Dogs & Turmeric – What You Need To Know
Why Are Turmeric Supplements Given To Dogs?
Over the past few years turmeric has become increasingly popular for the support of joint health in people and is increasingly the subject of research into the characteristics of its bioactive components. Recognizing the interest in turmeric as a potential product that would support an animal’s physiology in the course of the normal wear and tear of life, The Golden Paste Company began to look at the spice and its properties as a functional supplement for dogs (and cats). At a biochemical level, and especially in the research of natural compounds as potential cancer therapies, there is plenty of information, as these animals have been used as a human model. However, it is the spice’s role in the body’s normal stress functions that has led to the development of specific supplements.
What are the benefits of turmeric for dogs?
Turmeric contains a high number of bioactives which impact over a wide range of physiological stress activities. Stress activity is a situation which causes physical or physiological stress (joint degradation, microbial infection), metabolic dysfunction (insulin resistance, unbalanced nutrition) or simply the mechanism of aging; in the majority of cases it causes the body to react in a predictable manner. Initially it releases pro-inflammatory markers to ring-fence the perceived damage/invasion; repair – in whatever form – is enacted and then anti-inflammatory factors released to enable the body to flush the area. Interacting with this is the role of oxidation. Inefficiencies in metabolism, and pro-inflammatory cues, generate oxidative cues that can exacerbate inflammation, but also have direct impact on tissue degradation – such as cartilage loss in joints. Many of our customers feed turmeric for its anti-oxidant properties and it's ability to interact with anti-inflammatory processes to support the following:
- Arthritis
- Digestion
- Cancer
- Coat and Skin
- Joint heath
- General wellbeing
Are there any known side effects of feeding turmeric to dogs?
Turmeric has been shown to have a number of beneficial characteristics and is safe to feed to dogs (and cats). It does, however, need a dedicated delivery system, such as TurmerEase™, to fully support the biological systems it targets.
Anecdotally, some owners have reported that their dog has developed an odour when fed turmeric. In most cases the odour decreases over time, or it may be neutralised by adding cinnamon (this is why we add true (ceylon) cinnamon to our Turmeric Golden Paste for Pets).
If your pet is on any medication speak to your vet before feeding turmeric to check that there are no known interactions.
To find out more about our specialist range of turmeric supplements for pets click here.
