What Should Your Fluffy Eat This Summer?

When the weather heats up, we naturally start changing what we eat. Lighter meals, fresh fruit and vegetables, and foods with a higher moisture content often become more appealing. So should we think about doing the same for our fluffies?

From a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) perspective, food isn't just about calories and nutrients. Different foods are traditionally considered to have different energetic qualities, and food choices can be adapted according to the individual animal, the season and what is happening in their body.

During our hot Australian summer, we may consider introducing more cooling and moisture-supporting foods where appropriate. Here are a few favourites.

Cucumber

Cucumber is traditionally considered cooling and hydrating in TCVM food therapy. Its naturally high water content makes it a lovely fresh addition during warmer weather.

If your fluffy enjoys cucumber, it can simply be offered plain. For those who aren't quite so enthusiastic, try chopping it very finely and mixing a small amount through their normal food.

Watermelon

Watermelon can be a refreshing summer treat and is another easy way to introduce a little extra moisture.

Remove the seeds and rind and offer only a small amount of the lower, lightly pink flesh. Because watermelon contains natural sugars, think of it as an occasional summer treat rather than something to add generously to every meal.

Green vegetables

Vegetables such as broccoli, celery — including the leaves — and soft leafy greens can add variety, fibre and moisture to your fluffy's meals.

Depending on the vegetable and the individual fluffy, lightly cooking or finely chopping them can also make them easier to eat and digest.

Fish

Some types of fish can be incorporated into an individual food therapy plan as a source of protein and beneficial fats.

Fish should be served plain and appropriately prepared, with bones removed where necessary. The type of fish, preparation and amount should always be considered as part of your fluffy's overall diet rather than simply added on top.

And don't forget water

Fresh, clean drinking water should always be readily available, particularly during a Queensland summer. Adding additional moisture to meals can also be useful for some fluffies.

But there is one very important point to remember: not every fluffy needs cooling foods simply because it's summer.

In TCVM, we look at the individual animal.

A fluffy who seeks out the coolest tiles in the house, pants easily and struggles with hot weather may present very differently from an older fluffy who seeks warmth or has a sensitive digestive system.

That's why at KIBO Holistic Vet Team, food therapy isn't simply about following a list of “good foods” and “bad foods.”

We look at who is eating the food, what their body needs and what else is going on with them.

Our simple approach to summer food is fresh, moisture and individual.

Summer can be a wonderful time to introduce some fresh seasonal variety, but any additions should complement a complete and balanced diet appropriate for your fluffy.

Because the best food isn't necessarily the latest superfood.

It's the food that's right for the fluffy standing in front of us.

KIBO Holistic Vet Team