While regular use of turmeric for dogs may seem a little unusual; the benefits of adding this wonder herb to your best friend’s diet, are very high.

There are a number of natural herbs, plants and spices that are often considered outside the realm of what’s consider “normal” for pets, but offer just as many benefits that work just as well for dogs as they do for people.

Turmeric is a natural anti inflammatory for dogs who suffer with joint inflammation. Plus, dogs with memory issues may benefit when turmeric aka Indian saffron is regularly added to the diet.

A SIMPLE EFFECTIVE METHOD

It’s often easiest to use a brand of capsules already designed specifically for dogs vs trying to figure out which human dose will work. Plus, quality can differ. We like this capsule from Thorn Research and feel it is the best turmeric for dogs in a capsule form. The reviews on Amazon are very, very good. You can read them here:

There are a number of recorded benefits of how this herb can help your dog,

HOW CAN TURMERIC HELP YOUR DOG?

It can decrease inflammation (can help with itchy skin issues)

Pain:

Because all dogs are subject to arthritis, turmeric can play an important role due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It tops the list for natural remedies for treating dogs with stiff joints.

Blood Clots:

It helps thin the blood (lowering the risk of blood clots)

Curcumin is also a blood thinner, which makes it an essential component when it comes to reducing the risk of blood clots and ridding the body of excess cholesterol. Although cholesterol doesn’t effect dogs like it does people, clots can lead to a number of problems for dogs, including heart issues.

Irritable Bowel Disease:

Curcumin also stimulates bile production in the liver, which aids in digesting food properly because it helps break down dietary fats. Active dogs require diets that have at least 20 percent fat, so a little turmeric can go a long way with respect to aiding in overall digestion. Dogs that are pregnant, nursing or underweight require more fat in the diet, which means that more turmeric could help. If you’ve tried turmeric and haven’t had success in treating bowel issues, you might want to consider the IBD Kit.

Cancer:

There are some reports emerging, albeit somewhat tentatively, that turmeric could play a role in fighting cancer. Animal and test tube studies have revealed the herb’s capability to play a role in preventative medicine as an antioxidant. It has also been proven to shut down the blood vessels that feed cancer cells in some cases, although more research is certainly needed on the subject.

Dementia: In India where turmeric is used regularly among many; the number of people suffering from dementia and similar memory related diseases is considered very low. Learn more about one of our favorite formula’s for doggy dementia here.

Plus There are More There More Benefits

• It’s a powerful antioxidant

• Protects the liver from toxins

PLUS there is a range of other benefits when feeding turmeric for dogs

PLEASE NOTE: Commercial turmeric capsules/pills (that have high levels of curcumin- 95%) are NOT RECOMMENDED for use with animals

It’s up to you HOW you choose to feed turmeric to your dog. Essentially you need to make sure you are adding the 3 Basic Ingredients to help with the absorption and allow your pet to gain some turmeric benefits.

Below are are Ways to Feed Turmeric for Dogs with a Method for maximum absorption and benefits….

Make a simple Gravy

Put a teaspoon (or smaller) of turmeric powder in a cup, add boiled hot water to the ingredients until the cup is 1/3 full and then let it cool for a few minutes. Add 16 grinds of freshly cracked pepper and a dessertspoon of Olive Oil (or any other recommended oil).

Add the mix as a gravy to your dog’s food bowl and let it soak in. Watch as they gobble it down and get turmeric stains on their whiskers :).

Dosage is roughly one eighth to one quarter teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight. Start slow and work up.

THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WITH TURMERIC

A common symptom when trying to feed to much turmerc/curcumin too quickly is nausea. Again, start slow and work up.

It’s a binding agent, for one thing, which means that it can lead to constipation in some dogs. Because of this possibility, dogs should use plenty of water along with turmeric. A little yogurt can also be administered to balance out the digestive flora.

Please Note

Dogs that are prone to kidney stones should not be given turmeric since it increases urinary oxalate levels.

Also, some dogs are sensitive to turmeric and develop stomach upset. If this happens, it’s possible that you’re giving too much or that your dog is simply sensitive to the herb when added directly to their food.

Overall, most case studies have revealed many positive effects with dogs taking turmeric. Nonetheless, better safe than sorry.