Do You Need Blood Buiding Dog Food?
Why would you need blood building dog food?
When you see the term “Blood Deficiency,” the first thing that pops into your mind is anemia, right?
Although anemia and blood deficiency aren’t one in the same, thinking this way leads you in the right direction.
What is TCVM Blood Deficiency in a Dog?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), “blood” is much more than the liquid red substance that is pumped by the heart and travels through your veins. In TCVM, Blood provides nourishment and moisture for your dog’s entire body. It keeps your dog’s tendons, skin, and hair healthy, strong, and flexible. Blood lubricates the joints and nourishes the mind. It keeps your dog calm and ensures good sleep.
Meet Justine, A Blood Deficient Dog
Justine is a 5-year old, spayed, female Pit Bull. She has been limping off and on for two years with bilateral cruciate tears.
She also has dandruff and a pale, dry tongue. Justine is the perfect example of a Blood deficient dog.
The classic signs of TCVM Blood Deficiency in dogs are:
- Pulled ligament
- Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (torn ACL)
- Knee injuries
- Dandruff, dry skin, and hair
- Pale, dry tongue
- Depression, apathy, lack of spirit
- The sallow or dull coloring
- Arthritis
-
Anemia
Creating the TCVM Blood Building Diet
Use Eastern Food Therapy to rebuild your dog’s Blood.
A nutritionally balanced canine diet contains:
- 60% – 80% Protein – mostly from meat
- 20% – 40% Carbohydrates – from grains, vegetables, and fruit
- A minimum of 2% fat
Use the list of foods below to create endless delicious recipe combinations for your dog!
Mix up the ingredients as needed to create a food that your dog loves.
TCVM Blood Building Foods
Meats/Protein Source
Beef, red meats
Eggs
Kidney beans
Liver
Oyster
Sardine
Seeds
Tuna
Vegetables/Fruits
Sea vegetables
Beets
Dandelion
Carrots
Kale
Leafy greens
Seaweed
Spinach
Spirulina
Grains/Beans/Starch
Barley
Oatmeal
Brown rice
Whole grains
Fats
Nuts
Seeds
Olive oil
Flaxseed oil
Sample TCVM Blood Building Dog Food Recipe
5 pounds beef, beef liver, sardines
1 pound chicken gizzards
1 pound chicken liver
1 tablespoon olive oil or flaxseed oil
3/4 pound white potatoes
2-2 1/2 pounds barley (cooked weight)
2-2 1/2 pounds carrots, green peas, spinach, broccoli
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon basil
Directions:
Debone and chop meat and vegetables.
Place all ingredients in crockpot layering:
- Slow cooking root vegetables on the bottom
- Meat in the middle
- Fast cooking items on top
Top with 1 cup of water.
Cook on low for 4 hours.
In addition, add the following to your pet’s diet:
- One canine multivitamin per day
- Calcium supplement 50mg/kg of body weight (22mg/lb of bodyweight) per day. Some other good choices for calcium are eggshell powder or bone meal.
Feeding Schedule:
- Feed 1.5 cups per 25 pounds of body weight twice daily
- Monitor your pet’s weight. If an undesirable weight loss occurs, please contact your veterinarian immediately so that you can make an adjustment in the feeding/diet plan.
Don’t Have Time to Cook? Order The Food Already Made
Please consult with your veterinarian and use personal judgment when cooking at home for your dog. Even though pet food recalls and the poor quality of some pet foods are a concern, many veterinarians voice concerns over homemade diets. Some vets feel that when fed exclusively, homemade diets may result in vitamin/mineral deficiencies that can adversely affect a pet’s health. If you choose to feed your dog a homemade diet, you must understand and meet your dog’s needs to stay healthy. Please share our recipe with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can advise you on supplements for your pet’s individual situation. Monitor your dog’s health by observing his/her temperament, skin, coat, and waste. If you notice anything strange, contact your veterinarian immediately.
