Nutrition is at the basis of health – in humans and animals. More and more people are aware of healthy choices, and fortunately that attention is also growing for dogs and cats. Because just like us, animals also benefit from food that is in line with their nature and constitution.
Nutrition in Chinese medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the stomach and spleen play a central role. They convert food into Qi (energy), Wei Qi (defense) and Xue (blood). When these organs are strong and receive the right nutrition, balance and vitality are created.
If the Spleen or stomach is weakened by too heavy, cold or highly processed food, this can lead to reduced energy, diarrhea or mucus formation. In TCM, foods have a temperature (cold, neutral, warm, hot) and a taste (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, sharp). These qualities influence how the body reacts. For example, kibble is seen as “sweet” and “hot”: stressful for the Spleen and drying for the body.
Carnivores require different nutrition
Dogs, cats and ferrets are carnivores. Their teeth, stomach acid and short intestines are completely attuned to meat. In nature, they eat complete prey with muscles, bones, organs and intestinal contents. Humans, on the other hand, are omnivores and can digest carbohydrates well.
The difference: dogs and cats lack enzymes to break down grains. When they are fed a lot of grains – as in most kibble – their digestion becomes more unbalanced.
Chunks: practical, but burdensome
Kibble is handy, has a long shelf life and is easy to feed. But the basis is often meat meal and grains that are heated to 200 °C. This causes oxidation and Maillard reactions, which cause nutrients to be lost and substances are released that can trigger inflammatory reactions.
In addition, kibble does not contain enzymes or bacteria that contribute to a healthy intestinal flora. According to TCM, this type of food leads to heating, dehydration (Yin deficiency) and mucus formation, with complaints such as diarrhea, itching, allergies and reduced resistance.
There are better variants, such as cold-pressed or freeze-dried kibble. These are less heavily processed, but remain flour products and do not fit in optimally with the nature of carnivores.
Fresh meat: closer to nature
Raw meat (KVV – ready-to-eat fresh meat) is much more in line with the natural diet. It contains meat, bone, and organs in the right proportions and is stored frozen, which preserves nutrients.
In TCM, KVV is seen as more nutritious and neutral for the Spleen Qi. For young and older animals, it is wise to warm up the meat briefly (au bain-marie), so that the digestion is not weakened by cold.
In addition to KVV, you can alternate with bones, pieces of tripe or prey animals. This supports the teeth, reduces stress and strengthens the Spleen Qi because the body has to make an effort to chew and digest.
Variety and vegetables
A good guideline is 80% meat and 20% vegetables. Vegetables provide fiber and prebiotics that nourish the gut microbiome. Think of pumpkin in the fall, zucchini in the summer or green leafy vegetables such as spinach and endive.
Fruit is also allowed occasionally, but in moderation and tailored to the animal species. Keep an eye out for poisonous varieties such as grapes, avocado, and onions.
Quantity and age
Adult dog/cat: 20–30 g fresh meat per kg body weight per day
Puppy/kitten: 40–60 g per kg body weight
Many dogs seem to be more hungry when switching to fresh meat. This is because kibble digests more slowly and always keeps the stomach full. Adding vegetables can help for extra satiety without overfeeding.
For puppies and seniors, the following applies: heat meals lightly, so that the Spleen Qi is not extra burdened.
BARF and compose yourself
In addition to KVV, you can also opt for BARF (Bones And Raw Food). Here you put together the menu yourself with meat bones, muscle meat, organ meat, vegetables and sometimes fruit or nuts. Most important rule: variation. Viewed in a month’s time, the whole thing should be complete.
A guideline:
50% meat bone
20–30% muscle meat
10–20% organ
10–20% fruit/vegetables
Preferably use organic meat and seasonal products. Avoid pork because of risk of Aujeszky virus.
Nutrition and the gut microbiome
The gut microbiome is essential for resistance, energy, and even behavior. One-sided feeding feeds only a small proportion of bacteria, reducing diversity. Less diversity = less resilience.
By alternating animal species and vegetables, you always offer new nutrients and fiber. This supports both the intestinal flora and the Spleen and Stomach according to TCM, and provides balance and vitality.
Conclusion
Food is more than fuel. It is energy, balance and health. For dogs and cats, this means: food that is in line with their nature as carnivores, and that, in the vision of Chinese medicine, strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.
With raw, varied food, supplemented with vegetables and chewing material, you give your animal the best basis for a healthy and vital life.