The bountiful benefits of turmeric for dogs

Ever thought about turmeric for your dog? Would you ever consider giving your dog this classic ingredient as part of your dog’s diet? Is turmeric good for your dog? And, if so, what the fluff are the benefits of turmeric for dogs?

Great questions! Well, we’ll help you explore the world of this ginger family plant and sumptuous spice loved by humans for centuries. Let’s find out if turmeric and dogs go together like chalk and cheese, or like two peas in a pod. Follow us as we spice up your doggo’s dinner time…

Is turmeric good for your dog?

In small quantities, turmeric is one of the few spices that are safe for dogs to eat. Because it is edible for dogs, turmeric is sometimes added to dog food. However, it’s not added for the health benefits, instead, it’s used to create a yellow color or dye in pup food. So, are turmeric and dogs compatible? Is turmeric good for your dog?

Well, let’s start by saying that although turmeric isn’t poisonous to dogs in small amounts, it isn’t something they necessarily need in their diet. Yes, there are health benefits of turmeric for puppers, but it’s not a must-have in their daily diet.

As always, talk to your vet before adding anything new to your dog’s diet, and be clear on portion control too. That being said, if your vet is happy for you to feed a dusting of turmeric to your pup, there are positive side effects of turmeric and dogs eating it.

Health benefits of turmeric for dogs

Anti-inflammatory properties

Tumeric has been used in human medicine for thousands of years due to its anti-inflammatory properties and immune system-boosting abilities. This can also provide the same health benefits for doggos - the effects of turmeric can help reduce pain, swelling, and allergy symptoms due to its active ingredient of curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.

It’s a powerful antioxidant

There’s that curcumin, again! Antioxidants are often thought to be the key to anti-aging in humans. While this isn’t much of an issue in the dog world, antioxidants help keep your pup’s blood and organs in tip-top health. Their liver and heart in particular can benefit from a bit of turmeric.

Helps maintain and improve joint health

For doggos who are prone to develop joint problems in later life - like arthritis or osteoporosis - turmeric can be a nice supplement to help ward off joint issues and even improve joint health. The combination of anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to increase blood circulation means a dog’s joints last a bit longer.

Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure

Those antioxidants not only make your pup youthful, but inside they can help reduce the build-up of fats in their arteries, heart, liver, and kidneys. Turmeric and dogs work well together to retain a healthy weight or assist with weight loss.

Good for skin and coat condition

All that extra blood flow is also great for the skin and their coats. Oxygen-rich blood from the antioxidants means healthier cells. Where cells regularly replicate (like on the skin and hair follicles) these new healthier cells create more happy cells which leads to lovely skin and extra floofier floof.

If you’re a pup parent or canine carer, let us know what your thoughts are on turmeric and dogs. Head to our Community Forum to bark about your dog diet tips and advice, or to simply connect with other dog lovers. You don’t even have to be a member to join in! But, if you’re keen to become a full-time part of our global pet-loving community, take a look at our different membership options, see which one suits you best, and hopefully we’ll see you again soon.