Duck & Cucumber Cool-Down

☯️ TCM Benefits

❄️ Clears internal heat
🌿 Reduces skin inflammation
💧 Nourishes Yin energy
🩹 Soothes itchy, red skin
😌 Calms restless dogs
🌡️ Lowers body temperature

🥘 Ingredients

All ingredients are cooling in TCM

400g Duck breast or thigh (skin removed) - deeply cooling protein
1 cup Cucumber, diced - clears heat, hydrates
1 cup Celery, chopped - cooling, clears liver heat
1/2 cup Spinach - cooling, nourishes blood
1 cup Barley, cooked - cooling grain, drains dampness
1 tbsp Coconut oil - cooling fat
2 cups Water or bone broth

📝 Instructions

Cook the Barley

Rinse barley and cook according to package directions (usually 1:3 ratio with water, simmer 30-40 mins). Barley is a cooling grain that helps drain dampness from the body.

Prepare the Duck

Remove skin from duck (skin is warming). Cut into small pieces. Poach gently in water or broth for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Don't fry - this adds heat.

Add Vegetables

Add celery to the cooking liquid for 3-4 minutes. Add spinach in the last minute until just wilted. Keep cucumber raw for maximum cooling effect.

Combine & Serve

Mix cooked barley, duck, cooked vegetables, and raw cucumber. Add coconut oil. Let cool to room temperature or serve slightly cool. Store in fridge up to 4 days.

☯️ TCM Practitioner's Note

This recipe is ideal for dogs in summer, dogs with skin allergies, or dogs showing "heat" signs (panting, red skin, hot ears). Feed for 2-4 weeks to see results. If your dog feels cold after eating this, add a small amount of neutral protein like beef to balance.

📊 Nutrition Per Serving

Calories280 kcal

Protein26g

Fat12g

Carbs18g

Fiber4g

🐕 Best For

Dogs with hot, itchy skin
Excessive panting
Dogs who seek cool floors
Red, inflamed ears
Summer feeding
Allergies with heat signs

🛒 Helpful Products

Digital Kitchen Scale
Reishi Mushroom (cooling)