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Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.
Turmeric is a golden spice that is natural and safe to feed to dogs. But is turmeric good for dogs?
Turmeric can be good for dogs with joint pain, cancer and other inflammatory diseases. In this guide we will discuss the potential uses, limitations, side effects and dosing of this golden spice.
Read on to learn which dogs may benefit and how much turmeric you should give them.
KEY POINTS
- Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help dogs with chronic diseases like arthritis.
- Turmeric is poorly absorbed but special processing methods can improve its bioavailability.
- High doses of turmeric may cause side effects so it’s important to consult your vet before giving it to your dog.
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is a plant from Southeast Asia. The bright yellow-orange spice comes from dried and ground rhizomes of the plant.
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, gives it both its color and potential health benefits. It possesses natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties in the bodies of animals.
Turmeric is valued in traditional medicine for its healing properties. It has potential benefits for humans and dogs alike. However, due to absorption issues, safety concerns, and the need for proper dosing, using turmeric in a dog’s diet requires careful thought.
Vet-Recommended Turmeric for Dogs
We recommend turmeric/curcumin supplements made specifically for dogs. By giving it in treat form, you’ll avoid making your dog lose their appetite due to too much spice on their food!
Vetri-Flex Chews contain the Curcuvet® formulation of curcumin which has better absorption than powdered turmeric. These chews also contain other ingredients that combat inflammation.
Discuss all supplements with your own veterinarian before using them.
7 Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs
Turmeric has a long history of use in humans, particularly in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its potential health benefits have prompted many studies to investigate its therapeutic properties.
While much of the research has focused on humans, there is growing interest in understanding the potential uses of turmeric in dogs.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: One of the most well-known properties of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory effect. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to inhibit various inflammatory pathways in the body. Inflammation plays a role in many diseases, including arthritis, allergies, and certain cancers. (3,12)
- Antioxidant Activity: Curcumin’s strong antioxidant properties counteract harmful free radicals and lower oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is linked to chronic diseases and aging. By neutralizing free radicals turmeric may promote better health and well-being in dogs.
- Anti-Cancer Effects: Some studies suggest that curcumin has anti-cancer effects. (15) It acts by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells and reducing associated inflammation and pain.
- Antibacterial Effects: Researchers found an antibacterial effect of turmeric against resistant bacteria infecting traumatic wounds. (1)
- Digestive Health: Turmeric has been traditionally used to promote digestive health and aid in digestion. It is believed to stimulate the production of bile, which aids in the breakdown and absorption of fats. It may relieve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or gastrointestinal inflammation.
- Organ Health: Researchers have studied turmeric’s impact on heart health, brain function, and immune system regulation.
- Anti-Tick Effects: One study applied essential oil made from turmeric to dogs’ skin before they visited tick-infested areas. The turmeric oil significantly decreased the attachment of ticks to the dogs’ skin. (5)
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Turmeric’s Limitations
Getting turmeric into cells is the biggest obstacle preventing its widespread use. Unfortunately, its active compounds have low solubility in water, rapid metabolism in the liver, and are easily degraded by heat, light, and pH changes.
Scientists are always working on new strategies to improve turmeric’s absorbability. Formulation strategies that improve absorption include adding piperine from black pepper, liposomal formulations and nano-formulations.
Finally, we don’t have much research on turmeric for dogs. We mostly have data from studies on humans. Most medical experts agree more research is needed before recommending turmeric as a treatment. (7)
More from NPHQ Veterinarian
Learn more about natural remedies for dog arthritis
Side Effects of Turmeric in Dogs
Turmeric is generally considered safe for dogs when used in cooking or applied topically. Side effects are more likely when you use the powder or a supplement at therapeutic doses.
Monitor your dog closely after introducing the supplement. If any adverse effects occur, stop use and consult your veterinarian.
- Digestive Upset: Therapeutic doses of turmeric may cause diarrhea in some dogs, especially when using higher doses of dried root. Turmeric supplements in moderate doses are less likely to cause problems.
- Kidney and Bladder Trouble: There is no direct evidence of turmeric causing bladder and kidney stones in dogs. But some experts express concern so it’s advisable to be cautious if your dog is at risk of stone formation.
- Abnormal Blood Clotting: Turmeric’s anti-coagulant properties can affect blood clotting in mice. (4) It is unlikely to cause clotting abnormalities in dogs at recommended dosages. Be sure to inform your vet about any supplements your dog is taking before surgery.
- Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to turmeric, whether taken orally or applied topically, are rare but possible. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, skin rash, etc., stop using it and consult your vet immediately.
How Much Turmeric Should I Give My Dog?
Turmeric Powder Dosage for Dogs
The recommended turmeric powder dosage varies, but a good starting point is approximately 300 mg (about a teaspoon) per 10 pounds of body weight. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it to allow your dog to adjust to the spice.
Give the following amounts once a day with food.
| Size/Weight of Dog in Pounds | Dose of Turmeric Powder per Day* |
| Small Dog 2-10 lb. | 1/4-1 teaspoons |
| Medium Dog 11-40 lb. | 1-2 1/2 teaspoons |
| Large Dog 41-70 lb. | 2 1/2-4 teaspoons |
| Extra Large Dog 71-100+ lb. | 4-6 teaspoons |
To enhance absorption, grind fresh black pepper and combine the turmeric with fat-containing food (normal dog food will work).
Don’t be tempted to give your dogs larger dosages due to the risk of side effects.
Use Caution with “Golden Paste”
A popular internet trend involves a recipe for “Golden Paste” created by Australian veterinarian Doug English. This concoction combines turmeric, water, coconut oil and black pepper. Anecdotal reports are favorable for it helping dogs with various inflammatory conditions.
If you decide to try this concoction for your pup, proceed cautiously. The dose of turmeric is pretty low but the fat from the coconut oil could trigger digestive upset in some dogs.
Can I Give My Dog Human Turmeric Supplements?
Be careful with giving your dog human turmeric supplements. Some contain the same basic ingredients as dog supplements. But others have additional ingredients that might not sit well with dogs.
Always check the label and consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplement labeled for humans.
Last update on 2025-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
