Is Turmeric Good for Dogs? The Benefits & How to Use

While dogs can handle eating animal products, they are omnivores by nature. This means that they can, and should, eat both animal and plant-based foods to thrive. Dogs love eating chicken, beef, fish, buffalo, and bison. They also enjoy things like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets. Therefore, many of these items can be found in high-quality commercial dog foods that are available on the market.

But can dogs eat seasonings and herbs, like turmeric? This is a good question! Things like onions and garlic can be poisonous to dogs, but carrots are awesome snack options. So, it can be confusing to figure out where turmeric falls into place. We’re here to tell you that turmeric is beneficial for dogs, and we want to explain why. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of turmeric for dogs, based on science.

The Health Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs

Turmeric tends to be funny-looking whether whole or powdered. It has an orange hue that tends to turn anything it’s added to yellow. It can be served raw, shredded, or cut into chunks. The powder form can be sprinkled onto foods or mixed into soups, stews, and dog chow.

Turmeric boasts many health benefits for humans, and much of the same can be said for dogs. First of all, turmeric is considered an anti-inflammatory, which can be excellent for dogs with arthritis and other age-related health conditions. Curcumin, which is a key ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to boost dogs’ immune systems too. Turmeric can sometimes be used in addition to or even in place of conventional medications that might cause more health problems.

Adding a little turmeric to your dog’s diet will provide them with extra nutrients, such as manganese and iron. Thanks to the curcumin in turmeric, this seasoning might be usable as a pain reliever for yourself and your pooch. You might also be surprised to know that turmeric is a powerful fighter against cancer cells. Providing your pooch with turmeric as a supplement regularly could keep cancer from progressing and can even keep it from developing in the first place. This is true even at an old age.

How to Feed Turmeric to Dogs:

There are many fun and interesting ways to feed your dog turmeric over time, whether you choose the powdered type from the store or the whole option from the garden. Do consider growing your own at home, as it’s cost-effective and beneficial for the whole family, human and dog! We suggest the following serving ideas:

It’s always important to consult with your veterinarian before adding regular servings of turmeric to your dog’s diet. Although turmeric is typically good for dogs, it can result in side effects such as constipation and an upset belly, which would affect their food intake. Your vet can help ensure that you avoid these potential side effects.

Turmeric For Dogs: Our Final Thoughts

Overall, we think that turmeric is a healthy supplemental option for most dogs of any breed, large or small. But your dog’s current health, age, weight, and other factors may play a role in how they respond to the addition of turmeric in their diets.

Try adding just a little bit (a ¼ teaspoon of powder or a teaspoon of shredded/cut turmeric) to their food to see how your dog responds. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Do you have any thoughts about feeding turmeric to dogs?  Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Featured Image: Natthapol Siridech, Shutterstock