Why is Turmeric Good for Your Dog?
Turmeric is absolutely safe for dogs to consume and has a positive impact on them. It is a natural antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. But how much turmeric can be given to your dog and is it actually good?
In small doses, turmeric is safe for dogs and may have a beneficial effect. Curcumin, a commonly studied phytonutrient found in turmeric, has been shown in one study to support healthy joint mobility and comfort.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a flowering plant native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia that belongs to the ginger family. This plant’s brightly colored powder is commonly used in Asian cuisine to add color and flavor to dishes, but it also has a long and rich history of use in non-traditional and herbal medicine.
Turmeric has been used by humans in India since 500 BCE as a natural remedy for mild digestive issues, inflammation, pain relief, and joint and bone disorders such as arthritis. However, turmeric has only recently begun to become more popular and widely used in the Western world, with the sudden interest sparking over 3,000 studies into the potential uses of turmeric over the last 25 years.
Turmeric is primarily promoted in animal products as an anti-inflammatory supplement for dogs with medical conditions that cause stiffness and discomfort in their bones and joints, such as arthritis. However, you may be wondering if any of these claims are true, and if there is any evidence to support the benefits of giving your dog turmeric.
How is Turmeric Good for Your Dogs?
Although there has not been as much research into whether turmeric is good for dogs as there has been for humans, there have been a few studies that have found noticeable inflammation improvements when using turmeric in animal trials:
A 2017 study published in BMC Veterinary Research discovered that dogs with osteoarthritis showed fewer pain indicators after three months of receiving a mixture containing curcumin extract.
In another study published in Research in Veterinary Science in 2016 found that dietary curcumin, a chemical produced in turmeric triggered an immunological response that”confirmed antioxidant and liver protectant activities.
Curcumin was discovered to be a complementary anti-inflammatory support for osteoarthritis in dogs in a 2012 study published in Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology.
Curcumin suppressed cytokines that cause inflammation, according to a 2009 study published in the Italian Journal of Animal Science.
Turmeric, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, can thus be used to treat common joint conditions such as arthritis. If you decide to buy turmeric supplements to treat your dog’s joints, use them to complement other treatments your dog is receiving, not as a cheaper alternative to veterinary care.
Turmeric can also treat digestive issues in dogs, as it stimulates bile production in the liver, which helps break down food faster, allowing your dog to feel more comfortable after eating. Turmeric is also a potent antioxidant essential in your dog’s diet because it may reduce the risk of developing many diseases and cancers.
Are There Any Side Effects to Using Turmeric?
Although turmeric is considered safe, as with any supplement or medication, some dogs may experience side effects, especially if the dosage is too high. The most severe side effects include stomach upset, bruising, clotting, and gallbladder problems.
As a result, we always recommend consulting with your veterinarian before giving your dog a turmeric supplement to ensure that the correct dosage is given and that it does not conflict with any other medications they are taking.
How Much Turmeric Should I give my Dog?
The daily dose of turmeric for dogs is approximately 1/8 to 14 tsp for every 10 Ib your dog weighs. Suppose you intend to introduce turmeric into your dog’s diet. In that case, it is recommended that you begin slowly with small doses and gradually increase the dosage over weeks until you reach the recommended amount for your dog’s weight.