How to Feed Your Dog While Traveling: The Complete Holiday Guide

A holiday brings plenty of new experiences for your dog: unfamiliar surroundings, long journeys, different daily routines and perhaps even a new climate. To avoid upsetting their stomach as well, it helps to plan their meals in advance. DOGBOWLCHECK explains why your dog’s usual food belongs in your luggage and what to consider when traveling abroad.

Foraging for berries won’t keep your dog fed for long – and hunting for their own dinner isn’t exactly an option either. The video makes that point with a wink, but there’s an important message behind it: your dog’s diet should stay as consistent as possible while you travel.

Many dogs respond to stress, unfamiliar routines and a sudden change of food with a loss of appetite, soft stools, diarrhea or vomiting. When several changes happen at once, it can be difficult to tell whether symptoms are caused by the journey, the new food or something else.

Pack Your Dog’s Usual Food

If your dog does well on their current food, it usually makes sense to bring it along. The familiar taste and ingredients give your dog at least one part of their normal routine to rely on.

This is particularly important for dogs that:

• have a sensitive stomach or gut
• are prone to diarrhea or vomiting
• have allergies or food intolerances
• eat a diet recommended by their veterinarian
• take medication with their food
• become stressed by changes
• are fussy eaters

A sudden switch at your destination can put extra strain on your dog’s digestive system. Cornell University notes that changing food too quickly can cause diarrhea and that sensitive dogs often need a particularly gradual transition. Depending on the dog, this may take several days or up to one or two weeks. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Work Out How Much Food to Bring

Before you leave, calculate how much your dog normally eats each day and multiply that amount by the number of days you’ll be away.

Pack a little extra in case:

• your return journey is delayed
• food is spilled or spoils
• you cannot buy the same product at your destination
• your dog’s needs change slightly because they are more active

The extra food should not automatically be added to your dog’s daily meals. Hiking, swimming and other active days can increase energy needs, but the amount depends on your dog’s size, age, health, fitness, the temperature and how much exercise they actually get.

If you have a puppy, a senior dog, a highly active dog or a dog with a chronic condition, discuss the right amount of food with your veterinarian or a qualified pet nutrition professional before traveling. The WSAVA recommends an individual nutrition plan and regular assessment of weight and body condition. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines

Portion Food Before You Leave

For shorter trips, you can weigh out each day’s food at home and pack the portions separately. This saves time and helps prevent serving sizes from gradually creeping up.

Alternatively, bring a clean measuring cup or small kitchen scale. Don’t rely on guesswork, especially if your dog will also be getting plenty of treats during the trip.

Chews, training treats and scraps from the table all add calories. They should not be given on top of your dog’s usual daily food without keeping track. Rich or unfamiliar treats can also cause digestive problems for sensitive dogs.

What If You Cannot Bring Your Dog’s Usual Food?

On long trips or flights, or because of import rules, you may not be able to bring enough food for the entire holiday. Check well in advance:

• Is your dog’s usual food sold in the destination country?
• Can you get the exact same variety and recipe?
• Can it be delivered to your accommodation?
• Is there a suitable alternative?
• Are you allowed to bring the food into the country?
• Does the packaging need to be unopened and carry its original label?

If your dog will need different food while you’re away, try to buy and test it at home first. That gives you time to switch gradually and see whether your dog tolerates it.

Don’t start changing food on the day you leave. If your dog then develops diarrhea or starts vomiting, it will be hard to tell whether the cause is the new food, travel stress, the car journey or an illness.

Feeding Before and During the Journey

Many dogs cope better with a long car journey if they have not eaten a very large meal immediately beforehand. That does not mean every dog needs to travel on an empty stomach.

Use your experience with your own dog as a guide:

• If your dog gets carsick, a smaller meal well before departure may work better.
• If your dog travels comfortably, you may not need to change their usual feeding routine much.
• For puppies, very small dogs, dogs with diabetes or dogs with other medical conditions, do not change feeding times without veterinary advice.
• Never give medication for nausea or sedation without consulting your veterinarian.

Signs of motion sickness can include excessive drooling, frequent swallowing, restlessness, whining, yawning, lip-smacking and vomiting. If this happens repeatedly, speak to your veterinarian before the trip. There are ways to help your dog get used to car travel gradually, as well as veterinary support when needed.

Plan regular breaks on longer journeys. Offer your dog water and give them a chance to relieve themselves and move around. Feed them somewhere calm and safe, not while the vehicle is moving.

Water Matters Just as Much as Food

Your dog should always have access to fresh drinking water. This is especially important in warm weather, on long drives, during hikes and when your dog is active. The ASPCA also recommends providing dogs with clean, fresh water at all times. ASPCA – General Dog Care

Pack:

• enough drinking water
• an extra supply of water
• a sturdy or collapsible bowl
• a water bottle for walks and outings
• your dog’s familiar bowl from home, if needed

Some dogs are reluctant to drink unfamiliar water or are sensitive to a different taste. It may help to bring water from home for the journey and the first few hours after you arrive.

Don’t let your dog drink freely from stagnant water, puddles or unfamiliar water sources. Depending on the area, these may contain germs, parasites, harmful algal blooms or other contaminants.

How to Transport Dry Food

Keep dry food cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. Heat and moisture can affect its quality, taste and shelf life.

It is best to keep the food in its original packaging. That way, you have the information you need if your dog has a reaction or the product is recalled, including:

• product name and variety
• ingredients and nutritional information
• best-before date
• batch or lot number
• manufacturer details
• feeding instructions

If you use an additional container, you can place the closed original bag inside it instead of pouring the food in loose. The FDA also recommends storing dry pet food somewhere cool and dry and keeping it in its original packaging where possible. FDA – Safe Handling of Pet Food

Wet Food and Opened Packages

Unopened cans or trays can be transported according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once opened, leftovers should be covered and refrigerated promptly.

Only take as much wet food out of the fridge as your dog needs. Do not leave opened portions in a car, tent or outdoors for extended periods, especially in warm weather.

Discard food left in the bowl and wash bowls regularly with hot water and dish soap. The same applies to spoons, measuring cups and other utensils. The FDA recommends refrigerating or discarding leftover canned or pouched food immediately and thoroughly cleaning bowls and measuring utensils after use. FDA – Safe Handling of Pet Food

Raw and Home-Prepared Food While Traveling

Raw feeding takes particular care when traveling because the food must be kept at a safe temperature throughout the journey. Raw meat can contain harmful germs and pose a hygiene risk to both dogs and people.

Before you leave, find out:

• Will you have reliable refrigeration or freezer access throughout the trip?
• Can you transport the food safely?
• Is raw meat reliably available at your destination?
• Are you allowed to take animal products across the border?
• Can you clean bowls, knives and work surfaces properly?

If you cannot keep the food safely chilled, do not improvise. Discuss a suitable alternative ahead of time and test it before you leave. The WSAVA and FDA highlight potential health risks associated with raw pet food and contamination by harmful microorganisms. WSAVA Nutrition Toolkit and FDA

Take Care When Traveling Abroad

Animal products for personal use can generally be carried within the EU. However, temporary restrictions may apply because of local animal disease outbreaks.

Rules can be much stricter when traveling to a non-EU country or returning to the EU. If you are bringing dog food containing meat or dairy, raw food, chews or a veterinary diet, check both your destination country’s rules and the rules for re-entering the EU before you travel.

Restrictions on meat and dairy products apply when entering the EU from many non-EU countries. Limited exceptions may exist for medically necessary specialist food, with conditions relating to quantity, shelf life and original packaging. The exact rules depend on your route and country of origin, so always check the current official requirements. European Union – Taking Animal Products and Pet Food Abroad

At Your Destination: Keep a Familiar Routine

Try to stick to your dog’s usual feeding times. They already have a new environment, unfamiliar sounds and a different daily routine to get used to. A familiar schedule can help them settle in.

Put their bowl in a quiet spot. In holiday rentals or hotels, some dogs feel uncomfortable eating where people constantly walk past or other animals are nearby.

If your dog eats a little less on the first day, excitement may be the reason. Don’t force them to eat or immediately make up for a missed meal with lots of treats. Watch how they seem overall and make sure they are drinking.

When Should You Contact a Veterinarian?

Contact a veterinary practice if your dog:

• vomits repeatedly
• has severe or persistent diarrhea
• has blood in their vomit or stool
• cannot keep water down
• drinks noticeably less than usual or not at all
• seems very lethargic, unresponsive or weak
• shows clear signs of abdominal pain
• develops a severely bloated abdomen
• repeatedly tries to vomit without bringing anything up
• is a puppy, senior dog or chronically ill dog and stops eating for an extended period

Repeated, unproductive retching, a suddenly bloated abdomen, signs of circulatory distress, breathing difficulties or collapse are emergencies.

Your Travel Food Checklist

• enough of your dog’s usual food for every day of the trip
• extra food in case of delays
• familiar treats and chews
• medication and any veterinary diet
• food and water bowls
• measuring cup or small kitchen scale
• drinking water and a water bottle
• cool bag and ice packs, if needed
• sealable containers
• cleaning wipes and dish soap
• poop bags
• a photo or part of the food packaging
• contact details for a veterinary practice at your destination
• information about import and customs rules

Stay Prepared on the Road with PetConnect+

With PetConnect+, you can keep your dog’s important health information and documents together in one place. While traveling, you can find veterinary practices, services and useful places nearby – especially helpful when you are unfamiliar with your destination.

Before you leave, add medications, allergies, food intolerances and important diagnoses to the digital health record. That way, you have the relevant information at hand whenever you need it.

Conclusion: Familiar Food Can Make Travel Easier

Travel is exciting enough for your dog. If possible, let their food stay familiar. Bring enough of their usual food, pack a little extra and check availability and import rules well before an international trip.

If you need to use a different food, test it at home first and make the switch gradually. During your trip, provide clean water, store food safely and keep feeding times as familiar as possible.

That way, your dog’s food bowl can offer a small piece of home wherever you go.

Note: This article does not replace individual veterinary or nutritional advice. If your dog has a medical condition, allergies, a prescribed diet or recurring digestive problems, discuss your travel plans with your veterinarian or a qualified pet nutrition professional.