The Health Benefits of Turmeric and What It Can Do for Your Dog

Can I feed my dog's turmeric? 

Turmeric is a kitchen staple often found in our pantry and regularly used alongside other herbs and spices. But, can I feed my dog's turmeric too? The answer is a big fat YES! Turmeric can be given to dogs. For someone who has a senior dog that suffers from arthritis, we've found that adding turmeric to her diet has helped with improving her mobility, alongside the use of other holistic treatments and supplements. 

how it works

Organic turmeric contains a special active compound called curcumin which gives the ingredient its many favourable properties. These include being an antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and helping to fight diseases such as arthritis and cancer.

One study conducted in 2020 confirmed that curcumin improved animal health, increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, as well as delivering some anti-inflammatory properties.  Another study in 2009, produced results that suggest solubilized curcumin can effectively block tumor formation in the brain and also destroy brain tumor cells.

As the curcumin in turmeric has a low absorption rate and bioavailability, researchers suggest ‘activating’ the ingredient before giving it to your dog. It can be activated by mixing it with black pepper which contains a compound called piperine. This will allow your dog to properly absorb all the nutrients and benefits that turmeric has to offer. When purchasing turmeric, also ensure that it contains curcumin as some supermarket brands contain none or very little.

You can mix the turmeric, black pepper and coconut oil to create a paste, which can easily be added to your pet’s dinner bowl. For a complete recipe and dosage guide, visit Dog's Naturally Magazine.

And of course, always check with your local veterinarian before adding turmeric to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has pre-existing medical conditions and is currently being treated with other drugs. Black pepper and coconut oil can upset some dog's stomachs.