4 Tips To Ensure Your Pet Thrives Through The Transition of the Season
As the sun dips lower and the crisp autumn air begins to sweep in, it's not just the trees that are changing their wardrobe. For many of us, the shift from summer to fall signals a bend in the road in how we approach our pet's diet. Just as we swap our shorts for sweaters and ice-cold lemonade for warm spiced cider, our furry friends' nutritional needs evolve with the seasons too.
Each season brings its own set of flavors and nutrients, perfectly suited to the weather and activity levels. In summer, they might have enjoyed light, cooling meals that kept them hydrated and energized for those long, sun-soaked days. But as the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it's time to think about transitioning to hearty, warming foods that will keep them cozy and well-nourished.
In this blog, we'll explore why adjusting feeding and activities to align with the season, is not just a trend but a thoughtful approach to optimizing your pet's health. We'll dive into the benefits of adjusting their diet with the changing seasons and offer practical tips for making the transition smooth and enjoyable. So, grab a cup of tea, snuggle up with your furry companion, and let’s get ready to embrace the delicious and nutritious flavors of fall!
1. Remove all summer fruits and veggies
Summer's golden rays bring a bounty of fresh produce, especially fruits that add a zesty splash to our meals. For both you and your furry friend, it’s the perfect time to boost carbohydrate intake and indulge in seasonal fruits—just make sure they’re locally grown!
As we say goodbye to summer's bounty of berries and welcome the crispness of fall and the chill of winter, you can keep adding a bit of crunch and fiber to your pet’s diet with apples and pears. They’re perfect for those occasional treats! Personally, I enjoy sharing what I’m eating with my pack, so you might find me tossing a few apple slices or pear pieces to my furry friends as we cozy up for the season.
In the heart of autumn, it’s time to pivot to heartier, more shelf-stable fare like sweet potatoes, squash, and pumpkin. These starches are ideal for the cooler weather. Remember, even though pumpkin is a fall favorite, it should be a seasonal treat rather than an everyday staple.
Now, here’s where it gets fascinating: our food choices throughout the year have a profound impact on mitochondrial biology. Food growth is influenced by photosynthesis, a process driven by sunlight. When the sun is abundant, so are carbohydrates, thanks to the solar energy that fuels photosynthesis.
The amount of light that drives photosynthesis or "light code" that berries soak up while they’re growing in summer doesn’t align with the light code of your pet’s microbiome in the fall and winter. This mismatch can sometimes outweigh the benefits those summer fruits offer, because food has its own light code, influenced by the sunlight it receives. Your pet's gut bacteria also has a light code; they recognize when sunlight diminishes and which foods harmonize with that change. As the seasons shift, so does the light code, and this affects what’s best for your pet’s evolving microbiome and overall health. So, tuning into these seasonal shifts helps keep your pet’s diet in sync with nature’s rhythm. [1]
2. Rotate In Warmer Meats
As the days get shorter and the air turns cooler, it's the perfect opportunity to shake up the protein rotation for your pet. While beef and fish are the foundation of my pack's diet year round, I do match the other meats I rotate in to the season.
With the arrival of cooler weather, it's time to bring in some of the heartier, warming meats like venison and lamb. I only rarely incorporate chicken even though it is a hot meat, as it is a poor protein source. These options not only align with the seasonal shift but also offer rich, comforting flavors that your pet will love. So, as you swap your summer salad for a cozy stew, consider giving your furry friend the same thoughtful seasonal transition in their diet!
Here’s a list of warming meats according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, warming meats are believed to help strengthen the Yang energy and provide warmth to the body. This can be particularly beneficial during colder months or for individuals with a tendency toward coldness.[2]
Lamb - Known for its strong warming properties, it helps build Yang and is great for cold conditions.
Duck - Warming and rich, it helps with nourishment and is beneficial in cooler weather.
Venison - Nourish and build up the body’s vital energy and blood supply.
3. Bone Broth using seasonally appropriate spices and meat bones
You can find my pet safe bone broth recipe here!
Ginger can be a great ally for your dog, especially when it comes to easing nausea and tackling inflammation. It’s wonderful for helping with digestive hiccups and can even help reduce motion sickness. [3]
Cinnamon can be a beneficial addition to your dog’s diet when used in moderation. This delightful spice offers antioxidant benefits, helps regulate blood sugar, and has anti-inflammatory properties. [4]
Just remember, a little goes a long way with both ginger and cinnamon. That’s why I adore adding these warming spices to my dog’s homemade bone broth in the fall. This is where I continue to incorporate A sprinkle here and there is all it takes to let your dog soak up all the benefits these zesty spices bring—just keep it moderate, then watch your pup enjoy the tasty goodness!
4. Circadian Rhythms
Circadian rhythms are like the body's internal timekeepers, orchestrating everything from minute-to-minute processes to long-term seasonal changes. These rhythms span several levels of time management, starting with internal clocks that regulate fundamental biological functions, such as sleep-wake cycles and hormone release. Then, there are hourly clocks that fine-tune our pet's bodies’ responses to short-term fluctuations, like meal times or exercise. Daily clocks synchronize physiological processes with the 24-hour day, ensuring that our pet is alert when needed and restful when it’s time to recharge. Finally, seasonal clocks adjust bodily functions to align with the changing seasons, influencing everything from energy levels to the microbiome and therefore influencing immune function.
As fall rolls in and the autumnal equinox approaches on Sunday, Sept. 22, it’s time to update our routines to match the season’s rhythm. Just like you wouldn’t wear a winter coat in the summer, it makes sense to adjust our and our pets’ routines to align with nature. A simple yet powerful step is to start your day by watching the sunrise with your pets—Google the local sunrise time and try to get outside each morning. Keep in mind that Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 a.m., which will shift those sunrise times. While not everyone can tweak their work schedules, following nature’s lead can be incredibly beneficial. If you can, add grounding to your routine by walking barefoot on grass, wet grass (or even snow!), or concrete without a vapor barrier. And guess what? Your pet has a head start—they’re already walking barefoot!
Exercising in the afternoon is the ideal biological time, but summer’s heat and those pesky afternoon thunderstorms have made it tricky for me and my pack. With the changing season, we're gearing up to enjoy our almost daily walks between 4-6 p.m. But once Daylight Saving Time ends, we’ll shift our strolls to the 2-4 p.m. window.
It might sound counterintuitive, but here’s a little tip: don’t rush to put a coat on your dog for their outdoor adventures. And maybe skip yours too! Whether it's a quick potty break, a run to the store, a visit to the animal chiropractor, or even a brisk hike, embracing the cold while staying active can actually be great for both you and your pet. It’s fantastic for mitochondrial health and helps us all better experience the changing seasons. Too often, our pets live in a never-ending summer of heated homes and artificial light. So, let’s shake things up—reduce screen time after dark and soak in the natural rhythms of the season. Your pet (and you) will thank you for it!
In Summary
Aligning your pet’s routine with the changing seasons can significantly enhance their well-being. But if you have a pet that is ill, they come paramount to help support your pet's body in the healing process.
As the seasons change, it’s time to switch up your pet’s diet too. Opt for fruits and veggies that are in season and locally grown to ensure they align with the seasonal light code. When cooler months roll in, lean towards warmer meats to keep your pet cozy and well-nourished. Adjust your exercise routine to the time of day as the light changes—between 4-6 p.m. in summer, and then 2-4 p.m. after Daylight Saving Time ends. Embrace the cold by letting your pet experience it while staying active; skip the coats; this natural exposure supports mitochondrial health and seasonal adaptation. Don’t forget to incorporate grounding by walking barefoot with your pets on grass or concrete, and reduce artificial light exposure after dark. These simple adjustments will help your pet thrive and enjoy the full spectrum of seasonal changes.
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Citations
[2] Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by Joerg Kastner and M. W. D. Li.
[3] Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica by Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble
[4] The Chinese Medicine Handbook: A Practitioner's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing, and Treating Your Patients by Philip A. Chen
Woke up to Weezie puke again, thought I’d take a second look at this to see if maybe it would help her nausea. Looks like we’ll be making some bone broth with ginger soon!
Love this post! Roux has adjusted his internal clock & is asking for dinner from 3-4 instead of 5 😝