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This DIY project for dog lovers is easy to do and will help make sure the dogs are fed according to plan no matter whose turn it is to feed them. This system is attractive, flexible, and relatively durable. I devised a simple pocket that I attached to my pet food containers. (We have both large containers at home and smaller ones for when we travel.) I can simply insert a new card if I switch brands or need to change the amount of food based on weight. Pictured below is Theo’s vacation dog food container. Thanks to Alice G Patterson for helping me with this and for all the photography!
Supplies:
- pet food containers
- acetate (I used both a patterned one and a clear sheet)
- scissors
- tape (washi tape as well as duct tape)
- cardstock
- circle punch (optional)
Directions:
Print feeding directions onto cardstock ~3 X 3.5 inches
Cut patterned acetate to size: 4 inches by 5 1/2 inches
Cut clear acetate to size: 4 inches by 3 inches
Optional: cut a semi-circle in clear acetate to make it easier to slide the card in and out. It is hard to see in this photo, but I put it about halfway through the top edge.
On the table, place tape sticky side up. We used white duck tape as the base because I knew that washi tape would not hold up long term. (We had to cut our duct tape into narrow strips because we couldn’t find 1/2 inch width at the store.)
Place the clear acetate on the sticky side of tape
Next place the patterned acetate covering the clear acetate and forming a pocket.
Apply the pocket to the container.
Add decorative tape.
Insert directions, fill with dog food, and you’re ready to go! You can also add the UPC information from the label in this pocket for reference in the event of a food recall.
You can see more of Alice’s photography by following Alice G Patterson Photography on Facebook. You’ll see photos of her awesome dogs, by following her on Instagram.
Be sure to check out our easiest DIY dog treat jars.
About Alice G Patterson Photography: Based in Syracuse, NY, Alice specializes in senior portraits, dog portraits, and product photography and portraits for small business owners.
Very clever!
That is a awesome DYI project.
Thank you!
Well, that rocks! As a pet sitter, I pride myself on taking copious notes when it comes to feeding instructions, especially when there are multiple pets in the household. I refer to my notes during each visit to make sure I’m doing everything exactly right, but MAN, would it be nice if my clients did this. Sharing and pinning and all that jazz!
Thanks for sharing!
This would make things so much easier! Love this idea!
I’m glad you like it! I really wanted something to be flexible since we have so many pets and alter the directions.
This is a great system! We travel a LOT; sometimes w/ the dogs and sometimes not. When we board them I always go through tons of zip lock bags that just get thrown away. This is a much better way to go, thanks! Sharing.
Thanks for sharing!
Super cute DIY project!
This such a cool idea and will definitely come in handy the next time I travel!
This is such a simple, yet effective way to give your sitters all the info they need for feeding, I love it!
Thanks Erica!
I love the idea of a pocket because it’s so easy to change if your dog’s diet changes.
Whenever I’m traveling I’m constantly worrying about whether or not I left the sitter with all the information they need. This will definitely put my mind at ease!
Glad I’m not the only one who does that! Hopefully this will help!
What a fab idea. thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you like it, thanks for stopping by!
Aw this is so super cute! I love having cute dog containers for my pup! And this is so super easy to do!
Great idea! I usually put her food in a Ziploc bag. Your idea is much more creative. 🙂
Such a cute idea! I just got a puppy so I will definitely be doing this if I want to travel!
I absolutely LOVE this! Where did you find that beautiful bowl?
It is from the Martha Stewart collection at PetSmart.
That is such a clever idea!! I’ll do that when we go on a trip in October!! That bowl is also really cute!!
This is such a great idea! Perfect for those who travel with dogs often. I like the pattern design as well.
this is such an important thing to be shared- cant wait to do so with a few friends
This is one of my biggest fears leaving my dogs when I travel. I generally take them wherever we go but having a system in place will really help.
Great tips! I have to seed this to my daughter she’s going to love it too~
Loving this idea as I am always scrambling with the rations for my dogs when I travel and have to leave them with the person that helps me, I will make three, one for my Bella and one for my Rocco. And another for my cats too.
This looks like such a fun idea! Looking forward to sharing this post with my friends who have fur babies.
That is so clever! I absolutely love this DIY project and you can adapt it to so many other things as well. But I really like using it as a dog container.
This is definitely a very useful post for those that have dogs! Thanks for sharing this with us!
We don’t have dogs, but I think that is such a great and helpful idea. I love the addition of washi tape. So cute!
This is awesome! I love that I could set this up, and not have to worry that the sitter won’t remember what time to feed my dogs. I will be making this before our next vacation.
This is awesome! It’s pretty easy to make and also a cute one!
This is such a cute idea! I love it! I would definitely need a bigger container since that container would barely last for one feeding with my big boys lol
This is a great way to be organized and have peace of mind about leaving your pet at home. I will have to do this with my cats!
What a fun DIY project. I’ve always admired the colorful rows of washi tape and duct tape, but I’ve never bought any because I didn’t know what I’d use it for.
These are really great idea. Love this DIY Jars. Easy to identify for person who taking care of our four legged friend.
This sounds like a fun activity for dog owners! The DIY labels look cute and so colorful