Healthy Tail on the Trail: Smart Summer Travel with Your Pet

Healthy Travel-Friendly Pet Food Options: Feed Real, Even on the Road

Maintaining your pet’s real food lifestyle does not have to take a vacation when you do. Whether you are road-tripping for the weekend, flying across the country, or heading to the cottage, you can still feed your dog or cat nutritious, real food—without the mess or hassle of raw.

We carry a carefully chosen selection of minimally processed, shelf-stable foods that align with our philosophy of real, species-appropriate nutrition. These foods make it easy to stay on track when raw feeding is not practical. Here are four of our top picks that are perfect for travel(Click on brand name to see available flavours and sizes):

1.  Smack Pet Food

What makes it great for travel:
Smack’s dehydrated raw meals are compact, lightweight, and ready to serve—just scoop and feed. No refrigeration or rehydration required.

Key features:

• 100% Canadian made in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
• Uses whole superfood ingredients: including organic leafy greens, cranberries, coconut oil, and wild-caught or free-range meats.
• No synthetic vitamins or minerals – all nutrients come from whole foods.
• Available in chunks or crumble, ideal for dogs and cats.

Why we love it:
Smack offers all the benefits of raw feeding without any of the prep. It is highly palatable and nutrient-dense, so you can feed smaller portions, which is perfect when space is limited during travel.

2. Carna4

What makes it great for travel:
Carna4’s air-dried formulas look like kibble but perform like whole food. No refrigeration needed, and it is ideal for on-the-go meals.

Key features:

• Made in Canada with real, fresh, whole food ingredients, including sprouted seeds for enhanced digestion and immunity.
• Free from synthetics—vitamins and minerals are naturally sourced.
• Gently air-dried to preserve live probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants.
• Available in formulas for puppies, adults, and senior dogs, and cat food too.

Why we love it:
Carna4 is the ultimate "real food kibble." It delivers clean nutrition with the ease of scoop-and-serve. It is especially good for dogs transitioning off kibble or pets with sensitivities.

3. K9 Natural or Feline Natural

What makes it great for travel:
This freeze-dried raw brand from New Zealand offers single-source protein meals, toppers, and treats—all lightweight and rehydratable on demand.

Key features:

• Made with grass-fed meat, organs, green-lipped mussels, and minimal produce.
• No fillers, preservatives, or artificial additives.
• Available in freeze-dried meals, boosters, and treats.
• Perfect for picky eaters or pets with protein sensitivities.

Why we love it:
K9 Natural is excellent for supplementing raw while away from home. It gives pets a boost of real nutrition while offering flexibility—rehydrate for a full meal or sprinkle on top of kibble as a digestive or flavour enhancer.

4. Zeal Canada

What makes it great for travel:
Zeal’s air-dried raw pet food is highly digestible, protein-rich, and easy to portion for trips.

Key features:

• Canadian made, using sustainably sourced meats and fish.
• Features limited ingredients, ideal for pets with food sensitivities.
• Gently air-dried to preserve nutrition while eliminating the need for refrigeration.
• Available in multiple proteins including beef, turkey, salmon, and more.

Why we love it:
Zeal is a great bridge between raw and kibble—perfect for travel, boarding, or emergency backup. It is a smart choice for pet parents who want clean, whole food nutrition in a shelf-stable format.

Final Thoughts: Travel Light Without Compromising on Nutrition

Whether you are camping, flying, or staying with family, these travel-friendly food options let you continue feeding your pet with the same integrity and quality you do at home. Each of these brands supports real food principles—no fillers, no synthetics, and no compromises.

PROOF IS IN THE POOP!