Eating Outside Series: Day Hiking or Biking with your Dog
There are SO many ways to enjoy food outside! Being outside seems to make everything better! A hike, walk, mountain bike, canoe ride, rock climb, ski tour - whatever activity gets you out there may have your body working hard, but it also has a way of slowing time down to notice and appreciate every little thing. The intricate patterns of each leaf, the sound of the soft breeze weaving through the trees, the smell of fresh pine, the cool feeling of a smooth stone between your fingers, the sweet nutty flavour of a homemade granola bar; The great outdoors can turn the simplest of moments into memorable experiences. In this pause in time, there is nothing but you, nature, and food! The pressures and stresses of daily life have no place here!
So, whether you are an avid outdoor enthusiast, or scarcely dare to leave the comforts of your home, we hope you find some inspiration in this guide that gets you started with enjoying food outside and creating these meaningful moments. Be sure to check out the other guides in this series in the links at the end of this guide!
Cooking Gear / Essentials
First things first, essential tools. What you pack along depends on the scope of your trip or outing and the food you are planning on making. For each activity in this eating outside series, I will outline the essential tools needed, however one thing that spending time outdoors will teach you is that being resourceful is key! So feel free to improvise with what works for you and what you already have on hand. This guide does not include every possible item you will need, but rather is meant to serve as a way to get you started. With time and experience, you will no doubt have you own go-to gear, and meal ideas!
Hiking or biking with your dog
There are many considerations to make before going out for a day hike or bike with your dog. Snacks and hydration are key! This guide will also outline a few other things that are great to think about before hitting the trail with your furry companion.
Snacks / Food
You and your pup both will need plenty of nutritious treats to keep you fueled for the day. Be sure to pack along food that will provide you with lasting energy rather than sugary foods that will only offer quick boosts of energy. Choose food that is full of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This kind of food digests slowly and therefore will release a steady supply of energy. Trail mix, nuts/nut butters, fresh fruit, dried fruit/veggies, energy balls, granola bars, whole grain tortillas, bagels, hummus, cheese, or jerky are all great options that fall into those categories of foods that will keep you fuelled all day.
Essentials
Beeswax wraps
Thermos
Water bottle, or hydration bladder
Collapsible dog-water bowl
Backpack
Bag(s) for waste
Menu
Granola Bars
These baked oatmeal bars are super easy to make and are great treats for camping, hiking and picnics. They are easy to adapt for allergy, taste and dietary preferences by using whichever dried fruit and seeds you prefer and by using a dairy free/vegan butter.
Dog Treats
Don’t forget our fur babies also need a treat when we are out and about on adventures. These little cookies are hearty, travel well and are pet approved. They can even be eaten by pet parents (in a pinch) but maybe with some cheese or nut butter to make them a little more palatable for human taste buds.
Tortilla Wraps
Traditional flour tortillas with a slight twist! Rather than your standard all purpose flour, we use our Anita’s Organic White All Purpose Spelt Flour. This ancient grain is a white flour that delivers light and soft results with extra nutritional value. You can use these wraps for tacos, burritos, or wrap it up with your favourite lunch fixings!
Hydration
Remember to bring along enough water for your dog, especially if there is no running water where you will be hiking. Plan to bring about 2 cups of water for every hour of hiking per person/dog. Also, be sure to drink lots of water before you head out. In the heat of the summer it’s just as essential to be aware your dog becoming dehydrated as it is for yourself. A few things to keep an eye out for as a guideline for when hydration is over-due with your dog is a dry nose, sunken eyes, rapid panting, and increased heart-rate. A good rule of thumb is to offer your dog water every 15-30 minutes. If your thirsty, there's a good chance your furry companion is thirsty as well!
Trail Etiquette
If you are hiking in an off-leash area it might seem like anything goes, but be sure to only let your dog off leash if you are in an off-leash designated area, and if your dog has good recall. Even though off-leash may be permitted in the area you are hiking, some hikers may be uncomfortable around dogs so it is important that you are able to call your dog back to your side at a moments notice.
Remember the principle "leave no trace". For any doggy-business your pooch leaves along the trail - pack it out in bags or bury it in a hole at least 6 inches deep and 70 paces away from the trail/any water sources.
Safety
If you haven’t already, talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s vaccinations being up to date especially for flea, tick and heartworm prevention. Certain areas at certain times of the year can have ticks that carry lymes disease, and all of these potential illnesses that come along with these little creatures are easily prevetable with the right vaccination or medication. While you are at the vet clinic, inquire about microchipping your dog as well and/or get registered dog tags through your local city. This way, if you were to get separated from your dog, anyone who finds them would be able to easily contact and reunite you. Another question to ask your vet is whether your dog can handle a long hike. Depending on age, breed, and fitness level your dog may need some time, and conditioning before they are ready to go on a big hike.
Remember to be bear aware. Whether or not you are knowledgeable about bear behaviour take a moment to educate yourself through bebareaware.org before hiking, especially if you are planning on going into the backcountry. Although dogs can be deterrents for bears, it is important to educate yourself on bear behaviour and how to be respectful of bears when going into their territory.
We’d love to see your favourite ways to enjoy food outside this summer, so be sure to tag or mention @anitasorganic or #makeitwithanitas when you share your adventures on Instagram or Facebook!
Check out these other guides in our eating outside series:
PICNICKING WITH YOUR KIDS
MIDWEEK MEALS OUTDOORS