Feed and water management for pack animals in the backcountry is a critical but often underestimated component of trip planning. Animals that are not adequately fueled and hydrated will perform worse, recover more slowly, and be at greater risk of health problems than those whose nutritional needs are properly addressed throughout the trip.
Water is the most immediately critical resource. Pack animals should be allowed to drink at every reliable water source along the trail, and on hot days or steep terrain where sweat losses are high, this may mean stopping every hour or two. An animal that is dehydrated but not showing obvious signs will tire faster, have reduced coordination, and be at greater risk of colic. In desert or high-mountain terrain where water sources are spaced far apart, trip planning must account for the animal's water needs explicitly.
Grazing and supplemental feed must be planned based on the trip duration, the quality of grazing available, and the weight of supplemental feed the packer is willing to carry. On trips of more than two or three days, packing supplemental grain or pellets for the animals is standard practice in many areas where grazing is limited or prohibited. Many wilderness areas also require certified weed-free hay to prevent the introduction of invasive plant species.