A recent study by the American Kennel Club found that more than 10 million U.S. households own a dog, and about 40% of these pet parents take their dogs on hikes with them! Unfortunately, dogs can’t speak, so it’s up to their owners to keep them safe when they go out hiking.
- Do Dogs Need Snacks On Hikes?
- What Can I Feed My Dog While Hiking?
- How Can I Get My Dog To Eat Backpacking?
- Is Dehydrated Dog Food Good?
- Best Dog Energy Bars For Hiking
- Best For Short Hikes
Do Dogs Need Snacks On Hikes?
Yes! It has been known for a long time that both humans and dogs have better workouts when they snack on small amounts of food throughout their workout. If you are hiking with your dog or just exercising/running with your dog on the weekend, then your dog will need to keep their energy levels high as well.
Do Dogs Need To Eat Before Hikes?
Before any hike, it is essential to make sure all your supplies are packed up, including water bowls, water bottles, extra leashes, etc.
You should also make sure you feed them breakfast before starting on the trail. A good rule of thumb would be to give their regular serving an hour or two before hitting the trail- do not skip this feeding step!
What Can I Feed My Dog While Hiking?
Plenty of fresh water and dog snacks that are rich in proteins and carbohydrates. We recommend giving them a mix of high-quality protein, complex carbs, vegetables, and fruits. For example:
- Chicken jerky treats
- Dried chicken strips
- Kibble high in protein
How Can I Get My Dog To Eat Backpacking?
There are thousands upon thousands of different foods out there for dogs to eat while hiking. The difficult part is finding out which one your dog prefers.
To do this, you will need to start with the basic healthy dog food and add different toppings such as:
- Cheese
- Peanut butter
- Bacon bits
- Beef jerky
- Sliced carrots/celery (fresh or dehydrated)
Start with a small portion of each and then increase the amount until you find out their preference. You can also try freezing them overnight in zip-lock bags and adding hot water when ready to eat.
This works well if you’re on a longer hike and don’t want to stop for lunch.
What Can I Feed My Dog While Hiking?
As we discussed earlier, you only need to take high-quality food and treats with you. For example, dried chicken or kibble high in protein is good enough to food your dog on hiking.
Is Dehydrated Dog Food Good During a Hike?
It is generally not recommended to give your dog dehydrated food while hiking. Although some people have had success with it, it can also be a choking hazard or cause an upset stomach if not given the right way.
If it is necessary to feed the dehydrated food, then add some warm water or freshwater to add moisture.
Best Dog Energy Bars For Hiking
When out on a hike for a few hours, don’t neglect your pup! Dogs need lots of energy to keep up with their owners, and there are a variety of treats, snacks, and other doggy goodies available out there. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Blue Dog Bakery Carrot Cake Bites
- Jerky Paste Dog Treats by The Honest Kitchen
- Doggy Pick Me Ups Energy Bars by Flat Out Healthy
- Wilder Wiggle Sticks Beef-Fl
These all-natural energy bites offer a significant protein boost for active dogs on the trail. They feature a high protein base of egg whites and sweet potato, with carrots and antioxidants from blueberries, cranberries, and acai. The ingredients are pretty simple, but the flavor is on point!
Best For Short Hikes
If you are out for just a couple of hours, then all you’ll need to do is give your dog some water and their regular food. However, if you plan to spend all day outside hiking with your dog, it is recommended that they have foods rich in proteins and carbohydrates.
Keep their snacks to small portions so they don’t overeat and remember to pack some water for them as well.
Some Easy-to-Make Snacks for Your Furry Friend
1) Peanut Butter & Banana Dog Treats
2) Orange & Carrot Juice Smoothie
3) Cucumber Puppy Popsicles
4) Apple Cheddar Treats
5) Peanut Butter & Honey Cookies
6) Banana Ice Cream For Dogs
7) Pork & Applesauce Doggy Donuts
8) Banana Dog Bites
9) Pumpkin Peanut Butter Oaties
10) Sweet Potato & Flaxseed Doggie Biscuits
11) Pumpkin Pupsicles
12) Liver Brownies
13) Banana Dog Biscuits
14) Cheddar Cheese Treats
15) Peanut Butter & Banana Dog Biscuits
16) Carrot Cake Treats
17) Pumpkin Spice Doggie Donuts