Warming vs. Cooling Proteins: What Does That Even Mean?
This is one of those topics that sounds a little weird at first… but stick with us, because it’s actually really interesting. Warming and cooling proteins, have you ever heard of them?
Most people haven’t, and that’s totally okay. It’s not something you hear about every day. But once you start to understand it, it can really help explain some of your pup’s behaviors. And no, it has nothing to do with the temperature of the food itself.
It’s really about how different proteins affect your dog’s body. Some naturally create more internal warmth and energy, while others help cool things down and bring everything back to a more balanced place.
When you start looking at it this way, things like itching or hot spots don’t feel quite as random anymore.
Warming proteins: for the blanket thieves
Some proteins have a naturally warming effect on the body, like chicken, lamb, and venison. For certain pups, these can be exactly what they need.
If your furry friend is always curled up under a blanket, glued to the heating vent, or somehow finds that one sunny spot in the house and claims it as their own, they might actually benefit from a little extra warmth in their diet. Warming proteins can help support energy, circulation, and that overall “feel good” balance.
But if your dog is more stretched out on the cool flooring or already acting like it’s a little too warm no matter what, adding more warming proteins can sometimes tip things a bit too far.
Cooling proteins: for the sunbathers who overdo it
Cooling proteins, like duck, rabbit, and whitefish, do the opposite. They help take some of that internal heat down and can be really helpful for pups who tend to run warm.
You know the pup who insists on laying directly in the sun, then comes inside panting like they maybe overdid it a little? Or the one who’s always a little itchy, a little pink, or just not quite comfortable in their own skin?
This is usually where we start looking when someone comes in dealing with seasonal allergies or constant scratching. Cooling proteins can help things settle down so your dog feels more comfortable overall.
It comes down to your floof
At the end of the day, every dog is a little different. While warming and cooling proteins can be a helpful way to think about nutrition, they're simply another tool for understanding what may work best for your pup.
Some dogs thrive on chicken year-round, while others seem to do better with proteins like fish, duck, or rabbit. You may even notice their needs change with the seasons.
The important thing is paying attention to your dog. Their energy levels, skin and coat, digestion, and overall comfort can tell you a lot about how they're responding to what they're eating.
If you're curious about whether a different protein might be a good fit for your pup, we're always happy to help you find an option that works best for them.
