Taking the leap
Switching your dog to a new diet can be a daunting task, it’s something I’ve experienced first hand more than once now! At James & Ella, my team and I understand that you want the best for your dog, and we’re here to help make this transition as smooth and beneficial as possible.
In today’s blog, I’ll be providing my step-by-step tips to ensure a successful switch to James & Ella’s Freeze-dried raw food. I hope you find it useful!
Why Transition to Freeze-Dried Raw Food?
In a nutshell, freeze-dried raw food offers numerous benefits, including higher nutrient retention, improved digestion, enhanced flavour and not to mention, convenience!
By transitioning your dog to a freeze-dried raw diet, you are choosing an easy-to-feed, natural and wholesome diet that can lead to better overall health and vitality for your dog. To learn more about what Freeze-dried raw food is and what makes it special, check out my blog: “What is Freeze-dried raw dog food?”.
My Step-by-Step Transition Plan:
1. Calculations:
Start by calculating your dog’s daily allowance of their current food in grams. Divide this number by 4. This number represents 25% of your dog’s daily allowance. For example, if your dog currently eats 200g per day, 25% is 50g.
Repeat the process for James & Ella’s freeze-dried raw food. For example, if your dog needs 110g of freeze-dried food, then 25% is 27g. You can find your dog’s recommended feeding guide in your welcome email or in your James & Ella account.
2. Gradual Introduction:
Days 1-3: Remove 25% of your dog’s current food and replace it with 25% of freeze-dried food. For example, feed 150g of the current food and 27g of freeze-dried food if using the example above. Add a splash of warm water to the freeze-dried food.
Days 4-6: Feed a 50/50 mix of current food and freeze-dried food.
Days 7-9: Feed 25% current food and 75% freeze-dried food.
Days 10-12: Feed 100% freeze-dried food.
3. Monitor Your Dog:
Watch your dog’s stool, energy levels, and overall well-being during the transition. Most dogs adjust without issues, but if you notice anything you’re unsure of, give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to help: +44 20 4571 1728
Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth transition
Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Stick to the transition plan and avoid introducing other new foods or treats during this period. This will help your dog adapt more easily and allow you to accurately assess their response to the new diet.
Maintain a Feeding Schedule: Feed your dog at the same times each day to establish a routine. Consistent meal times help regulate digestion and ensure your dog is getting the nutrients they need at regular intervals.
Be Patient and Positive: Transitioning to a new diet can take time, so be patient with your dog. Offer praise and positive reinforcement to make mealtime a positive experience. This will help your dog associate the new food with positive feelings.
Got a question? These might help:
Q: Can I mix freeze-dried raw food with other types of food?
Yes, during the transition phase, you can mix freeze-dried raw food with your dog’s current diet. Once fully transitioned, you can continue to mix it with other foods or feed it as a complete meal. Please feel free to contact our Nutritionist, Lauren, if you have any questions about mixing the Freeze-dried with other foods.
Q: How do I store freeze-dried raw food?
Store freeze-dried raw food in a cool, dry place, in our reusable storage bag which is supplied for free in your trial order. Once served, the food should be consumed within a few hours.
Q: Is James & Ella’s freeze-dried raw food suitable for all dogs?
Our Freeze-dried raw food is suitable for adult dogs ages 10 months and above.
For more common questions, head to our FAQ page or you can contact us and a member of the team will be more than happy to assist.
see the benefits for yourself
Transitioning your dog to a freeze-dried raw food diet is a rewarding experience, especially when you start seeing the benefits of providing them with high-quality nutrition!
By following my tips and staying consistent, you can ensure a smooth and successful switch. At James & Ella, we’re committed to supporting you and your dog every step of the way, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns, we are always happy to help!
James x
