Can You Bring Dog Treats on a Plane?
If you’re traveling with your furry friend by air, you may be wondering if you can pack some dog treats in your carry-on bag or checked luggage. The short answer is that most dry dog treats are allowed on flights within the US, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
What types of treats are allowed?
In general, commercially packaged dry dog treats like biscuits, jerky, or dried meat snacks should pose no issues when brought on a plane as carry-on or checked bags. From my experience traveling with dogs, airlines will permit small bags or cans of these store-bought snacks.
The key is making sure the treats are completely dry, hard, and won’t crumble or get messy. Foods that are moist, chewy, or have a tendency to leak or spill should be left at home to avoid any delays or restrictions at security.
Some examples of dry, sealed treats that usually clear security include:
- Biscuit snacks sealed in resealable bags
- Pieces of jerky meat rolled up and enclosed
- Dental chew sticks or bones wrapped up
- Boxes or cans of biscuits, as long as they remain sealed
What types of treats are prohibited?
Unfortunately, there are certain dog treats you won’t be allowed to bring in carry-on or checked bags due to food safety concerns. Basically, any fresh, perishable, or loose foods pose risks.
Most notably, raw meat, eggs, dairy, or produce should be left at home. While Fido may love carrots and banana chunks, airlines strictly prohibit these types of raw, unpackaged foods for obvious reasons.
Other no-nos include soft, moist treats like training treats, dough treats, jerky pouches, or foods that could easily spill, such as peanut butter or wet canned foods. The mess factor alone would cause delays, let alone potential safety issues.
What about homemade treats?
Homemade dog treats present more of a gray area that depends on the specific airline. In general, bringing homemade baked goods for your pup isn’t recommended due to lack of commercial packaging and ingredient verification.
However, on occasion, I’ve had success taking a small sealed container or Ziploc bag of baked biscuits in my carry-on by carefully describing the basic recipe ingredients to TSA officers at security. Things like flour, baking soda, peanut butter, and dried meat bits are usually no problem.
But if the treats contain raw eggs, dairy, spices, coloring, or have a moist texture, I’d err on the side of caution and leave them behind to avoid any issues. It’s best to stick with professionally made treats whenever possible for simplicity.
Tips for packing and transporting dog treats
To ensure your furry friend has a stress-free airplane ride, follow these tips for safe treat transportation:
- Keep portions small. Pack treats in travel-size containers or individual baggies just in case of spills.
- Seal tightly. Use airtight Ziploc bags or containers that won’t open accidentally during travel.
- Label clearly. Mark bags as “dog snacks” to distinguish from human food items.
- Carry on. Don’t check treats due to temperature control concerns in cargo holds.
- Consult airline rules. Check with your specific carrier on restrictions for carry-on versus checked baggage.
What if I get to the airport and they say no?
On the off chance security expresses concerns about your dog’s snacks, remain respectful and cooperative. Sometimes, minor adjustments can resolve issues, like transferring treats to a smaller pouch.
If outright refused, having backup kibble or collapsible water bowls can prevent tummy troubles. But in my experience, TSA agents are pretty understanding of pet parents’ needs if items are reasonably sized and contained.
A friendly reminder that dogs must fly as cargo on most airlines may also help, since the cargo hold wouldn’t have access to treats anyway. By taking precautions and communicating well, you and your pup should fly with ease!
Final thoughts
Bringing treats along can provide comfort when flying with canine companions. With some planning and adhering to airline rules, you should be able to keep Fido fueled and happy at 30,000 feet. Just stick to commercially packaged dry items, avoid perishables, and seal everything tightly.
On the other hand, certain treats may violate policies due to safety risks. It’s kind of a bummer not to indulge our furry friends fully, but ultimately we want them to travel as safely and stress-free as possible. With preparation and care, you and your pup will land relaxed and ready for adventure!
In summary, feasible packing of approved snacks ensures a smoother travel experience. Consult airline rules in advance for peace of mind. With some courtesy and understanding on all sides, air travel with our four-legged friends need not be ruff.
Dog Treat Guidelines for Flights
| Treat Type | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry treats | Yes | Must be sealed in clear ziplock bags and labeled in carry-on bag. |
| Fresh or wet treats | No | Not permitted due to leakage risk. |
| Homemade treats | Maybe | Must be thoroughly dried and sealed. Check with airline. |
| Rawhide chews | No | Not allowed as they may contain raw meat and bones. |
| Dental chews | Yes | Must be small, hard chews in limited quantity. |
| Freeze-dried treats | Yes | Seal thoroughly to prevent loose pieces. |
FAQ
-
Can I bring dog treats on the plane?
Generally speaking, yes you can bring dog treats in your carry-on luggage onto the plane. However, there are some restrictions. Snacks need to be in a resealable plastic bag or container, and you can only bring a reasonable amount for your trip – like just enough for the journey. At the same time, homemade/fresh treats may not be allowed due to food safety rules. Best to check with the airline beforehand.
-
Are there any size restrictions for dog treats?
Most airlines have a limit on the container size for pet treats. Kinda like how much liquid you’re able to pack. The TSA allows snacks to be in a quart-sized bag. So as long as the container or bag fits within that limit, then the number of treats inside shouldn’t be an issue. But it’s still a good idea to contact the airline before your flight to double check their specific size policy. Better safe than sorry!
-
What about homemade dog treats – can I bring those?
Unfortunately, homemade dog treats probably won’t be allowed in carry-on luggage due to concerns about food-borne illnesses. Commercial dog treats are baked at high temps to kill any bacteria, whereas do-it-yourself snacks may not get hot enough to destroy germs. The risk just isn’t worth it. Pre-packaged treats from the store are definitely your best and safest option. Sorry – I know homemade ones taste better!
-
Is there a limit on how many treats I can bring?
There’s no set number, but airlines typically say you can bring a “reasonable” amount for your trip. Basically, just take enough for your pup’s meals and training sessions while traveling – not like a huge bag stuffed with goodies. Officials want to make sure snacks are for actual use and not being transported for resale. Perhaps a couple small ziplocs would do the trick. Use common sense and pack lightly.
-
Will I have problems at security?
As long as dog treats are in the approved clear plastic bag or container size, you generally won’t encounter issues passing through security with them. Staff members are used to seeing passengers with pet items and know the rules. However, on the off chance a new agent is unsure, having the airline’s written policy handy could help clarify things. Or asking to speak with a supervisor may clear up any confusion. Don’t worry – they just want to keep flights safe for everyone.
-
What about international flights – any other restrictions?
When traveling between countries, you’ll need to research import regulations for the destination. Certain dog snacks containing meat may be barred due to concerns over spreading disease. Dehydrated treats are usually fine though. It’s also smart to have your vet provide an official health certificate verifying your pet’s vaccines are current. This prevents quarantine upon arrival. Checking guidelines ahead of time spares disappointment at the airport!
-
Any tips for preparing dog treats for the plane?
My friend who’s a flight attendant says it’s best to put snacks in a sealed plastic bag, then place that inside another ziploc bag – just as a precaution in case of spills or leakage. Good air tight packaging prevents odors from bothering other passengers too. You may wish to bring some paper towels in case of accidents. It’s also amazing how calming it can be to have a high-value treat on board to reward good behavior. With a few precautions, travel can be less stressful for pups and people!