Can Dogs Eat Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in Indian cuisine. It is also known for its medicinal properties. Recent studies have shown that turmeric can be beneficial for dogs as well! In this article, we will discuss the many benefits of turmeric for dogs and how to give it to them.

Dogs and turmeric

Can dogs eat turmeric? Yes, turmeric for dogs is fine. In fact, many pet parents have asked ‘Is turmeric good for dogs?’ The spice is often used as a natural remedy for many ailments in dogs. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Turmeric is also known to be a natural pain reliever and can help to improve joint health.¹ Golden paste for dogs is a paste made from turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and coconut oil. It is often used as a natural supplement for dogs. You can give your dog golden paste by adding it to their food or applying it topically to their skin.⁴

Benefits of turmeric for dogs

There are many benefits of turmeric for dogs. As we mentioned before, turmeric can help to reduce inflammation and pain in the body. It can also help to improve joint health and mobility.¹ It is also known to boost the immune system and can help to fight off infections. Finally, turmeric is a natural detoxifier and can help to cleanse the liver.²

Turmeric dosage for dogs

The amount of turmeric you give your dog will depend on their weight. For example, a small dog weighing less than 20 pounds should only receive ½ teaspoon of turmeric per day. A medium-sized dog weighing between 21 and 50 pounds should receive one teaspoon of turmeric per day. And a large dog weighing more than 50 pounds should receive two teaspoons of turmeric per day.¹ You can either add the turmeric to your dog’s food or give it to them in pill form. If you are giving your dog turmeric pills, make sure to get the proper dosage from your veterinarian.

Side effects of turmeric for dogs

Turmeric is generally safe for dogs when taken in small amounts. However, some dogs may experience side effects such as an upset stomach or diarrhea.³ If your dog does experience any side effects, stop giving them turmeric and consult your veterinarian.

Common aches and pains in dogs

The most common aches and pains in dogs are caused by inflammation. This can be from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or any other chronic pain condition. Turmeric can help to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with these conditions.¹ Golden paste is a great way to give your dog turmeric because it also contains black pepper, which helps to increase the absorption of curcumin.⁴ You can apply golden paste topically to your dog’s skin or add it to their food.

Dogs with allergies

Is turmeric good for dogs with allergies? Yes, turmeric is good for dogs with allergies. Turmeric can help to reduce the inflammation caused by allergies and can also help to boost the immune system.¹ Golden paste is a great way to give your dog turmeric because it also contains ginger, which can help to soothe an upset stomach. You can add golden paste to your dog’s food or apply it topically to their skin.⁴

What is curcumin?

Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. It is also known to be a natural pain reliever and can help to improve joint health.¹ Golden paste is a paste made from turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and coconut oil. It is often used as a natural supplement for dogs. You can give your dog golden paste by adding it to their food or applying it topically to their skin.⁴

Fish oil as an alternative to turmeric for dogs⁵

Fish oil is a great alternative to turmeric for dogs. It can help to reduce inflammation and pain in the body. It can also help to improve joint health and mobility. Additionally, fish oil is a natural anticoagulant, which means it can help to prevent blood clots. It is also known to boost the immune system and can help to fight off infections. You can give your dog fish oil by adding it to their food or applying it topically to their skin. If you are giving your dog fish oil pills, make sure to get the proper dosage from your veterinarian. As with any supplement, there is always the potential for side effects. The most common side effect of fish oil is an upset stomach. If your dog experiences any side effects, stop giving them fish oil and consult your veterinarian.

#1 – Turmeric is anti-inflammatory¹

Inflammation is thought to be a common denominator when it comes to disease. It is particularly dangerous when it is chronic and hidden. Inflammation releases white blood cells to the body tissues and start the healing process. However, chronic inflammation can last for years. There is a link between heart disease possibly caused by dental disease. Regular bladder infections can lead to bigger issues.

Low-grade inflammation can drive arthritis and joint degeneration. A study found curcumin outperformed ibuprofen in people with arthritis.

#2 – Turmeric for arthritis in dogs¹

Arthritis could be the result of inflammation. It is possible turmeric can decrease inflammation in the body, easing pain and stiffness. Many pet parents have claimed to find that turmeric workers just as well as a pain reliever without the gastrointestinal side effects.

#3 – Turmeric for gastrointestinal disorders in dogs¹

Several preclinical studies have shown turmeric can be helpful when supporting treatment of gastrointestinal disorders by reducing inflammation.

#4 – Turmeric for steroids in dogs¹

Corticosteroids have a wealth of side effects. Dogs who have been prescribed steroids for allergies and joint pain may benefits from using turmeric. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found combining curcumin with a steroid reduced several side effects.

Turmeric is a “warming” spice. If your pooch is always hot and seeking out cool floors to lie on, turmeric may not be for him. Ask your vet about this spice if they are already on anti-inflammatories, diabetes medications or are doing rounds of chemotherapy. In addition, turmeric is also contraindicated for patients with bile tract obstruction or gallstones.

What Your Dog Can Eat Instead

There’s no shame in wanting to give our dogs whatever food will make them happy. There just happens to be many other choices out there that are much healthier and more nutritious than pretzels. Here is a list of all the junk foods that your dog can eat.

Fruits

There are many fruits that dogs can eat which are packed with vitamins, dietary fibers, and antioxidants. The best are berries like strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries. Dogs can eat bananas, oranges, apples, melons, mangos, and pineapples. Make sure fruits with pits, stems, cores, and seeds have been ridden from these items. Several of them are choking hazards and peach pits can be toxic. Grapes of any kind are poisonous to dogs, and even raisins shouldn’t be given to them.

Seafood

When seafood is free from shells, tails, bones, and legs, they are safe for a dog to eat. Dogs can have lobster, shrimp, salmon, crab, tuna, flounder, and a variety of other fish that is lower in mercury. Fish with too much mercury fed too often to our dogs can cause mercury poisoning. Uncooked or undercooked seafood can contain harmful pathogens and bacterium like salmonella which can make a dog extremely ill. Always ensure that seafood is thoroughly cooked before feeding it to your dog.

Beans

Beans can be great sources of dietary fibers and proteins which are necessary for a dog’s health. Dogs can have a wide variety of beans, including lima beans, pinto beans, black beans, garbanzo beans, soybeans, butter beans, kidney beans, navy beans, and even green beans. Beans should always be cooked thoroughly and fed to dogs in moderation to avoid tummy aches. Beans shouldn’t replace meat in a dog’s diet, since the meat they eat is a richer source of proteins.

Vegetables

As stated earlier, garlic and onions contain toxins that are bad for dogs, and even seasonings containing traces of these vegetables could cause problems. Avocado is another poisonous food because it contains a toxic chemical called persin. Other veggies are considered great sources of fiber and vitamins for dogs. Dogs can eat carrots, pumpkins, spinach, celery, brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and many other vegetables instead.

Nuts

Most nuts aren’t toxic to dogs, save for walnuts and macadamia nuts. Other nuts aren’t necessarily poisonous, but they can contain lots of salts, fats, and proteins that are difficult to digest. They also aren’t very practical because they can be choking hazards due to their shapes, sizes, and shells. Cashews, almonds, and pistachios are fine for dogs to eat moderately, especially when they are made into butter which is safer to eat in terms of obstruction.

Expert Insights from Spot

While sharing our favorite foods with our pets can be tempting, it's important to remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs. Spot's internal data shows that pet insurance claims for dietary indiscretions average $642*, highlighting the importance of caution and research before sharing snacks with your pet.