September 7, 2021
Do you have a hot dog, or a cold dog? In this article, we explore the basics of ‘food energetics’ and how you can improve the health of your senior dog based on their internal body thermometer.
In this blog article, I am going to outline the basics of ‘food energetics’, and how you can use this theory to improve the health of your senior dog.
Did you know that foods have different ‘food energies’?
The theory of 'food energetics’ comes from the healing principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is understood that each food type has either warming, cooling, or neutral properties. Warming foods contain Yin energy, and cooling foods contain Yang energy. Neutral foods are suitable for all body constitutions. Foods are grouped in this way based on the effects they have on the body i.e. warming foods generate heat in the body, whereas cooling foods makes the body feel colder.
The theory suggests that a properly balanced diet keeps your dog’s body healthy, and if need be, helps restore health and harmony when challenged with illness and disease.
Generally speaking, using TCM theory, dogs can be classified as either ‘hot dogs’ or ‘cold dogs’. This describes their overall constitution and can determine behaviours, appearance, and pre-disposition to illness.
Do you have a hot dog, or a cold dog?
Hot dogs, tend to seek out cool places to sleep, may feel hot to the touch, and pant even when at rest. These dogs can often be restless, moving from place to place before finally settling down. They have a predisposition to allergies and may have pink/reddish skin and eyes. In terms of personality, they can sometimes be quite anxious.
Cold dogs seek out warm places to sleep and love snuggling in blankets (and even in their human’s bed). They tend to be calm and relaxed, but can become sluggish in the winter months. You will notice that they have cold nose, ears and feet. They are more susceptible to arthritis and stiff joints that are aggravated by cold weather.
By feeding your dog a food with the view to helping the body reach a neutral state, this creates energetic balance in the body, optimising health and wellbeing.
TCM practitioners balance the body’s yin and yang energies to prevent and treat disease by utilising the different properties of foods. The focus here is on the quality of the food your dog eats, not quantity. It is considered more important how the food is metabolised within the body.
Now, let’s look at how we can use ‘food energetics’ principles to support elderly dogs, and dogs who have arthritis aggravated by colder weather.
As our dogs move into their senior years, their internal body thermometer shifts. This means they struggle to balance hot and cold from within. From a TCM perspective, the internal flame begins to flicker, and their core body temperature starts to cool. You will notice the tendency of older dogs to seek out warmth by the fire, on a cosy blanket, or by laying out in the sun. They begin showing signs of exercise intolerance, preferring to sleep. You will notice that they may be stiff after lying down for long periods, with their joints taking a little time to ‘warm up’. By offering senior dogs a diet that is warming in nature, we can offset the cold imbalance.
Warming foods raise the yang energy of the body, improving circulation as well as dispelling the cold. Improving warming yang energy can help ease the soreness of joints, reduce swelling and fluid retention.
Chicken is one of the top warming proteins for older dogs. It is also known for its ability to tonify the blood and improve circulation. Combine it with vegetables such as pumpkin and sweet potato to boost its warming properties.
Why not try the Premi-Yum ‘Chicken Chow for Dogs’ recipe.
Supporting your senior dog holistically is a beautiful way to honour the bond you share as they move into elderly years. Time passes so quickly, so enjoy every day with your four-legged friend.
Claire Oats
Specialist Animal Kinesiologist B.Sc, Dip Kin
Follow Claire on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on pet health and wellbeing.
About the author
Claire Oats is a Specialist Animal Kinesiologist and Canine Behaviourist from Perth. Claire has worked with dogs for the last 25 years and specialises in resolving behaviour problems using Kinesiology techniques to remove physiological, neurological and emotional stress.
Please note: Claire's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your veterinarian.
