Can dogs eat turmeric? In recent years, turmeric has become wildly popular as a superfood or spice in the United States. But do its many benefits carry over to our dogs? Is turmeric safe for dogs to consume?
The short answer is yes, turmeric is safe for dogs and is recommended by holistic veterinarians. However, researchers have not yet conducted extensive studies regarding dogs and turmeric.
If you’re thinking of including turmeric in your dog’s diet for its medicinal benefits, then you must seek out the guidance of your veterinarian first. In the meantime, here is everything you should know about how turmeric could be very useful for dogs.
How Is Turmeric Good For Dogs?
Turmeric belongs to the ginger family. Dried root stalks of the flowering turmeric plant are ground down into a powder. From there, it’s used in a wide variety of beneficial ways for both dogs and humans. In fact, it has been a medicinal staple in Indian culture for centuries.
Primarily, it serves to treat symptoms of diseases that cause inflammation and chronic pain. Canine nutritionists and holistic veterinarians believe that dogs can benefit just the same as humans do.
“Curcumin is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric that has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects,” reports Dr. Katie Woodley of The Natural Pet Doctor. Dr. Woodley uses turmeric in her practice for dogs suffering from arthritis, cancer, and skin allergies.
Dr. Jamie Richardson, Medical Chief of Staff at Small Door Veterinary in New York City, concurs. “Turmeric has been reported to provide anti-inflammatory effects and pain relief for the treatment of osteoarthritis, and as a healing tool for chronic lick granulomas in dogs,” he reports.
Despite these affirmations for the effectiveness of turmeric, these veterinarians apply it in specific ways, with specific instructions following treatment. It’s important to research and seek veterinary consultation before attempting to administer it to your dog.
How Can I Safely Give Turmeric To My Dog?
Some brands of high-quality dog food and treats list turmeric as an ingredient. However, it’s important to note that these processed foods generally do not have a significant level of curcumin, the compound that provides the kind of medical benefit Dr. Richardson and Dr. Woodley spoke of.
Dog parents can buy supplements, such as turmeric pastes or drops, that contain this compound. Additionally, you may find chewable capsules or treats that have a flavor adjustment for dogs, recommends Dr. Woodley.
T, However, dogs can’t easily absorb the curcumin found in these supplements without additional ingredients. “Formulations need to include fats and black pepper to increase the absorption and bioavailability of turmeric in the body,” reports Dr. Woodley.
“For dogs, the dosing will range between 50 and 250 mg, up to three times a day,” suggests Dr. Woodley. As always, double-confirm this dosage with your own veterinarian prior to use.
Do you add turmeric to your dog’s meals? Have you noticed any health benefits? Let us know in the comments below.
