Turmeric can be very beneficial for your dog in the right dose if accompanied with the correct ingredients needed to make it bioavailable for your dog. Curcumin is the key active ingredient in turmeric and belongs to the ginger family. The curcumin in turmeric is hard for your dog to absorb if it’s given by itself. It is essential to combine turmeric with a healthy oil like unrefined organic coconut oil along with black pepper, this can increase absorption significantly.

In his research, Dr. Michael Greger MD found that a phytochemical in black pepper called piperine can increase the absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000%. And when ate with fat (coconut oil), curcumin can be directly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lymphatic system thereby in part bypassing the liver.

Though most research on curcumin has been done with people, not pets, many experts believe the findings apply to them also.

Many dog treats on the market are labeled with having turmeric or curcumin in them. The problem is they either don't contain enough for therapeutic benefits or are missing one of the other additional ingredients to make your dog absorb it properly. It is important to read ingredient labels or to make your own golden paste when you are seeking the most therapeutic benefits for your dog.

Benefits of Turmeric:

#1 Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants can slow down aging, degeneration, and even increase lifespan. Oxidative stress builds up in your dog over time and causes damage to the cells, proteins, and DNA in your dog’s body. Feeding your dog fresh fruits such as blueberries and cranberries are also very good for oxidative stress.

#2 Turmeric and Dogs with Cancer: Nearly 1/3 of the studies done on turmeric are cancer research and the results are very promising. Turmeric has been shown to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing.

#3 Turmeric and Inflammation: Turmeric is also amazing at keeping inflammation down. We know that chronic inflammation can lead to diseases, cancer, joint pain, gut problems...the list goes on and on.

Studies: A 2014 study found that the curcumin found in turmeric outperformed ibuprofen in people with arthritis. And another 2004 study in Oncogene (a world-leading cancer journal) found that curcumin worked just as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.

#4 Turmeric can help with arthritis and joint pain in your dog and is easier on their stomach than NSAID's.

#5 Turmeric is good for the gut. It can help relieve IBD symptoms and other gastrointestinal problems your pet may have.

#6 Turmeric is also a good steroid alternative for dogs that have allergies or joint swelling. If your dog must remain on the steroid, when turmeric was added, some of the steroid's unwanted side effects diminished.

#7 Turmeric supports heart health. Turmeric is able to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and has natural blood-thinning properties.

*As always, check with your holistic vet before adding turmeric to your pet's diet.

Here are general guidelines to start with when giving your dog turmeric:

Up to 15 lbs. 1/4 t a day

15-30 lbs. 1/2 t a day

30-45 lbs 3/4 t a day

45+ lbs. 1 t a day

Start your pet at 1X a day and increase to 2X a day after a week if needed.

Golden Turmeric Paste Recipe for Dogs by Blooming Culture

Wisk together and heat on very low for apx. 10 min. (constantly stirring).

3/4 C Organic Bone Broth

1/3 C Organic Turmeric

Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the ingredients.

1/4 C Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil

1 T Fresh Ginger

2 t Cinnamon

2 1/2 t Black Pepper