"Quality Care for Your 4-Legged Friends"
3355 E. Conner St.
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317)773-3283
Diet
Diet and lifestyle are the cornerstones of building good health. Not every animal has the same lifestyle or dietary needs. Diet can serve two functions: Basic nutrition and nutritional therapy or 'food as medicine'. We first look at what an ideal
diet needs to be for the species in general, which is constantly evolving as the veterinary community learns more about nutrition. Next, we analyze current diet and tailor diet recommendations based on lifestyle, owner preferences, TCM personality, and any specific problems the animal is currently facing.
Key Benefits
- Improved health and lifestyle
- Prevention of disease status
- Treatment of certain diseases
- Less expensive than treatment with medicine
Capabilities
A recent study of over 2000 dogs showed slightly underweight dogs can expect to live, on average, 2 years longer
than comparable but overweight dogs. Yet many dogs continue to be overweight despite months or years on high-fiber,
reduced calorie diets. For some, elevated lipids and cholesterol present in their blood tests lead us to suspect
dysfunction in carbohydrate metabolism.
Examples
- A ten-year old overweight golden retriever with lameness from osteoarthritis that has an easy going and friendly disposition.
- TCM classification: 'Earth-type' personality with Bony Bi Syndrome.
- Diet recommendations: Increasing proteins, decreasing carbohydrates and allowing the owner to select from protein sources
such as lamb or fish that are more warming to the overall constitution of an 'earth-type' animal. In most of these situations
with 'earth-type' dogs, the symptoms of arthritis are diminished by weight loss and warming foods. - Additional therapy: Acupuncture, chiropractic, ESWT, and exercise recommendations.
- A twelve-year old miniature poodle exhibits behaviours of anxiety by panting, lick granulomas (constant licking of sore spots), and
aggression toward a new cat in the household.- TCM classification: 'Fire-type' personality with Shen Disturbance.
- Diet recommendations: Fresh or canned diet of cooling foods (vs. a dry diet that is inherently 'hot' food).
- Additional therapies: Acupuncture, herbal remedies, homeopathy and behavior modification.
- A 17-year old domestic short-hair cat with kidney disease exhibits fear of strangers or strange places. Despite diet therapy and fluid
administration the kidneys appear to be getting worse and the cat is now lethargic.- TCM classification: 'Water-type' personality with Kidney Yin Deficiency.
- Diet recommendations: Premium canned food or home-cooked diet of easily digested protein to minimize the stress on the kidneys.
- Additional therapies: Acupuncture (cats often accept acupuncture well), vitamin or other diet supplements.