Build a Pet Emergency Food Kit Around the Meals They Already Eat

Build an emergency food kit around your pet's established diet and written care plan. Food, water and a way to prepare and serve meals need to travel together. A bag of unfamiliar treats is not a replacement for the daily diet during an evacuation.

The AVMA's pet-disaster guidance recommends packing food, water, medicine and records in an accessible kit. It lists 3–7 days of food and at least seven days of water. Adapt the plan to local guidance, your household and your pet's medical needs rather than treating one checklist as enough for every emergency.

Calculate food from the dry portion

Use the amount your pet actually needs under their current feeding plan. Multiply the dry daily food amount by the number of days, then account for the package size. Keep water added during preparation separate from food weight.

For illustration only, a hypothetical pet eating 1.5 oz of dry food a day would need 10.5 oz for seven days. Two 8 oz bags would provide 16 oz, leaving a margin. This is arithmetic, not a recommended daily portion for any cat or dog. Multiple pets need separate calculations, including those on different diets.

PARTNER raw-meal bags are labeled 8 oz; check the current cat or dog product information for the exact recipe. Net bag weight alone cannot determine how many days it will feed your pet.

Pack the preparation, too

Include suitable bowls, a measuring tool, clean water and hygiene supplies. If your usual method needs added water, account for that as well as drinking water. Plan how the food can be prepared safely where you may stay.

Raw pet food can contain harmful bacteria; the FDA recommends against raw feeding. An evacuation setting does not remove those risks. Discuss an appropriate backup diet with the veterinarian in advance, especially if clean preparation facilities may be limited or people in the group are medically vulnerable.

Let another caregiver understand the kit

Add a current feeding sheet with each pet's photo and name, exact food and portion, preparation steps, allowed extras and clinic contacts. Keep medicine directions from the veterinary team with the medicines. VCA's emergency preparation advice also highlights written feeding instructions and medical records.

Store an accessible copy of essential details in a second place. A phone that has no charge or connection should not be the only way to identify the right food or clinic.

Review before the next emergency

Check dates and rotate supplies before they expire. Update portions and instructions when the diet changes. Keep the original lot information; our lot-code guide explains why it matters.

The useful test is a rehearsal: could another adult identify the pet, find the correct food and prepare the right meal using what is actually packed? Fix any missing step while you still have time.

Published by PARTNER Editorial Team for general education. Your veterinary team can advise on your pet’s individual health and feeding needs.