Flying with a dog or cat means thinking about more than just tickets and carriers — feeding and hydration matter just as much. Based on real travel experience, this guide shares tips that actually work when flying with pets.
Feeding pets when flying – quick navigation
Getting ready for a trip is exciting, but food and water are two big things you really shouldn’t leave to the last minute.
In this article you find some general tips based on our own experience of traveling with our own pets over the years, and also advice we’ve picked up from vets. But it’s important to keep in mind that every dog and cat is different and you know them best. And if you’re ever unsure about something, definitely check in with your veterinarian.
- Dogs: Food before, during and after a flight ›
- Cats: Food before, during and after a flight ›
- Common mistakes to avoid ›
- FAQ ›
Feeding a dog for air travel
Keeping your dog’s stomach settled is a key to a smooth flight. As air pressure and travel stress can cause nausea, you should not experiement with what they eat. Here are a few tips for their meal schedule when and how to feed your dog while flying.
How long before a flight to feed a dog
Food before a flight should be light and something your dog is used to. Now it is not a good time to try new things as it could upset the stomach and change your traveling plans last minute. Here you can read our article about situations when you should not fly with your pet.
On the day of the flight, most vets recommend to feed your dog about 6-7 hours before takeoff. as it gives them enough time to digest everything.
Feeding a dog during the flight
During the flight, it is usually better to skip full meals and rather have a few small treats on hand.
For takeoff and landing, if your pet travels in the cabin with you, yu can give him something chewy that helps to release ear pressure. But keep a close eye on it so they don’t choke on it.
Feeding a dog after the flight
After you land we recommend you to wait an hour or two until you offer your dog some food.
Start with a smaller portion than usual to see how their stomach feels and if everything seem fine, you can get back to their normal feeding routine the next day.
🐾 — Essentials for dog travel — ✈️
Dog hydration during flying
Hydration during flying is an important topic itself. The thing is you want them well-hydrated because of the dry cabin air, on the other hand you don’t want them struggling with a full bladder on the flight. So tha’t why it’s good to start already a few days before the travel day when you should increase their water intake.
On the day of the flight, give them more smaller sips rather than one big bowl of water at once. When it comes to the flight itself, it depends on the lenght. So on the 2 hour flight we usually offer them a little bit of water 1-2x, on longer flights, of course, more often.
As soon as you land offer them fresh water immediately.
Feeding a cat for air travel
When it comes to flying with cats, the strategy for food is mostly about managing their stress levels and keeping them hydrated. Unlike dogs, cats are more prone to nausea caused by anxiety, so their feeding routine needs to be handled with, let’s say, a lighter touch.
Feeding a cat before a flight
With cats, it is all about finding that sweet spot where they aren’t traveling on a totally empty stomach, but also aren’t so full they feel sick. A shorter fast of about four to six hours is usually plenty.
To help with hydration, it’s good to give them wet food a few days before you leave. The key is to keep their meals familiar and boring—now is definitely not the time to test out that fancy new tin of tuna you bought for the trip.
Feeding a cat during a flight
If your flight is short there’s no need to feed your cat. If they seem calm, you can offer them a liquid or creamy treat from a tube as it can help them with their ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
Feeding a cat after a flight
When you reach your destination, give your cat some time to decompress. After an hour or two, try offering a small bit of their favorite wet food—it’s the best way to get some moisture back into them after the dry flight.
If they aren’t interested in eating right away, it’ okay and quite common. It is totally normal for a cat to skip a meal while they are still processing the trip. Just leave some fresh water out, keep things quiet, and they will find their appetite once they feel at home.
Cat hydration during flight
Cats get dehydrated easily, so you can start adding extra water to their wet food a few days before the trip.
During the flight, you can either offer them a bowl of water or lickable liquid treats. And as soon as you land, offer them fresh water.
If the cat is too stressed to drink from a bowl right away, don’t force it. We at PetAbroad recommend you to try rubbing a little water on their paws or nose, as their natural instinct to groom will help them take in at least a little moisture.
Common feeding mistakes when flying with pets
Here are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid when it comes to feeding pets when flying:
- Feeding a heavy meal right before takeoff.
- Testing new treats during the trip,
- Restricting water too much.
- Forcing food during stress or turbulence.
*At Pet Abroad, we travel with pets a lot and share what’s worked for us over the years — but we’re not veterinarians. Every pet is different, so we always recommend checking with your vet and adjusting these tips to your pet’s individual health needs.
FAQ – feeding dogs and cats when flying
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about feeding pets when flying, if you want to know more about traveling with whem in general, you can check our FAQ article here.
Can you bring pet food on a plane?
You can, but keep the “liquids rule” in mind. Dry kibble is fine in any bag, but wet food, cans, or those creamy treats are treated like gels. If they are in your carry-on, they need to be in containers under 100ml.
How do pets eat on long flights?
Most pets prefer light snacking over a full dinner while in the air. Small, familiar treats are perfect for keeping them happy and occupied without overloading their stomachs during the journey.
Can I fly with canned cat food?
Yes, but since it’s considered a gel, large cans should go in your checked bag. Keep a small pouch or a lickable tube in your cabin bag for a quick snack during the flight.
Should I put a water bowl in the cargo crate?
Instead of a loose bowl that spills, use a specialized travel waterer or a “no-spill” bowl that clips directly onto the crate door. These are designed to stay upright and provide a steady supply of water without soaking your pet’s bedding.