Benefits of Turmeric for Your Dog

Turmeric is a super spice that fights the body's number one enemy, inflammation! This all-purpose, plant-derived substance is packed with vitamins and minerals, and features antioxidants, antibacterial, antifungal and even anti-cancerous properties. Curcumin is the main component of turmeric, and is the key factor behind all of these amazing health benefits. In addition to its body strengthening aspects, it also works as both a blood thinner and a pain reliever.

 

This spice can probably be found in your kitchen, and has all kinds of wonderful uses to help improve your pup's health. Chronic inflammation wreaks havoc on the entire body. It can be found at the heart of cancer, arthritis, liver and kidney problems, allergies, and gastrointestinal issues. Turmeric can be used to aid both internal and external issues that ail dogs. From relieving itchy skin to actually shrinking tumors, turmeric has some serious health benefits that your dog can be experiencing. There are a few different ways to prepare turmeric for your dog, all of which we have compiled for you here:

 

Golden Paste

 

A thick turmeric paste, perfect for adding to dog food, can be made in your very own kitchen. It requires an oil such as linseed, olive, or coconut and fresh ground black pepper to help with absorption. For every ½ cup of turmeric powder, up to 1 ½ cups of water, a ¼ cup of oil and 1 ½ teaspoons of pepper are needed. The water should be slowly added to the powder as the mixture is simmering on low heat, for no longer than ten minutes. At this point it should be very thick. The pepper and oil can then be added. Once the paste has cooled, it can be placed in a jar and kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

 

Turmeric Gravy

 

Some dogs are more eager to consume different foods when they are warmed up. Turmeric gravy is a simple mixture that makes feeding your dog this supplement an easy feat. The concoction requires 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 16 grinds of fresh black pepper, a small spoon of an oil of your choice and boiling water. Place the powder in a mug and add the boiling water, leaving space for the other ingredients. After the water has cooled, add the pepper and the oil. You can add this gravy to your dog’s dish according to its size.

 

Dry Ingredients

 

The easiest way to add turmeric to your dog's diet is by simply adding the basic ingredients mentioned in these recipes straight onto your pooch's dinner. For dogs that don't mind the taste, you can put ¼ of a teaspoon of turmeric powder, up to 8 grinds of fresh pepper and as much as 5 ml of oil into the doggy dish. This method is just as effective as the other creations, however pickier canines may turn their noses up at dry turmeric.

 

When figuring out how much of any of these methods to administer, start slow! The rule of thumb when beginning turmeric supplementation is ¼ of a teaspoon per day for small dogs, ½ a teaspoon for medium sizes, ¾ of a teaspoon for large pups and a whole teaspoon for the giants. If you increase the dosage too quickly, you can cause your pup to suffer from diarrhea or constipation, depending on how their body responds.

 

Certain medications do not mix well with turmeric, so check with your vet before giving this spice to your dog. Pooches suffering from gallstones, digestive tract obstruction, or those going in for surgery should also avoid turmeric. For all other dogs, using turmeric as a daily super-tonic is a great way to fight diseases and increase the lifespan of your favorite four-legged family member. Just be prepared to embrace the yellow mustache that your healthier pup will sport!