Feeding your dog on vacation – 7 useful tips

Feeding your dog on vacation in a dog friendly place and in a completely new environment can quickly become a real challenge. With the right preparation and a clear plan, however, you can make sure your dog gets exactly what it needs while travelling. Here are 7 useful tips for feeding your dog on vacation.

1. Bring a supply of dog food

Pack enough dog food for at least the first few days of your trip. This helps you avoid digestive issues that often occur when food is changed abruptly.

To make sure you do not pack too much or too little food, you should plan the amount precisely especially if you feed your dog a raw diet. A BARF calculator can help you work out the exact daily amount of meat, bones, offal and supplements your dog needs.

2. Check your destination in advance

Before you leave, find out about the availability of dog food at your chosen destination. Depending on how long you are travelling, the food you bring from home may not be enough.

Research local pet shops and check which types of dog food are available. Also ask your dog friendly accommodation whether there are any amenities that make feeding easier such as food and water bowls, special dog menus or cooling facilities for fresh food.

3. Pack food that really suits your dog

Depending on how you normally feed your dog, you should have the right food with you. If you use conventional dog food, it is best to bring exactly the products your dog is used to.

If you feed a raw diet, freeze dried components are a very practical option. Unlike fresh food, these BARF ingredients do not need to be kept cool. Shortly before feeding, you simply mix the dry food with some water and the meal is ready.

4. Pack treats for the journey

Treats are important on longer trips or short breaks with your dog. Small snacks in between meals help keep your dog in a good mood. They are handy for keeping your dog occupied or rewarding it during long car rides or day trips.

Use only treats that are low in sugar and fat and feed them in moderation. Otherwise your dog may gain unwanted weight or develop persistent digestive problems.

These treats are especially suitable:

Dried meat strips: Dried meat such as chicken, beef or lamb is a natural, high protein snack for dogs. It is light, space saving and can be broken into smaller pieces so it is ideal on the go.

• Chew bones made from beef hide: These chew bones are not only great to keep your dog busy but can also help keep teeth clean.
• Vegetables and fruit: Treats made from dried sweet potatoes, carrots or apples are a great source of vitamins and fibre. They are also a healthy way to satisfy your dog’s hunger between main meals.
• Dog biscuits: Special dog biscuits that are tailored to canine nutritional needs are another tasty snack. You can also try simple, healthy dog biscuit recipes at home so you know exactly which ingredients are in the treats.

5. Transport food the right way

Safe food transport is essential on any trip because this is the only way to keep the food fresh. Use airtight containers or special freezer bags to protect the food from moisture, mould, direct sunlight and dirt.

If you take fresh or raw food for BARF feeding, remember a portable cool box or cooler. Make sure you have enough ice packs to keep the food cool throughout the entire journey.

6. Stick to regular feeding times

Dogs are creatures of habit. On vacation, they therefore need enough time to get used to the new surroundings. You can give your dog a sense of stability and comfort by keeping to the usual feeding times that apply at home, even when you are travelling.

Plan your vacation activities so they do not interfere with your dog’s feeding times. If you are planning several hour trips, try to schedule them before or after your dog’s meals.

Travelling with your dog to a different time zone can be more demanding. In this case, try to adjust feeding times step by step ideally starting a few days before departure.

7. Pay attention to your dog’s needs

Dogs can react sensitively to a new destination whether because of unfamiliar surroundings, changed routines or the journey itself. Always be patient with your four legged friend and support it wherever you can:

• Allow time: Give your dog time to get used to new smells, sounds and sights. Do not force your dog to eat especially if its eating behaviour seems unusual to you.
• Offer closeness: Stay with your dog while it is eating, particularly during the first days of your vacation. Your presence can have a calming effect and help your dog relax.
• Choose a quiet feeding spot: If your dog is easily distracted while eating, choose a quiet, secluded place for feeding away from loud noise.

Overall, travelling with a dog is absolutely possible. You just need to pay attention to a few key points when it comes to feeding so that your time away from home is as pleasant as possible for your dog as well. With these 7 practical tips, your trip together can become a truly wonderful and memorable experience.