ペット薬膳とはどんなもの？

What is pet medicinal cooking?

Health Management Kozo Umehara, DVM Pet Herbal Nutrition

Supervised by

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Veterinarian, Chef, International Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Director of Sendai Plum Animal Integrated Medical Center
Veterinarian Takami Umehara

“What? This is medicinal cuisine?”
“My dog devoured it all!”
We often hear such surprised comments from pet owners who have incorporated medicinal cuisine into their pets’ diets.
When some people hear the term “medicinal cuisine,” they might feel that it sounds difficult and like a special kind of dish.
However, pet medicinal cuisine is actually much more accessible and a healthy habit that can be gently incorporated into daily meals.

Contents

  1. Common Perceptions of Yakuzen (Medicinal Cuisine)
  2. The Basis of Yakuzen is "Balancing the Body with the Power of Food"
  3. The Concept of Pet Yakuzen
  4. Choosing Ingredients Based on Constitution and Season
  5. Easy to Start with Readily Available Ingredients
  6. Pet Yakuzen is Not a "Special Dish"

Common Perceptions of Yakuzen (Medicinal Cuisine)

When people hear "yakuzen," many often have the following impressions:

  • It tastes bitter.
  • It seems difficult to prepare.
  • It seems to require special ingredients.

However, authentic yakuzen is not difficult at all.
Rather, it is a natural health practice that can be incorporated by making just a few small changes to daily meals.

The Basis of Yakuzen is "Balancing the Body with the Power of Food"

Yakuzen is a dietary practice based on the principles of traditional East Asian medicine.
It aims to balance the body by utilizing the natural properties of ingredients.
The idea is not to suppress symptoms like medicine, but to gently regulate the body's condition from within through daily meals.

The Concept of Pet Yakuzen

In pet yakuzen, ingredients are chosen according to your dog's or cat's constitution, the season, and their current physical condition.
Rather than preparing special dishes, you simply add a small amount of ingredients suitable for your pet to their usual meal.
Just doing this can help balance their body.

Choosing Ingredients Based on Constitution and Season

In pet yakuzen, ingredients are incorporated according to the pet's physical state.
For example,

  • For pets sensitive to cold, use warming ingredients.
  • For pets feeling sluggish from summer heat, use ingredients to boost their energy.

By choosing ingredients according to their condition, the body's circulation and balance can be more easily regulated.
These small efforts contribute to daily health maintenance.

Easy to Start with Readily Available Ingredients

Some might still think, "But it still seems difficult…", but please rest assured.
Pet yakuzen doesn't require special ingredients.
There are many easy recipes that use ingredients found in common stores like supermarkets.
Also, some worry that "yakuzen doesn't seem tasty…", but in reality, because it utilizes the umami and aroma of ingredients, it's often very palatable to pets.

Pet Yakuzen is Not a "Special Dish"

Yakuzen is not a special dish.
It's "daily food, made just a little bit healthier."
It's a gentle and enjoyable mealtime habit for your beloved pet that you can incorporate without stress.

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