Overview
Yes, dogs can benefit from having turmeric in their diets. It is a pain reliever and helps prevent the development of diseases. But turmeric is unsuitable for wounded dogs as it has blood-thinning abilities.
Can dogs eat Turmeric?
Benefits
- Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce joint pain and swelling, making it a good option for dogs with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
- The powerful antioxidants in turmeric help protect a dog's cells from damage caused by disease-causing free radicals. Turmeric can help prevent cancer in dogs.
- Turmeric can help to improve canine digestive health by reducing inflammation in the gut. This can help to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or colitis in dogs.
Risks
- Excessive consumption of turmeric can cause stomach upset and constipation in dogs.
- Turmeric can act as a blood thinner, which is dangerous for wounded dogs.
- Turmeric contains oxalates which can increase the risk of kidney stones in dogs.
- Turmeric on its own doesn't get absorbed by the body easily.
Servings
- Turmeric can be combined with a dog-friendly oil to create a paste. This increases the absorption of curcumin.
- Turmeric powder can be mixed with dog food. The recommended dosage is 1/8 tsp - 1/4 tsp for every 10 lb of weight.
- Turmeric supplements, often paired up with piperine, a compound found in black pepper, help with the absorption. Follow the recommended dosage appropriate for your dog's age, size, and health conditions.
- With fresh turmeric root, you can add it when making chicken broth or bone broth, then add the broth to your dog's food.
