To everything (turn, turn, turn),
There is a season (turn, turn, turn),
And a time to every purpose, under heaven...
There is a season (turn, turn, turn),
And a time to every purpose, under heaven...
Pete Seeger's song, later covered by The Byrds in 1965, reminds us of the natural rhythms of life and death, planting and reaping.
The summer is over, and the maturation of life is beginning. Now officially Autumn, this is the season for turning inward, both mentally and physically, preparing ourselves for the harsh Winter months.
The ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic physicians were masters at understanding the value of seasonal foods as medicine to help us and our dogs and cats balance weather challenges naturally.
According to Chinese medicine concepts, autumn is the time of the lung system, correlating to symptoms such as:
- Increased thirst
- Itchiness
- Dryness in the body: lips, nose, skin, throat
- Melancholy feelings
Foods that nourish and fortify our lung meridian are some of the most available foods during the fall. Leave it to mother nature to provide us with everything we need when we need it the most!
Dr. Dee's Feeding Fresh Course:
How to safely feed your dog or cat a fresh food diet. Price: $95
Most pets love these fresh foods - if you are very good, maybe they'll share with you!
The lungs need moisture; adding moistening foods, and even astringent sour flavors, will prevent loss of body fluids and protect against the drying cold winds. As you're feeding your dog or cat fresh food, consider trying:
- Pumpkin
- Pears
- Nuts (almonds, pine nuts)
- Honey (local, if possible)
- Dairy products (organic only, if you are inclined to dairy)
- Soy products: tofu, tempeh (organic only, if you are inclined to soy)
- Pineapple
- Barley, millet
- Eggs
- Shellfish (clam, crab, oyster, mussel), herring
- Pork
- Sea salt (in small amounts)
Boost your pet's natural lung health with a fresh pet diet that includes sour foods.
Think of sour foods as helping the contracting, moving-inward energy of autumn. If you live in the northern hemisphere or in four-season climates you are probably feeling this natural contraction occurring.
Okay, so maybe your cat won't eat grapefruit, and your dog snubs sauerkraut, but, try to understand what is happening in the natural world around us and how these foods help support the natural rhythms of the body. Anyone's body. The human body AND the furry body. Try feeding your pet these fresh foods:
- Sourdough bread (organic only)
- Sauerkraut or fermented veggies
- Pickles, olives
- Leeks (humans)
- Aduki beans
- Yogurt
- Apples (sour varieties)
- Grapefruit
- Lemons, limes
Experiment for yourself using these sorts of sour foods. See how you feel. See what fresh sour foods your animals desire. You might be surprised by what they want! Don't force anything. Tell them what you are doing. Ask for permission. Be respectful and have FUN!
Our animals are just as much a part of the natural world as we are and seasonal fresh foods are the best pet diet for healthy dogs and cats.
Autumn is a time to fortify the immune system, modify activity, go to bed early, and get up with the chickens (or any other alarm like your very active Golden Retriever!), eat porridges and soups, and focus the dinner time - the Autumn of the day.
Supporting our pets during the Autumn of their lives, as youngsters and most especially as elders, with these nourishing foods will help with a more stress-free Winter.
In my Feeding Fresh course, we'll cover foods for:
- Diarrhea and Constipation - two sides of the same coin.
- Kidney disease and the real skinny on protein requirements.
- Seasonal foods to support vitality
- Handouts: Nutrient Sources, Safe Handling Procedures, Bibliography for other Fresh Feeding support books, websites and more...
Over the last three decades I've seen hundreds and hundreds of animals on fresh food shine brightly, live longer, and truly enjoy their food. You'll get a kick out of their joy! I want to share what I've learned with you because Feeding Fresh is really SO easy, and the benefits are SO worth the effort!
If you'd like to discover the fun of feeding fresh food for your furry family head over to the 3-part series on FEEDING FRESH.
1 comment
Victoria
This is such a wonderful post. Thank your for sharing!
This is such a wonderful post. Thank your for sharing!