In Western Medicine, we denote the value of energy of  foods in terms of the calorie. A calorie is the amount of energy required to raise water one degree Centigrade. Different macronutrients provide different amounts of calories in a dog’s diet. The macronutrients are proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Again, this is a Western nutritional concept.

In Eastern Medicine, the term energy or food energetics takes on an entirely different concept. Remember, for the most part, Eastern Medicine does not  recognize processed or refined foods as an integral component of the diet. Eastern foods with any value are limited to meats, vegetables, fruits, culinary herbals, nuts and seeds, oils, and whole grains. The term  food energetics in Eastern Medicine refers to the effects dog food has on the body after it is eaten; specifically, the sensations that occur in the digestive tract after consuming certain foods. Food either regulates, tonifies, and/or harmonizes a  particular organ or meridian depending on the inherent energetic properties of the food. From a simplistic point of view, the Eastern practitioner determines if the animal is hot or cold on examination. If the animal is hot, then energetically cooling foods are used to counteract the heat. If the animal is showing signs of cold, then energetically heating foods are used to counteract the cold. The process is fairly straightforward and simple.

The food you choose to feed your pet depends on some of the following factors. 1) Time- time as it relates to actually preparing the meal. 2) Storage- storing a bag of food in the pantry; storing cans on the shelf; or storing a product that requires some sort of refrigeration. 3) Cost-premium foods, although more healthful, tend to cost more. 4) Current Medical Issues-some foods promote health and others promote disease.

When a pet owner asks me for a food recommendation, we go through the previously mentioned factors and try to identify a food that meets their needs. However, pet foods that promote health and longevity have some things in common.

Factors that promote health in dog food:

1. Contain by weight minimally 40% animal based protein on a dry matter basis.
2. Contain minimal refined grains. Refined grains are grains that remain after the germ and bran are removed. Refined grains are mostly carbohydrate with minimal nutritional value. Whole grains are acceptable as long as they make up less than 15% of the diet. Whole grains provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
3. A variety of protein sources should be present in the food. Protein should come from muscle meat, fish, organ meat, and plants.
4. Minimal amount of preservatives.
5. Minimal amount of salt.

In summation, choosing the proper pet food for your pet can be a daunting task. However, remembering some of the aforementioned points may make the task much easier.