benefits of Freeze-Dried: Smaller portions, better digestion, no artificial additives, and improved nutrient absorption.
Transition Tips: Gradually mix freeze-dried with kibble over 7–10 days, starting with 10% freeze-dried. Rehydrate food and consider probiotics to support digestion.
Signs to Monitor: Look for smaller, firmer stools as a positive sign. Watch for concerning symptoms like diarrhea lasting over 24 hours or loss of appetite, and contact a vet if needed.
Long-Term Benefits: Improved digestion, shinier coat, smaller portions, and better energy levels.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Kibble	Freeze-Dried
Processing	Heat-processed	Freeze-dried
Ingredients	Includes fillers	Human-grade
Additives	Preservatives	None
Digestibility	May cause issues	Easier to digest
Portion Size	Larger	Smaller

Transitioning to freeze-dried food can lead to better health outcomes for your dog, but patience and monitoring are key.

What Happens During Food Transition

Changes in Digestion

Switching to freeze-dried food often means smaller portions packed with concentrated nutrients, making digestion easier. As dogs adapt to this nutrient-dense diet, their digestive systems undergo changes, which can lead to better digestion over time. During this adjustment phase, mild digestive issues might occur but can usually be managed with a slow transition.

Common Digestive Problems and Solutions

Some dogs might deal with soft stools or gas during the switch. To reduce these issues, gradually mix the new food with their current diet over time. Adding a probiotic can also help support their digestion during this period.

How Long Until Dogs Adjust

Most dogs adapt to the new diet within 7–10 days when transitioned gradually [1]. Some Loyal Saints customers have even reported their dogs adjusting in less than a week. The key is to watch how your dog responds and adjust the transition pace if needed. If digestive issues persist, slow the process further or consult your veterinarian for advice.

How to Switch Dog Food Gradually

Checking Your Dog's Digestive Health

When switching your dog to freeze-dried food, keeping an eye on their digestion is crucial for maintaining gut health.

Normal vs. Problem Signs

It's important to differentiate between normal digestive changes and symptoms that might require a vet visit:

Healthy signs:

Smaller, firmer stools
Reduced portion sizes due to fewer fillers [1]

Warning signs:

Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
Loss of appetite
Extreme fatigue
Bloating
Persistent vomiting

Understanding Stool Changes

Your dog's stool can provide useful clues about how well they're adapting to their new diet. Here's what to look for:

Stool Characteristic	Normal Signs	Concerning Signs
Color	Brown	Black, white, or red
Consistency	Firm	Watery or overly hard
Frequency	Regular	Irregular
Size	Smaller than kibble	Very large or unusually small

If you notice concerning changes in these characteristics, it's best to reach out to your vet for advice.

When to Call the Vet

Certain symptoms require immediate veterinary attention. Contact your vet if you observe:

Diarrhea lasting beyond 24 hours
Blood in the stool
Signs of dehydration, like dry gums
Vomiting paired with diarrhea
Refusal to eat for more than 48 hours

While some digestive changes are normal during the transition, your dog's digestion should steadily improve. If issues persist, consulting your veterinarian is the safest course of action.

Steps for Safe Food Transition

Switching your dog from kibble to freeze-dried food requires careful planning to avoid upsetting their stomach. A gradual approach ensures your pet adjusts smoothly to their new diet.

Mix-In Method

Start by mixing a small amount of freeze-dried food with their kibble. Begin with 90% kibble and 10% freeze-dried food, then slowly increase the freeze-dried portion. This step-by-step process allows for a smooth transition over 7–10 days.

7-10 Day Transition Schedule

Here’s a straightforward schedule to follow:

Day	Kibble	Freeze-Dried
1-2	90%	10%
3-4	75%	25%
5-6	50%	50%
7-8	25%	75%
9-10	0%	100%

While some dogs adapt quickly, it’s essential to stick to this gradual plan unless you notice they’re adjusting well without any issues.

Rehydration and Probiotic Support

Rehydrate the freeze-dried food by soaking it in room temperature water for 3–5 minutes before serving. This helps with digestion and enhances flavor. Freeze-dried food like Loyal Saints naturally promotes gut health and pairs well with probiotics. If your dog is already taking probiotics, continue their regimen during the transition for added digestive support.

After the Switch: Long-Term Effects

Gut Health Improvements

When dogs transition from kibble to freeze-dried food, many experience better digestion within just a few weeks. The absence of fillers and preservatives helps improve how their bodies process and absorb nutrients. Pet owners often note that their dogs need smaller portions because the food is packed with nutrients.

Natural fibers and nutrients in the food also promote a balanced gut, which helps maintain regular bowel movements and tackles common digestive issues. These changes in gut health often lay the groundwork for other positive effects on overall well-being.

Health Changes Beyond Digestion

Freeze-dried food doesn’t just improve digestion - it can also lead to noticeable boosts in energy and vitality as dogs absorb nutrients more effectively. One of the most striking changes is in coat quality. The high-quality proteins and natural ingredients contribute to a shinier, healthier coat. These benefits highlight the advantages of choosing products like Loyal Saints.

Loyal Saints Food Benefits

Loyal Saints builds on these digestive improvements by offering long-term health support through its human-grade, all-natural ingredients. The high-protein, additive-free formula is designed to minimize digestive strain and enhance nutrient absorption.

Pet owners frequently share their success stories. One customer, NefariansMom, shared:

"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." - NefariansMom [1]

The product has earned a perfect 5.0/5 stars rating from 42 reviews [1], further showcasing its impact.

Here are some common benefits reported by pet owners:

Benefit	Observed Changes
Portion Size	Smaller portions needed due to nutrient-rich formula
Digestion	Fewer stomach problems and smoother digestion
Nutrient Absorption	Better nutrient processing with less waste
Overall Health	Increased energy levels and a shinier, healthier coat

Conclusion: Tips for Success

Keep an Eye on Digestion

Pay close attention to your dog's digestion during the transition. Track their food intake, water consumption, and stool quality daily - especially during the first 2–3 weeks. For example, Brady, a Loyal Saints customer, shared that his dog adjusted in less than a week. However, every dog is different, so regular tracking is essential to understand how your pet is adapting.

Focus on Long-Term Progress

While the transition period requires effort, the long-term benefits are well worth it. Keep an eye on these key indicators to ensure your dog's digestive health stays on track:

Timeframe	What to Monitor
Week 1–2	Stool consistency and changes in appetite
Week 3–4	Energy levels and water consumption
Month 2+	Overall digestive stability and portion adjustments