What is Xing or post-ingestion energetics in pet food?

Xing, or post-ingestion energetics, refers to how a food affects the body after it is digested. In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), foods are classified as cold, cool, neutral, warm, or hot, based on their internal effect on the body. This helps create a more balanced diet for dogs and cats depending on their individual needs.

How can energetics in food help dogs and cats?

Understanding food energetics helps pet owners and veterinarians choose ingredients that balance a pet's internal energy. For example, a dog with heat signs like inflammation may benefit from cooling foods, while a cold-natured animal might need warming or hot foods. It’s about supporting health with tailored nutrition.

What are some examples of cold or cooling foods for pets?

Cold and cool foods include ingredients like watermelon, cucumber, banana, mung beans, lettuce, cranberry, yoghurt, and barley. These can help pets who tend to run 'hot' or show signs of inflammation, itching, or overheating.

What are examples of warming or hot foods for pets?

Warm and hot foods include chicken, lamb, ginger, cinnamon, rosemary, turkey, and oats. These are used to support pets who may feel the cold easily, have low energy, or show signs of internal coldness like stiffness or fatigue.

Is food energetics the same as nutritional value?

No. Food energetics is about the thermal and energetic effect of a food on the body, not its nutritional profile like protein or fat content. A food can be nutrient-rich but energetically cooling, or vice versa. TCVM uses both concepts together to support a pet's health holistically.

What is Liver Qi Constraint in Chinese Medicine?

Liver Qi Constraint, also called Liver Qi Stagnation, is a pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the energy of the liver becomes blocked. It is one of the most common imbalances seen in both humans and animals. Symptoms may include irritability, digestive discomfort, sighing, tension, moodiness, and hormonal issues.

What foods support Liver Qi flow in pets?

Foods that help move and relax Liver Qi in pets include lemon, lime, pungent herbs like fennel and cardamom, green vegetables like cabbage and broccoli, sprouted grains, mushrooms, rye, and foods like beef, chicken, mussels, black sesame, kelp, plums, celery, and lotus seed.

Which foods should be avoided with Liver Qi Constraint?

Avoid foods high in saturated fats, hydrogenated oils, deep-fried or greasy foods, coffee, alcohol, excess spicy foods, processed snacks, sugar, peanut butter, and refined flour products, as these can worsen Liver Qi stagnation and impact digestive and emotional balance.

Can dogs and cats eat the same Liver Qi-supporting foods?

Not always. Some herbs and foods beneficial for humans, like onions or garlic, are toxic to dogs and cats. Always consult a qualified holistic veterinarian to ensure any food therapy approach is safe and appropriate for your individual animal.

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Holistic Veterinary Medicine for Dogs and Cats in Brisbane

We combine the best of Eastern and Western medicine to support your pet’s healing naturally. From herbal remedies to diet-based care, our holistic approach treats the whole animal, not just the symptoms.

Holistic vet with herbal medicine and a relaxed dog patient

What Is Holistic Veterinary Medicine?

Holistic medicine looks at the whole picture (body, mind, lifestyle and environment), to identify and treat the root cause of illness. It focuses on prevention, balance and gentle support of the body’s natural healing systems.

What Kind of Treatments Do You Use?

We offer a wide range of holistic tools, including:

Herbal medicines and tonics
Nutraceuticals and supplements
Food therapy and diet-based interventions
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Acupuncture and laser therapy
Environmental or lifestyle changes where needed

Each plan is fully tailored to your pet by a qualified vet.

When Is a Holistic Approach Helpful?

Holistic medicine is ideal for:

Chronic or complex illnesses
Allergies or skin issues
Anxiety and behavioural imbalances
Immune, liver, kidney or gut support
Preventative wellness care

It also works beautifully alongside conventional veterinary treatments when needed.

Do You Stock Natural Remedies?

Yes! Our reception team can assist with a range of safe, effective herbal remedies, tinctures, and immune boosters. These are hand-selected by our vets for quality and compatibility with your pet’s needs.

Not sure if Holistic Medicine is right for your pet?

Book a consult today or give us a call — we’re here to help.

📍 1016 Stanley Street East, East Brisbane QLD
📞 (07) 3393 1359

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FAQ

Q: What does holistic vet care mean?
A: Holistic vet care means treating your pet as a whole - body, mind and lifestyle. We aim to find and treat the root cause of illness, not just the surface symptoms.

Q: What types of natural remedies do you use?
A: We use a mix of herbal medicine, Chinese formulas, nutritional support, and targeted supplements. Everything is tailored to your pet’s individual health needs.

Q: Can holistic treatment be used alongside regular vet care?
A: Absolutely. We often combine holistic methods with conventional treatments to support healing, reduce side effects and improve long-term wellbeing.

Q: Is holistic medicine suitable for all pets?
A: Yes, but each case is different. Holistic care can help pets with chronic illness, behavioural issues, allergies, or as part of a wellness plan, we’ll guide you based on what’s best for your pet.

Holistic care often works best when combined with specific therapies. You might also be interested in our Chinese Herbs for Pets and Laser Treatment options to further support your pet’s recovery and wellbeing.

Holistic Veterinary Medicine for Dogs and Cats in Brisbane

What Is Holistic Veterinary Medicine?

What Kind of Treatments Do You Use?

When Is a Holistic Approach Helpful?

Do You Stock Natural Remedies?

Not sure if Holistic Medicine is right for your pet?

FAQ

Animal Wellness Vet

1016 Stanley Street East, East Brisbane.

(07) 3393 1359

0457 491 110

animalwellnessvets@gmail.com