Diet & Prevention

Diet and Prevention for After Surgery & Injury Recovery

Supporting Healthy Healing According to Traditional Chinese Medicine

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, successful recovery depends on healthy Qi, adequate Blood nourishment, proper circulation, and strong digestive function. Surgery, injury, trauma, or prolonged illness may temporarily weaken Qi and Blood while creating localized Blood Stasis and swelling. Proper nutrition, adequate rest, hydration, and easily digested foods help support tissue repair, healthy circulation, energy production, and long-term recovery.

For Best Results

  • Feed meals at consistent times each day to support healthy digestion and recovery.
  • Prioritize warm, freshly prepared meals over raw, refrigerated, or frozen foods.
  • Provide adequate rest while gradually returning to normal activity as healing progresses.
  • Keep fresh, clean water available at all times to maintain hydration.
  • Bone broth may be added to meals to support hydration, encourage appetite, and provide additional nourishment.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise until your pet has recovered appropriately.
  • Feed smaller, more frequent meals if appetite has decreased after surgery or injury.
  • Monitor your pet's energy, appetite, mobility, and incision or injury site throughout recovery.

Dietary Recommendations

Cooked Vegetables (20%)

Pumpkin, carrots, cabbage, or other gently cooked vegetables provide vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that support digestion, healthy immunity, and tissue repair.

White Rice (10%)

A highly digestible source of carbohydrates that provides gentle energy while supporting digestive comfort during recovery.

Boiled Chicken or Lean Pork (70%)

Lean proteins traditionally used to nourish Qi and Blood while supporting muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and post-surgical recovery.

Foods and Feeding Practices to Limit

  • Cold, raw, or refrigerated foods
  • Excessively fatty or greasy foods
  • Rich treats and table scraps
  • Sudden diet changes
  • Overfeeding during reduced activity
  • Dairy products, especially for pets with sensitive digestion
  • Feeding immediately before vigorous activity

Daily Portion Guidelines

Dogs

Small Dogs (<20 lbs):
½–1 cup (approximately 200–350 g / 0.4–0.8 lbs) per day

Medium Dogs (20–50 lbs):
1½–2½ cups (approximately 400–750 g / 0.8–1.6 lbs) per day

Large Dogs (>50 lbs):
3–4½ cups (approximately 800–1500 g / 1.7–3.3 lbs) per day

Cats

Small Cats (<5 lbs):
¼–½ cup (approximately 50–125 g / 0.1–0.3 lbs) per day

Medium Cats (5–10 lbs):
½–¾ cup (approximately 100–250 g / 0.2–0.6 lbs) per day

Large Cats (>10 lbs):
¾–1 cup (approximately 150–300 g / 0.3–0.7 lbs) per day

Ongoing Recovery Support

Mix Pet Formula for After Surgery & Injury Support into your pet's food as directed to help nourish Qi and Blood, promote healthy circulation, support tissue repair, and encourage a healthy recovery after surgery or injury. As your pet regains strength and returns to normal activity, transition to the most appropriate maintenance formula based on your pet's individual needs, such as Pet Formula for Immune Support, Blood & Stamina, Spleen Support, or Firm Well-Formed Stools if digestive support is needed.

Consistent nutrition, proper hydration, adequate rest, healthy digestion, and gradual return to normal activity are important foundations for supporting recovery, tissue healing, healthy circulation, mobility, energy, and long-term wellness.