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Have you ever heard of the spice, turmeric? This popular spice contains an active compound known as curcumin, which has many scientifically-proven health benefits. Containing potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric has the ability to improve symptoms of depression and arthritis in humans.

The good news is that turmeric can also be helpful for dogs, in treating and preventing several issues that your pet may have. Should your pet become ill, be sure to ask your vet if turmeric would be a good choice to give to your furry friend.

Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs

Giving your dog turmeric has many helpful benefits, which makes it an excellent choice to give to your dog on a daily basis.  

Firstly, turmeric is helpful for relieving inflammation in tissues. This is helpful for canines that are recovering from surgery or a senior dog who has arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties also are known to help dogs who have allergies.

If your dog is suffering from chronic GI problems, turmeric can also be helpful. This is because it has the ability to calm down GI tract inflammation. In addition to this, turmeric has the ability to stimulate the gall bladder to release digestive enzymes that work to break down the food that your dog eats.

Many senior dogs have arthritis and are given pain medicine on a daily basis to help them. Turmeric works as a helpful alternative for pain relief. You may be surprised to find that turmeric works wonders as a pain reliever for your arthritic dog.

If your dog is suffering from heart disease, turmeric may also be helpful to supplement. This is because turmeric works as a natural blood thinner. With that being said, be aware that it might take a little bit longer for your dog to stop bleeding if they get cut.

You may also be surprised to know about the role turmeric has in fighting cancer. Although it can’t cure cancer, it has been proven to slow down the spread of it.

Giving Turmeric to Your Dog

Wondering the best way to give your dog turmeric? If your dog isn’t a picky eater, you might try sprinkling some turmeric powder on top of their food.

However, it may be best to make a turmeric paste, as it is easier absorbed if it is combined with coconut oil. Here is a recipe for turmeric paste, courtesy of Dogs Naturally Magazine.

  1. Combine ½ cup organic turmeric powder with 1 cup of filtered water in a pan.
  2. Stir, on medium-low heat for about 7 to 10 minutes, until it forms a paste.
  3. If the paste has a watery texture, add a little more turmeric.
  4. Add 1 ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and ¼ cup of organic pressed coconut oil.
  5. Let the mixture cool. Place it in a container with a lid and keep it refrigerated.

How Much Turmeric Paste Should I Give My Dog?

  • If your dog is small, start with ¼ of a teaspoon
  • If your dog is medium, start with ½ of a teaspoon
  • If your dog is large, start with ¾ of a teaspoon
  • If your dog is giant, start with 1 teaspoon

And there you have it! After your vet’s approval, just a little turmeric every day and your dog can reap the benefits.