---
title: How Should I Pack My Dog's Food? | Happy Paws Kennels
url: https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-should-i-pack-my-dogs-food/
business: Happy Paws Kennels
address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620
phone: 707-678-6600
hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM
type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971
rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night)
---

- [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/)
- [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/)
- How should I pack my dog's food?

# How should I pack my dog's food?

Pack it in the original bag or your home container, enough for the whole stay plus a bit extra, with the feeding amount written in cups. There is no need to pre-bag or portion each meal.

[Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600)

Bringing your own food is welcome at Happy Paws Kennels and costs nothing, which makes it the easy choice for dogs on a special diet or a sensitive stomach.

## Original bag, whole stay, a little extra

The bag keeps the brand and the ingredients visible, so the staff know exactly what your dog eats. Count the nights, add a margin, and then add a little more. A dog who spends the day in a field may eat more than at home, and a short supply is the one problem you cannot fix from the highway.

## Write amounts in cups

The staff measure each meal from your instructions, so write the amount in standard measures such as cups, teaspoons or tablespoons. The pet information page of the boarding agreement asks how many times a day you feed, how much in cups, whether you supply the food and which brand. Those lines are the feeding plan, so fill them in completely.

## No pre-portioning

Skip the plastic bags and the pill organizer for kibble. The staff scoop from the bag each time, and that lets them raise or lower the amount if your dog needs it.

## What if your dog does not use special food

House food costs nothing extra: grain-free kibble and wet food, with farm-fresh eggs, hot dogs and treats. Read the [food and special diets page](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/food-and-special-diets/) for the house menu.

## A note on appetite

First-time boarders sometimes skip a meal or two. If a dog keeps refusing, the staff offer enticing extras such as hot dogs. Tell the staff on the form about allergies, and pack any supplements with their dose.

### Sources (checked October 19, 2026)

- [Happy Paws Kennels things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/)
- [Happy Paws Kennels boarding agreement (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Happy-Paws-Boarding-Agreement.pdf)

### Visit or call

6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620

[707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600)

| Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM |
| --- | --- |
| Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM |

[Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)

### Related

- [Food and special diets](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/food-and-special-diets/)
- [Do you charge extra if I bring my own food?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-charge-extra-if-i-bring-my-own-food/)
- [What food do you feed?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-food-do-you-feed/)
- [What if my dog has food allergies?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-if-my-dog-has-food-allergies/)
- [Food and treats](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/food/)
- [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/)

## Read next

- [What if my dog has food allergies?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-if-my-dog-has-food-allergies/)
- [What do you feed cats?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-do-you-feed-cats/)
- [Do dogs get walks?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-dogs-get-walks/)
- [What information do you need about my pet?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-information-do-you-need-about-my-pet/)
- [Do you need my veterinarian's information?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-need-my-veterinarians-information/)
- [Do you offer cat day care?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-offer-cat-day-care/)
- [Do you board guinea pigs and hamsters?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-board-guinea-pigs-and-hamsters/)
- [What is a Happy Pupsicle?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-is-a-happy-pupsicle/)

Answers

## Questions people ask

Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/).

### Is there a fee to feed my own food?

No. Own food is welcome at no charge.

### Do I need to bring a bowl?

No. Bowls are provided, but a slow-feeder is worth bringing if your dog uses one.
