Dogs are our best friends, and just like us, they enjoy the benefits of a healthy life. But what we will find out in this blog are all the benefits of Turmeric for dogs.
TLDR ;
Turmeric is a powerful spice that has many health benefits, particularly in anti-inflammatory properties which can replace many expensive medications. In fact, turmeric is so beneficial that it’s even being researched as a treatment for several human diseases. As much as we love our dogs, it can be difficult to keep track of everything they need in their diet.
So how do you know if your dog should take turmeric? Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of turmeric for dogs and how you can add it to your pooch’s food.
What is Turmeric and Is It Good for Dogs?
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of a flowering plant in the ginger family. It’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and it’s also used as a coloring agent in many food products.
Because it’s so common in the food industry, you probably consume it yourself on a regular basis. However, did you know that dogs can also benefit from turmeric? It’s a fantastic spice that can be added to your dog’s food to help combat a wide range of different health issues.
How Can Dogs Benefit From Turmeric?
Turmeric is incredibly beneficial for dogs because it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds have been shown to have multiple positive effects on health. For example, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s believed to be particularly effective for counteracting joint and muscle pain. Turmeric is also believed to be effective at reducing oxidative stress, which is a known factor in many different diseases.
Indeed, turmeric has been shown to be effective in many different diseases. Some of the most promising applications include reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
6 Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs
- Anti-inflammatory Properties As we’ve already mentioned, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with joint and muscle pain.
- Cardiovascular Benefits Turmeric is believed to have cardiovascular benefits that can help protect against heart disease.
- Antibacterial and Anti-fungal Properties Turmeric has bacterial and fungal properties that can help with certain infections such- as skin infections.
- Reduced Oxidative Stress As we’ve already mentioned, turmeric is believed to reduce oxidative stress, which is a known factor in many diseases.
- Turmeric has been shown to be effective against the bacteria that causes food poisoning.
- Cancer Prevention Turmeric has been shown to have cancer preventing properties. In fact, there is ongoing research into using turmeric as a treatment for certain types of cancer.
How to Give Your Dog Turmeric?
One way is to add turmeric to your dog’s diet is to use it as a spice in their food. You can add it to their meals as you would any other spice.
Because turmeric is more of mild spice, it’s unlikely to cause any negative side effects. The recommended daily dose of turmeric is anywhere between 1/8 tsp – 1/4 tsp for every 10 lb. your dog weighs.
The best way to give Turmeric to dogs is to give it via treats. All dogs love treats and most have flavors that mask any hint of “medicine” that they seem to have that sixth sense for. My dog loves the Coco and Luna – Bacon and Liver Flavored ones.
If your pup has health concerns or is on medication, it is best to consult with a vet to see if turmeric is right for them.
In fact, there’s a good chance that your dog will enjoy the flavor.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when adding turmeric to your dog’s food. The amount of turmeric powder that you add will depend on the size of your dog. You should also avoid giving turmeric to pregnant dogs.
Why Is turmeric good for dogs?
As we’ve already discussed, turmeric is a powerful spice that has many health benefits for dogs. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help improve joint and muscle pain. Additionally, turmeric has cardiovascular benefits that can help protect against heart disease.
It also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that can help with certain infections such as skin infections. Additionally, turmeric has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, which is a known factor in many diseases.
Turmeric has also been shown to have cancer preventing properties. In fact, there is ongoing research into using turmeric as a treatment for certain types of cancer.
Can Dogs Eat Turmeric? What’s the Risk?
Turmeric is incredibly beneficial for dogs, but there are a few points of caution. You should only offer turmeric to dogs that are at least one year old, and you should never give turmeric to pregnant dogs.
Because turmeric is an herbal product, it has not been approved for use in puppies younger than one-year-old. If you are feeding young puppies, it’s best to use commercial dog food until they are old enough to eat solid food.
Additionally, turmeric might not be appropriate for dogs with certain health conditions. If your dog has a pre-existing condition, you should speak to your veterinarian about whether turmeric is safe for your dog.
Potential Turmeric Side Effects
The best thing about turmeric is that it works and it’s safe. But not all dogs should get turmeric.
Turmeric is a “warming” spice, so if your dog is always hot and seeking out cool floors to lie on, turmeric may not be for him.
Turmeric can interact with some medications, including anti-inflammatory and diabetes drugs. And it may interfere with some chemotherapy treatments. So if your dog is on any medications, check with your holistic vet before adding turmeric to his diet.
Chances are, it will only help but it’s always best to check. Turmeric is also contraindicated for patients with bile tract obstruction or gallstones.
Final Words
As we’ve seen, turmeric is a powerful spice that has many health benefits for dogs. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help improve joint and muscle pain.
Additionally, turmeric has cardiovascular benefits that can help protect against heart disease. Furthermore, turmeric has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that can help with certain infections such as skin infections. Turmeric has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, which is a known factor in many diseases.
Turmeric has also been shown to have cancer preventing properties. In fact, there is ongoing research into using turmeric as a treatment for certain types of cancer. Along with Turmeric, I like to add some special veggies to my dog’s homemade meals.
