Best Dog Food for Camping and What to Pack for an Adventure with Your Dog

Sunshine, fresh air, and muddy paws—camping with your dog is one of the best ways to make memories and reconnect with nature. But a magical trip starts with smart prep. Here's how to keep your pup cool, nourished, and safe on your next outdoor adventure.

Dog Camping Gear Checklist: 5 Must-Have Trail Essentials

1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated on the Trail

2. Trail-Proof Your Pup’s Paws with Booties

3. The Best Dog Food for Camping & Hiking

4. Best Ways to Cool Down Your Dog

5. What to Pack in Your Dog’s First Aid Kit
   

Ready to hit the trail? Here’s what to pack for a safe, healthy, and adventure-ready trip with your dog:

1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated on the Trail

Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat—they rely on panting to cool down. That makes hydration a top priority, especially during summer hikes or camping trips across Canada. Here’s how to keep your pup safely hydrated beyond just filling the bowl:

• Pack a stainless steel bowl and keep it in the shade for easy access to frequent sips. Stainless steel helps keep water cooler, longer.

• Add water to meals, whether you feed kibble, homemade, freeze-dried, or gently dried raw (like Everyday Raw Anywhere). It’s an easy way to sneak in hydration while improving digestion.

• Mix in a splash of bone broth for dogs for a tasty, nutrient-rich boost. Choose a pet-safe, unsalted option. It’s like a dog-friendly electrolyte drink—great for picky drinkers or active pups who need extra support.

Pro Tip: Bring more water than you think you’ll need—aim for at least 1L per 10kg of dog per day, and double that on hot or high-activity days.

2. Trail-Proof Your Pup’s Paws with Booties

From hot pavement to alpine scree and rocky trails, your dog’s paws take a beating on outdoor adventures. A good pair of dog booties can prevent painful cuts, burns, and cracks, and could be the difference between finishing your hike or heading home early.

• Choose trail-tested booties made for rough terrain. Look for breathable, non-slip materials that stay put while your dog moves.

• Use them on hot days when ground temperatures rise quickly, especially on sand, asphalt, or sun-exposed rock.

• Practice before you go—have your dog wear them at home or on short walks to get used to the feel.

Pro Tip: Break in the booties before your trip to avoid blisters. Yes, dogs can get them too!

3. The Best Dog Food for Camping & Hiking

Good food fuels great adventures. Proper nutrition supports your dog’s energy, hydration, digestion, and recovery—especially during long hikes or active camping trips. But when you're off the grid, feeding real food can get tricky, particularly for raw-fed dogs or those avoiding overly processed kibble. Here’s how to keep it simple without compromising nutrition:

Feeding Raw on the Go

Choosing the right food for travel means balancing quality, convenience, and shelf stability. Here's how the main shelf-stable raw food options compare:

• Dehydrated Raw

  • Longer prep time

  • Lower nutrient retention

  • Mushy or chewy texture once rehydrated

  • Higher energy use in production

  • Some dogs may find it harder to digest
    

• Freeze Dried Raw

  • Lightweight and travel-friendly

  • Very low moisture content—requires careful rehydration

  • Chalky texture once rehydrated

  • The highest energy consumption during processing

  • Often more expensive per serving
    

• Gently Dried Raw

  • Ready in minutes—just add water

  • Preserves up to 95% of nutrients

  • Closest to fresh raw in texture, taste, and appearance

  • Lightweight, mess-free, and easy to pack for travel

  • Lowest energy use—only 3 hours from frozen raw to gently dried
    

Recommended: RDBK's Everyday Raw Anywhere 

Looking for the best dog food for camping or travel? Meet Everyday Raw Anywhere—our shelf-stable, gently dried raw food made with real, whole-food ingredients and nothing else. It’s perfect for feeding your dog on the trail, at the campsite, or wherever adventure leads.

• Lightweight and travel-friendly

• Complete and balanced

• Just add water—rehydrates to raw in under 5 minutes

• No refrigeration needed

• Made in Canada with ethically sourced ingredients
  

 Use It 3 Ways on the Trail:

Everyday Raw Anywhere isn’t just convenient—it’s versatile:

• A complete meal on the go

• A topper to boost your dog’s current diet

• A treat for training or high-value trail rewards

  
  

Bonus: It’s ideal for raw feeders, kibble feeders, and anyone in between.

4. Best Ways to Cool Down Your Dog

Dogs are far more prone to overheating than humans, especially during high-energy hikes or hot summer days on the trail. Here are a few simple, packable ways to help your pup keep cool outdoors:

• Cooling gear – Try a lightweight bandana or vest soaked in water for instant relief. These are perfect for mid-hike breaks or long exposure on sunny trails.

• Frozen raw bones – A naturally hydrating chew that cools, entertains, and promotes dental health. Store in a cooler or insulated bag until needed.

• DIY chill zone – Wrap frozen water bottles or ice packs in a towel and place them in your dog’s bed or crate to create a quick cooldown station.

Pro Tip: Watch for signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, disorientation, bright red gums, or vomiting. If you spot any of these, act fast—get your dog to shade, cool them with water (not ice), and contact your vet if symptoms persist..

5.  What to Pack in Your Dog’s First Aid Kit

Hiking and camping with dogs is all about the joy of the unexpected—but it’s smart to prepare for the unexpected too. Scrapes, stings, or surprise paw injuries can happen fast. A basic dog-specific first aid kit can save your trip—and your pup’s comfort.

Here’s what to pack:

• Non-adherent pads & gauze rolls – Great for covering wounds without sticking to fur. Gauze can double as a temporary muzzle in a pinch.

• Vet wrap – A self-adhering, flexible bandage that stays in place even when wet—ideal for securing dressings on wriggly dogs.

• Blunt-tip scissors – Safe for trimming gauze or tape close to your dog’s skin without the risk of poking or cutting.

• Fine-tip tweezers – Perfect for removing ticks, thorns, or splinters embedded in paws or fur.

• Eye flush (like contact lens solution) – Use to rinse out pollen, sand, or debris, especially if your dog loves nose-diving into bushes.

• Benadryl – Can help with allergic reactions or insect bites. Always check the dosage with your vet first.

• Silver nitrate sticks – Handy for stopping minor bleeding fast, especially if a nail gets clipped too short.

• Emergency contact info – Print or write down your vet’s number, the nearest 24/7 clinic, and directions. When an emergency hits, you won’t want to be fumbling through your phone.

Pro Tip: Store your dog’s first aid supplies in a waterproof pouch, and keep it in your daypack so it’s always close by.

Adventure Without the Stress

Camping with your dog should be joyful, not stressful. With smart prep and trail-friendly food, you can explore the outdoors knowing your pup is safe, nourished, and ready for adventure.

Looking for the best dog food for camping, hiking, or van life? Everyday Raw Anywhere is a gently dried, shelf-stable raw food for dogs that goes wherever you go—just add water.

🔗 Explore Everyday Raw Anywhere →📍 Find a retailer near you →

Real food. No fridge. All adventure.