Understanding TCM Energetics for Dogs & Cats: Finding Balance Through Food
At Naked Beasts, we believe nutrition is about more than just protein, fat, and calories. While modern medicine does play a vital key role in the health space, many pet owners also appreciate Eastern healing approaches like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as another way to think about supporting their pet's overall well-being.
One of the core concepts in TCM is food energetics: the idea that every food has an energetic nature that may influence balance within the body.
What Are TCM Food Energetics?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, foods are not simply viewed by their nutritional content. They are also categorized by their energetic effect on the body:
- Cooling
- Neutral
- Warming
- Hot
These terms do not describe the actual temperature or spice level. Instead, they reflect how the food is believed to affect the body's internal balance.
The goal isn't to feed only one category, but to choose foods that complement your pet's individual constitution, lifestyle, and the season.
Photo Credit: @morgantheboxer + Pollock 2026, @tito.and.mochi + Hoki 2026, @napkinsthefox + Rabbit Feet 2021
Cooling Foods
Cooling foods are traditionally chosen for pets that tend to "run hot" and may benefit from in order to help restore balance away from heat.
Examples include:
- Apple
- Banana
- Duck
- Hoki
- Mushroom
- Octopus
- Rabbit
- Pollock
- Whitefish
- Wild Boar
From a TCM perspective, cooling foods may be well suited for pets that display:
- Heavy panting
- Extra warmth to the touch
- Seasonal itching
- Restlessness, seeking cool surfaces
- Agitation & anxiety
-
Excessive energy
- Noticeable thirst, dry cough and/or red eyes
*These traditional associations are based on TCM principles and are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
Photo Credit: @cyanidethepoodle + Salmon Head 2025, @sunshine_gypsy.spirit + Quail Hatchling 2023, @zaniaandpuffs + Turkey Wing 2020
Neutral Foods
Neutral proteins are considered balanced and suitable for generally any pet.
Examples include:
- Beef
- Bison
- Carrots
- Green Beans
- Mahi Mahi
- Norwegian Mackerel
- Oyster
- Pork
- Pumpkin
- Quail
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Smelt
- Sweet Potato
- Turkey
- Water Buffalo
Because they are neither strongly warming nor cooling, neutral proteins are often viewed as excellent everyday choices that fit a wide variety of dogs and cats.
Photo Credit: @its_bennetttt + Chicken Neck 2023, @whippetkirby + Shrimp 2023, @oliverthegoldensnitch + Green Lipped Mussel 2021
Warm Foods
Warm proteins are traditionally thought to gently support circulation and vitality.
Examples include:
- Camel
- Chicken
- Emu
- Mussels
- Ostrich
- Pheasant
- Shrimp
These proteins are often chosen during colder months or for pets that seem to prefer warmth and/or have lower-energy according to TCM principles.
Photo Credit: @the_ruff_life_of_rufus + Lamb Shank 2021, @littlemissmonroe619 + Venison Liver 2022, @beauandraven + Sheep Trotter 2020
Hot Foods
Hot proteins are considered the most warming and are traditionally fed in moderation.
Examples include:
- Antelope
- Elk
- Lamb
- Goat
- Mutton
- Sheep
- Venison
From a TCM perspective, hot and warming foods may be well suited for pets that display:
- Lack of appetite
- Extra cold to the touch, notably the ears, nose, back and limbs
- General weakness and fatigue
- Exercise intolerance, seeking warm cozy spaces
- Decreased metabolism
- Shortness of breath
- Noticeable stiffness
*These traditional associations are based on TCM principles and are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
Every Pet Is Unique
No two dogs or cats are exactly alike.
Age, activity level, environment, breed, and overall health can all influence nutritional needs. Some pets naturally seek out cool tile floors, while others are happiest curled up in the warmest spot in the house.
TCM emphasizes treating the individual rather than applying a one size fits all approach. What works well for one pet may not be the best choice for another.
Our Philosophy at Naked Beasts
We value the exploration of both modern nutritional science and other wellness philosophies like Traditional Chinese Medicine. While TCM energetics is a holistic based guideline and not a substitute for veterinary care, many pet owners find it to be a helpful way to add variety and purpose when selecting pet foods and treats.
Whether you're new to TCM or have incorporated its principles into your pet's routine for years, understanding food energetics can be another tool for making thoughtful feeding choices.
Our goal is simple: provide clean, single-ingredient treats that make it easy to rotate and give your dog and cat a variety of wholesome, minimally processed options.