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Health Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs and Cats
Turmeric has been gaining popularity over the years because of the benefits it offers. It is a wonder herb. But did you know? Turmeric has been around since 3000 BCE and been used in ancient medicine to help treat different disorders and correct health conditions. Now thanks to science, we have also discovered and are now enjoying the health benefits of turmeric for dogs and cats.  It is known as The Golden Spice of the Nation because of its color and value.
turmeric

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is extracted from rhizome (ginger family) and is native to India. 

Color: Warm yellow color

Taste:  Slightly bitter, pepper-like flavor that gives the famous curry its distinct taste

Uses:

  • As coloring and flavoring agent 
  • For healing ailments and improving health

Curcumin or Turmeric?

People are often confused between curcumin and turmeric.

Here’s to help you understand:

The health benefits of turmeric are attributed to its chemical compound Curcumin. Sometimes the terms turmeric and curcumin are used interchangeably.

So you will not be confused between the two, remember that curcumin is the main active ingredient found in turmeric.

Health Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs and Cats

Curcumin in turmeric is now being used by many pet parents to keep their furry family members healthy and to also combat existing diseases.

Turmeric is commonly used for:

  • Joint pain, inflammation and arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Allergies, Infections and skin diseases
  • Bowel disease
  • Heart disease
  • Cataracts
  • Epilepsy
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Joint pain, inflammation and arthritis

Active dogs and senior dogs are prone to joint issues. Our dogs may get inflamed joints due to arthritis or injury. The curcumin in turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that can greatly help combat joint pain and arthritis.

In fact it has been found in a study in Thailand that curcumin can reduce pain as well as the drug Ibuprofen.

Scientists also believe that chronic inflammation or inflammation that stays for a long time in the body plays a major role in most serious degenerative diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diseases in kidney, heart  and digestive tract. 

For this reason, turmeric is vital in helping prevent such diseases by its anti-inflammatory property.

Anti-cancer

As posted by petMD, “Fifty per cent of dogs over the age of 10 develop cancer at some point.” That is an alarming number!

Cancer cells are known to propagate when there is inflammation. A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, curcumin comes in handy as it can help reduce the occurrence and disrupt the growth and spread of cancer cells from the precancerous stage.

According to The American Cancer Society, “Curcumin interferes with cancer development, growth, and spread. Recently, curcumin has received a great deal of focus because of its ability to reduce tumor size and kill cancer cells.”
pet allergies

Allergies

Dogs and cats also get allergies. When pets exhibit symptoms of allergies, they’re often given allergy medicines and steroids. However, steroid treatment and allergy medicines may actually suppress the immune system while having side effects.

Turmeric has antihistamine properties without untoward effects and can alleviate allergy symptoms especially when combined with other herbs.

All-Clear is an herbal formulation with Astragalus, Burdock, Licorice, Red Clover and Nettle leaf---all of these help soothe symptoms of allergies. Turmeric can be used with All-Clear.

As it has anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help soothe itchiness and reduce hives or bumps in the skin of allergic pets. Check out these 5 Natural Remedies For Dog Allergies to help relieve your dog's suffering.


Infections and skin diseases

When dogs scratch their skin raw due to allergies or irritation, the skin opens and is prone to infection.

The curcumin in turmeric acts as an antimicrobial agent by fighting against bacteria, virus and fungi.

The Ar-tumerone on the other hand that is also found in turmeric has been proven to act against fungus stronger than common anti-fungal drug Ketoconazole.

Because of its skin-regenerating properties, turmeric can help in keeping the skin healthy, accelerates healing of wounds and skin burns.

Aids digestion

Curcumin stimulates the production of bile in the liver which aids in digestion, breaks down dietary fats, and removes harmful substances from the body. It can help prevent gas and bloating in pets.

Turmeric can help keep their liver healthy too. Pets that eat too fast or are often fed with food that are high in fats can benefit from turmeric's actions in the digestive tract .

Other health benefits of turmeric

Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties among many, turmeric is also found to prevent cataracts, aids in pets with epilepsy and heart diseases and reduces blood clots.

How to give turmeric to pets?

Turmeric is hard to absorb in the body when taken alone.  Some add oils like coconut or olive oil to help absorption.   

Here is a more convenient and healthier way of giving Turmeric to your pets:

Our new product Turmeric & Curcumin Bone Broth is a nourishing protein powder that is convenient to use and easy to digest!


It is also enhanced with Coconut Milk that helps pets absorb the nutrients better to get the most nourishment possible from this supplement.


Simply sprinkle on your pet's food or mix with water to create a delicious gravy!

turmeric-curcumin-bone-broth-for-pets
Turmeric paste
Here’s a delicious Turmeric and Honey Paste recipe for your pet from CertaPet.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup of turmeric powder
  • 1/3 cup of coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon of grounded black pepper (boosts the effect of turmeric)
  • Honey

turmeric paste
As easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Grab a small pot and add the turmeric powder and the water. On a low heat, stir for 7-10 minutes until ingredients turn into a thick paste.

2. Add the coconut oil, grounded black pepper, and honey. Honey is for the added  taste, so add as much as you’d like. Stir until everything is incorporated.

3. Leave to cool then put in a glass jar in the fridge for use.

 
Recommended dosage is one quarter teaspoon per 10 pounds body weight.


Caution in giving turmeric to pets

  • Turmeric increases urinary oxalate levels so it is not recommended for dogs prone to kidney stone problems .
  • Don’t give turmeric with acid reducers, aspirin and medicines for diabetes.
  • Don’t give too much or introduce too quickly to your dog’s diet. Turmeric may cause nausea or constipation.
  • Give your dog plenty of water and/or yoghurt when giving turmeric.


As pet owners/fur parents, we know that giving our pets the best quality of life is important. They are more than just pets really---they're family.

Nature is our ally in making sure that they get the nutrition and protection they need for their health.

Do you give Turmeric to your pets?
What changes in their health have you noticed?
Do you have a winning turmeric paste/treats recipe?

Please share with us in the comments.