What is Food Energetics?

April 19, 2023By Sally Hayler

There's so much information and so many different ways to approach your pet's health and nutrition. One way to look at how to heal or care for your dog is through Food Energetics. To help us understand a little more about how Food Energetics impact our dogs health, we're handing over to Yaz from Yorkshire Pooches Therapies...

Food Energetics is founded on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the same branch of medicine that includes acupuncture and herbal remedies. Food Energetics principles are based on food having energetic properties, which help to restore and maintain balance in the body. The balance we’re looking to achieve with our dogs is more commonly known as Yin and Yang. To understand Yin and Yang, think of night and day, moon and sun, cold and hot.

Once you grasp this concept, food energetics will come naturally to you! Understanding our dogs and where they sit in this TCM balance can help guide Food Energetic input.

One easy way to establish if your dog is more Yin or Yang is to ask yourself this question. If your dog is sleeping on your bed, are they under the covers or on top? In the same way that we pet parents either run hot or cold, our dogs have their own preferences. This can be influenced by breed, age, and sex.

Yin

Cooling, foods that work to slow and cool metabolism,having a strong affinity with hot conditions such as anxiety.

Yang

Warming, foods that work to increase speed and warm metabolism, working closely with cold conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Warming Proteins

80-10-10 Lamb Meat Feast Adult Raw Working Dog Food

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Tender Chicken Complete Adult Raw Working Dog Food

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80-10-10 Goat Meat Feast Adult Raw Working Dog Food

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80-10-10 Venison Meat Feast Adult Raw Working Dog Food

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Cooling Proteins

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80-10-10 Duck Meat Feast Adult Raw Working Dog Food

£3.80 Shop now

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Tasty Turkey Complete Adult Raw Working Dog Food

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Food Energetics Case Studies

"My 9 year old retired working Labrador is in brilliant health, raw fed her whole life. I've noticed they are starting to look stuff in the morning when they first get up and can't go quite as far on walks."

What to consider...

First port of call would be to have a consultation with a Holistic Vet to discuss diagnostics and a pain trial. Current research says that 80% of dogs over the age of 8 are diagnosed with osteoarthritis, so it’s important we act on signs of discomfort as early as possible.

Food & supplements to support...

Osteoarthritis is a cold condition. Typically related to chronic conditions, where stagnation occurs. Along with this, dogs of an older age can have a yang deficiency as the body begins to slow down. With this in mind neutral or warming proteins would be most beneficial to encourage heat into the body and expel cold sluggishness surrounding problem areas. Our mobility topper contains some wonderful nutraceuticals to support joint health, from a food energetics perspective it contains the mighty green lipped mussel and organic coconut (in its dry form). Both of these are warming in nature and will perfectly compliment the warming principles we’re looking to achieve.

"My 16 month old Cocker Spaniel in excellent health, transitioned to raw dog food but I've started to notice some anxious behaviour, they struggle in busy places and struggle to settle when left at home alone."

What to consider...

A holistic het check up would be first on the list, to ensure nervous behaviour isn’t linked to pain or other health conditions. Current research found that 80% of changes in behaviour can be attributed to pain so it's super important to rule this out before anything else. Working in conjunction with a force free trainer and or a veterinary behaviourist can help to guide you through practical ways to support your dog's emotional well being.

Food & supplements to support...

Anxious behaviour is a hot condition. This heat is caused by excess stress chemicals known as cortisol and adrenaline, where the sympathetic nervous system is in overdrive. As well as this, dogs of a younger age can have yin deficiency as the body is full of youth and vitality,which could benefit from a cool and calming influence. Neutral and cooling proteins would be of most benefit to restore a potential yin deficiency. Our calming topper contains some amazing components to promote well rounded emotional health. Focusing on energetic principles the chamomile and skullcap bring these cooling components to achieve the balance we’re striving for.

Food Energetics can become increasingly complicated with the 5- element theory and foods supporting particular organs. I’m a big fan of not overcomplicating things, if your dog has a cold condition it doesn’t mean they can never have cooling foods again. Food Energetics looks to support seasonal and energetic feeding, with the aim to achieve balance between Yin & Yang. However just starting with a solid foundation of cold, neutral and warming foods is the best way to dip your toe into Food Energetics. Continue to support your dogs with species appropriate nutrition, compassion, and massage.

Yaz, Yorkshire Pooches Therapies Canine Wellness Expert

Disclaimer- The above information does not constitute as, or replace Veterinary advice.Should you be concerned about your dog’s health please contact your local Holistic Vet.

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