Traveling With Pets — How to Maintain Nutrition on the Road

Does your dog get that excited wiggle when the suitcase comes out, or does your cat immediately try to hide in it? We know how much your furry family member means to you, and we care about their well-being every step of the way. Traveling with your beloved companion is an adventure, but it can definitely shake up their usual routine. Things like new surroundings, different schedules, a bit of travel stress, or even just a bumpy car ride can make mealtime tricky. But don't worry, we're here to help! Keeping their nutrition steady, whether you're on a cross-country road trip or a quick weekend getaway, is key to keeping them happy and healthy.

Before You Leave: Preparation

Pack Enough of Their Regular Food

This is our top tip, and we know what works! Your pet's tummy is sensitive, and travel is already a lot to take in. We recommend bringing their exact regular food — same brand, same formula, same bag. Think of it as a little piece of home for them. Changing their food on top of new surroundings can really upset their stomach, and nobody wants that! Always pack 20% more than you think you will need, just in case of unexpected delays.

If their favorite food is a bit harder to find, it's a good idea to check if it's available where you're headed. If not, we suggest gently transitioning them to a more widely available option (something you can easily find nationally or online) at least two weeks before you set off. This gives their system plenty of time to adjust.

Travel Pack List

• Sufficient food for the entire trip plus 20% extra
• Collapsible travel bowls (food and water)
• Bottled water or a portable water filter (unfamiliar water sources can cause diarrhea)
• Treats for positive reinforcement
• Any medications or supplements
• Poop bags
• Paper towels for cleanup
• A copy of your pet's dietary requirements if anyone else will be feeding them

Road Trips

Feeding Schedule

We know how comforting routine is for our furry friends, so try to keep their feeding schedule as close to normal as you can. If they usually eat at 7 AM and 6 PM, let's aim for that! A good tip is to feed them 2-3 hours before you hit the road; this helps their digestion and can lessen the chance of car sickness. While you're driving, offer sips of water at rest stops (every 2-3 hours), but it's best to hold off on big meals until you've settled for a longer break.

Motion Sickness

If your pup tends to get a little queasy in the car, we find it's best for them to travel on an empty or nearly empty stomach. A small, light meal 3-4 hours before you head out is usually better than a big one right before. A ginger snap or two can sometimes help with mild nausea. If your companion struggles with severe motion sickness, we recommend chatting with your veterinarian about medication options well before your trip.

Rest Stop Feeding

When you pull over for a break, offer water right away. Then, if your furry friend seems interested, a small amount of food is fine. Remember, we never want to force-feed an animal who's feeling stressed or sick. Use their collapsible bowl on a flat, clean spot, away from any car exhaust. Give them a good 15-20 minutes to eat, drink, and stretch their legs before you get back on the road.

Flying With Pets

Before the Flight

Before their flight, we suggest a light meal 4-6 hours beforehand. While an empty stomach can help prevent an upset tummy, we also don't want them to be completely without food, especially on longer trips, as they could become hypoglycemic. Here's a neat trick: freeze water in the travel crate's attached bowl — it will slowly melt, giving them sips of water without any spills.

In-Cabin Pets

If your little one is flying in-cabin with you, most airlines are fine with you offering water and a few treats. Just be sure to bring a small, leak-proof water container and their favorite familiar treats. We recommend avoiding a full meal during the flight; bathroom breaks are pretty limited up there!

After Arrival

Once you've landed, offer water right away. Then, give them about 30-60 minutes before offering food — many of our furry friends are a bit stressed or disoriented after a flight and won't be ready to eat immediately. Don't fret if they skip a meal or two after flying; their appetite usually comes back within 12-24 hours once they've had a chance to settle into their new surroundings. We're alongside you every step of the way, understanding these little adjustments.

At Your Destination

• Help them feel at home by setting up a consistent feeding spot. That little bit of familiarity can really reduce stress.
• Stick to their usual feeding schedule, just like you would at home.
• Be mindful of local water. Some dogs can get an upset tummy from unfamiliar water sources. Using bottled or filtered water is a simple way to avoid this.
• Keep their food safely stored away from curious wildlife, pesky ants, and heat, especially if you're in a vacation rental or camping. We know how important it is to keep their food fresh and safe.
• Take a moment to let everyone in your travel group know about your pet's feeding routine. Even the most well-meaning friends might offer table scraps, local treats, or extra portions, which can sometimes lead to tummy troubles. We're here to help you keep things consistent for your beloved companion.

Stress and Appetite

It's quite common for many pets to eat a little less while traveling because of the stress. For healthy adult pets, this is usually normal and nothing to worry about for 1-2 days. We suggest creating a calm feeding environment, using their familiar bowls, and maybe adding a splash of warm water or broth to make their food more appealing. If their appetite hasn't returned within 48 hours, or if you notice any other signs of illness, it's always best to reach out to your veterinarian.

On the other hand, some pets might do the opposite — stress-eating or becoming more interested in scavenging during travel. We recommend keeping an eye on how much they're eating, making sure trash cans are securely closed, and being extra watchful about them getting into unfamiliar foods in new places. We care deeply about their safety and well-being.