With an increasing number of dog-friendly cottages across the country, you and your dog can enjoy holidays like never before. Making memories with your dog on holiday is second to none, watching them dash across the beach, hiking over hills, and enjoying a relaxing break at a café.
A common question we get is, ‘how do I manage my dog’s diet on holiday?’ We know that travelling can be a little more complicated for dogs on a raw food diet – not least because their meals need to be kept frozen, and refrigerated once defrosted. In this guide to holidaying with your dog, we discuss feeding raw on the road and how to keep your dog healthy.
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I Want To Feed Raw On Holiday
Preparation and planning is essential when you wish to raw feed on holiday. For starters, it is good to work out how much food your dog will need during your stay. Once defrosted, Cotswold RAW’s meals will keep for up to 72 hours in the fridge – which is ideal for weekend getaways and short stays.
You can also do some research ahead and find your nearest stockist of Cotswold RAW if you don’t have the storage capacity whilst you’re away. Find your nearest stockist using our Stockist Locator and ask about their availability.
Has Your Dog Tried Our Sausages?
Has your dog tried our sensational sausages? We have 4 proteins available to match your dog’s preferences: chicken, turkey, beef or lamb, all of which are complete and balanced.
Our sausages offer the benefits of raw food, but also offer convenience, making portion control a breeze. These can be portioned and wrapped prior to your trip, taking up less space in the freezer. Simply defrost the sausages you need and serve to your dog.
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Staying In A Cottage?
You could take you dog’s raw food with you. Self-catering cottages will typically have freezer space; however, it is worth enquiring how much space they have before you visit, so you know how much food you can store. After all, if you have a larger breed dog, or multiple dogs, you inevitably get through more food! Those who are going away for longer can arrange for raw food to be delivered to their accommodation ahead of time. Or, if you happen to run out during your stay, Cotswold RAW also offers a next-day delivery service for those who need to place an order.
Or Perhaps You’re Camping?
If you’re only going away for a weekend, an insulated cool box can keep your raw fresh for a couple of days as it slowly thaws. This is of course dependent on weather conditions, and remember, when it’s hot tents can hold heat so take this into account. In the warmer, summer months it may be best to source a temporary alternative diet. Alternatively, most campsites have plug sockets on their pitches, investing in a mini freezer for holidays could provide an easy solution to storing your dog’s dinner (again… this depends how much your dog eats!).
I Can’t Feed Raw on Holiday – What Can I Feed?
We are all guilty of a little overindulgence on holiday – we deserve it after all! Whilst your beloved pups deserve to be treated too, it’s important to maintain your dog’s healthy diet and avoid overindulging them in rich food. Diet is a major driver of the gut microbiome composition and function, which in turn affects your dog’s overall health. In a human diet, freshly prepared foods are widely considered healthier than a diet filled with ultra-processed foods, so it’s not a far reach to consider the same would apply to our dogs.
How Do I Find A Healthy Alternative?
If feeding raw on holiday simply isn’t practical, you can make a temporary switch to a high-quality shelf stable food whilst you’re away. Remember to make diet changes gradually before you set off to avoid any tummy upsets.
To make sure your dog is still getting a quality meal, we recommend using the All About Dog Food (AADF) website to make an informed decision on their food. The AADF Rating is an independent evaluation that helps dog owners choose only the best for their furry friends. The rating is based on a food’s ability to provide optimum nutrition and quality ingredients.
Here at Cotswold RAW, we have achieved an incredible 97% rating from the All About Dog Food (AADF) website, making us the highest rated brand across our complete ranges, which is a testament to our commitment to delivering wholesome, natural, and balanced meals. The website allows you to filter foods based on price, format, and rating, helping you find something that will suit you and your dog.
What Can I Add To My Dog’s Food?
Butcher’s Blend – A sprinkle of our herbal ‘Butcher’s Blend’ really packs a punch. Herbs are packed with phytonutrients which really enhance a dog’s meal. All our complete raw meals contain our Butcher’s Blend, so why not take a small, travel friendly pot away with you.
Omega 3 – Oily fish and Salmon Oil provide Omega 3, 6 & 9. These fatty acids support skin and joint health by naturally reducing inflammation. Another option for dogs is milled flaxseed, which is a main ingredient in our ‘Shepherds Mix’ supplement.
Egg – Eggs host numerous benefits, they can promote good skin health and coat condition, boost metabolism, and support immune function. Eggs are an easily digestible, complete protein, and easy to add to your dog’s bowl a few times a week.
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Other Holiday Tips
It’s always good to be prepared when travelling with your dog. Identify the nearest vet practice to where you’re staying. If you’re hoping to let your dog play in a garden area, make sure it is securely fenced off. Finally, make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date.
Whilst we all hope for sun on holiday (especially when holidaying in the U.K.!), it’s important to make sure your dog stays hydrated. See our helpful blog on keeping your dog hydrated in hot weather.
What do I pack for my dog?
- Their bed and blankets from home – for a familiar, calming scent.
- Their food and bowls
- A variety of treats – we’ve got plenty of choice; from small training treats to tougher, longer lasting chews (great for keeping your dog entertained whilst you unpack!) See the range here: Our Tasty Treats
- A travel bottle to keep them hydrated on walks
- A spare lead
- A collar with an ID tag
- Toys
- A Towel
- A dog-safe antiseptic spray
- Poop bags
Remember, when walking your dog through parks, countryside and coasts to follow the Countryside Code. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the U.K.’s outstanding natural beauty, and the environment is protected.
Looking to enhance your pet’s diet? Take a look at Cotswold RAW’s range of raw dog food and raw cat food, including raw meaty bones, dried treats, and puppy food.