Turmeric is safe for dogs in small doses, and it may have a positive impact. One study has shown curcumin, a frequently studied phytonutrient found in turmeric, may support healthy joint mobility and comfort.
Small dogs should begin with ¼ teaspoon of turmeric per day, medium dogs should begin with ½ per day, large dogs should start with ¾ teaspoon per day, and giant dogs should start with one teaspoon per day.
In addition to treating joint issues, turmeric can also be used for dogs suffering from digestive issues, as it stimulates the production of bile in the liver that help break food down quicker, enabling your dog to feel more comfortable after eating.
Is Turmeric Good For Dogs? Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin – which is essentially its active ingredient. Curcumin for dogs has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, wound healing and anticancer activities.
Try giving your dog 1/4 to one teaspoon of turmeric paste at a time, depending on their size (smaller dogs should get 1/4 teaspoon, medium dogs get 1/2 teaspoon, and larger dogs can have a full teaspoon of the golden paste). Stir the paste into your dog's food or dissolve it into a tasty bone broth.
Turmeric is easy to give to your dogs, in the form of a paste or as drops added to their meals, and as a flavorful chewable capsule or treat. Pet parents can also buy treats or pet food with turmeric.
Around 5000 studies have proved that turmeric is entirely safe for your dog and can be added to your canine's diet. As the spice has anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce inflammation in dogs and even treat chronic arthritis.
You should not give your dog turmeric if he or she is on a prescription to treat diabetes, or is about to undergo surgery. Most side effects only occur if you give your dog too much turmeric, so you might like to start with a small amount and gradually increase it to the proper dose.
How Long Does It Take for Turmeric to Work? Turmeric works within 2-3 days for acute symptoms, but it might take a while for noticeable effects to appear for chronic health problems. Don't get discouraged, and make sure that you're feeding your dog the proper form of turmeric (no chemical additives).
If your dog is suffering from arthritis or other sources of inflamed joints, turmeric powder added to food may help to provide pain relief in as little as 2-3 days. Remember, noticeable relief may take longer for chronic pain, and it's important to use pure turmeric without chemical additives.
Small/miniature dogs (under 10kg): 1/4 teaspoon per day. Medium dogs (11-20kg): 1/2 teaspoon per day. Large dogs (21-40kg): 3/4 teaspoon per day. Giant dogs (41+kg): 1 teaspoon per day.
As a rule of thumb, 15 to 20 mg of turmeric per pound of body weight is the recommended dog dosage. That is roughly ¼ teaspoon for every 10 pounds.
Yes! Turmeric is healthy for your dog to eat and contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer and other diseases. Turmeric can also help dogs with arthritis by reducing inflammation.
Organic turmeric is best, and if you're interested in an organic pre-made chew, these duck-flavored bites from Zesty Paws are designed to provide everyday joint and immune support. They also have no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Contraindications of Turmeric for Dogs
Some studies suggest that turmeric may aggravate existing liver issues, so consult your veterinarian before giving the supplement if your dog has liver disease.
You can add turmeric powder to food. It's often used in dishes like curry, soups, and roasted meat. One of the most traditional ways to consume it is in a warm drink known as golden milk. While tasty, your body doesn't absorb turmeric very well from food.
Apple cider vinegar is made from just apples and water, making it completely safe for dogs. It is slightly acidic, with a pH of 3.1 to 5, which gives it properties that can soothe a dog's overly alkalized digestive tract.
All forms of ginger are safe for dogs, including fresh, powdered, and even ginger juice. If you're using fresh ginger, peel it thoroughly and finely mince it. Then it can be sprinkled over your dog's food. Or you can slice it thinly and use it as a snack.
Ginger has been known to support digestion and calm a rumbling tummy. The best part? It can offer our pets the same benefits. Combined with turmeric, you'll give your pet a boost of digestion and joint support!
Honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. It contains natural sugars and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is also used as a sweetener in many foods and beverages.
Turmeric is generally considered very safe for dogs, but turmeric supplements can cause some side effects. Some of the most common turmeric side effects include: – Upset stomach (vomiting or diarrhea) if your dog consumes too much turmeric in one sitting.
Consuming turmeric helps the body fight chronic inflammation and reduce joint pain associated with osteoarthritis in senior dogs. You can also give your dog turmeric instead of ibuprofen to limit their intake of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Adding small amounts of olive oil to your dog's food can also help stimulate their digestive system as olive oil acts as a laxative. However, if your dog is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, olive oil should be avoided as it may exacerbate these conditions.
Use no more than one tablespoon per 50 pounds of bodyweight and limit your use to twice a week. If your dog doesn't like the strong flavor, try reducing the amount to 1 teaspoon per 50 pounds of bodyweight, cooking it into a homemade dog treat, or stirring some into your dog's fresh meals.