Whether you’re embarking on a hiking trip, a camping adventure, or simply enjoying a day out in nature with your dog, ensuring they have the right nutrition is crucial for their health and vitality. Explore with us essential elements of dog nutrition on the go, so you can fuel your dog’s journey and keep them happy and healthy.
Before diving into specific tips for on-the-go nutrition, it’s important to understand the nutritional needs of your dog. Each dog can vary depending on their age, activity level, breed and health history so we encourage you to work with a canine nutritionist and do your own research!
Tips for On-the-Go Nutrition
1. Pack Portable, Nutrient-Dense Food: When you’re on the go with your dog, convenience is key. Choose high-quality, nutrient-dense dog food that is easy to pack and carry. Look for options specifically formulated for active dogs or those with ingredients tailored to support joint health and stamina.
Stick to their regular diet as much as possible to avoid digestive issues. Consider pre-measuring each serving in individual bags for convenience. For Kilo, we measure out his kibble (Open Farm Raw Mix Kibble) for each meal into individual bags with his supplements included so we don’t have to pack all of those containers. For his raw food (Viva Raw Pets, CODE:KILO), we pack frozen raw so that it can thaw on our drive in the cooler.

2. Bring Plenty of Fresh Water: Hydration is crucial, especially during outdoor activities. Always carry enough fresh water for both you and your dog. Consider a collapsible water bowl for easy access and ensure your dog takes regular water breaks to stay hydrated.
Changes in water quality can upset their stomach, so stick to bottled or filtered water when traveling to unfamiliar places. We always pack a few gallons of water even if we are staying at a hotel or AirBNB just in case! Kilo is use to filtered water, so this helps keep him from having an tummy issues when we travel.
3. Incorporate Healthy Snack: Just like humans, dogs enjoy snacks, especially during long outings. Opt for healthy, portable snacks like dehydrated meat treats, freeze-dried fruits, or dog-friendly energy bars. Avoid giving them unfamiliar treats or table scraps that might upset their stomach.
We like to pack Ruff Bars, Bark Bistro pouches (Code: KILO10), Northwest Naturals freeze dried treats and Bocce’s Bakery treats (Code: KILO15).
4. Monitor Food Intake Based on Activity Level: Adjust your dog’s food intake based on their activity level. If they’re going on a strenuous hike or engaging in intense play, they may need more calories to fuel or-refuel their energy expenditure. This is where your healthy snacks can come in handy!
5.Avoid Feeding Right Before Travel: If your dog struggles in the car, to prevent motion sickness or discomfort, avoid feeding your dog a large meal right before traveling. Instead, feed them a few hours before departure to allow for digestion.
Additionally, traveling can be stressful for some dogs due to changes in environment, routine, and unfamiliar experiences. Products like Pet Releaf’s calming CBD products, are formulated for anxiety relief, may help reduce stress and anxiety levels in your dog, promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation during travel. We recommend using these products at home before using them on the road so you can monitor your dog’s behavior.
6. Pack Bones or Chew Toys: Bring along durable bones or chew toys to keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated at your destination. Chewing on bones can also help clean their teeth and promote good dental health during the trip.
When we travel we pack Mighty Paws chicken feet and yak chews, K9 Warehouse marrow bones, Earth Animal no hide chews and Roam exotic bones. You can find these products and more on our Amazon storefront.
7. Consider Digestive Supplements: If your dog is prone to digestive issues or experiences an upset tummy while traveling, consider digestive supplements. Probiotics and digestive enzymes are examples of supplements that can help maintain gut health and ease digestive discomfort during travel.
We personally use Back40Dogs pumpkin powder on Kilo’s meals daily which helps prevent any stomach issues. We also pack the Super Snouts Firm Up Pumpkin Bar (Code: KILOGRAM15) in case he does have an upset tummy and we need additional help!

By understanding your dogs nutritional needs, packing suitable food and snacks, staying hydrated, and monitoring their intake based on activity levels, you can ensure your dog remains happy, healthy, and ready for any adventure that comes their way. Happy travels!
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