The Truth About Adding Turmeric To Your Dog’s Diet!

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Curry for a canine doesn’t make sense, but turmeric does!

Yes, you can share this wonderful spice with your dog. It happens to be beneficial (especially for arthritis).

Can I Give My Dog Turmeric?While feeding Fido spices is normally not a good idea, turmeric is a rare exception.

Add small amounts to your dog’s diet for a preventive and powerful remedy.

Dogs Can Have Turmeric

It is also healthy for hounds.

The Unique Benefits

Turmeric may help to ward off cancer, dementia and improve irritable bowel problems.

Some vets even recommend it for dogs as a way to increase longevity. No doubt about it, turmeric is an excellent spice.

Give your dog a helping based on their weight and tolerance to it. Very gradually increase the amount of turmeric over time.

But wait a sec!

This is not to be confused with a bowl of spicy curry (certainly isn’t recommended for dogs).

Turmeric Technique

You must avoid disrupting the digestive system whenever introducing a new food (turmeric included).

So do this:

Add a tiny bit to your dog’s regular chow. Mix the turmeric in, gradually increasing their rations over time.

Dosing For Your Dog

A 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric is sufficient for daily use.

Increase the portion each day. Eventually go to 1/4 of a teaspoon for each 10 pounds of the dog’s body weight.

Allergic Reactions?

It’s possible (but pretty unlikely) that your dog will be allergic to turmeric.

It is actually much more likely to actually reduce allergies.

What is much more probable is that curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, will help for all sorts of things…

Canine Joint Health

Reducing arthritis is probably the top reason to add turmeric. After all, inflammation-related symptoms are so common among canines.

Try feeding this super spice to your aging dog for the very valuable antioxidants.

Preventative for Pets

Again, there are many other benefits linked to turmeric consumption. And many of them apply to dogs too.

Studies indicate that cancer (and several other diseases) respond favorably to turmeric.

It is generally agreed that feeding a dog some, at least as a preemptive measure, is beneficial and smart.

Never Indian Cuisine

Limited servings of turmeric spice are great.

The thing is you shouldn’t allow Indian foods like curry or other spicy dishes even if they have turmeric.

In other words, it’s best to keep your dog’s diet as simple as possible.

Out of the ordinary meals are often a recipe for a messy doggie disaster. Provide turmeric in moderation.

On Spices In General

Avoid feeding your dog most other spices.

The truth is that few, if any, offer the same advantages that turmeric can.

An example would be nutmeg (a bad choice for any animal).

The Bottom Line

Your buddy can have some turmeric in their diet. There are lots of health benefits, especially for arthritic dogs.

Feed a modest amount initially.

On the other hand, curry and other Eastern dishes, are not appropriate for dogs.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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53 thoughts on “The Truth About Adding Turmeric To Your Dog’s Diet!”

  1. I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing information. I have a 12 year old Boxer with arthritis and she has been in pain for almost a month. Nothing has really helped her much and, believe me, we have tried many things except turmeric. I will now make some ghee and give her a 1/4 of teaspoon in her food!

  2. I have created a formula with turmeric and it saved my dog. He had a sarcoma of the mouth and was given 2 weeks to live. Instead he lived 3 years and his tumor was completely eradicated. My product has also helped other dogs with similar ailments. It’s called Teddy’s Turmeric Tamer.

  3. My dog got an upset stomach from turmeric. I wanted to use it as a blood thinner. She doesn’t take to prescription medicines well and was hoping turmeric would help.

    I may try smaller doses, but do not want her to be uncomfortable. She’s an old dog, nearing her end. I was looking for something to help.

    Also, how long does it take for turmeric to kick in? I read somewhere that it takes to four weeks. Is that correct?

    1. There’s a correct way of using turmeric. You can’t just sprinkle it on food and hope for it to create miracle.

      The ingredient in turmeric (curcumin) actually provides all the amazing benefits. It’s not easily bio-available. Your body won’t actually be able to absorb any nutrients from turmeric, if you try to use it straight away from the bottle.

      Turmeric powder needs to be simmered on low heat in some kind of fat (like ghee or oil) for about 30-60 seconds before use. Also, it needs to be consumed regularly. Indians include turmeric in almost all meals.

  4. My 12 year old Lab is on Trocoxil. Can I give Golden Paste along side this slow release anti-inflammatory?

  5. I just bought some liquid Turmeric for my 12 year old Beagle, but I can’t find doses for liquid! Does anybody know the amount? I would appreciate advice so I don’t hurt him. Thank you!

  6. I have a 14 year old Pit/Boxer that has bladder cancer and the vet suspects it extends into the urethra. This causes difficulty urinating. Can I give her Prednisone with turmeric?

  7. Is it safe to give turmeric to my 12 year old arthritic Fox Terrier? He is on Prednisone (half a tablet daily) and Gabapentin every other day for pain. Any advice would be much appreciated.

  8. I have done a lot of research and have a low budget. My 15 year old Corgi, Brady, has severe arthritis and some people think I should put him to sleep.

    I have him on Tramadol and Metacam for the rest of his life. I also see some progress since I upped his Glucosamine and Chondroitin to 1,000mg and 800mg respectively.

    I just started him on Turmeric Gold Paste. Very cost friendly, natural and easy to make. You just need turmeric, peppercorns, coconut oil and water, then boil and cool. The paste recipe is easy to find on the net and my dog doesn’t mind it.

    Brady is currently taking Trader Joe’s tablet form of Glucosamine Chondroitin for Dogs – 100 chewable liver-flavored tablets for $9.99 per bottle which is a great deal. Each tablet contains: Glu – 250mg, Chon – 200mg, Vitamin C – 50mg, Zinc – 15mg, Manganese – 5mg, Copper – 2mg.

    I am now waiting for a supplement that has all of the right ingredients PLUS MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) which I have heard great things about and has good reviews.

    The product I am waiting for is made by Grizzly Pet Products and is called Grizzly Joint Aid Hip & Joint Support Liquid Dog Supplement, 32-oz bottle. Active ingredients per oz: Glu – 1,500mg, Chon – 1,250, MSM – (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) – 1,250mg, Krill oil – 20mg, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) – 10mg.

    I hope this helps some of you out there.

  9. My Chinese Crested has been diagnosed with Hep C and possibly liver cancer. She takes 2 prescription medicines a day plus milk thistle twice a day. Would turmeric, red clover, or any other herbs help?

  10. My dog has recently been diagnosed with severe arthritis of the spine. The vet said she has never seen arthritis so severe. She wants to put him on Rimadyl. Presently he is on Tramadol and Gabapentin. Any suggestions, besides turmeric, would be greatly appreciated.

    1. Check with your vet for dosing. Swanson Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM worked great for our Siberian Husky who had severe arthritis and two blown discs.

  11. My dog has stage 3 mammary cancer. The vet said she will remove it if the swelling around it went down. Would castor oil and turmeric help if I gave to her? She a 10 year old Pit bull.

    1. Mandy, you should try Fucoidan for your dog. Humans take the same substance for its anti-cancer and tumor reducing effects. It is 100% organic and natural and will not hurt your dog.

      1. Where did you find dosage info for canine use of Fucoidan?

  12. My 35 kilogram dog has a large tumor in his rectum. If it is malignant, I will not be trying chemo because he is eating well and feeling no pain. Instead I would like to try herbs and diet. Can you advise me of a diet that may help his immune system?

  13. My Cane Corso has been taking an all-natural joint supplement with organic turmeric and it has changed her life. It decreased her inflammation, got her to like taking walks and she is visibly in much less pain! The product contains glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. There are no additives and it’s grain-free.

  14. I have been reading up about turmeric and its benefits. However, I read that you should not give it to a dog susceptible to kidney stones. My dog has had bladder stones in the past. Should I not give him turmeric?

  15. My 20-pound 18 year old Dachshund has diarrhea probably from eating a new dog food which is grain-free. Can I sprinkle turmeric on his food or give him part of a capsule daily?

    1. Anytime you change the brand of dog food it will likely cause them to have diarrhea. It’s best to mix the old food and new food together until they get adjusted to the new food.

  16. When my dog had surgery for malignant mast cell skin tumors, I added turmeric to her meals. I started with a small amount and increased it gradually. Suzie, a 10 year old Pug, needed surgery again 8 months later for more malignant tumors in a different area. While she was recuperating, I discovered more tumors developing just a week after the surgery.

    I increased the turmeric slightly and also added coconut oil and molasses to her diet. I am rubbing castor oil, turmeric with black pepper and apricot kernel oil into the new tumors and have starting feeding her 1 apricot kernel a day. But I notice more and more lumps developing under her skin every day. Most are the size of small peas, but 3 are the size of lima beans.

    Can this be an allergic reaction? They seem to be popping up to fast to be cancer. She eats a grain-free kibble from Merrick and Stella and Chewy Duck Duck freeze-dried dinner patties well moistened with water.

    1. My vet told me not to tamper with my 9 year old Jack Russell’s mast cell tumor as it can cause it to break apart and cause her to go into shock. I am new here, and don’t know that much but did want to share the little info that I know.

  17. I have some liquid herbal Turmeric extract and I am starting with 2 drops. My dog weighs 62 pounds and is part Bernese Mountain Dog, part Australian Shepherd. He has shaking rear legs when standing still and I’m certain this is arthritis. He is 10-12 years of age and loves to walk and fetch his favorite ball. I am determined to help his pain and manage his arthritis to give him the greatest quality of life.

  18. Are we talking turmeric from the grocery store or capsules that you get at a drug store? I have seen both. Thanks for info!

  19. I’ve been taking turmeric for myself and decided to research giving it to my 16 year old Pug who has arthritis in his legs. These comments have been very helpful.

  20. Our dog has had frequent UTIs in the past and is now on special dry food diet. Signs of spinal or hip arthritis are beginning to show up based on x-rays and observed activity. Turmeric was suggested and I will discuss it with a vet but anyone have any experience?

  21. If Indian curries and other foods are not good for dogs then why aren’t all those street dogs, feeding on whatever left-overs they can find in the garbage, dead by now?

  22. I’m searching around for dosage and info on Turmeric for my 12 year old dog. He has IBS, severe arthritis and 4 herniated disks. He weighs 20 pounds. What dosage do you use, and if I put it over his food do I need pepper also? Just black pepper? I’m concerned and feeling confused. Thank you!

    1. 1/4 teaspoon. I use it for my 12 pound Pomeranian. I mix a chopped up nickel size, fresh ginger since they work well together.

  23. Tumeric works wonders. I have a 14 year old Jack Russell who gets super itchy in the summer. We give her this for anti-inflammatory reasons as well as alkaline water. She has drank that with us for about 6 years. You’d never guess she was 14. Also, my Perro de Presa Canario puppy drinks the alkaline water and can’t get enough! It’s very beneficial for humans but also pets.

    1. What is the dosage you use? How often do you give it? My sister has a Jack Russell and wants to start him on this. He is 16 years old and has a herniated disc and arthritis as well. I’m having a difficult time finding a dose for him. Any help is appreciated.

  24. Marisella says:

    I have a 16 year old Lhasa Apso and a 13 year old Pug. I’ve been giving them organic turmeric powder for sometime now. I add a teaspoon of turmeric to boiled rice. I make it with carrots and zucchini as basic veggies and add one other vegetable per preparation such as kale, celery (be sure to skin them), Brussels sprouts or Swiss chard. My Lhasa has arthritis which has decreased considerably. He also suffers from tremors due to a nervous issue, that too has disappeared.

    The ratio I use is 2 cups of organic white rice to 4 cups of water with 2 big carrots and 2 big zucchini. Also, 2 kale leaves, 2 Brussels sprouts, 2 Swiss chard, 2 branches celery without leaves. I mix the rice, carrots, zucchini and 1 teaspoon of turmeric. Then, add the first 2 cups of boiling water to the basic boiled rice and cook over low heat. When it starts boiling, add the second 2 cups of boiling water with your choice of veggie for that batch of boiled rice. I add 2 tablespoons of organic prepared meat with essential oils. Everything is strictly organic.

  25. My dog gets turmeric every day, mixed with her food and a pinch of ground black pepper. It’s known that piperine, an important chemical in black pepper, significantly enhances bioavailability of turmeric.

    1. Barb, your comment was what I was looking for. I use turmeric for myself daily and know about the necessity of using it with black pepper. I was worried about whether it would be safe to give my 15 year old Chihuahua some turmeric and if so, whether or not to add the pepper.

      She has a serious case of congestive heart failure, and water is constantly building up in her. She often has to have injections of Lasix to eliminate it. Even though she’s on 4 pharmaceutical drugs twice a day, fluid still builds up. I’m hoping that the turmeric helps. Thanks again.

  26. My Shih-Tzus have small cysts. Fluffy has one on back and one above the eye. JoJo has only one on his back. But, Fluffy also has either a growth or tumor on her chest that has enlarged. I use essential oils such as clove oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil which are all good for the skin.

    Since I have been using these on the cysts, they have gotten smaller and have changed in color. The vet wants to remove them, but we are concerned they will come again somewhere else. I also know that fish oil helps a dog’s coat.

  27. I have my 13 year old Lab on turmeric. It’s working great for arthritis and neurological issues. It does, however, give him stinky breath but I’ve heard that it doesn’t do that for all dogs. Ceylon cinnamon helps.

    Anyway, if interested, Turmeric User Group (TUG) on Facebook is a wonderful resource for Turmeric.

  28. My dog has stage 2 and 3 mast cell tumors. We are trying a holistic approach as chemo isn’t an option. We are adding vitamin C, probiotics and NK-9 into her newly adapted raw food diet. Would turmeric also be a good addition?

    1. Have a look at Artemisinin. There are several research studies that show it produces results towards fighting cancer.

    2. Hi Apryl. I am sorry to hear about your dog. I know how you feel as my dog has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. I am researching holistic approaches as well.

    3. Research baking soda in water. I give my dogs this. It rids the cancer because they can’t live in this body state.

      1. I read that baking soda is toxic to dogs.

      2. Be careful with baking soda. The kind you buy in store is full of metal. You need to find the one that has no metals.

        1. Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) will do nothing for your dog other than increase his sodium level and give him bloat. It will also interfere with digestion as that is an acid environment and baking soda is very alkaline. Also, baking soda has less metals in it than your drinking water.

  29. I have a 12 year old Lhasa-Poo who in 2006 had L6 disc surgery and has had recurrences of back pain. Right now he is experiencing severe back pain; the vet put him on Tramadol 25 mg – 2 or 3 a day and Gabapentin 50mg – once daily.

    He was on Metacam but discontinued as his pain has not decreased. He will be starting Prednisone. I’ve been reading up on turmeric for him. I would appreciate thoughts or suggestions on supplements for him.

    1. I had taken steroid injections for several years for back problems. As a result, I ended up with Addison’s disease, secondary. This is a non-functioning adrenal gland. After this happens, a person or a dog is steroid dependent for life.

      This happens in dogs as well as people. I would be very careful of long-term usage of steroids for dogs. It could result in a real problem for your precious canine friend.

    2. The Budwig Diet was originally designed for cancer treatment, but many patients discovered that their back pain and joint problems were relieved by using this diet. It’s worth a try. Please see my comments for can dogs eat cottage cheese and flaxseed oil.

      This treatment is now quite popular in Hong Kong. He has written a book about many successful cases. My dog also recovered well from his Cirrhosis and liver cancer after trying it for 2 months.

  30. Hello, I have just been told that my 57kg Boerboel has kidney disease. Are there any herbs spices or foods that I can give to help him?

  31. My dog has been diagnosed with early stage of bone cancer. Can turmeric be of benefit to her?

    1. Turmeric is a wonder herb. Also try Peppermint. Give your pet home-cooked food. It’s not difficult to prepare.

  32. I am going to try turmeric for my arthritic dog. I am currently treating her Cushings with melatonin and flaxseed lignans which are controlling her symptoms quite well. I use turmeric daily so she might as well.

    1. Hi Anne. My dog has Cushings as well but I have not heard of using melatonin or flaxseed lignans. Any info you have would be appreciated!

      1. Hi Michelle. I have a 100 pound Golden Retriever, 13 years old. I have him on Lignans, Melatonin and also Cushex. These are herbal. The Cushex got his accidents and panting under control. The Lignans got his weakness in the hind quarters under control. He’s doing much better.

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