Feeding a raw diet while traveling with your dog can be challenging, but with some planning and preparation, it’s manageable.

Here are some strategies to help you maintain a raw diet on the go:

1. Use Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Raw Food

  • Convenience: Freeze-dried or dehydrated raw food is lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to prepare. You just need to add water, and it rehydrates into a meal similar to fresh raw food.

  • Portability: These options are convenient for travel, especially when you don't have access to refrigeration.

2. Pack a Portable Cooler

  • Short Trips: For short trips or day outings, a portable cooler with ice packs can keep raw food fresh. Pre-portion the meals and store them in airtight containers or resealable bags.

  • Longer Trips: If you’re staying somewhere with a refrigerator or freezer, you can store larger quantities of raw food and replenish your cooler as needed.

3. Consider Commercial Raw Diets

  • Pre-Made Raw Patties or Nuggets: Some commercial raw food brands offer pre-made raw patties or nuggets that are easy to store and serve. Look for options that are individually packaged for convenience.  

  • Availability: Research ahead of time to find stores or suppliers at your destination that carry the raw food brand you use. You can stock up once you arrive.

4. Plan Ahead

  • Meal Prepping: Pre-pack your dog’s meals before you leave, ensuring you have enough food for your trip. Use vacuum-sealed bags or containers to keep food fresh longer.

  • Research Accommodations: Choose accommodations with kitchen facilities, like hotels with kitchenettes or vacation rentals, where you can prepare and store your dog’s meals.

5. Bring Supplements

  • Essential Nutrients: If you’re concerned about maintaining balance during your trip, bring along any supplements your dog normally takes, like fish oil, probiotics, or multivitamins, to ensure they’re getting all the necessary nutrients. Pro-tip: make sure you you double wrap your oils, frozen greens, etc in a ziplocked bag to avoid any spillage why traveling. 

6. Be Flexible

  • Transitioning to Cooked Meals: If refrigeration or raw storage isn’t feasible, you can temporarily switch to lightly cooked meals. Cooking the raw food can make it safer to store and still provides most of the nutritional benefits.  These are frozen so take the same precautions you would when traveling with other frozen foods. 

  • Use of High-Quality Kibble: In a pinch, you might consider temporarily switching to a high-quality kibble or canned food that aligns with your dog’s dietary needs. Some raw feeders do this for convenience while traveling.  We love using Carna4 or Earth Animal Air Dried Diets when we're traveling with our dogs.  

7. Practice Safe Handling

  • Avoid Cross-Contamination: Whether you’re preparing raw food at home or on the go, always practice safe food handling to avoid cross-contamination. Use disinfectant wipes or soap and water to clean surfaces, and store raw food separately from your own food.

8. Find Local Suppliers

  • Local Independent Pet Stores: Research local independent pet stores at your destination that might offer raw food. You can buy your raw diets as needed to avoid carrying large quantities of raw food with you.

9. Travel-Friendly Containers

  • Airtight Containers: Invest in airtight, leak-proof containers that are easy to clean and carry. These will help keep raw food fresh and prevent any leaks or spills in your luggage.  We love using our Messy Mutts containers for home and travel with our dogs raw food. 

By planning ahead and utilizing some of these strategies, you can continue feeding your dog a raw diet while traveling without too much hassle.