Hello, we are going to be flying home to the US soon from Germany. My dogs are all %100 raw fed. I read that I will have to provide them food for the flight. Which Honest Kitchen should I use? Or any other ideas? I have never flown a dog before so any other tips will be most welcome, thanks.

How long is the flight? I remember from the Netherland taking....9 hours? But then we went to Philly and transferred to Toronto from there.

Dogs can be fasted and honestly that would probably be what I would do for the flight. Otherwise, some pre-made up THK (I'm guessing the people who fed them won't be making it up) or some good quality grain-free kibble. It's just one meal.

Good luck with the move

Erin, I wouldn't feed 'em.
The flight isn't that long, and fasting is probably ideal given the stress of the flight.

We flew our cat from Frankfurt to Dallas in '94, and did not feed him. Makes it easier for the animal to control their bowels during all the stress.

Just provide plenty of fresh water for the flight- our cat became severely dehydrated after being left on the flight line baking in the Dallas sun.
Thanks a lot American Airlines.

i think its 11 hours. its been a while since i made that flight. i would prefer not to feed them until we land anyway and i can get some raw. but i think im supposed to provide kibble with their crates.

 Quote: Erin Croley

Hello, we are going to be flying home to the US soon from Germany. My dogs are all %100 raw fed. I read that I will have to provide them food for the flight. Which Honest Kitchen should I use? Or any other ideas? I have never flown a dog before so any other tips will be most welcome, thanks.

I keep Force and Embark for travel.

However, two challenges: It will have to be made up (because airline personnel are not going to rehydrate, I feel quite sure), and your dogs must be acclimated to it in advance.

Another option is canned. I say canned because you can get such better quality in a can than from kibble, and it also contains some water. Again, I imagine (not from overseas-flight experience) that it will have to be pop-top or opened and re-packed in zip baggies.

So those are my food ideas, but I hope others will have suggestions for how to get them carried out.

Oh, and may I add that you want a tired dog to enter the plane, but not a drugged one.

Also, I have heard club folks say over and over that the instructions and your contact info (including bold cell number rather than home number where you may not be) should be posted in more than one place on the container.

http://www.thedogpark.com/articles/traveling-with-a-dog/flying-with-your-dog.php

http://blogs.dogtime.com/dog-is-my-teacher/2008/12/safety-airplane-travel-for-dogs

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

Erin, I wouldn't feed 'em.
The flight isn't that long, and fasting is probably ideal given the stress of the flight.

Ah! That part I did not know.

However, having heard of unexpected layovers, etc., I would provide food and extra water anyway.

Thanks for the links! Canned does sound easier. Does anyone know if I have to provide food at all? Of course this isnt happening till June but Im really trying to prepare now. Im definitley going to put contact info all over that crate in permanent marker lol. I want my babies alert and fully functional for their flights so they can brace themselves in case of turbulance. But I have heard of people drugging their dogs. Any other overseas flying tips are welcome, thanks for the tips so far, I knew I was coming to the right place.

Erin: When I fly my dog I always tape a gallon size zip lock baggie of kibble to the top of my crate, even though I am a 100% RAW feeder. The reason is if something were to happen, some sort of emergency where they had to feed my dog, at least I have provided the highest quality kibble for him rather than some old moldy Purina Beneful or whatever they happen to have in the corner.

Fill the water dish the night before and freeze it so it won't spill while they are loading him onto the carrier.

Zip Tie your crate all around and don't forget to zip tie the door shut. I zip tie the door shut top mid and bottom - I don't want to take any chances. BUT don't zip tie the door until you have been cleared by the TA. Usually they want me to take my dog out so they can inspect the inside of the crate. Once cleared & dog inside, zip tie that door securely.

Don't tranquilize the dog, never ever before a flight.

Newspapers on the bottom of the crate are a good insulator as well as very absorbent.

Don't leave any toys in the crate.

Make sure you have a leash in your carry on baggage.

 Quote: susan tuck

The reason is if something were to happen, some sort of emergency where they had to feed my dog ....

Yes, this is what club folks say.

And there are at least three brands of good dog food in cans at the health food store where I grocery shop that have pop-tops. One even comes in small cans (almost like cat-food cans) that I would think would be a good bet for enough snack to provide nourishment without getting overloaded. You could pack several. Why not be prepared? It's not like you will lose it if it's not needed.

Awsome info everyone, thanks a bunch. I will probably fast her the day before to avoid accidents in the crate, as Im sure the stress of the situation alone will cause some stomach upset. Great idea about the freezing the water the night before Susan.