Food Energetics for Dogs: A Complete Guide to Thermal Nutrition, Seasonal Balance & Whole‑Food Wellness Food energetics is the study of how different foods influence the body’s internal balance. While modern nutrition focuses on nutrients (protein, fats, vitamins, minerals), energetics looks at how foods behave once eaten  — their warming, cooling, drying, or moistening effects. For dogs, understanding energetics can help support: Temperature regulation Digestive comfort Skin