Great Veggies for Autumn (and Why your Dog Needs Them)
The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda encourages us to create internal harmony by synchronizing ourselves (and our pets) with the rhythms of nature. It helps us to recognize that the changes occurring in someone’s environment have a significant impact on their mind and body — perhaps more than people even realize! Ultimately, the reason for this is because we are a part of nature, not separate from it, as most people often feel.
When considering this connection, specific choices can be made for ourselves, and for those who you provide care. Informed choices can help you stay in balance with the world as it changes around you (and, actually, within you too!) Ayurveda provides countless suggestions how to do this.
Actually, Ayurveda connects the four seasons to the three doshas (mind-body types). The season of Kapha runs from the coldest, darkest part of winter into spring. Pitta season is the hottest time of year, from late spring to early fall. And, currently, we’re moving into the season of Vata, which start in mid-late fall into early winter.
As we move into the Vata or Autumn season, the air itself becomes cool and dry. Much like the dry leaves that fly around in the increased wind of Fall, our dogs’ bodily systems, no matter what their body/mind constitution, is influenced by the lighter, drier and cooler air. In order to provide the body what it needs to balance the lighter, drier, cooler environment, shifting their meals toward more warm, moist and oily choices. These qualities in food can help provide more moisture, stability and efficiency to the body-mind.
A few top Ayurvedic choices for balancing vegetables during Vata Season (Fall):
✦ Squash
✦ Pumpkin
✦ Brussels sprouts
✦ Eggplant
✦ Sweet potato
Bonus is: these are ideal foods for you and your dog to eat this time of year because of their warm and earthly qualities. One of our all-time favorite holistic veterinarians, Dr. Karen Becker, explains that adequate amounts of low-glycemic, fibrous vegetables like those mentioned above do more than simply add nutrients to a dog’s diet. They also provide prebiotic fibers that are necessary to fuel the microbiome and contribute to overall gut and colon health. And now it is very well known - a balanced microbiome has a profound impact on overall health.
Yes, it’s safe for dogs to eat all these vegetables! Including these nourishing foods in your pet’s meal can support digestion and promote quality poops, lower cholesterol levels, and help maintain a healthy weight, in much the same way that it does for us humans!) Also, these ideal-Autumn veggies provide a range of nutrients, are a good source of hydration, and can help alkalize the body.
Let’s take a quick look at each veggie…
Squash and pumpkin are in the same family. They are very rich in vitamins, minerals and potassium, but it’s their high levels of vitamin C that make them ideal immune system supporters. They’re both naturally sweet and grounding.
Brussels sprouts are little cruciferous vegetables that contain a lot of nutrition. They are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, some B vitamins and folate, and they provide more protein than you might expect.
Eggplant is low in calories and has essential nutrients like iron, calcium and potassium that your pup needs.
Sweet potatoes are another excellent source of vitamin C, and they also come with vitamin A and potassium.
The five vegetables mentioned above are yummy, healthy and vet approved! Your dog can enjoy these in-season treats in a variety ways - get creative! The most optimized for digestion is to lightly boiling them, then cut and create a puree (aka, veggie salsa; thank goodness for Cuisinart!) Then, store the mix in an airtight container and easily add a scoop or two (depending on your dog’s size) in each meal.
Pureed raw vegetables are also an option, but not the best if your dog has any digestive sensitivity, tendency toward gassiness, or is Vata dosha.
If you don’t know the dosha (mind-body) type of your dog, you can take our free quiz here to find out.
Tip for the dog-food chefs among us: Try cooking the veggies with a bone broth, or adding to the mix a few warming herbs. Many dogs seem to enjoy a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg for a bit more flavor and boosted absorption! If you have a fussy eater, try adding a small amount of (the impossible to resist) ghee to the vegetable blend.
Remember that each change of season is an opportunity to maintain or improve the health and wellbeing of our dogs. If you adjust or modify the diet to the fluctuations of the natural environment, you support you and your dog’s ability to stay balanced and healthy all year long.
by Amanda Ree
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Apply the science of Ayurveda and natural healing to help your dog’s unique circumstances with a one-hour session with me. You’ll come away with a better understanding of what ultimately is needed, along with multiple specific steps to restore your dog’s wellbeing. More about dog wellbeing consultations here.