If you have always wondered whether turmeric for dogs is safe, you have come to the right place.
Read on to discover how this ancient herb has been used for years to treat various diseases and improve health.
💡 Fun Fact
Turmeric was first used as a dye before people discovered its healing properties.
History of turmeric
Thousands of years ago, ancient Indian culture discovered the importance of turmeric in ayurvedic medicine.
Turmeric roots helped provide relief from;
- Toothaches
- Chest pain
- Bruising
- Hemorrhaging
- Menstrual issues
As medicine advanced, scientists discovered that the main ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has more health benefits than previously discovered.
They discovered that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that brought relief to aching joints and muscles.
This healthy root also helps fight cancer cells and reduces recurring cysts.
Today turmeric is a major ingredient used in reducing inflammation and improve joint health of arthritic patients.
With so many benefits ripped from turmeric by humans, one cannot help but wonder if our furry friends would find the same spice beneficial.
Though the direct benefit of turmeric for dogs is not yet scientifically established, the advantages of administering curcumin to dogs have already been realized in holistic healing practices.
Dogs stand to benefit from the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties contained in turmeric.
Holistic vets even encourage pet parents to add turmeric to their dog’s meals if they want them to look joyful and vibrant for years.
But if you are the kind of pet parent who is always cautious about what you are feeding your pup, you will no doubt ask this question;
How much turmeric is safe to give my dog?
Turns out that too much turmeric in your dog’s food can lead to unwanted side effects.
Some dogs develop an upset tummy while other dogs experience dizziness and nausea.
So it is important to first consult a trained vet before giving your dog turmeric or any new food.
❗ Important
Dogs suffering from some inflammatory diseases like Irritable Bowel Syndrome my find turmeric too overwhelming. Let your vet give you the go-ahead before administering curcumin for dogs.
Turmeric dosage for Dogs
When giving turmeric to dogs, start with small doses before graduating to bigger doses.
This gives your dog enough time to get accustomed to the new ingredient.
Also, small doses allow you to monitor your dog’s reaction to curcumin.
If you notice any major side effects, stop the dosage immediately and consult a vet.
The correct turmeric dosage for dogs should be in proportion to the dog’s weight.
A dog that weighs between 1 and 10 pounds requires a dosage of 1/16 to ⅛ teaspoon of turmeric.
Any dog that is between 10 and 20 pounds can handle between ⅛ to ¼ of turmeric powder a day.
Medium dog breeds weighing between 20 and 50 pounds require ¼ to 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to stay healthy.
For larger dogs weighing between 50 and 100 pounds, 1 to 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder are enough for them to rip the benefits of curcumin.
Any dog weighing 100 pounds or more requires at least two teaspoons of turmeric to stay vibrant and healthy.
✎ Take note
Turmeric powder does not easily absorb into the body. You will have to mix the spice with oil or other spices for better absorption.
How to make turmeric paste for your dog
You can easily make turmeric paste for dogs using simple ingredients in your kitchen.
For this recipe, you are going to need;
- Half a cup of turmeric powder
- A cup of water
- About 70ml of coconut or olive oil
- One-half teaspoon of ground pepper
Method:
- In a pan, mix the turmeric powder with water and bring it under low heat. Stir the mixture slowly until a thick paste begins to form. This should take about 10 minutes. Be sure to add water to achieve the paste appears too thick.
- Add the ground pepper to the paste and continue stirring.
- Add the olive or coconut oil in bits and continue stirring
- Let the mixture cool before serving your dog. Ensure you refrigerate the paste to preserve its freshness
- You can give your dog turmeric past directly or add it to its food.
Turmeric has a hot earthy taste that your dog may not like at first.
But with small doses added to his meal every day, he will grow to enjoy this healthy spice.
If your dog still says no, we have another trick for you. Turmeric doggy treats your pup just can’t say no to. For the recipe, you are going to need;
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
- Three-quarter cup of hot water
- A teaspoon of beef or chicken bouillon
- One-third cups of all-purpose flour
- One-third cups ground flax seed
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- Half cup of peanut butter
- One egg
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350F
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, turmeric powder, flaxseed, and flour. Stir the mixture together and set aside
- Dissolve beef or chicken bouillon in water and set aside. Once it is fully dissolved, add the peanut butter and egg then stir
- Slowly pour the bouillon mixture into the bowl with flour and start kneading until you achieve a perfect dough
- Roll out the dough on a flat surface, about ½ inch thick, and start cutting it into cookie shapes. You can use a bone-shaped cutter to make things exciting for your dog.
- Now place the cut dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Put the tray in the oven and bake for 35 minutes
- When the treats are dry and hardened, take them out of the oven to cool
Video: Turmeric Paste Recipe
Now let your furry friend enjoy these tasty and healthy turmeric treats you prepared for him.
The treats should last your pup for about two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turmeric powder or capsules administered in the correct dosages should be fine for your dog. But over time, over supplementing with turmeric can cause nausea, dizziness, stomach upsets, or iron deficiency in dogs.
Turmeric can boost a dog’s immune system and alleviate symptoms of arthritis. Consult with your vet first before you start giving your arthritic dog turmeric powder or capsules.
Turmeric capsules are safe for dogs if administered in the correct dosage. Dogs between 1 and 10 pounds will do with ½ a capsule of turmeric. Dogs weighing 10 to 20 pounds require one capsule while dogs between 20 and 100 pounds are fine with 1 or 2 turmeric capsules.
Turmeric helps fight inflammation caused by diseases like arthritis and cancer. Curcumin in turmeric also helps with your dog’s digestive health. Turmeric destroys parasites like ticks and fleas that leach on your dog’s coat. Also, curcumin in turmeric can help prevent eye cataracts and treat epilepsy in dogs.