Yes, dogs can eat turmeric. Ideally dogs should eat turmeric in moderation as it includes multiple active ingredients such as curcumin which are beneficial to dogs. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, and is used in several cancer treatments and to alleviate arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. Turmeric is also used in dogs food packaging to improve the kibble’s color and taste; not for its anti-inflammatory property.
That being said, eating turmeric can have a few side effects. Thankfully these side effects are rare and only occur from excessing turmeric consumption. You should carefully follow dosage guidance on your preferred turmeric supplement to lessen the probability of side effects.
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What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a plant that grows in the tropical regions of Southern Asia and is a member of the ginger family. It has a bitter taste and is fragrant. Humans have used turmeric for over 4,000 years for food and medicinal purposes. Turmeric has been shown to cure various ailments and eliminate diseases such as inflammation, liver disease, and chronic arthritis.
What is Curcumin?
Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant. Turmeric’s antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects come from this ingredient that improves your dog’s immune system. Furthermore, it is known to cure various illnesses, making it an essential component of preventative medicine. As a result, vets advise dog owners to provide their pets with turmeric supplements.
Is Turmeric Safe for Dogs?
Humans have used turmeric for thousands of years for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Turmeric is generally healthy and safe for dogs but, in minimal doses. Several studies have also concluded that turmeric is beneficial for a dog’s health and is known to outperform inflammatory bowel disease drugs, arthritis drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and chemotherapy.
Can Dogs Have Turmeric?
Yes, dogs can have turmeric, and it can help their overall health and well-being. Most dogs, however, cannot digest turmeric in its normal state since it contains curcumin. As a result, it’s best to combine turmeric with a healthier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, so your dog can manage it properly and enjoy the benefits of this herb.
Health Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs
There are several health benefits of turmeric for dogs, those includes:
Turmeric provides anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties
Turmeric helps treat gastrointestinal disorders
Turmeric can treat cancer in dogs
Turmeric can prevent heart disorders
Turmeric strengthens the absorption and bone growth in dogs
Turmeric aids in preventing cataracts in dogs
Steroids are the most typical medications that vets prescribed to dogs with joint pain. Steroids have solid anti-inflammatory features, but they have adverse side effects such as weakening of the bone, high blood sugar level, weight gain, fatigue, and suppressed immune system. Luckily, turmeric has all the advantages without any harmful side effects. Studies have noticed that turmeric works as a steroid medication in relieving joint pain.
Side Effects of Turmeric
Turmeric is non-toxic and and generally healthy for dogs to consume. However there are dogs with specific health problems or under certain prescriptions and they should never consume turmeric. Before giving your dog turmeric or curcumin as a standalone supplement, there are certain things you must keep in mind:
Turmeric is a blood thinner: Turmeric should not be offered to dogs who are already taking blood thinners. When turmeric is consumed along with a blood thinner, it increases the chances of heavy bleeding.
Dogs with diabetes should be kept away from turmeric: Never provide turmeric to dogs who are taking diabetic medicine. When these two ingredients are mixed, it can cause a drastic drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), resulting in epilepsy, coma, and even death.
Dogs can’t tolerate warm temperatures: Turmeric is a soothing spice that can raise your dog’s temperature while consuming.
If the dog has gallbladder or kidney stones: Turmeric can aggravate conditions like bile duct obstruction. Turmeric raises the levels of oxalates in the urine.
Types Of Turmeric for Dogs
Turmeric can be given to your dog in various forms, including a paste or powder combined with food or vitamins in the form of tablets, chews, and treats. Different types of turmeric for dogs are listed below.
Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder for dogs can be made into a paste by mixing it with coconut or olive oil and ground pepper and then adding it to the dog’s diet. The paste will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Give a spoonful of the paste combined with food to large dogs every day, half a spoonful to medium-sized dogs, and 1/4th to small dogs.
Turmeric Chewable Tablet: Turmeric chews and tablets high in curcumin should be added to the dog’s diet. Chews are available in various flavors, including bacon and liver, to make them more attractive. When purchasing, look for fresh and organic items that don’t have artificial additives like wheat, maize, soy, or eggs.
Turmeric Liquid: Turmeric drops for dogs often have the advantage of being more easily absorbed. Turmeric drops for dogs have a dose that ranges depending on the dog’s size, like the paste.
Turmeric Dose for Dogs
Ensuring the dog is getting the correct dosage is the only way to avoid side effects. You should steadily increase the amount of turmeric you offer your dog so that their body adapts to the turmeric consumption.
Since every dog is different, you should follow the dose guidelines for your turmeric supplement, which are dependent on the size of your dog. If you’re applying turmeric powder to food, start with these amounts.
Keep an eye on your dog’s reaction to the turmeric consumption and determine whether you should increase or decrease the dose. If your dog does not react negatively, gradually increase the amount of turmeric to increase the amount of curcumin in their bloodstream. Consult the veterinarian if you have any questions.
