Are you doing everything you can for your dog’s wellness? How about including natural support options in their diet, like curcumin found in turmeric?
Turmeric is a natural treatment alternative that has been used by humans for thousands of years. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, helps alleviate symptoms of arthritis, and offers antioxidant benefits that may boost the immune system.
Now, what if those same properties could assist your dog’s health?
In this ingredient spotlight, we’ll take a closer look at turmeric and its potential benefits for dogs. Plus, we’ll go over how much turmeric is the right dose and when it might not be the best option for your dog.
Let’s get right into it and spice things up!
What is Turmeric?
Used in India for centuries, Turmeric is a golden-colored spice. It has a long history of use in traditional Indian medicine, where it has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions.
Turmeric is a product of Curcuma longa, which can be found in tropical South Asia. It's not just for curry anymore! This rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belongs to the ginger family Zingiberaceae.
It has been used in medicine and food since ancient times because it contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds called curcurins that reduce pain without affecting nerve function. Plus it adds depth to food with a pungent, earthy flavor that provides a bit of peppery spice.
Is Turmeric Good for Dogs?
The general opinion on turmeric is that it’s a very safe herb with a lot of upside potential. In fact, the positive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic effects of curcumin have been well documented in clinical trials. These studies have shown the potential as a complementary addition to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.
There is also positive interaction with other ingredients such as CBD which offers similar properties that combat inflammation. Often known as the “entourage effect” the combination of these active elements creates an even stronger response.
Turmeric Benefits for Dogs
Turmeric has many benefits for dogs, including the following:
- Anti-Inflammatory properties for hip & joint issues
- Fight against bacterial infections
- Powerful antioxidant
- Age-related cognitive disorders
Let’s take a closer look at some of the specific benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Turmeric
Turmeric has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that are needed for the normal functionalities of human cells. For example, when cells die, they release inflammatory molecules that cause swelling and redness. Turmeric helps to counteract this inflammation by blocking the production of these inflammatory molecules. It is thought to have the same positive effect on dogs, with natural compounds that inhibit nuclear factor-kB inflammatory pathways.
Powerful Antioxidant of Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body against free radicals. These are harmful molecules that can damage cells and DNA, leading to diseases such as cancer. Curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, is especially effective at neutralizing these free radicals.
Turmeric Dosage for Dogs
How much turmeric is the right amount for dogs?
Turmeric has a curcumin content of roughly 3% by weight, making it hard to reach the necessary levels by adding to food alone.
What can be done to increase the turmeric dosage for your dog? We recommend providing it to them in supplement form on a regular schedule.
Though there is a low risk for potential side effects, excessive doses can lead to gastrointestinal problems. Having a controlled form of dosing allows for easy adjustments to the quantity being administered.
Where to Buy Turmeric Supplements for Dogs
Many people seek at-home methods for including turmeric and can find recipes online from first-hand accounts. One option is to make a “golden paste” that you incorporate into your dog’s feeding schedule. The problem is that the curcumin found in turmeric is not easily absorbed when issued by itself.
To take the guesswork out of giving curcumin to your dog, consider adding a canine supplement that includes turmeric on the ingredients list. Our EASE joint and hip supplements are made with pure, high-quality ingredients that will help your dog get the most out of this beneficial spice.
Shop Green Gruff EASE Plus CBD and all of the other supplements for dogs we offer by clicking the button below.
