The Best Emergency Dog Foods
From natural disasters to manmade calamities, most people don't spend much time thinking about worst-case scenario situations. However, sometimes things go wrong. You likely know the supplies you need to have on hand for yourself but have you thought about what your pup needs? When disaster strikes, being prepared with emergency dog food could make all the difference to your four-legged friend's survival. With that in mind, we've rounded up the best emergency dog food out there.
What to Look For
We recommend keeping the following things in mind when shopping for emergency dog food: Is it free of ingredients that are toxic to dogs? Does your dog have allergies that would prevent them from eating certain foods? Does it provide balanced nutrition? Our favorite was the emergency dog food from the Honest Kitchen, which is made with whole food ingredients and is easy to prepare. We were also impressed by the emergency dog food from Stella and Chewy’s, which is available in a variety of flavors and is easy for dogs to digest. Read on to learn more about our favorites and discover the best one for your pet.
The Honest Kitchen Human-Grade Emergency Dog Food
Meal time
When you feed your pup this emergency dog food from the Honest Kitchen, you can rest assured they’re getting the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy. While dogs are omnivores, they often thrive on diets with large quantities of meat. Turkey is the first ingredient listed on this dog food, ensuring your pup gets a sufficient amount of natural protein in their diet. That’s not all; this dog food is 100% human-grade and minimally processed using organic ingredients.
Pros:
- Provides complete, balanced nutrition for all dog breeds
- Contains no preservatives, by-products, or fillers
- High protein content
- Easy to digest
Cons:
- The dog food is soft, so it doesn’t help remove plaque
Stella and Chewy Raw Emergency Dog Food
Meaty satisfaction
Feeding your pup these patties from Stella and Chewy a few times a day will ensure they eat a balanced diet and have enough energy to go all day long. The patties are packed with quality protein and carbs designed to help your dog eat as they would in the wild. Your dog will enjoy all the benefits of eating a raw diet when consuming this emergency dog food, including improved health and digestion. As a bonus, if your canine friend needs to slim down, this food’s high protein content can help them do so while improving their stamina.
Pros:
- Made with whole ingredients similar to what dogs would in the wild
- Packed with fiber and probiotics to support gut health
- Omega fatty acids help improve skin and coat
- Made with 100% organic fruits and vegetables
Cons:
- They’re pricier than other options
Pet Evac Pak Survival Kit Emergency Dog Food
Always prepared
With this emergency survival kit from Pet Evac Pak, your furry friend will have everything they need when disaster strikes. The kit has all the supplies your dog needs to be comfortable for at least 72 hours. It includes emergency dog food, feeding bowls, a waterproof ID holder, an LED light, a Mylar blanket, a slip-lead, waste bags, and a rope toy. Everything is pre-packed and ready, so all you have to do is thrown on the included backpack and make a quick exit if necessary.
Pros:
- Comes with a backpack, making it easy to take on the road
- Has everything you need in case of an emergency
- Enough supplies to keep your pup safe for up to 72 hours
- First aid kit with wound ointment, tweezers, gauze pads, and more
Cons:
- The safety light could be improved
Under the Weather Bland Emergency Dog Food
Feeding time
If your canine friend has a sensitive stomach, this dog food from Under the Weather will ensure they get the nutrients they need without irritating their tummies, even in emergencies. The bland dog food will help you get your pup’s diet back on track when they’re suffering from GI issues and help them regain their appetite. It’s designed to provide dogs with the nutrients they need to regain their strength when feeling sick, helping them feel better quickly. Plus, it’s easy to prepare; just add water and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Pros:
- Freeze-dried formula provides dogs with balanced nutrition while they’re sick
- Designed to soothe dogs’ stomachs when they’re experiencing digestive problems
- Easy to prepare
- Made with 100% human-grade white meat chicken
Cons:
- Not suitable for long-term use
Vital Essentials Mini Nibs Emergency Dog Food
Tasty goodness
Beef is the primary ingredient in this emergency dog food from Vital Essentials. The freeze-dried raw dog food is made with high-quality ingredients to keep your pup nourished in emergency situations. It’s suitable for dogs with GI sensitivities and food allergies and is also a favorite of picky eaters. Furthermore, it’s minimally processed using a slow freeze-drying process designed to retain vitamins and nutrients.
Pros:
- Can be served as a stand-alone food or mixed in with other dog foods
- Slow freeze-drying process helps retain vitamins and nutrients
- Rich in Vitamin B12 and amino acids
- Helps dogs build muscle and burn fat
Cons:
- It would be nice if the bites were available in a smaller size for little dogs
What can I feed my dog in an emergency?
If you find yourself in an emergency situation and don’t have emergency dog food available, you can make do with what you have on hand until help arrives. Several foods that you eat are also suitable for your four-legged friend. You can feed your pup lean, boneless turkey, chicken, or beef to ensure their daily protein needs are met. Supplementing these protein-rich foods with fruits and vegetables like bananas, blueberries, broccoli, and carrots will ensure your dog has a well-balanced diet.
How many calories does my dog need per day?
Your dog’s size, breed, and activity level will determine how many calories they need to consume daily. There are several factors to consider when calculating your pup’s caloric needs, including whether they live indoors or outdoors, how much exercise they get, and whether they’re spayed or neutered. You can use a weight chart from the internet to estimate how many calories to feed your dog each day based on their weight.
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