Caring for your plushcon 101- Nutrition.
Hello and welcome to the Plushcon and Autoplush care guide. In this section we will cover feeding and nutrition- how to refuel using local cuisine and what to use as an energon substitute.
Anyone wishing to take part in our adopt a cybertronian program should inquire with their local representative. More information can be found here
Food- science and culture
Refueling is a complex process for both humans and cybertronians. Both species convert energy from one form to another via their digestive systems. However, energy is available in much simpler forms on cybertron, refined energon from the pure energy crystals . Because of this, the cybertronian digestive system is much simpler than the average earthling.
And as energon is more akin to earth petrol than any food this leaves us with a dilemma. Most cybertronians can consume small amounts of earthen food, but humans cannot consume energon.
Once upon a time, when cybertrons natural flora flourished, it was possible to eat food on cybertron, not just pure energon. Most native species and even recipes have been lost to the war. Perhaps one day, it will be possible to rediscover cybertronian food culture to share between our species.
What to eat
It is important to discover what food your cybertronian prefers by offering them a wide range of items to try. For example, simple sugars are a safe bet as they provide easy energy and digestion. However the exact form depends on frame type. War frames and miners may prefer something with fiber for a prolonged release. Where as seekers prefer carbs. A balanced diet is to be encouraged but if you find it difficult to get your cybertronian to eat their greens you may wish to try the following.
Feeding
Due to the plushification process, many cybetronians have difficulty feeding themselves. They may well resort to eating with their servos, which is fine in many earth cultures. However, if they consent, you may wish to assist them with human cutlery. This can also encourage them to try new foods as they enjoy sharing with others. More paranoid cybetronians will feel better sharing the same meal as their host or caretaker for food safety reasons.
Cooking- sharing joy and culture
It may surprise you but many cybertronian enjoy cooking! Involving them in your cooking is a good opertunity to share culture and memories. Just make sure your cybertronian doesnt try to add any of their own ingredients. Not everything they might eat is safe for human consumption.
Dining out
Due to their small tanks, it is not advisable to let your cybetronians have a full sized human meal. However they should still be involved in the process. Allow them to read the menu at your chosen restaurant, get them a share plate or even hand them some morsels to try.
Final points
Be sure not to overfeed your cybertronian. This can lead to abdominal plate shifts, tank problems and excessive sleepiness. It may be necessary to hide treats, as some post war cybertronians have taken to resource hoarding or overfueling as a coping mechanism. To counter this make sure to give plenty of reassurance and encourage a healthy relationship with food.
Cybertronians are not prone to food allergies as their immune systems are different to humans. However certain foods can still gunk up their digestive tracts. For example pure granulated sugar can cause spark knock, a skipping or stuttering of the engine.
The insides of all cybertronians are sensitive to temperature changes. Make sure they cool their food before ingesting.
Cybertronians love sharing food, make sure to included them in as many of your meal times as possible. They may not always want or need to refuel, but they enjoy being included nevertheless.
And that covers nutrition 101. We at the CBIC strive to create a complete guide for the understanding of all readers. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please contact us.
Further reading
