IT CAME IN THE MAIL

An occasional look at products the travel industry insists we need.

An occasional look at products the travel industry insists we need.

WHAT: Portable case for pet food and water.

AIMED AT: Pet owners and their traveling furballs seeking an alternative to flimsy doggie bags.

HOW MUCH: 19.95 for plastic bowl "bag," plus carrying sack.

BUT DOES IT WORK? Wondering what those brown pellets rolling around your car are? Probably Fido's kibble. That wet spot in the back seat? Your dog's dribbling water bottle (at least we hope). Pet King, however, cracks the pet-food-packing dilemma (Ziploc or Tupperware?), plus lets your menagerie eat and drink like civilized animals -- especially when on the road and far from water or Petco. The deep plastic bowls snap shut into a compact case with handle (there's also a black nylon carrier). When in use, the connected bowls open up and lie flat. When feeding time's over, the lids suction onto the bowls, with no leakage or escaped scraps. Of course, if you find yourself in a bind, perhaps Spot will let you share his bowl.

-- Andrea Sachs

Pet King is available through Magellan's, 800- 962-4943, www.magellans.com.