Yes. Follow the TSA 3-1-1 Rule and know these tips: there are stricter limits on “wet” than “dry” food. Moist Pouches and dehydrated food are easiest to get through security. Separate pet food from your bags at the check point No exceptions for prescription food or food for Service Dogs. .
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TSA (Transportation Security Administration) says
YES, You Can Bring Pet Food On A Plane Just know these rules and tips
WET FOOD: must follow TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule
3-1-1 Liquids Rule for your carry on bag on a plane includes the Pet Food you travel with you onboard. Simply, here’s how it goes: 3.4oz./100ml or smaller container, in a 1 quart-sized clear baggie and 1 baggie per passenger. Passengers can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint, limited to 3 ounces or less per item.
TSA Security Rule applies to the Pet Food you need for the trip with your Dog or Cat on board the Plane and while moving through the airport.
Problem: Most cans of Wet Food are Larger than 3.4 ounces or they are made of Metal and so, they may not make it past security easily. It’s best to leave those favorite cans for the checked baggage. We have enough hassle getting through the airport–getting stuck at TSA security is the least of the obstacles. Let’s make it easy. Did you know…
Solution: “Moist” Pet Food is considered “Dry” by Airport TSA Security this means you can bring larger containers than if you bring Wet. If you can get your fur baby to accept Pet food moist packets over canned, you can easily bring them on the plane:
Remember to choose and pack your Cat or Dog’s favorite flavor that has the mildest scent—least smelly. Canned Tuna is my Chihiro and Sophie’s favorite but not a good choice for the trip—its smell is just too strong!
Dehydrated Pet food is another great option–it weighs even less than regular moist and canned Pet food and, if your Pet likes it, you can pack even more and have some extra for unexpected layovers or if the grocery isn’t nearby when you arrive at the hotel. Bring some as a back up!
I always bring moist and dehydrated for Sophie and Chihiro just in case we are delayed or cannot easily find a shop nearby where we are staying.
- Moist Pet Food takes up less space, so you can pack more!
- The scent is milder compared to canned
- Easier clean up–just crumple & toss
- No metal! No sharp edges like with cans
- So much easier to get through TSA Security
- My Sophie’s favorite is Portland Pet Food moist packets.
TIP: If you are still not sure if you can bring your Pet Food on a Plane, have no fear…simply snap a picture or send a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET weekdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays. They are surprisingly responsive. They really want to make your trip as smooth as possible.
See Also, Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25
DRY Dog and Cat Food
TSA or Airlines rarely limit how much of your Pet’s food you can bring in checked baggage; But the TSA officer has a lot of discretion in how much you bring onboard the plane, In Cabin.
Pet food or human food containers, can obscure x-ray screening at check points so, they are subject to higher scrutiny.
Keep about 3 or 4 meals worth of kibble in 1 quart bags. For checked bags, it is best to bring Pet food in its original, sealed package.
- Prescription pet food:? No exception for prescriptions going through TSA–it’s all the same to them.
- Service Dogs: No exception for Service Dogs. There should be but, bring enough for your travel days plus two.
How Do You Pack Pet Food For Airplane Travel?
Carry-On: Use 1 quart bags, Separate 1-quart bags in bin for inspection. Pet food and other food can disguise/obscure other items in your bag, so TSA Officers will inspect more carefully. Keeping them out until you pass through TSA allows you to move faster.
Checked Bag: Try to keep as much in the original, sealed package. Self-packaged containers should list the contents, weight, and origin. Consider tearing off the label from the original package and stick it on or in your packaging.
You may be interested in Pets in Airports: Everything You Need to Know
Can I bring Pet Food to Canada from the US?
At a Glance
You can import a “small” amount of commercially packaged pet food made in the United States for the use of your pet while you are in Canada. The amount should be enough for your Pet only for the length of time you are staying in Canada. For example: three days’ worth of meals for a three day stay.
- Responsible Authority: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Labeling/paperwork requirements: Sealed, commercial packaging
- Restricted Products: All dog food not of US or Canadian origin.
- Weight or size limit: Up to 20 kg
- Wet food allowed? Yes
- Dry food allowed? Yes
- Sealed packages only? Yes
Canada has a bit more relaxed policy when it comes to bringing in dog food, but there are still some stipulations. Dog food must be of US origin and in its sealed, commercial packaging. The pet you’ll be feeding the food to must be present upon entry, and only the specific pet may eat the food. For all other travelers, you’ll have to look into getting an import permit, but those are typically reserved for businesses bringing in large volumes of product.
Can I bring Pet Food to England/UK?
At a Glance
- Responsible Authority: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- Labeling/paperwork requirements: Commercial packaging/manufacturing details
- Restricted ingredients: Any animal products from outside of the EU
- Weight or size limit: 2 kg or less
- Wet food allowed? Yes
- Dry food allowed? Yes
- Sealed packages only? Yes
If you’re traveling from one country in the EU to another, there’s little in the way of restrictions on bringing pet food. As long as your pet food was produced or purchased in the EU, then you’re free to bring it. If you’re bringing food from outside of the union, however, there’s a strict ban on any and all animal products, unless the food is medically necessary for your pet. In that case, it must be in sealed packaging and be under 2 kg, and not come from an area experiencing any transmissible livestock diseases.
Can I bring Pet Food to Spain?
At a Glance
- Responsible Authority: Spanish National Police (PNE)
- Labeling/paperwork requirements: Commercial packaging/manufacturing details
- Restricted ingredients: Any animal products from outside of the EU
- Weight or size limit: 2 kg or less
- Wet food allowed? Yes
- Dry food allowed? Yes
- Sealed packages only? Yes
Flying in for an extended holiday in Barcelona? As long as you’re compliant with EU regulations, then you and your pet are good to go. That means keeping to a limit of 2 kg for food, which must be in its commercial packaging and not have been purchased or produced outside of the EU for safety reasons.
Can I Bring Pet Food to Mexico?
At a Glance
- Responsible Authority: Federal Civilian Aviation Agency (AFAC)
- Labeling/paperwork requirements: Commercial packaging/manufacturing details
- Restricted ingredients: Anything not canned, sealed, or bagged
- Weight or size limit: 50 kg
- Wet food allowed? Yes
- Dry food allowed? Yes
- Sealed packages only? Yes
Mexico allows a generous amount of up to 50 kg of pet food, or however much is needed for your stay. Both wet and dry food are allowed, but they must be packaged. By packaged, this means travelers can only bring in cans or bags of food. “Fresh” pet food that is tubed or resembles raw meat may be subject to restriction, unless it is precooked and doesn’t require refrigeration.
Can I Bring Pet Food to Singapore?
At a Glance
- Responsible Authority: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS)
- Labeling/paperwork requirements: Cargo clearance permit, commercial packaging
- Restricted ingredients: Any food not produced within Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, or the US
- Weight or size limit: None
- Wet food allowed? Yes
- Dry food allowed? Yes
- Sealed packages only? Yes
Singapore allows the transport of pet food into the country, as along as the food was produced in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, or the US. You’ll need to apply for a permit through the Animal and Veterinary Service, where they approve each food individually.
Can I Bring Pet Food to South Africa?
At a Glance
- Responsible Authority: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)
- Labeling/paperwork requirements: Import permit required, commercial packaging
- Restricted ingredients: Animal products from outside of South Africa
- Weight or size limit: None
- Wet food allowed? Yes
- Dry food allowed? Yes
- Sealed packages only? Yes
There isn’t much information available on the web about what pet food you can and can’t bring into South Africa, but that’s because it’s usually handled on an individual basis. You’ll have to apply for a permit to import food through the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development. Make sure you choose the right department, because the former Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries was divided into two new agencies just last year. As far as guidelines go, they’re synonymous with the EU’s guidelines. The only difference is that you’ll need a permit before bringing anything into South Africa.
Can I Bring Pet Food to Costa Rica?
At a Glance
- Responsible Authority: General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC)
- Labeling/paperwork requirements: Commercial packaging/manufacturing details
- Restricted ingredients: Animal products except milk/beef sourced from outside of New Zealand/Australia
- Weight or size limit: None
- Wet food allowed? None
- Dry food allowed? None
- Sealed packages only? Yes
Costa Rica is another country that doesn’t have much legislation regarding the importation of pet food. They do make notes, however, on food containing protein that isn’t sourced from New Zealand or Australia. The exception to this rule is for milk and beef ingredients, so more likely than not, your beef based dog food will be fine. Cat food, on the other hand, will be more difficult to bring. Be sure to ring the airline or General Directorate of Civil Aviation beforehand to ensure you’re all clear to fly.
Can I Bring Pet Food to Portugal?
At a Glance
- Responsible Authority: National Civilian Aviation Authority (ANAC)
- Labeling/paperwork requirements: Commercial packaging/manufacturing details
- Restricted ingredients: Any animal products from outside of the EU
- Weight or size limit: 2 kg or less
- Wet food allowed? Yes
- Dry food allowed? Yes
- Sealed packages only? Yes
Portugal falls within the European Union, so their guidelines are the same as the UK, France, and Spain. Generally anything within the EU is acceptable for transport, but if it contains rare ingredients such as caviar (pampered pup!), you’ll need a special permit for entry.
Can I Bring Pet Food to France?
At a Glance
- Responsible Authority: French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC)
- Labeling/paperwork requirements: Commercial packaging/manufacturing details
- Restricted ingredients: Any animal products from outside of the EU
- Weight or size limit: 2 kg or less
- Wet food allowed? Yes
- Dry food allowed? Yes
- Sealed packages only? Yes
The security at airports in France is known to be a bit more on the strict (or slow side) compared to other European countries, but they follow the same guidelines as any other EU country. Always remember to bring your pet’s food in its sealed, original packaging.
What Else Should I Bring on a Plane for a Pet?
- Travel Kitty Litter Box—Disposable—any small carboard or fabric box works.
- Wet-wipes
- Plastic Bags for disposing kitty litter and pet food cans or pouches.
- Leash and collar/harness without metal clasps or id/Rabies tags.
- Blanket or Cooling Mat. It can get stuffy under the seat.
See also, Pets in Airports: Everything You Need to Know
TIP: Go to the Pet Relief Area first. The best-equipped are usually before TSA Security. And, if the Pet Relief area on your concourse is not close to your gate, or you are running late after getting through TSA Security, you will want to visit.
What Other Food Can Be Prohibited/Banned From Travel On A Plane?
While you are bringing your pet food on an airplane here are most of the less-obvious foods you cannot bring for human consumption
- Ice Packs that have melted—convert themselves to a liquid, follow the 3-1-1 Rule.
- Peanut Butter, Nutella or other Nut Spreads in carry-on bag are a liquid, follow the 3-1-1 Rule.
- Cheese in carry-on bag—soft cheeses such as brie or goat are considered a liquid–follow the 3-1-1 Rule.
- Cupcakes in a Jar—popular during the holidays are considered a liquid, follow the 3-1-1 Rule.
- Alcohol over 140 proof in carry-on bag. Over 140 proof and it must be checked. Alcohol under 70 proof can go carry-on
- This one is funny–Frosting by itself is a liquid, follow the 3-1-1 Rule and a Frosted/Iced Cake or cupcake is allowed.
You can get through TSA security with your Pet fastest by placing the carrier and food on the x-ray conveyor belt and carry or walk your pet through with a non-metal leash and collar or harness. Pet food should be separated from your luggage along with electronics and shoes.
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