It's fall and that means root vegetables are easy to find. Root vegetables support Stomach and Spleen health because they are harvested in late summer, early fall.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this time of year is ruled by Earth, which is ruled by the Spleen and Stomach systems. Earth individuals tend to be happy, like friendships, and want everyone around them to be happy. These pets want to snuggle and make you feel loved.
Earth individuals tend to have a yellow coat and might be prone to obesity. They also will be plagued by digestive issues when their system is out of balance or they suffer stress. Feeding some cooked root vegetables can help get their digestive tract back in order. A small amount of beets can help decrease inflammation and lower blood pressure. Antioxidants and vitamins in carrots help decrease heart disease and inflammation. Turnips are draining and decrease swelling. I add a lot of these vegetables to the fall stews I make for my dogs and my family as the weather gets cooler.
For: Dogs, Cats, Humans(!)
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pork muscle meat (95% lean)
- 4 ounces carrots
- 6 ounces beets (yellow, red, or purple - beware that red or purple may result in a pink-tinge to the urine or redness in stool)
- 3 ounces turnips
- 6 ounces kale
- 4 ounces beef liver
- 1/2 ounce dried Shiitake mushrooms
- 3 teaspoons hempseed powder
- 3 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 ounce oysters
- 3 teaspoons seaweed calcium
- 1/2 teaspoon cod liver oil
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in slow cooker.
- Add water or bone broth to cover ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Enjoy!
