Turmeric is everywhere these days, from golden lattes to supplements — and while people know it for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can dogs benefit from turmeric too? Quick answers: Yes, dogs can have turmeric.
However turmeric is a tricky ingredient. Turmeric is primarily used for its coloring in dog food and treats and this dosage is too low for added health benefits. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is known to have low bioavailability. This means a small portion of what gets consumed is absorbed for use, so sprinkling turmeric over your dog’s food is unlikely to boost your dog’s health.
If you are interested in adding turmeric to your dog’s wellness routine, the best method is to look for turmeric as an ingredient in:
- Bone broth
- Essential oils
- Topical creams
- Allergy supplements
- Organic dog treats
Want to investigate more? Read on to see what science says about the proposed benefits turmeric, the risks of feeding turmeric to your dog, and alternative supplements for joint health.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
While turmeric packs a punch, you probably won’t see instant results when feeding this to your dog. Turmeric works best over time and is better as a health booster than a standalone ingredient.
1. Anti-inflammatory properties
Turmeric is well-known for fighting both acute and chronic inflammation, thanks to its active ingredient, curcumin. A study from Texas A&M showed that a curcumin-based treatment helped reduce inflammation in dogs with an eye condition called uveitis.
2. Joint help
If your dog struggles with stiff joints or arthritis, the anti-inflammatory compounds in turmeric might help lessen the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
In one study, curcumin, along with green tea and collagen, improved mobility and reduced pain in senior dogs with arthritis. Another study suggests that curcumin can help with dogs with osteoarithritis.
3. Antioxidant boost
Turmeric is also loaded with antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. The same study on Beagles above also looked at dog food and found that six months later, the dog food with turmeric had less protein and fat damage.
4. Anti-cancer assistance
While more research is needed, early studies suggest turmeric might help dogs manage cancer by slowing tumor growth. Turmeric should never be a replacement treatment for cancer, but it could support your dog’s overall health and well-being.
5. Skin-soothing
Turmeric is very well known for calming irritated skin in humans, so dogs suffering from many skin conditions may also feel the benefits. Dogs with itchy or irritated skin may benefit from a turmeric topical. Research suggests that a topical with turmeric can help provide an anti-bacterial affect on open wounds.
For those with white furred dogs, keep in mind that turmeric can stain yellow.
Risks and Side Effects of Turmeric for Dogs
Avoid turmeric capsules formulated for humans as those are generally at a higher dose and include black pepper.
1. Upset stomach
Giving your dog too much turmeric may lead to mild side effects like an upset stomach, diarrhea, or nausea. These symptoms usually occur if the amount given exceeds what a dog’s digestive system can comfortably handle. If you notice these issues, it’s best to stop giving your dog turmeric and consult your vet before reintroducing it at a lower dosage.
2. Unnecessary calories or ingredients from DIY recipes
The other risk comes with DIY turmeric recipes, which can add excess calories and other irritating ingredients. For example, turmeric needs black pepper in order to be absorbed well. However, black pepper is a dangerous spice for dogs, as it may irritate their digestive system. It also has no nutritional value for dogs.
The popular online “golden paste” recipe of turmeric and coconut oil is also not recommended. Coconut oil adds excess fat to your dog’s diet and may throw off your dog’s nutritional balance.
3. Airway irritation
In rare cases, inhaling turmeric powder could cause respiratory irritation. This might lead to sneezing or coughing, especially if the powder is sprinkled loosely over their food without proper mixing.
Which dogs should avoid turmeric?
Your dog should avoid turmeric if they:
- are on diabetes medication
- are taking anti-inflammatory drugs
- have bile tract obstruction
- have gallstones
High doses of turmeric can disrupt medication or make stomach issues worse. As always, consult your veterinarian before adding turmeric or any other supplement to your dog’s diet, especially if they’re on medication or have existing health problems.
5 Other Dog Supplements to Consider
For pet parents intrigued by turmeric’s potential health benefits, there are other supplements with more evidence supporting their effectiveness for dogs, such as:
1. Glucosamine and chondroitin
These supplements are widely recommended for dogs with joint issues like arthritis. Numerous studies have shown that glucosamine and chondroitin can reduce inflammation, improve joint health, and enhance mobility.
They’re often included in vet-approved joint care formulas and have a solid track record for safety and efficacy.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids
Found in fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids are well-documented for their anti-inflammatory properties. They’re particularly effective for conditions like arthritis, skin allergies, and even heart disease.
EPA and DHA, the primary omega-3s in fish oil, have been extensively studied and are known to provide both short and long term health benefits for dogs.
3. Probiotics
If digestive health is a priority, probiotics might be a better option than turmeric. Probiotics promote a healthy gut microbiome, improving digestion and supporting the immune system.
They’re also backed by research for their role in reducing inflammation throughout the body.
4. CBD Oil
CBD oil is another natural supplement with growing evidence for reducing pain, inflammation, and anxiety in dogs. While more research is needed, early studies and anecdotal evidence from pet parents suggest it can provide relief for dogs with arthritis or chronic pain.
5. Milk Thistle
For liver health, milk thistle is a popular supplement among veterinarians. It contains silymarin, a compound shown to support liver function and protect against toxins. This can be especially helpful for dogs on long-term medications or those recovering from liver-related illnesses.
How to Give Turmeric to Dogs
When it comes to DIY recipes, turmeric as an ingredient in dog treats or homemade meals is safe. For example, our chicken pot pie and gingerbread cookies for dogs contain turmeric. Avoid giving human turmeric capsules to dogs as they aren’t dosed for dogs and often contain black pepper, an irritant.
Based on our research, our takeaway is that turmeric is not a cure-all or the right choice for every pup. If you see turmeric or curcumin as an ingredient in your dog’s food or treats, it’s more likely added for natural food coloring than its purported benefits. There are also many other proven supplements for joint health, gut health, and allergies that have more scientific backing than turmeric.
If you are still curious, consult with your veterinarian. By staying informed and focusing on what works best for your individual dog, you’re setting them up for a healthier, happier life!
