Food Energetics

Food energetics is an approach to nutrition that originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, foods are classified based on their energetic qualities and effects on the body, not their actual temperatures. This perspective is quite different from the Western nutritional science approach, which primarily focuses on the biochemical aspects of nutrients.

Cooling Foods: These are believed to help cool the body and are typically recommended for animals with conditions associated with heat, like inflammation or skin problems. For example, duck, rabbit and white fish are often considered cooling proteins.

Warming Foods: These are used to warm the body and are often suggested for animals that suffer from conditions related to cold, such as joint stiffness or lethargy. Chicken and lamb are commonly classified as warming proteins.

Neutral Foods: These are neither warming nor cooling and are considered balanced. They are often recommended for maintaining general health. Beef and salmon are typically viewed as neutral.

The effects of these food types on dogs and cats are understood more from a holistic and traditional standpoint rather than from a strictly scientific perspective. Proponents of food energetics believe that choosing the right type of food based on an animal's specific health condition can bring the body into balance and promote overall well-being.

If you're considering applying these principles to your pet's diet, it's wise to consult with a veterinarian, ideally one who has experience in both traditional and holistic approaches, to ensure the nutritional needs of your pet are adequately met.

Healthy Pets Make Happy Humans!

-The Pawse Posse