Is Turmeric Good for Dogs? 7 Potential Health Benefits

ByTB Thompson DVM Hours Posted on

Turmeric is a widely used spice that contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some research suggests that certain turmeric or curcumin preparations may benefit some conditions in dogs, but evidence in dogs is still limited. And research conclusions may not apply to supplementing dogs with the raw spice.

In this guide, I will cover the potential uses, limitations, side effects and best way to share this golden spice with your doggo.

Read on to learn which dogs may benefit and the best way to give them this supplement.

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.

Why I recommend a dog-specific turmeric supplement

For dogs, I prefer a supplement formulated specifically for pets rather than simply adding common cooking turmeric powder to their food. That’s because the amount of curcumin in turmeric powder can vary, and curcumin is poorly absorbed from the digestive tract.

Some canine studies have used concentrated or specially formulated curcumin preparations, so I don’t think it makes sense to assume that a teaspoon of kitchen turmeric provides the same benefits as a studied supplement.

If you’re looking for a turmeric supplement specifically formulated for dogs, this is the one I recommend to my clients.

ThorneVET CurcuVET-SA150 – Joint, Muscle, Liver & GI...
ThorneVET CurcuVET-SA150 – Joint, Muscle, Liver & GI…
    View on Amazon.com

    CurcuVET® chews from ThorneVet contain a concentrated formulation of curcumin that can be absorbed in a dog’s body much better than regular powdered turmeric.

    I’ll explain below what the research says about turmeric for dogs, why formulation matters, and what to consider before giving your dog a turmeric supplement.

    REMEMBER: Discuss all supplements with your own veterinarian before using them.

    Editor’s Note: NaturalPetsHQ.com is supported by readers and may earn for purchases made through links in this post.

    7 Potential benefits of turmeric for dogs

    Turmeric has a long history of use in humans, particularly in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

    Research on turmeric and its active compound, curcumin, is still limited in dogs. Some potential benefits have been suggested by studies in dogs, laboratory research, and human studies, but the evidence isn’t equally strong for all of them.

    It’s also important to note that research in this area has involved specialized curcumin formulations, so these findings shouldn’t be interpreted as evidence that feeding ordinary turmeric powder has the same benefits in dogs.

    1. 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. (3,12,15)
    2. 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.
    3. Potential 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. 
    4. Antibacterial effects: Laboratory antibacterial effect of turmeric against resistant bacteria known infect traumatic wounds. (1)
    5. 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. Research in humans show that it may relieve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or gastrointestinal inflammation.
    6. Organ health: Researchers have studied turmeric’s impact on heart health, brain function, and immune system regulation. 
    7. 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)
    How Turmeric Healed Our Dog And Helped Him Run Again - AnOregonCottage.com
    Samson’s owners report his back leg pain improved while taking turmeric

    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. 

    We now have some newer canine evidence showing a benefit for dogs with osteoarthritis (15), but it concerns a particular formulation and a relatively small study. We mostly have data from studies on humans. Most medical experts agree more research is needed before widely recommending turmeric as a treatment. (7)

    Is turmeric good for dogs? This greyhound thinks so.

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    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. (7) 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?

    Orange turmeric powder on a white plate with a small silver spoon.
    Powdered Turmeric

    I recommend that my clients use turmeric supplements made especially for dogs. The amount of the raw spice needed can be too much for some dogs to handle. The supplements I recommend have a refined form of the active ingredient, curcumin, and may be easier on the tummy as well as possibly more effective.

    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.

    The content provided on NaturalPetsHQ.com is for general information only. It is not meant to replace individualized medical advice from your own veterinarian. Read more on the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use page.

    TB Thompson, DVM professional headshot

    Author: TB Thompson, DVM is a veterinarian with 20+ years of experience in clinics, emergency medicine, and community shelters. She started Natural Pets HQ to give pet owners accessible, trustworthy guidance written by a real vet.

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    References

    1. Betts, J. W., Sharili, A. S., La Ragione, R. M., & Wareham, D. W. (2016). In vitro antibacterial activity of curcumin–polymyxin B combinations against multidrug-resistant bacteria associated with traumatic wound infections. Journal of natural products, 79(6), 1702-1706.
    2. Chattopadhyay, I., Biswas, K., Bandyopadhyay, U., & Banerjee, R. K. (2004). Turmeric and curcumin: Biological actions and medicinal applications. CURRENT SCIENCE-BANGALORE-, 87, 44-53.
    3. Colitti, M., Gaspardo, B., Della Pria, A., Scaini, C. & Stefanon, B. (2012) Transcriptome modification of white blood cells after dietary administration of curcumin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in osteoarthritic affected dogs. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 147, 136-146
    4. Comblain, F., Serisier, S., Barthelemy, N., Balligand, M., & Henrotin, Y. (2016). Review of dietary supplements for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs in studies from 2004 to 2014 . Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics, 39(1), 1-15.
    5. Goode, P., Ellse, L., & Wall, R. (2018). Preventing tick attachment to dogs using essential oils. Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 9(4), 921-926.
    6. Innes, J. F., Fuller, C. J., Grover, E. R., Kelly, A. L., & Burn, J. F. (2003). Randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled parallel group study of P54FP for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis. Veterinary Record, 152(15), 457-460.
    7. Kim, D. C., Ku, S. K., & Bae, J. S. (2012). Anticoagulant activities of curcumin and its derivative. In vivo, 61, 0-5c.
    8. Keihanian, F., Saeidinia, A., Bagheri, R. K., Johnston, T. P., & Sahebkar, A. (2018). Curcumin, hemostasis, thrombosis, and coagulation. Journal of cellular physiology, 233(6), 4497-4511.
    9. Limtrakul, P. (2007). Curcumin as chemosensitizer. In The molecular targets and therapeutic uses of curcumin in health and disease (pp. 269-300). Springer, Boston, MA.
    10. Nelson, K. M., Dahlin, J. L., Bisson, J., Graham, J., Pauli, G. F., & Walters, M. A. (2017). The essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin: miniperspective . Journal of medicinal chemistry, 60(5), 1620-1637.
    11. Shakibaei, M., John, T., Schulze-Tanzil, G., Lehmann, I. & Mobasheri, A. (2007) Suppression of NF-kappaB activation by curcumin leads to inhibition of expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in human articular chondrocytes: Implications for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Biochemical Pharmacology, 73, 1434-1445.
    12. Sharma, S., Sethi, G. S., & Naura, A. S. (2020). Curcumin ameliorates ovalbumin-induced atopic dermatitis and blocks the progression of atopic march in mice. Inflammation, 43 (1), 358-369.
    13. Taylor, R. A., & Leonard, M. C. (2011). Curcumin for inflammatory bowel disease: a review of human studies. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(2), 152.
    14. Turmeric. (n.d.). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). March 2007. Retrieved September 11, 2020, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric
    15. Withers, S. S., York, D., Johnson, E., Al-Nadaf, S., Skorupski, K. A., Rodriguez Jr, C. O., … & Rebhun, R. B. (2018). In vitro and in vivo activity of liposome-encapsulated curcumin for naturally occurring canine cancers. Veterinary and comparative oncology, 16(4), 571-579.
    16. Tripathi, S. D., Suresh, S., Khangal, P., Sasi Kumar, M., & Nandini, H. S. (2026). Protective effects of turmerosaccharides rich extract of Curcuma longa L. in osteoarthritic dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 13, 1536366.

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