Traveling
while feeding the BARF diet has got to be the most challenging part
of it all. For awhile we traveled in a motorhome, but
even then, there was not enough freezer space to feed eight dogs
during even the shortest of trips.
We've
now taken to traveling in a van, packed with a cooler (in fact, some
of the newer coolers plug into your cigarette lighter).
We seek out hotels that will provide a refrigerator (you'd be
surprised how many do have them available if you ask) and purchase
additional food along the way. Since many of our puppy
owners and friends feed raw, they often times help us out by stocking
up on the basics when we're coming to visit.
All
in all, it's not as difficult as you would imagine. Here are a
few suggestions while on the road...
1.
Purchase "family packs" of ground beef or turkey, as well
as chicken wings while you are on the road. We usually
stop for a quick "shop" about every two days.
2.
Canned Mackerel/Salmon is a Godsend as are sardines with the handy
pop tops.
3.
Cottage Cheese/Yogurt can be found anywhere and keeps easily in the cooler.
4.
Substitute Natural Applesauce for fruits and thaw Frozen Veggies and
mash. Or, purchase jars of babyfood...green beans, sweet
potato, squash... V8 juice is also good in a pinch.
5.
Buy "Soup Bones" from the grocery store as your
recreational bones. This also helps keep the dogs from getting
bored while traveling.
6.
For dogs who have stomach problems while traveling, carry canned
pumpkin (real pumpkin, not pie filling). This will clear up
both diarrhea and constipation.
7.
Buy oil in gel caplets (they keep better) and bring a small scissors
to cut them in half and drain the oil.
8.
Mix your powdered supplements in a salt/pepper shaker that can be
opened and closed again to keep them from spilling.
*Please
note that in the case that you are boarding your dog and/or your dog
will be in the care of a professional handler while traveling, you
will need to discuss up front how you would like your dog fed (and
oftentimes pay extra accordingly). It is difficult for kennel
operators and handlers to feed a raw diet and many will say that
they'll feed it, only to toss it and give your dog kibble
instead. Be sure that you are indeed getting what you're paying
for. Being away from you is stressful enough without a change
of diet on top of it. If you aren't confident that your dog
will be fed the way that you want him to be, consider going somewhere
else, or switching diets prior to leaving for your trip.