Heed these 5 tasty feeding tips for your pet…
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to indulge in turkey, side dishes and desserts of all kinds. But while food is on the brain of RV travelers everywhere, it’s also a good time to go over some basic feeding tips for RVing pets.
1. Be Water Wise
Make sure your pet’s water needs are met with the help of bowls suitable for RVing animals. Many of these make water available to the pet but keep spills off the RV floor. You’ll also find portable water dispensers for hikes after you’ve hit camp.
2. Familiarity Breeds Content
When you hit the road, stick to your pet’s feeding schedule. It’s also recommended that a pet receives a light meal three or four hours before departure. This will help reduce a pet’s anxiety and make the travels much smoother.
3. Don’t Let Your Pet Exceed Its Normal Food Intake
The last thing you need is a motion-sick pet. It’s recommended that you keep feeding quantities under control during your RV trip. And, of course, keep food away from the pet while the RV is in motion. If needed, make stops to accommodate the pet’s feeding schedule.
4. Stop and Smell the Food
If you’re taking a long trip, pack the brand of food that your pet is familiar with. If that brand isn’t available on the road, stock up on supplies to last the duration of your trip.
5. Do the Dishes—and Bowls (tasty feeding tips not intended for raccoons)
Camping in the great outdoors means lots of critters eager to partake in your dog’s food supply. Ensure that your pet’s food is stored in sealed containers, and don’t leave unclean pet bowls outside—it’s like a welcome mat for hungry bugs and raccoons! Wash the pet bowls after every use.
Anonymous
ALWAYS bring sufficient amounts of dog food. Mine are on a special diet which can’t be found just anywhere. I store the bags in the bedroom closet at the rear of the camper. I travel with three large dogs, two different special diets (Instinct LID Turkey for one dog, Earthborne Holistic Fish for the other two). One eats his meals in the bedroom, one eats in front of the sink, one eats near the dinette (I have a 30′ RV) and I watch as they eat. Bowls are picked up immediately after finished and washed in the sink.
As for feeding, my rule of thumb (yet many dogshow travelers don’t do this) is feed a bit less while on the road to avoid upsets or bloating – and dog bloat aka “gastric torsion” can be deadly. Not knowing where the nearest vet is, I can’t take chances. Less food gives me more peace of mind.
Water bowls? I use a stainless steel bucket and served distilled water (I store about 8 gallons in the overhead for road trips).