Traveling with Raw Dog Food: Your Complete Guide to Feeding Raw on the Road

Planning a road trip or vacation with your dog? Feeding raw doesn't have to stop when you leave home. Whether you choose frozen raw or freeze-dried, you can maintain your dog's raw diet on the road with the right preparation.

Traveling with Frozen Raw Dog Food

Frozen raw is the traditional choice for raw feeders. The challenge is keeping it frozen until feeding time, then properly thawing it for meals.

When Frozen Raw Works Best for Travel

Ideal for:

Road trips with reliable cooler access

RV travel with freezer space

Short trips (1–3 days)

Destinations with refrigeration available

Travelers with space for a quality cooler

What You'll Need for Frozen Raw Travel

Essential gear:

High-quality hard-sided cooler with thick insulation

Ice packs or dry ice for extended trips

Pre-portioned frozen raw meals

Collapsible travel bowls

Paper towels or pet-safe wipes

Plan for refrigeration at your destination

Packing Frozen Raw for Travel

Before you leave:

Pre-portion meals at home before your trip

Freeze meals flat in bags for easier, more efficient packing

Layer ice packs between raw portions in your cooler

Pack meals in the order you'll feed them to minimize cooler opening

Consider using a separate cooler for dog food and human food

Feeding Frozen Raw While Traveling

Thawing safely:

Thaw portions in the refrigerator for 24–48 hours when possible

For quicker thawing, place sealed portions in cold water

Never thaw on the counter or in warm conditions

Raw beef can be fed cold directly from the refrigerator

Feeding schedule: Stick as close to your dog's regular feeding schedule as possible. Consistency helps support normal digestion during travel. Most raw feeders plan evening meals after arriving at their destination, giving dogs time to settle before eating.

Frozen Raw at Hotels

Request a room with a mini fridge when booking. Some hotels will accommodate freezer access if you ask at the front desk. Use your cooler for overnight storage and feed thawed portions within 24 hours. Always clean bowls and surfaces thoroughly after feeding.

Traveling with Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

This is the game-changer for travelers. Freeze-dried raw takes our fresh, raw ingredients and removes the moisture while preserving nutrients. The result is shelf-stable, lightweight raw nutrition that's ready to feed straight from the bag.

How Freeze-Dried Raw Works

At Midwest Legacy Beef, our freeze-dried raw is made by freeze-drying our 100% raw beef blends. Because no heat is used, the product contains the same nutrient profile as frozen raw — just without the water weight or refrigeration requirements.

You feed freeze-dried raw directly from the bag. No refrigeration. No thawing. No rehydration needed.

When Freeze-Dried Raw Shines for Travel

Ideal for:

Air travel (TSA-friendly, no refrigeration needed)

Long road trips (4+ days)

Hiking and backcountry camping

Hotels without mini fridges

Warm-weather travel

Any situation where cooler logistics are impractical

What You'll Need for Freeze-Dried Travel

Essential gear:

Freeze-dried raw dog food portions

Collapsible travel bowls

Fresh water (always)

That's it. No cooler, no ice packs, no refrigeration planning.

Packing Freeze-Dried Raw for Travel

Freeze-dried raw is lightweight and compact. Pack portions in airtight containers or keep them in the original resealable bags. Store at room temperature — it doesn't require special handling. Pack more than you think you'll need for flight delays or extended stays.

Feeding Freeze-Dried Raw While Traveling

How to feed: Simply pour the freeze-dried food into your dog's bowl and serve. Your dog eats it dry, exactly as it comes from the bag. No preparation required.

Feeding schedule: Maintain your dog's regular feeding times. Freeze-dried raw is as convenient as kibble but with the nutritional benefits of raw food. You can feed in hotel rooms, at rest stops, on the trail, or anywhere else without any mess or preparation.

Water is essential: Always provide fresh water alongside freeze-dried meals.

Freeze-Dried Raw as Travel Treats

Freeze-dried raw food can double as high-value training treats. Keep a small bag accessible during travel for reinforcing good car behavior, rewarding calm check-ins at rest stops, or training in new environments.

The Bottom Line on Traveling with Raw Dog Food

Raw feeding doesn't have to be complicated when you travel. Frozen raw works well for short trips with proper cooler access. Freeze-dried raw eliminates cooler management, thawing schedules, and refrigeration planning while providing the same nutrient-rich meals your dog gets at home.

We've traveled with our own raw-fed dogs for years. Pack smart, plan ahead, and your dog will thrive on the road just like they do at home.