Ayurvedic living also means living healthily for our animals according to their own constitution. Every animal has certain needs in terms of feeding, keeping and training. If we enable the animal to be kept according to its type, we support its self-healing powers. On the other hand, feeding and handling contrary to the type-appropriate needs weaken the animal's well-being and resistance. Training stimuli and manners should also be individually adapted so that our four-legged friends can develop optimally and live a healthy life.
As a dog owner with 3 male dogs, I am quite challenged: My Kapha male likes to sleep late, but should get up early and be active and therefore needs to be motivated. But I have to be careful that my Vata dog doesn't get hectic and my Pitta dog doesn't run up and down the living room in anticipation of the new adventure.
When it comes to feeding, it's a different story, as each dog has its own constitutional preferences. As it is not possible for me to cook 3 different dog foods, I have two different dry foods, salmon and potato for my Vata dog and chicken and millet for Pitta and Kapha, which I like to soften with cooked rice and vegetables and add Ayurvedic spices.
Fortunately, there are ready-made spice mixtures for each dosha that I can add to the food. If one of the dogs is weak, I add Ayurvedic herbs. I also like to add the Ayurvedic herbs and spices to the horse feed.
During training, I discover anew every day how differently my dogs and horses react to stimuli: One loves ball games and jumping, the next just wants to walk calmly beside me and sniff in a relaxed manner. There is strength in peace and quiet. So one is allowed to go for a ride, the next is allowed to do agility and the third is pampered above all else - after all, he is already 12 years old. They all have to walk and obey, but the training methods can be very different.
As a horse owner and trainer for horses and riders, I am trained to recognize individual training needs. There is no limit to our diversity here: My own horse is Pitta through and through, he needs a challenge and snorts off and becomes content exactly when it gets damn strenuous. For him, collection and canter work are the greatest things. Even if you have to check who is the boss today. Pitta just likes conflicts and arguments.
Many other horses have to be introduced to their task much more carefully: Vata needs to be calm and slow in order to concentrate. And Kapha needs to be brought out of its morning, midday or evening slump, no matter when you arrive, because the horse actually wanted to sleep.
It is exciting and incredibly beautiful to look at your animals from a "constitutional" perspective and to receive their gratitude and health as a gift when we accept their individuality.
Fortunately, there are also things that are good for every constitution, including love from the heart, healthy and fresh food and plenty of fresh air. But Ayurvedic herbs and spices can also accompany your pet's everyday life - there is something for everyone.
For dogs, we recommend "Amalaki", a wonderful Rasayana for dogs and cats, which balances all 3 doshas, strengthens Agni, the immune system and promotes the animal's coat change and detoxification metabolism.
For horses, the herbs Guducci and Ashvagandha are wonderful everyday companions, they strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and are also good for the horse's heart, lungs, liver, digestion and muscles.
Article by Theresa Rosenberg
