Raw to freeze-dried raw for a Maltese

Transitioning from fresh raw to freeze-dried raw is one of the smartest moves for travel — you keep all the nutritional benefits without the ice packs and mess. The key thing to get right is making sure the freeze-dried product is genuinely complete and balanced, not just a treat or topper, because some are labelled ambiguously. A few quick questions so I can point you to the right product: how big is your Maltese, is this for occasional trips or regular travel, and do you currently prepare your own raw mix or use a pre-made complete?

That context is really helpful. Because you've been doing DIY raw with a balancing supplement, your Maltese is already accustomed to a varied protein base and a properly balanced diet — which means her gut is well-prepared for freeze-dried. The main risk with small dogs switching formats is loose stools from the rehydration ratio being off, not from ingredient sensitivity. What proteins have you been rotating through? And does she have any history of digestive sensitivity or known intolerances?

Perfect — she sounds like a genuinely healthy dog, so you have lots of flexibility. My recommendation is Natures Menu Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets. They're produced in the UK, use single-protein options including chicken and beef so you can keep rotating, and they're formulated as a complete food — not a supplement or treat. The nuggets rehydrate in about two minutes with warm water, which makes them ideal for travel. For a 4kg Maltese you're looking at roughly 40–50g dry weight per day, so a bag goes a reasonable distance. The texture after rehydration is close to fresh raw minced meat, which means fussy small dogs tend to accept it without drama. I'd suggest introducing it gradually on a couple of home days before you rely on it for a trip — just so you know her rehydration tolerance before you're away.

Yes, Natures Menu Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets are available on Amazon UK — they stock multiple protein varieties including chicken and beef. The chicken variety is usually the easiest to find in stock. Buy a small bag first, confirm she takes to the texture, and then stock up before a longer trip. One practical tip: weigh out daily portions into small zip-lock bags at home before you travel — it keeps things very clean and removes any guesswork when you're in a hotel or a friend's kitchen.