The latest research in managing dogs with allergies
, by Georgia Huyton, 5 min reading time
Cooling Down the Yeast: Could "Cooling Proteins" Be the Answer for Your Itchy Dog?
A few months back, I sent out an email about a slightly unconventional approach to tackling persistent yeast issues and allergies in dogs: exploring the concept of "cooling proteins." This might have sounded a bit out there but stick with me, because after six weeks of putting this theory into practice with our dog, Jace, the results have been nothing short of remarkable.
For years, Jace has battled recurring yeast problems. We tried a variety of dietary changes and supplements, but looking back on our attempt with an elimination diet, we didn't actually see any real improvements. Coincidentally, the novel proteins we were feeding during that time all happened to be considered "warming" proteins. Jace has always had quite a large variety of proteins in his diet, and his allergy symptoms seemed to fluctuate up and down, making it impossible to pinpoint specific triggers. We even suspected environmental factors like grass at one point! The tell-tale signs – the relentless scratching, the characteristic "yeasty" odour, and those stubborn orange stains on his paws – would always creep back. It was a frustrating cycle, and we knew there had to be a more sustainable solution.
That's where the idea of "hot" and "cold" proteins, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles like Yin and Yang, came into play.
Understanding "Hot" and "Cold" Proteins (and Yin/Yang in Dog Food)
In TCM, foods are categorised based on their energetic properties, not their actual temperature. "Hot" proteins are believed to generate more internal heat in the body, while "cold" or "cooling" proteins are thought to have a more balancing, cooling effect. This concept extends to the broader idea of Yin and Yang – maintaining harmony within the body.
While Western veterinary medicine doesn't strictly adhere to these classifications, the anecdotal evidence and traditional use of these concepts are compelling for some. It's suggested that certain conditions, like inflammation and yeast overgrowth (which often thrives in a warm, moist environment), might be exacerbated by "hotter" proteins.
Commonly considered "hotter" proteins often include:
- Chicken
- Lamb
- Venison
- Oily Fish (Salmon, mackerel, sardines)
- Goat
- Pheasant
Commonly considered more neutral
- Beef
- Turkey
- Quail
- Pork
- Tripe
- Goose
commonly considered "cooler" or more neutral proteins include:
- Duck
- Rabbit
- White fish (cod, haddock, etc.)
Our Experiment with Jace: Embracing the "Cool"
Driven by the persistent nature of Jace's yeast issues, and our past experience with an unsuccessful elimination diet where the novel proteins we used were all warming, we decided to embark on a six-week experiment focusing primarily on the "cooler" protein sources. We completely removed any warming proteins from his diet and instead mainly fed him cooling proteins (duck, rabbit and white fish) with some neutral proteins too for protein variation. We chose to stick with turkey and pork for these.
Crucially, we also addressed the omega-3 fatty acid front. Oily fish like salmon and mackerel are fantastic sources of omega-3s, but they can sometimes be considered "warmer" in TCM. To ensure Jace was still getting adequate omega-3s for skin and coat health (vital for managing yeast issues), we replaced oily fish with our dedicated skin and coat supplement, formulated with plant-based omega-3 sources.
The Results with Jace: A Noticeable Transformation
The change in Jace has been nothing short of remarkable. After just a few weeks, the constant scratching started to subside. The pungent, yeasty smell that used to necessitate frequent baths has virtually disappeared. And the most visually striking difference? His paws! Those tell-tale orange feet, a constant fixture since he was a puppy, are now almost completely clear.
Jace is visibly more comfortable, less agitated, and seems to have a new lease on life without the constant itch.
Why This Might Be Working (And Why We Considered Alternatives to Prolonged Single-Protein Elimination)
Many of us with dogs experiencing allergies or sensitivities are familiar with the elimination diet. This typically involves feeding a single, novel protein source for an extended period to identify potential triggers. While elimination diets can be incredibly helpful in certain situations, we had some reservations about relying solely on this approach long-term for Jace.
Our concern was that by feeding only one protein source for a prolonged period, especially if the underlying issue wasn't solely specific protein allergies but also an energetic imbalance, we might inadvertently create new sensitivities. Some theories suggest that if the body's immune system is already in a heightened state due to chronic inflammation or imbalance, prolonged exposure to a single protein could potentially lead to the body starting to react to that protein as well. This wasn't a risk we were comfortable taking with Jace.
The "cooling proteins" approach, while not strictly an elimination diet, allowed us to rotate through a variety of potentially less inflammatory protein sources for Jace. This seemed to provide his body with a break from any potentially aggravating "hotter" proteins and perhaps helped to restore a better internal balance. It's as if we gently shifted his system towards a less reactive state.
Could "Cooling Proteins" Help Your Dog?
While every dog is an individual and what works for one might not work for another, if you're struggling with a dog who experiences frequent or persistent yeast issues, it might be worth considering exploring the concept of "cooling proteins."
Our personal experience with Jace has been incredibly positive, and seeing him finally find relief after years of intermittent discomfort has been truly rewarding. If you're at your wit's end with your dog's recurring yeast problems, perhaps it's time to consider "cooling" things down in their diet. You might be surprised by the difference it can make.
Have you experimented with different protein sources for your dog's health issues? Share your experiences in the comments below!
