Traveling With a Picky Pup? How to Make Mealtime Stress-Free

Vacations can throw even the best eaters off their routine, and for dogs who are already picky, mealtime on the road can be especially challenging. New environments, disrupted schedules, and travel excitement often dampen appetite.

The solution lies in preparation and a few simple strategies:

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Stick to the usual diet

Bringing your dog’s regular food is key. Switching brands on a trip can upset digestion or cause refusal to eat. Pre-portioning meals before you leave makes feeding simple and consistent.

Add comfort and flavor

For pups reluctant to eat, a safe topper can make food more appealing. Avoid table scraps and opt for something wholesome like bone broth.

“Travel can be overwhelming for dogs and may reduce their appetite. Adding something comforting, flavorful, and nutrient-rich can make meals more inviting and help support their well-being,” says Sue Delegan, Co-Founder and CEO of Brutus Broth, a company specializing in all-natural bone broth designed to enhance pets’ meals and overall health.

Bone broth is gentle on stomachs, diet-friendly, and provides both nutrients and flavor—making it an ideal option for picky eaters.

Maintain routine

Try to feed at the same times you would at home. Designate a quiet spot in your hotel room or rental where your dog can eat undisturbed. Familiar touches, like their own bowl or mat, can also help.

Prioritize hydration

Dogs who drink less often eat less. Keep water accessible throughout the day, and if plain water isn’t appealing, lightly flavored bone broth can encourage drinking while offering nourishment.

Pack smart

Essentials include: regular food (pre-portioned if possible), favorite treats, food and water bowls, a portable travel dish, a light topper, and shelf-stable bone broth. A small cooler is useful if refrigeration is needed.

Bottom line

With a little planning and the right boosters, even picky pups can eat well on vacation—and enjoy the trip as much as you do.

About TripsWithPets

TripsWithPets.com is the premier online resource for booking pet-friendly accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. With a passion for helping people and pets, TripsWithPets makes traveling with furry family members easier and more enjoyable. Through its PAWS (Partners for Animal Welfare Series) initiative, every reservation helps pets in need. Trusted by pet parents for over 20 years, TripsWithPets is dedicated to ensuring pets are part of the journey.

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