Making the switch to Freeze-Dried Raw

Switching to Freeze-Dried Raw: A UK Guide to Happy Tummies

Considering a change in your dog's diet? Freeze-dried food is a brilliant option! Offering the goodness of a raw diet with the ultimate convenience of a dry food. At COYA Pet, we believe in providing the best for your furry family. Our complete and balanced freeze-dried raw food is designed to do just that.

But, like any dietary change, a successful transition is key to avoiding an upset tummy. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, with specific advice for different feeding styles.

Why Choose Freeze-Dried?

Freeze-dried raw food, like our COYA range, is more than just a convenient alternative. The innovative freeze-drying process gently removes moisture without using heat. This preserves up to 97% of the raw ingredients' natural nutrients, enzymes, and flavours. This means your dog gets all the benefits of a raw diet. Improved digestion, a shinier coat, and increased energy – in a shelf-stable format that requires no freezer space.

From our delicious single-protein recipes to our specialised Puppy range, COYA is made with human-grade ingredients and is free from fillers and artificial additives. This makes it a fantastic choice for dogs with sensitivities. It is a great way to provide a natural, biologically appropriate diet.

How to Transition Your Dog to COYA Freeze-Dried

The golden rule for any diet change is to do it slowly. A gradual transition allows your dog's digestive system to adapt to the new food. This reduces the risk of stomach upset, gas, or diarrhoea. We recommend a phased approach over 7-10 days, but you may need to go even slower for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Transitioning from Kibble to Freeze-Dried Raw

This is often the biggest change for a dog's digestive system, as they are moving from a highly processed, carbohydrate-heavy diet to a nutrient-dense, meat-based one.

The Gradual Approach: Start by mixing a small amount of COYA freeze-dried food into their current kibble.

• Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% COYA.
• Days 4-6: 50% old food, 50% COYA. 
• Days 7-9: 25% old food, 75% COYA.
• Day 10 onwards: 100% COYA.

Key Difference: Unlike some raw diets, COYA freeze-dried food can be mixed directly with kibble. The high-quality ingredients and gentle freeze-drying process mean you won't have the same concerns about different digestion times. However, for an optimal experience, monitor your dog's stools and adjust the speed of the transition as needed. COYA even have their own range of Kibble Plus which combines a high-protein, grain-free, single-protein, complete and balanced kibble with freeze-dried raw meat, fruit and vegetable pieces.

Transitioning from Wet Food to Freeze-Dried

Moving from wet food to a freeze-dried diet is generally a smoother process than transitioning from kibble, as wet food often has a higher moisture and meat content.

The Phased Method: Follow a similar gradual plan as with kibble, but you may be able to speed it up if your dog is adapting well.

• Days 1-2: 75% old food, 25% COYA.
• Days 3-4: 50% old food, 50% COYA.
• Days 5-6: 25% old food, 75% COYA.
• Day 7 onwards: 100% COYA.

Key Difference: Wet food is very high in moisture. When you switch to COYA freeze-dried food, you'll notice your dog may drink more water. This is perfectly normal and important for their hydration. Always ensure a fresh bowl of water is available. If you wish, you can mix feed COYA with you dogs wet food.

Transitioning from Frozen Raw to Freeze-Dried Raw

This is the most straightforward transition. Your dog's digestive system is already accustomed to a raw, meat-based diet, so the change is primarily in the food's format.

The Quick Switch: Many dogs can switch "cold turkey" from frozen to freeze-dried with no issues. Simply replace their next frozen meal with a COYA freeze-dried one.

The Gentler Switch: For dogs with any history of sensitivity, or if you'd like to be cautious, you can still follow a quicker version of the gradual transition.

• Days 1-2: Replace one of your dog's daily meals with COYA freeze-dried food.
• Day 3 onwards: Feed 100% COYA.

Key Difference: The primary benefit here is the convenience. No more defrosting! COYA freeze-dried food is ready to serve directly from the bag. You'll also notice it's lighter and easier to transport, making it perfect for holidays or a day out. Remember, if you would like to you can mix feed COYA with Frozen Raw.

Transitioning from Fresh to Freeze-Dried

If your dog is currently on a fresh, commercial diet, switching to COYA's freeze-dried food is a great way to maintain a high-quality, biologically appropriate diet with added convenience.

A Cautious Approach: While fresh food is a good quality diet, it is a different format and composition to freeze-dried raw. A gradual transition is recommended to allow your dog's gut to adjust to the specific blend of proteins, vitamins, and minerals in the COYA formula

• Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% COYA.
• Days 4-6: 50% old food, 50% COYA.
• Days 7-9: 25% old food, 75% COYA.
• Day 10 onwards: 100% COYA.

Key Difference: The main difference is convenience and storage. While commercial fresh food needs to be refrigerated and defrosted, COYA's freeze-dried food is shelf-stable and ready to serve, making it ideal for travel or busy schedules. You’ll also notice it’s a more compact food, meaning your dog will be getting a lot of nutrition in a smaller, lighter serving.

Final Tips for a Successful Transition

• Monitor Your Dog: Keep a close eye on their stools, appetite, and energy levels. Loose stools are common for a few days but should firm up as they adjust. If you notice persistent diarrhoea or a loss of appetite, slow down the transition and consult your vet.

• Hydration is Key: Freeze-dried food has a low moisture content. Always ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water.

• Consider a Probiotic: For dogs with particularly sensitive tummies, a dog-specific probiotic supplement can help support their gut health during the transition.

• Make it Fun: The delicious, natural flavour of COYA products means most dogs will be excited for their new food! If they are a little hesitant, you can use COYA as a high-value treat initially to get them hooked.

Switching your dog to a freeze-dried diet with COYA is a fantastic choice for their long-term health and your convenience. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free transition for both of you, leading to a happier and healthier pet.