Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Turmeric is Good for You, and Good for Dogs


Many people are unaware of the health benefits associated with turmeric (curcumin) for both humans and animals.

Turmeric is an inexpensive, natural supplement that can easily be added to a dogs diet, raw fed or not.

I began researching the use of turmeric for dogs about a year ago, after a friend suggested I look into it for Neeko's joint pain.

What is Turmeric?
If you have ever eaten Indian or Thai cuisine, you have probably had a dish with turmeric in it.  It is made by boiling the underground stem of a plant in the ginger family, then drying and grinding.  Curcumin is considered to be the active ingredient of turmeric.

Why use Turmeric?
Little research/clinical trials have been done regarding the benefits of turmeric for dogs.  However, many in vitro studies have been done that suggest it is highly beneficial to humans.

Some Benefits Include:
  • As a natural anti-inflammatory, it can bring relief to a dog (or person) suffering with joint pain.
  • There is research suggesting that it can prevent some types of cancers.  Source
  • It may be good for the brain, possibly helping to treat depression and prevent dementia.
How to use Turmeric
I sprinkle turmeric straight on the raw meals of my dogs, most every day.  Initially, there was some hesitation, but now they eat it up no problem.

turmeric raw dog food
It looks ready to be barbecued.
There are various opinions regarding the dosage of turmeric for dogs, or how much turmeric to give a dog.  I go by the 1/8 to 1/4 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight, so my dogs get a teaspoon or a bit more of turmeric per day.

Turmeric does not dissolve in water, but does dissolve in fat.  When I first started supplementing with it, it mixed easily with Grizzly Pollock or Salmon oil, and my dogs took it more willingly.

It can be sprinkled over the top of kibble, or mixed in easily with canned food.

If a dog will not eat powdered turmeric, supplements containing turmeric for dogs do exist.  I have not tried any of these, so I cannot speak to the efficacy, quality, or safety of them.
Turmeric can potentially cause constipation, so dogs should have clean, fresh water available at all times.

Additional Reading
Dogs Naturally Magazine
Healthy Pets with Dr. Karen Becker

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16 comments:

  1. Misaki @ misadventuresofMisakiJuly 8, 2014 at 5:38 PM

    Well I never knew that! Just thought it was just a flavouring

    ReplyDelete
  2. Life with Dogs and CatsJuly 8, 2014 at 6:03 PM

    Have you noticed a difference since you started using it?

    --Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJuly 8, 2014 at 10:19 PM

      I really have. Since starting it, my girl seems less stiff. I also give fish oil and an additional joint supplement to her.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJuly 8, 2014 at 9:24 PM

    I think I may have some leftover from my Thai experimental cooking days. It's probably 7years old. I'm guessing it has lost potency by now.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 2browndawgsJuly 8, 2014 at 9:33 PM

    I have heard a lot about turmeric lately. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dachshund NolaJuly 8, 2014 at 11:36 PM

    I need to pick some up!
    DM

    ReplyDelete
  6. UlatJuly 9, 2014 at 10:56 AM

    owhhh cool! I'm from Asia and fresh tumeric are everywhere. Should give it a try

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownJuly 9, 2014 at 11:36 AM

    Interesting! I would have never thought to put that on a dogs raw diet!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kimberly Gauthier, Dog Nutrition Blogger for Keep the Tail WaggingJuly 13, 2014 at 8:59 PM

    Our joint supplement has turmeric. It works.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dz Dog MomAugust 26, 2014 at 2:54 PM

    Thanks! We might try this!

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownOctober 25, 2016 at 10:58 PM

    Turmeric is really a miracle ingredient for both dogs and humans. It seems to cover lots of preventive and anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is one slight drawback that is often overlooked by pet parents, and that is constipation. However, there are still some other things that can cause constipation in dogs other than turmeric, and you can read them here: http://dogsaholic.com/care/constipation-in-dogs.html

    ReplyDelete
  11. Mueeid SoomroFebruary 1, 2017 at 6:02 AM

    Chicken - whole or backs, necks, wings etc. * Turkey - whole or necks, wings etc. * Cornish game hens * Beef - almost any. It is not recommended to give them femur bones or the like as they may be too hard and could possibly chip their teeth. * Oxtail * Rabbit * Pork - ribs, neck, feet etc *
    pet hair vacuum

    ReplyDelete
  12. lizaSeptember 8, 2017 at 9:36 AM

    nice post

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownSeptember 29, 2017 at 6:30 AM

    Arthritis may be the result of chronic, low-grade inflammation. In a nutshell, the immune system releases proteins that damage joints. Pet bounce arthritis medication for dogs provides pain relief from arthritis.

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownMarch 31, 2020 at 10:18 AM

    Amaing article ! blog that dog

    ReplyDelete
  15. rasheedhamzaOctober 14, 2021 at 4:14 AM

    I am impressed. I don't think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. Turmeric Supplement

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for the howls!!

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