The Rise of Raw Feeding
Raw feeding — also known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) or prey-model feeding — has grown from a niche practice to a mainstream choice for health-conscious dog owners. Proponents cite improvements in coat quality, dental health, energy levels and digestive function.
The Hotel Challenge
Most pet hotels are set up for dry kibble feeding: it's shelf-stable, easy to portion and has a long history in the industry. Raw food requires refrigeration, careful handling to prevent bacterial contamination, and more preparation time per meal — all challenges for busy hotel environments.
Finding Raw-Friendly Hotels
The good news: as raw feeding has grown in popularity, more hotels are adapting. When searching for a hotel, specifically ask:
- Do you have refrigeration facilities for raw food?
- Are staff trained in raw food handling and hygiene?
- Can I provide clearly labelled, pre-portioned meals?
On xpetotel.com, you can filter hotels by "Special Diet" accommodation to find suitable facilities quickly.
Preparing Food for a Hotel Stay
If you find a raw-friendly hotel, preparation is key. Portion and freeze individual meals in clearly labelled bags. Include feeding instructions in writing. Bring slightly more than needed in case of travel delays. Include a note from your vet confirming the diet for medical/authoritative weight.