Food is a subject that is often underestimated when planning a trip with your dog. However, a sudden change in food, insufficient access to drinking water or food poisoning can turn your vacation into a veterinary nightmare. This handy guide covers everything from transporting kibble to managing restaurant meals, including fluid needs and special diets.
Travel food kit
Prepare your kit before departure. Having everything you need avoids last minute purchases in unknown pet stores — and the risk of not finding your dog's usual brand.
Croquettes, pâté or BARF: what to choose when traveling?
The choice of food when traveling depends on practical as well as nutritional considerations. Here is an honest comparison of the three main options.
| Criterion | Croquettes (dry) | Mash (wet) | BARF / Household ration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | Very easy, light | Heavy, bulky | Cold chain required |
| Storage | 6 weeks (open bag) | 24 hours after opening (fridge) | 48 hours max in the refrigerator |
| Hydration | Low (8-10% water) | High (75-80% water) | High |
| Convenience when camping | Ideal | Fair (boxes) | Difficult (refrigeration) |
| Digestive risk | Low if usual brand | Medium (change frequent) | High (hygiene, temperature) |
| Travel verdict | N°1 choice for traveling | Good supplement | Reserved for short equipped stays |
Food transition while traveling: the method gradual
If you need to change your dog's diet (for example, because you can no longer find its brand), never make a sudden change. Here is the method recommended by veterinary nutritionists.
Mix three quarters of the old food with a quarter of the news. Monitor the stools: they must remain formed and normal in color. If diarrhea, go back to 100% old and slow down the transition.
Half and half. The digestive system begins to adapt to the new proteins and carbohydrates. Maintaining regular meal times helps digestion.
Your dog is almost transitioned. Stools may still be slightly loose, this is normal. Continue to monitor appetite and behavior.
Transition complete. If all goes well, your dog will now eat his new food without any problems. If digestive problems persist beyond 48 hours, consult a veterinarian.
When traveling, your dog will be exposed to unusual temptations (restaurant leftovers, picnics, markets). These foods are toxic, even fatal to dogs:
- Grapes and raisins — acute kidney failure, sometimes fatal, even in small amounts.
- Chocolate — theobromine is toxic. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. 100 g of dark chocolate can kill a 10 kg dog.
- Xylitol — sweetener found in chewing gum, candies, some peanut butters. Causes sudden hypoglycemia and liver failure.
- Onion, garlic, leek, shallot—destroy red blood cells (hemolytic anemia). Dangerous even when cooked.
- Avocado — persin is toxic to the heart and lungs.
- Cooked bones — fragment into sharp shards, risk of intestinal perforation.
If swallowed, immediately call your veterinarian or the animal poison control center (CAPAE-Ouest: 02 40 68 77 40).
Water while traveling: quality and quantity
- Tap water (metropolitan France) — perfectly safe for your dog in the vast majority of municipalities. It can cause slightly soft stools the first few days if your dog is not used to it (change in minerality).
- River or lake water — to avoid. Risk of leptospirosis (bacteria transmitted by rodent urine), cyanobacteria (blue-green algae, toxic in summer) and intestinal parasites (Giardia).
- Stagnant water (puddles, ponds) — prohibited. High concentration of bacteria and parasites.
- Seawater—not drinkable. Ingestion of salt water causes diarrhea and dehydration. After swimming in the sea, rinse your dog with fresh water and offer fresh water to drink.
- Public fountains — generally safe in France. Check the mention “drinking water”.
Eating at a restaurant with your dog
More and more restaurants in France accept dogs on the terrace – and sometimes indoors. Here are the best practices to ensure that the meal goes well for everyone.
- Feed your dog before — a satiated dog will be calm and will not beg at the table.
- Bring his water bowl — don't count on the restaurant. Some offer a bowl, but not all.
- A chew bone or a Kong — to keep him occupied during your meal (30-60 min occupancy).
- Refuse leftovers — politely but firmly, refuse to allow staff or other customers to give leftovers to your dog. Sauces, cooked bones, sweets: everything is potentially dangerous.
- Place it at your feet — not on the chair, not between the tables. A familiar rug on the floor calms him.
Find the best addresses with our guide to dog-friendly restaurants and terraces. Complete your preparation with the list of essential equipment and our tips for camping with your dog — where food management is even more review.
Frequently asked questions
Can my dog drink tap water while traveling?
In mainland France, tap water is drinkable and safe for your dog in almost all municipalities. The change in mineral composition can, however, cause soft stools the first 1 to 2 days - this is normal and not serious. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, take water from home for the first few days and gradually mix it with the local water. Abroad, the same precautions as for humans apply: if in doubt, give bottled water.
My dog has diarrhea while traveling, what should I do?
Traveller's diarrhea is common in dogs and results from stress, changing water or a dietary deviation. First reflex: 12 to 24 hour diet (unlimited water, no food). Then gradual recovery with very cooked rice + boiled chicken (household convalescence diet) for 2-3 days. Add canine probiotics (Fortiflora, Pro-Kolin). If the diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, contains blood, or is accompanied by fever and vomiting, consult a veterinarian without delay.
Should we respect the usual meal times on vacation?
Yes, as much as possible. Dogs are animals of habit and their system digestive works best with regular schedules. When traveling, try to maintain the same meal times (± 1 hour). If the time difference is significant (travel abroad), gradually shift by 30 minutes per day. Two meals per day (morning and evening) remain the norm for an adult dog. Never eliminate a meal “to compensate” for a car journey — instead reduce the portion of the meal before the trip.
How to manage the BARF or household ration on vacation?
The BARF (raw diet) is the most complicated to manage while traveling because of the cold chain. Three options: (1) bring an electric cooler plugged into the cigarette lighter + prepare the portions in individual freezer bags; (2) temporarily switch to quality kibble (making a gradual transition 7 days before departure); (3) use freeze-dried dog meals (specialized brands) that rehydrate with lukewarm water. Solution 2 is the simplest and safest for vacations.
These recommendations are general. Each dog has specific nutritional needs (age, breed, pathologies), consult your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist for a food plan adapted to your travel situation.
