Turmeric for Dogs

Turmeric for Dogs

Those of us who are familiar with the delicious tastes of Thai, Indian, and Persian food are probably familiar with turmeric. However, do you know it can also be great for your dog’s diet? Whether ground into a powder, used as “Golden Paste” (named due to its rich color), or as a raw root, turmeric has a variety of health benefits for your pets.

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Turmeric Benefits for Dogs:

Turmeric has been used in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic (The ancient Indian science of life) medicine for thousands of years. The active ingredient of turmeric is called curcumin and is a member of the ginger family. Known for its signature golden color, turmeric is commonly used for cooking, herbal medicine, and dyes.

The main benefits of turmeric are:

Anti-inflammatory and Joint Health

• This has been known to help arthritis and other stiff joint issues due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant property of curcumin also neutralizes free radicals, which cause chronic inflammation and damage to joints affected by arthritis. Joint pain can be debilitating for your pets, and turmeric powder or paste can help give them quick relief. 

Digestive Health

• Curcumin stimulates bile production in the liver, which aids in breaking down dietary fats during the digestive process. Adding a bit of turmeric to their dog food can help balance their digestive tract. If you’re wondering how to boost a dog’s immune system, turmeric can help with this, as well.   

Cholesterol Management

• Curcumin is a blood thinner, which reduces the risk of blood clots and removes excess cholesterol.

Liver and Heart Health

Turmeric has been found to lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels which promote liver and heart health. This powerful root is also an effective detox for dogs, contributing to their overall organ health.

Incorporating Turmeric into Your Dog’s Diet 

You can commonly find turmeric in powder form, but crushed or fresh turmeric root work just as well. If possible, try to get a high quality and organic turmeric supplement. The turmeric dose dogs respond best to is 1/8 to a 1/4 teaspoon for every 10lbs of their body weight per day, and for cats is 1/50 of a teaspoon per day. Start with a small amount and slowly increase it as your pet adjusts. If you’re unsure, ask your veterinarian for the correct turmeric dosage for your pet. Add it directly to your pet’s meals, or you can cook it into a paste (which may help increase its absorption). There are lots of great recipes online for turmeric paste (like here or here), or if you prefer, Dr. Karen Becker now makes her own curcumin supplement. You can even bake delicious dog treats with turmeric! For more on creating a nutrient-dense diet for your pets, check out this dog feeding chart.

Additional Advantages and Cautions

Advantages to Consider:

• Maintain healthy blood sugar levels within normal range
• Promote healthy skin and eyes
• Promote healthy blood and circulation
• Provide and support a healthy immune system
• Improve stress tolerance
• Aid in the treatment of epilepsy
• Help relieve allergies
• Help in preventing the formation of cataracts
• Used in treating depression
• Kill parasites
• High in fiber and rich in vitamins and mineral
• Act as a superior joint supplement for lasting pain relief
• Function as an effective detox for dogs, contributing to overall organ health 

Cautions to Consider:

You may be wondering, “Is turmeric safe?” As with every supplement,there are a few things to keep in mind before giving turmeric to your pets. If your dog has any health issues or is taking any medications, it’s important to consult with your vet first. Due to its binding properties, turmeric can cause constipation, so be sure to have lots of fresh water available. Too much in your pet’s diet can cause your pet’s scent to change. If your pet begins to smell like ammonia or urine, decrease the amount you are giving them per day. Also, turmeric can stain both you and your pet, so be sure to mix well.

Explore More on Turmeric for Dogs!

Head over to our Treats and Supplements board on Pinterest for turmeric recipes, tips for dog owners, and more. 

Whether you have small or large dogs, young or senior dogs, active or quiet dogs, turmeric extract can be a wonderful addition to their diet. Dogs naturally respond very well to turmeric, and it can be easily incorporated over time to ensure lasting benefits. At Darwin’s our mission is to help you give your pets the best life possible, and that starts with what you feed them. From raw dog food to treats and more, explore all of our offerings to ensure your dogs are the happiest and healthiest they can be.

Want more ideas on turmeric for your dog? Head over to our Treats and Supplements board on Pinterest!