A Short Guide To The World's Best Dog Food Menus

As someone who’s travelled extensively with my dog, I’ve sometimes run out of dog food at inconvenient moments and had to pester room service for a plate of ham or a plain steak to feed my dog. A decade ago, that was as good as it got; hotels never seemed to have dog food on hand, just in case a guest ran out.

You were lucky if you got a water bowl in those days, let alone a can of dog food. Even at the nicest pet-friendly hotels, they rarely considered canine guests and their needs. Things have changed in the hotel industry since then. It has become quite common to see enterprising dog-friendly hotels partner with high-end brands to (conveniently) sell wet and dry dog food at a profit to guests in need.

I always appreciate it, I honestly do, but when my dog and I stay at fancy hotels, we both like to dine well, and a can of dog food doesn't really cut it. Chef will cook his heart out to make sure I have something tasty to eat; how can we then feed my dog a can of Lily's Kitchen and claim to have elevated the guest experience?

When feeling affluent, I will quite happily spend $20-$30 on dinner for my dog, not every day, of course, but on special occasions when I am celebrating perhaps it is a wonderful luxury to be able to treat your dog to a gourmet meal.

Happily, some of the world's best hotels are quietly revolutionising what it means to feed your dog and redefining five-star hospitality to include canine guests, offering gourmet dining experiences designed exclusively for dogs. In this article, we will look at some of my favourite menus; examples of exceptional dog menus demonstrating the growing trend of catering to dogs as valued guests.

Whether ordering plain protein for an everyday meal or indulging in gourmet offerings, the convenience of a well-thought-out dog menu has been invaluable to me during my travels. For hotels looking to elevate their pet-friendly status to dog-friendly hospitality, investing in a top-tier canine menu is a step toward creating unforgettable guest experiences for humans and canine guests alike.

The Dolder Grand (Zurich, Switzerland)

This canine menu from the Dolder Grand focuses on simple yet luxurious dishes, made from organic ingredients that cater to health-conscious dog owners. Personally, I really appreciate the simplicity of this menu; this is healthy food that you can feed to your dog every day without spoiling it, perfect for long stays.

Rice with cooked vegetables (~$21 USD): A light, filling, inexpensive, and easy-to-make dish that ensures dogs get their veggies, add a sauce for the win!

Rice with cooked vegetables and chicken (~$31 USD): Protein-packed and straightforward to prepare with minimal ingredients.

(Rice with cooked vegetables and beef (~$39 USD): A premium option, appealing to owners who want their dogs to enjoy the same luxury they do.

Veal sausage (~$20 USD): A regional speciality from the surrounding region that adds a wonderful touch of local flavour to the menu, a treat more than a meal.

El Encanto Hotel (Santa Barbara, USA)

This is the canine menu of a hotel that takes canine hospitality seriously, you can tell from the extensive choices the El Encanto Hotel offers, even going so far as to include desserts and specialist teas to soothe your dog!

This is a solid menu; it has everything from healthy meals to treats to interesting oddities like Ruff Day that you will buy for your dog because why not? Fantastic!

Entrees such as Organic Chicken, Salmon, and Beef Burger, all priced at $15. These dishes are both cost-effective to prepare and can be made in a visually appealing, making them a hit with guests and their followers on social media!

Gourmet desserts like Pupcakes ($4) and Organic Gourmet Dog Treats ($8) are super easy to bake in-house; these desserts can double as take-home treats.

Speciality herbal tea blends, including Le Grand Wag and Ruff Day ($5 each). Innovative and low-cost, these teas create a unique, memorable experience.

The Milestone Hotel by Red Carnation (London, UK)

The Milestone Hotel belongs to Red Carnation Hotels, who own what I think are some of the best dog-friendly hotels in the UK, contained within beautiful historic buildings. Their “Four-Legged Friend’s Menu” combines comfort food with a gourmet twist and traditional English classics that my dog loves.

Raw Beef Tartare (~$17 USD): Simple yet wonderfully luxurious, this dish uses high-quality steak with minimal prep, for a healthy gourmet dinner.

Cumberland Sausages (~$15 USD): A hearty and nostalgic option that’s easy to serve in bulk, if your dog is a fan of English breakfast leftovers this one is for you.

Rib Eye Steak (~$25 USD): Why not? We all love a rib-eye steak, and so does your dog, but the difference is that your dog never really gets to enjoy one.

Berry Crumble (~$11 USD). A sweet treat made with coconut yogurt, berries, and shortbread, tasty, affordable and easy to prepare.

Sir Woofchester’s Menu (UK)

This is not a hotel menu, even though you will see it in good dog-friendly hotels in the UK quite often, this menu comes from a third-party supplier to the industry called Sir Woofchester, who will take all of the hard work out of having a dog food menu for your hotel, an accessible way to offer chouce. Casual, yet high-quality and delicious, this menu caters to dog owners looking for everyday treats.

I have noticed that we are better at providing this level of choice to hotels in the UK; we have a large number of suppliers who can provide a wide range of incredible dog treats and food to your hotel, more so than in the US.

Treat pots like Bark Burgers and Sunday Roast Treats (~$4.50 USD) are highly affordable and easy to prepare in advance for any kitchen.

Dog Bowls with options like Roast Dinner (~$9.50 USD) are complete meals made with common and inexpensive kitchen staples.

Alcohol-free dog drinks such as Bark Brew Dog ‘Beer’ (~$4.50 USD) are a creative touch that delights guests and their dogs at a minimal cost.

Four Seasons Austin (Texas, USA)

The Four Seasons Austin brings elegance and simplicity to its pet menu, catering to both dogs and (somewhat unusually) cats with various healthy options. I personally appreciate the names they have given the dishes; who doesn't want to feed their dog a 'Hungry Like A Wolf' or 'Top Dog' dinner as a treat when you stay?

Hungry Like a Wolf (~$14 USD): Chicken, rice, carrot, and celery, a nutritious, low-cost dish your chef will not mind preparing when he is busy.

Shepherd’s Pie (~$14 USD): An English classic, ground sirloin, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, a comforting meal that feels like home cooking.

Top Dog (~$26 USD): Filet mignon, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, a proper luxury meal for discerning canine guests or special occasions.

Eye of the Tiger (~$14 USD): Grilled white fish, rice, and vegetables, a balanced meal designed with feline tastes in mind, but my dog loves eating fish!

The Pig & Whistle at Healing Manor Hotel (UK)

This charming menu offers affordable yet thoughtful dishes for dogs, perfect for a countryside getaway in an old English manor house. There is not much variety on this menu, but there are plenty of choices to keep your dog interested.

Scrambled Eggs (~$3 USD): A simple, yet inexpensive, protein-rich breakfast, I often give my dog scrambled eggs or add a raw egg to her dry food; she loves it!

Protein Bowl (~$3.75 USD): Cuts of cooked meat and fish with rice and vegetables, balanced and easy to prepare, it’s a practical, healthy choice.

Chicken Casserole (~$3.75 USD): Free-range chicken, vegetables, and gravy, a homely and cost-effective option that aligns with their theme of rustic hospitality.

Peanut Butter Cupcake(~$3 USD): A sweet, low-cost treat that adds a fun touch to the menu, and which are really easy to make in any kitchen.

Top Tips For Creating Your Own Dog Food Menu

Like many high-end hotels, you probably have a world-class chef who almost certainly has the skills to create an incredible canine menu for your guests. Still, even if you aren't a fancy five-star hotel, there is no reason why you cannot provide dog owners with an affordable and healthy menu option for their dogs.

Creating a dog menu that appeals to all audiences, palates, and use cases requires balancing everyday essentials and gourmet treats. Start with simple, affordable options like scrambled eggs, rice with vegetables, or plain chicken, which are easy to prepare and satisfy the practical needs of dog owners. Be aware that many dogs (including my own) are allergic to chicken but not at all allergic to fish, lamb, or beef, so always provide different meat options to suit hypoallergenic dogs.

To elevate the experience, include premium dishes like filet mignon, salmon bowls, or custom dog-friendly desserts such as pupcakes or peanut butter cookies. Variety is key, blend nutritious staples with indulgent items that make special occasions memorable. Incorporating playful and creative options, like themed treats or seasonal specials, helps your menu stands out on social media!

Don’t forget to use locally sourced or organic ingredients to appeal to eco-conscious guests, and consider collaborating with a pet nutritionist to provide balanced, health-focused meals. By offering a thoughtful mix of convenience, indulgence, and creativity, your menu can cater to a wide range of dogs and delight their owners, who will quite happily spend more than usual on a great meal.

Innovations in Canine Dining

Hotels around the world are embracing innovative approaches to canine dining, blending creativity with luxury to cater to four-legged guests. At The Egerton House Hotel in London, dogs and their owners can enjoy elegant doggy afternoon teas, complete with petit fours designed to delight both species.

In New York, The Mark Hotel elevates pet dining with its “Spoiled Dog’s Menu,” a creatively named offering designed by a celebrity chef that adds a touch of flair to the experience. For something more unique, The Ladyhawk Restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired pet skewers, while The Kona Kai Resort provides convenient and charming dog picnic kits. Over in Japan, The Square Hotel takes celebrations to the next level by crafting custom canine birthday cakes, ensuring every pup’s special day is as memorable as their human counterparts

There is absolutely no reason why you can't run wild with your canine menu; it is a unique opportunity to be creative with food that will get shared all over social media by delighted dog owners if you do it right, and it is a welcome change from the endless pictures of prettily plated human food we usually see online.

The Booming Economics of High-End Dog Meals

The dog-friendly hotel travel trend is currently experiencing significant growth. Skift just declared pet-friendly travel a Megatrend for 2025, and it's driven by the increasing demand for premium experiences for dogs. Hotels that provide gourmet meals, treats, and snacks for dogs tap into an affluent clientele willing to pay for added convenience and to treat their dogs to something special when they travel.

Offering dog-friendly dining presents a significant revenue opportunity, it encourages longer stays and additional spending from dog owners. who are drawn to hotels where their dogs can enjoy meals as thoughtfully prepared as their own.

Creating a dog menu is highly cost-efficient. Most dishes, such as those featuring rice, chicken, or vegetables, are simple to prepare, use basic, high-quality ingredients, and have low production costs while commanding premium pricing. Beyond the financial benefits, a well-crafted gourmet dog menu sets a hotel apart in a competitive market, appealing to discerning dog owners who seek exceptional experiences for their four-legged friends when they travel together.

Thus concludes what I think is the greatest article on this subject that exists on the internet. If this article inspires you to greatness when you create your own canine dining experience for your hotel, please let me know so that I can add your incredible menu to this article, I will add more menus over time!