What to bring to a dog picnic

A dog picnic needs more than sandwiches and a few toys. You will need separate supplies for people and dogs, reliable shade, plenty of drinking water and equipment that works outdoors. Plan the food around the final guest and dog count, including dietary requirements, then keep refrigerated items cold until serving. This checklist also covers the things hosts often arrange too late: water bowls, coolers, power access for hot drinks and safe materials for games.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Picnic blanketsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 3
Teapotsqty 2

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Dog water bowlsqty 8
Feed bowlsqty 4
Groceries
- Brown rolls - 50 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 30 pieces
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian cold cuts - 1 kilogram
- Herb cream cheese - 500 grams
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Slamix - 1.5 kilograms
- Potato salad - 2 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 2 kilogram
- Feta cheese - 500 gram
- Olives - 500 grams
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 3 kilograms
- Bananas - 2 kilograms
- Melons - 2 pieces
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Vegan cookies - 2 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Salad dressing - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Dog treats - 3 kilograms
- Dog biscuits - 4 packs
- Dog sausage - 2 kilogram
- Dog waste bags - 20 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 3 packs

Equipment

Thermos flasksqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2

Sports equipment

Dog frisbeesqty 6
Dog ballsqty 10
Dog agility obstaclesqty 4
Long linesqty 6
Marker conesqty 12
Prize ribbonsqty 20

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Balloonsqty 30
Welcome sign
Table signsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Tea towelsqty 12
Towelsqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 2
Kitchen tongsqty 3
Food storage containersqty 12

Tips

Plan around the confirmed numbers: provide at least one reusable plate, bowl, cup and set of cutlery per person, plus 10% extra for breakages or unexpected guests.
Allow roughly 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per hour after that. Bring extra water for dogs and place a filled dog water bowl at each main activity area.
Buy refrigerated food on the day of the picnic or no more than 24 hours beforehand. Pack dietary options separately and label them before loading the coolers.
Set up shade before guests arrive: allow about 2 square metres of picnic blanket space per person and check that party tents are weighted or secured if the forecast is windy.
Test kettles, thermos flasks, extension cords and power strips before leaving. Bring at least two serving tongs and keep dog games separate from the food and drinks station.

Frequently asked questions

What food should I buy for a dog picnic?: Buy sandwiches or wraps, cut vegetables and fruit, snacks and separate dietary options for the confirmed guest count. Add around 10% extra portions, and keep refrigerated products in coolers until serving.
How much water do I need for a dog picnic?: Bring at least 2 litres of drinking water per dog for a warm outdoor event, plus water for people. Use several dog water bowls rather than one shared bowl, and refill them throughout the picnic.
How early should I shop for a dog picnic?: Buy non-perishable supplies 2–3 days beforehand. Purchase refrigerated products on the day itself or within 24 hours before the event, then fill the coolers just before transport.
What do I need for dog games at a picnic?: Pack frisbees, balls, long lines, marker cones and agility obstacles, with at least one game item for every 3–4 dogs. Keep prize ribbons separate and set up the activity area away from tables and food.

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