Quick Answer
The 2–3% guideline you’ll see quoted for raw feeding refers to fresh raw — which is mostly water. Freeze-dried raw has that water removed, so the same nutrition weighs roughly a quarter as much in the bag. Never apply 2–3% to the dry weight: use the feeding chart printed on your bag, or our feeding calculator, and adjust to body condition. Rehydrate with warm water for 5-10 minutes, or serve dry. Transition gradually over 7 days (10 for sensitive dogs), moving from 25% new food to 100% over the period. Adjust portions based on your dog’s body condition.
How Much Freeze-Dried Raw to Feed Your Dog
The general guideline for freeze-dried raw food is to feed 2–3% of your dog’s ideal adult body weight per day, divided into two meals. Active dogs and those needing to gain weight trend toward 3%; less active dogs and those needing to lose weight trend toward 2%.
Do not apply that percentage to the dry food in the bag. The 2–3% rule describes fresh raw, which is roughly three-quarters water. Freeze-drying removes that water, so an equivalent meal weighs about a quarter as much before you rehydrate it.
For the amount to actually scoop, use the feeding chart printed on your bag, or our feeding calculator below, which is set for each formula's calorie density. Then adjust to body condition over 2–4 weeks.
These are starting points. Monitor your dog’s body condition over 2–4 weeks and adjust: you should be able to feel (but not see) the ribs, and your dog should have a visible waist when viewed from above. Puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, and dogs with medical conditions have different needs — consult your veterinarian.
How to Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Raw Food
Loyal Saints can be served dry or rehydrated. Rehydrating is recommended for most dogs because it improves hydration and digestibility, and intensifies the aroma.
Simple rehydration steps
- Measure your dog’s portion into their bowl.
- Add warm (not hot) water — roughly equal parts water to food by volume to start.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. The food will absorb the water and expand 3–4x in volume.
- Stir and serve. Adjust water next time based on the texture your dog prefers.
Serving dry: Many dogs happily eat it dry, like a crunchy treat. This is fine — just ensure fresh water is always available. Dry feeding is also great for training treats and toppers.
How to Transition Your Dog to Freeze-Dried Raw
A gradual transition prevents digestive upset. Use a 7-day schedule for most dogs, or a 10-day schedule for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
7-Day Transition (standard)
- Days 1–2: 25% Loyal Saints, 75% current food
- Days 3–4: 50% Loyal Saints, 50% current food
- Days 5–6: 75% Loyal Saints, 25% current food
- Day 7+: 100% Loyal Saints
10-Day Transition (sensitive dogs)
- Days 1–3: 25% / 75%
- Days 4–6: 50% / 50%
- Days 7–9: 75% / 25%
- Day 10+: 100% Loyal Saints
If you notice loose stool at any stage, hold at the current ratio for 2–3 extra days before progressing. Some dogs transition immediately with no issue — but when in doubt, go slower.
Not ready for a full switch? Use it as a topper.
Freeze-dried raw makes an excellent topper over your dog’s current food. Crumble a small amount on top to boost nutrition, palatability, and aroma. It is also a perfect single-ingredient training treat. Many owners start here and transition fully once they see how much their dog loves it.
See which formula fits your dog →Storage & Handling
- Unopened: Store in a cool, dry place. Shelf life is 12–24 months from production.
- Opened: Reseal the bag tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Use within 4–6 weeks of opening for best quality.
- Rehydrated: Serve rehydrated food immediately. Refrigerate any uneaten rehydrated food and discard after 24 hours.
- Hygiene: Wash hands and your dog’s bowl after handling, as with any raw or fresh food.
Feeding FAQs
How much freeze-dried raw food should I feed my dog?
Use the feeding chart printed on your bag, or our feeding calculator, which accounts for each formula's calorie density. The familiar 2–3%-of-body-weight rule applies to fresh raw, which is mostly water — freeze-dried raw has that water removed, so the amount you scoop is far smaller. Active dogs need more, less active dogs less. Monitor body condition over 2-4 weeks and adjust so you can feel but not see the ribs and your dog has a visible waist.
Do I have to add water to freeze-dried dog food?
No, it can be served dry, but rehydrating is recommended for most dogs. Adding warm water for 5-10 minutes improves hydration and digestibility and intensifies the aroma. Always provide fresh drinking water, especially when feeding dry.
How do I switch my dog to freeze-dried raw food?
Transition gradually over 7 days (or 10 days for sensitive dogs): start with 25% new food and 75% current food, then move to 50/50, then 75/25, then 100% over the period. If loose stool appears, hold at the current ratio a few extra days before progressing.
Can I feed freeze-dried raw as a topper instead of a full meal?
Yes. Freeze-dried raw is an excellent topper — crumble a small amount over your dog’s current food to boost nutrition and palatability. It also works as a single-ingredient training treat. Many owners start with topping and transition to full feeding over time.
How long does a bag of freeze-dried raw last?
Unopened, 12-24 months stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, reseal tightly and use within 4-6 weeks for best quality. Rehydrated food should be served immediately, with any leftovers refrigerated and discarded within 24 hours.
How many calories does my dog need?
Caloric needs vary by weight, age, activity, and metabolism. As a rough guide, a moderately active dog needs about 30 calories per pound of body weight per day. Puppies, working dogs, and pregnant or nursing dogs need more; senior and less active dogs need less. Use body condition as your real guide and consult your vet for precise calorie targets.
