Is Turmeric Good for Dogs?
The Golden Spice
Is Turmeric Good for Dogs?
The Golden Spice
Is Turmeric Good for Dogs?
When you hear "turmeric," your first thought most likely goes to your spice cabinet or perhaps your favorite Indian cuisine. But have you ever considered turmeric as an anti-inflammatory for your dog? The "golden spice" has a longstanding history in traditional Indian, Eastern Asian, and Chinese medicine, and there has been a concerted effort in the last 25 years, with over 3,000 studies, to research potential medicinal benefits for both humans and pets. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of turmeric and how it can improve your four legged bestie's overall health and wellbeing.
What is Turmeric and where does it come from?
- Turmeric is an perennial plant, Curcuma longa, which belongs to the ginger family, which is why you may mistaken the root for ginger at the grocery store
- Turmeric is native to the Indian subcontinent as well as Southeast Asia and has a long history in traditional Indian, Eastern Asian and Chinese medicine
- While turmeric is made up of hundreds of compounds, the one talked about the most is the bioactive compound curcumin
What is curcumin?
- Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric and is responsible for giving the spice its yellowish-golden hue
- Curcumin is a micronutrient with powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is a potent antioxidant making it a popular dietary supplement and natural remedy for a variety of health conditions
- In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, curcumin has been shown to have potential benefits for heart health, brain function, and cancer prevention
- It is also believed to have neuroprotective properties and may help reduce the risk of developing age-related degenerative diseases
Why is Turmeric good for dogs?
- Reduces inflammation
- Inflammation is a common cause of pain and discomfort in dogs, particularly in their joints. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective natural supplement for dogs with conditions such as arthritis, allergies, and digestive issues. Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of enzymes that cause inflammation in the body
- Improves joint health
- Turmeric can also improve joint health and mobility in dogs. This is particularly beneficial for senior dogs who may suffer from joint pain and stiffness. Curcumin can help reduce inflammation and improve joint lubrication, which can lead to increased mobility and a better quality of life for your furry friend
- Boosts immune system
- Turmeric is known to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. This can help your dog fight off infections and illnesses more effectively. Additionally, turmeric has been shown to have antioxidant properties that can help prevent cell damage and promote overall health
- Aids in digestion
- Turmeric can help aid in digestion and prevent digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It can also help improve liver function and reduce the risk of liver disease in dogs
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- Turmeric has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help promote healthy skin and coat in dogs. It can also reduce itching and redness caused by skin allergies
Maintain your dog's grooming, especially in the winter months
Why is Turmeric good for dogs?
- Reduces inflammation
- Inflammation is a common cause of pain and discomfort in dogs, particularly in their joints. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective natural supplement for dogs with conditions such as arthritis, allergies, and digestive issues. Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of enzymes that cause inflammation in the body
- Improves joint health
- Turmeric can also improve joint health and mobility in dogs. This is particularly beneficial for senior dogs who may suffer from joint pain and stiffness. Curcumin can help reduce inflammation and improve joint lubrication, which can lead to increased mobility and a better quality of life for your furry friend
- Boosts immune system
- Turmeric is known to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. This can help your dog fight off infections and illnesses more effectively. Additionally, turmeric has been shown to have antioxidant properties that can help prevent cell damage and promote overall health
- Aids in digestion
- Turmeric can help aid in digestion and prevent digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It can also help improve liver function and reduce the risk of liver disease in dogs
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- Turmeric has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help promote healthy skin and coat in dogs. It can also reduce itching and redness caused by skin allergies
What is the best way to add turmeric to my dog's daily diet?
- Here are a few tips for adding turmeric supplements to your dog's diet:
- Talk to your veterinarian: Before adding any new supplement to your dog's diet, it's important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your dog
- Choose a high-quality supplement: Look for a turmeric supplement that is specifically formulated for dogs and contains natural, high-quality ingredients.
- Follow the recommended dosage:Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the supplement label carefully, as giving your dog too much turmeric can lead to gastrointestinal upset
- Start slowly: When introducing turmeric into your pet's diet, it is best to start of slow with small doses to allow their digestive system to get used to it
- Mix with food: Most turmeric supplements for dogs come in chewable or soft chew form, which can be easily mixed in with your dog's food or given as a treat
- Be consistent: For best results, be sure to give your dog turmeric supplements consistently as part of their daily routine
- Remember, while turmeric can be beneficial for dogs, it's important to use it responsibly and under the guidance of a veterinarian
Are there any side effects of turmeric for dogs?
- While turmeric is generally considered safe for dogs, it's important to note that there are some potential side effects to be aware of
- For example, turmeric can cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs, particularly if given in large doses
- Additionally, turmeric can interact with certain medications, so it's important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any new supplement
- Giving your dog too much turmeric can cause upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and / or constipation
Is turmeric safe for all dogs?
- Turmeric has low side effects in both people and dogs; however it is not safe for all dogs - dogs with the following health conditions should avoid turmeric or seek veterinarian guidance:
- If your dog has any upcoming surgeries (due to blood thinning properties)
- If they are on blood-thinner medications
- Kidney disease
- Iron deficiency
- Gall bladder problems
- Pregnant
How would I know that my dog could benefit from turmeric?
- There are several signs that your dog could benefit from turmeric:
- Joint pain and stiffness: If your dog is showing signs of joint pain or stiffness, such as difficulty walking or getting up, refusing to go on walks or use stairs, turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation and improve mobility
- Allergies and skin issues: Turmeric's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help reduce inflammation and improve skin health, making it a potentially beneficial supplement for dogs with allergies or skin issues
- Digestive issues:Turmeric has been shown to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It may also help prevent gastrointestinal infections in dogs
- Age-related issues: As dogs age, they may experience a range of health issues, such as cognitive decline and age-related diseases. Turmeric's neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties may help protect the brain and reduce the risk of developing age-related diseases
- Immune system support: Turmeric has been shown to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which can help your dog fight off infections and illnesses more effectively
- However, it's important to note that not all dogs will benefit from turmeric, and it's important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any new supplement. Your vet can help you determine if turmeric is appropriate for your dog based on their individual health history and needs
How would I know that my dog could benefit from turmeric?
- There are several signs that your dog could benefit from turmeric:
- Joint pain and stiffness: If your dog is showing signs of joint pain or stiffness, such as difficulty walking or getting up, refusing to go on walks or use stairs, turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation and improve mobility
- Allergies and skin issues: Turmeric's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help reduce inflammation and improve skin health, making it a potentially beneficial supplement for dogs with allergies or skin issues
- Digestive issues: Turmeric has been shown to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It may also help prevent gastrointestinal infections in dogs
- Age-related issues: As dogs age, they may experience a range of health issues, such as cognitive decline and age-related diseases. Turmeric's neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties may help protect the brain and reduce the risk of developing age-related diseases
- Immune system support: Turmeric has been shown to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which can help your dog fight off infections and illnesses more effectively
- However, it's important to note that not all dogs will benefit from turmeric, and it's important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any new supplement. Your vet can help you determine if turmeric is appropriate for your dog based on their individual health history and needs
If you're looking for a natural and effective supplement for your dog, turmeric is a great option. At Wag Source, we offer a variety of high-quality supplements made with Organic Turmeric Root that is specially formulated to help support your dog's overall health and wellbeing. Here are Wag Source supplements containing organic turmeric root:
- Hip + Joint Maximum Strength (50mg)
- Hip + Joint (50mg)
- Skin + Coat (50mg)
SAVE 25% OFF WAG SOURCE SOFT CHEWS WITH TURMERIC WITH CODE: WSTURMERIC25

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Disclaimer: The blogs/articles on our website are written for suggestive or informational purposes only and are based on personal experiences. They are not written by a licensed veterinarian or intended to be medical advice for you or your pet. Outside of Wag Source, we are not paid or affiliated with any product, service or business in this post and own all rights to the images contained herein. Please consult with a veterinarian or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related questions or concerns you may for your pet. We assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.