Emergency Food Packs for Dogs

Whether you're evacuating or stranded in your home, having basic supplies, prepared ahead of time, in an emergency situation will make it easier to cope. According to the Humane Society, an emergency food pack should contain at least five days worth of food and water for each of your four-legged pals.

  1. Food Choices

    • The first thing to put in your pup's emergency food pack is food. Ideally, his emergency food pack should contain his normal, everyday diet. If Duke eats a raw or homemade diet, you'll have to make an adjustment and feed him canned food, kibble or freeze-dried food until you're able to get him back on his regular feeding routine. Do some research before you build your pack, and try out different foods to make sure Duke will eat what you've chosen for his emergency stash.

    Water and More

    • Bottled water is a must-have in your emergency stash. Generally, a dog should drink about an ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. If Duke's a 30-pound dog, account for at least 30 ounces of water per day, which is just shy of a quart of water. If your dog eats canned food exclusively, his water needs will be less because of the food's water content, but he may need to drink more nonetheless because of stress, activity or heat that an emergency has precipitated. If he eats canned food, don't forget a can opener. He'll need something to eat and drink from, so keep a bowl in his emergency pack. Although treats are not necessary, he may find comfort in having a few of his favorite dog biscuits or chews in the pack as well.

    Keep It Fresh

    • The ASPCA recommends rotating your emergency food and water rations every two months. Whether you prepare for a specific season, such as hurricane or blizzard season, or want to have an all-purpose emergency kit, go through the pack and get rid of old food, biscuits and water, replacing with fresh goods -- even food with preservatives can go rancid. Writing the date on food and water containers will help you track how old Duke's supply is, ensuring his food will be good if he needs it.

    Evacuating or Hunkered Down

    • If you're the type to ride out a storm at home, prepare for more than five days worth of food and water for Duke. Often, when disaster strikes, basic goods and services aren't available. Water may not be potable, power outages may be extended and stores may not be open, so meeting his needs won't be a matter of running to the corner store to pick up more dog food. As well, if he eats a home-cooked, raw or canned diet, he'll need kibble or freeze-dried food as a backup if the power fails. Consider how long you'll be holed up and how accessible "civilization" will be to take care of his and your basic needs, and plan accordingly.