Most companion animal caretakers have been taught to believe that highly processed cereal products, known as “pet food,” are adequate for their beloved animals. But deep down, we all know that eating wholesome, fresh food is what has kept each of us healthy throughout our lives. The question, then, is: if we choose to start feeding fresh, wholesome foods to our companion animals—or add them to their current diet—how do we decide what’s best for them?
Just as there is no one “perfect” diet for all humans, the same applies to dogs and cats. We know that there are differences in our personalities, body shapes and sizes, energy levels, ages, and, for companion animals, breed differences as well. So, how do we navigate these differences to determine the best diet for each individual at every life stage?
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
Fortunately, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) offers well-developed strategies for determining the proper diet for our companion animals. The TCVM examination will help assess whether your animal is Excess or Deficient, Hot or Cold, or Damp or Dry. Furthermore, if your companion animal suffers from a medical issue like cardiovascular disease, seizures, or behavioral disorders, the TCVM examination can identify the underlying disharmony, which can then be treated with acupuncture and herbal remedies, further supported by an appropriately designed diet.
TCVM has also discovered that foods have specific “energetic” properties. For example, when you eat a hot pepper, you begin to feel warm, sweat, and your superficial blood vessels dilate, making your skin appear redder. In contrast, eating a piece of watermelon has the opposite effect. TCVM would classify the pepper as “Hot” and say that it “releases the exterior,” while watermelon would be classified as “Cold,” reducing excess heat in the body. Every food can be categorized with various properties, such as Tonifying Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang; Circulating Qi, Circulating Blood, Drying Damp, Draining Water, Clearing Heat, Warming Cold, or Reducing Toxicity.
When an experienced TCVM practitioner diagnoses your companion animal, they can recommend foods that facilitate healing for each individual. These recommended foods will be wholesome, much like the ones you would eat yourself. There are also quick and easy methods for preparing these foods, making it easier for those of us with busy lives. It’s often possible to add simple, wholesome additions to your companion animal’s current diet to help them stay on the path to good health and longevity. TCVM Food Therapy is a vital component of an ancient, well-researched system of health and healing.
About the Author
Dr. Bruce Ferguson is both a practitioner and instructor in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). His practice is referral-based in Perth, Western Australia. Dr. Ferguson offers Veterinary Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Tui Na, and Whole Food Therapy to his veterinary patients. He is also occasionally available as a relief veterinarian for TCVM and holistic veterinary practices in the Southeastern United States. To learn more, visit: https://www.naturalvet.org
