Turmeric For Dogs? Here's What You Need To Know

Turmeric is a spice that has proven to have A LOT of amazing health benefits!

Studies have proven that it’s an anti-inflammatory, contains potent antioxidants, can boost our immune systems, and so much more.

But did you know that it can also be amazing for your dogs, too?

That’s right, turmeric for dogs can improve the health of your furry four-legged friends in a surprising number of ways. Below, we’re going to take a look at exactly what it can do and how it can help you keep your pet healthier…

Anti-Inflammatory

Turmeric is rich in curcumin, an antioxidant that works as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It can reduce the swelling caused by a number of conditions—everything from arthritis to cancer to kidney disease to digestive disease.

Your body’s inflammatory response to acute injuries is how it protects itself from further damage and speeds up repair. However, chronic conditions can cause low-grade inflammation that persists for weeks, months, or years. Chronic inflammation is an underlying cause of a wide number of diseases.

The good news is that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties will decrease that chronic inflammation—in animal bodies as well as human! Turmeric can help to prevent the conditions your pet may face as a result of the chronic inflammation, keeping them healthier for many more years to come.

Anti-Arthritis

Arthritis is a fairly common condition among older dogs. Stiffness, swelling, and pain in their joints can cause them a great deal of discomfort, limit their mobility, and affect their quality of life.

Thankfully, you’ve got turmeric to lend a hand!

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a very useful for arthritis. Not only can it help to decrease the swelling, but it has the potential to reduce both pain and joint stiffness. Studies have indicated that it can work as well as existing medications. It’s also very safe for your pet’s consumption!

Using turmeric to help your dog deal with their arthritis can restore a lot of mobility and improve the quality of their life. It can get them back on their feet and moving around with far less pain and stiffness.

Antioxidant

The antioxidants in turmeric can eliminate free radicals, which are known to increase aging and cellular degradation in human and animal bodies alike.

Free radicals are a fairly common side effect of exposure to strong chemicals and pesticides, as well as the artificial ingredients used in highly processed dog food. Turmeric can help to protect your pet from radiation, environmental toxins, pollutants, and chemicals in the ground around them, the water they drink, and the air they breathe.

Cardiovascular Aid

Did you know that turmeric can improve your pet’s heart health? It’s able to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce arterial damage, as well as decrease their risk of blood clots forming.

Older dogs, like older humans, often start to show signs of cardiovascular health problems. Though there are medications that can help, you’ll be glad to know this very natural substance is able to improve their cardiovascular health, too.

Gastrointestinal Treatment

If your dog suffers from GI disorders—such as inflammatory bowel disease—you’ll find that turmeric can help to improve their help and aid in digestion. Turmeric reduces inflammation, which means that it can help to combat the intestinal inflammation caused by IBD and other GI disorders. Not only will it decrease the swelling, but it can improve gut permeability and help your pet absorb more nutrients more efficiently.

It may even help your dog to be able to digest food more easily, making it easier for you to find the right combination of food to feed them that will improve their health and help improve their digestive problems.

Cancer

*Disclaimer - we are in no way saying turmeric should be used to treat or prevent Cancer. Please consult your pet's doctor for anything related to this. Chronic inflammation has been very clearly linked to cancer in both humans and animals. Thanks to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties, you may be able to reduce your pet’s risk of cancer by giving them this free radical-killing spice. It’s an amazing therapy that’s worth trying!

But that’s not all it can do for your pet. If your pet is already suffering from cancer, turmeric may be able to help improve their health—especially in the earlier stages. Curcumin studies have shown that it may prevent cancer cells from being able to grow or spread, and it may be able to reduce tumor sizes. In fact, some studies have indicated that it may be able to kill off cancer cells!

Giving your dog this spice may help to prevent the formation of tumors and cancers in the future, but it may also aid in the management of any existing cancers. Definitely worth adding to their diet!

Improve Liver Health

Your dog’s liver regulates their blood, eliminates toxins, processes nutrients, and keeps their body functioning properly. Turmeric provides nutrients and antioxidants that support liver function and keeps this vital organ healthy. Not only will the spice help to break down excess fats (preventing fatty liver disease), but it can also aid in the removal of wastes to flush out their bodies and keep their liver function in tip top shape.

Steroid Replacement

Many dogs are on steroids—often to treat allergies, joint pain, or a number of other health conditions.  Unfortunately, steroids come with a number of negative side effects and adverse reactions.

Turmeric, however, does not! Not only are there no negative side effects of feeding your dog turmeric, but studies have indicated that turmeric can offer the same benefits of steroid medications at the same rate of efficiency.

Even if your pet has to keep taking steroids for some serious health condition, turmeric can still help. Studies have shown that it can help to decrease the side effects of steroids, making the use of that medication much easier on your pet’s body.

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons that giving turmeric to dogs can be a great way to improve their health!