What is Turmeric?
As pet parents, we want to know if turmeric is suitable for dogs. Absolutely. Turmeric has been used medicinally for thousands of years. In addition to being an effective anti-inflammatory, turmeric is an excellent source of antioxidants. Turmeric can help reduce inflammation and support your pet's immune system.
Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is an Indian spice used for its medicinal properties. It has a mild flavour ranging from slightly bitter to mildly sweet.
You can buy turmeric for pets at your local grocery store. Still, people and animals should consume medicinal turmeric because turmeric manufacturers designed for culinary purposes tend to emphasize flavour rather than health benefits.
Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs?
Is turmeric good for dogs? Yes! Turmeric can be used to treat arthritis in pets. But that is only one of the herbs' many healthful properties. Turmeric can also strengthen your pet's immune systems and improve his skin and coat.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is its main active ingredient. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin make it an effective supplement for managing pain, joint issues, allergies and other conditions.
Aside from its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is an adaptogen as well. Therefore, it can help your dog manage stress better, resulting in less anxiety and better energy balance. Your dog's energy level should remain consistent, which is particularly helpful for athletic or working dogs.
A turmeric supplement combined with other natural health supplements, such as fish oil or coconut oil for dogs, will help to improve skin and coat health and reduce allergies.
Turmeric for Senior Dogs
The old saying goes, old age isn't for sissies. The same is true for pets and people. In addition to wearing down cartilage, arthritis can cause cataracts and clouds vision.
Additionally, the herb has shown promise in battling cancer. The effects of curcumin on cancer are currently being tested in humans, but no studies have been conducted on turmeric and dogs.
The study investigates whether it can reduce symptoms associated with cancer and whether it can be used to treat pre-cancerous conditions. There is evidence that some cancers are caused by inflammation.
There may be some benefits to treating these types of cancer with turmeric due to its anti-inflammatory properties and health benefits. Turmeric contains antioxidants, which may also prevent cancer.
In addition to serving as a potent antioxidant, the spice has been shown to slow down the aging and degeneration process in pets, allowing them to live longer.
Chronic diseases and cancer can develop due to inflammation, which has a snowball effect. In a pet's body, oxidative stress damages cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. By preventing oxidative stress, turmeric reduces inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and prevents oxidative stress.
Despite its limitations, turmeric can considerably improve senior pets' quality of life considerably. There is no doubt that turmeric benefits dogs.
How Much Turmeric Should Dogs Have?
There is no clear-cut answer to how much turmeric my dog can have. Generally speaking, 15-20 mg of turmeric per pound of body weight is recommended for dogs. For every 10 pounds, that's approximately 1/4 teaspoons.
The Benefits of Turmeric in a Dog's Diet
Turmeric is frequently discussed on health blogs, supplement websites, and holistic care websites, so if you google the word, you'll find a wealth of information. What is it about this ancient spice that has been used for thousands of years that is currently highly popular among pet owners?
This natural superfood can also benefit our pets, similarly to how it helps humans.
Most studies on the antioxidant effects of turmeric have been conducted on humans, but there is evidence that it may be beneficial for dogs too.
Indians regarded turmeric as medicinal and flavorful in ancient times, when it was widely used. In preliminary studies, turmeric's curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and aid digestion, among other health benefits:
- Provide pain relief associated with arthritis and joint issues
- It thins the blood, reducing blood clots.
- Providing relief from irritable bowel syndrome by assisting in the breakdown of dietary fats
- It can help cleanse the colon of parasites, remove toxins, reduce intestinal permeability, and help treat inflammatory bowel disease.
- An excellent antioxidant
- Strengthening the immune system
Turmeric should be introduced slowly into a pet's diet to help their digestive system adjust. You should take 1/8 tsp - 1/4 tsp of turmeric for every 10 pounds of body weight daily. You should consult your veterinarian if you are unsure whether turmeric will benefit your pup if they are on medication or have health concerns.
"Golden paste" for dogs is one of the most popular turmeric uses.
A standard golden paste turmeric recipe calls for:
- 1/2 Cup of organic turmeric powder
- 1 to 1 1/2 Cups of filtered water
- 1/4 Cup of organic cold pressed coconut oil or olive oil.
Add the turmeric to the water in a pan and allow it to cook on low to medium heat for seven to ten minutes until it turns into a thick, smooth, yellowish brown colour. Use it whenever needed. When it has cooled down, mix in the coconut oil and store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Next, you can add the gold powder to his food, starting at 1/4 teaspoon for every ten pounds he weighs.
Turmeric-containing dog foods may be one way to determine your dosing if no other options exist. As new dog foods become available, we expect to see an increase in traditionally "holistic" dog foods.
Turmeric as a Powerful Antioxidant
Turmeric has many beneficial properties, but one of them is its ability to act as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are essential for protecting against free radical damage, which can lead to serious health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and even certain cancers.
Research clinical trials have shown that turmeric may help protect against cancer, slow down its spread, make chemotherapy treatments more effective, and protect normal tissues from radiation damage.
As turmeric can affect blood sugar levels, it is usually not recommended for diabetic dogs.
However, there isn't enough evidence to say whether turmeric has any benefits for pets. Be sure to talk to your vet first if you consider giving your dog turmeric.
A Natural Alternative
Dogs who live with turmeric for canine joint pain, chronic inflammatory disease, chronic lameness, or stiffness are usually on medications for discomfort. However, some of the steroids used for these ailments are powerful, with many side effects, including weight gain. Turmeric and dogs go together naturally, so why not use them both?
Turmeric for dogs is effective and safe when used alongside conventional treatments. However, if you're unsure whether turmeric would benefit your dog, talk to your veterinarian first.
If your dog has an allergy to turmeric, you may add it to his diet, and if his symptoms improve, you can slowly wean him off his medication or lower the dose.
Turmeric can help improve your dog's health by making him stronger and healthier. As pet parents, we should always get the right veterinary advice about turmeric before giving it to our dogs.
As responsible pet parents, we know that you want to do everything to help. Living with a sick dog after a meal is no fun. Our two doggos, Marley and Belle, both like to eat fast! So we know exactly what it's like to live with a dog in pain and discomfort after eating.
Changing The Way Dogs Eat for Good!
We are introducing the Ultimate, Versatile 4-in-1 Slow Feeder Dog Bowl! We're excited this new slow feeder dog bowl combines modern design with innovative functionality. It's more than just a slow feeder. A slow feeder bowl that naturally slows your dog down at chow time, as well as a reversible lick mat so your pet can enjoy a variety of delicious foods like purees, stews, or wet food. An excellent bowl for easy delicious food prep and storage doubles as a dog-friendly travel bowl for your canine adventures.
Your dog will have a happier, healthier mealtime experience giving you peace of mind.
