You’ve likely heard about the recent popularity in feeding dogs turmeric, toting numerous health benefits that sound too good to be true. But is this Indian spice really what it’s said to be? Studies are answering that question with a big “Yes.” Turmeric has been scientifically shown to have many wonderful health benefits and there is good reason to add it to your dog’s diet if you’re looking to improve health and increase longevity in your canine companion. Turmeric is a powerful tool in preventing and combating many ailments, so don’t hesitate to give this supplement. Of course, always speak with your veterinarian before changing anything in your dog’s diet. If you’re wondering whether or not turmeric will help with your dog’s condition, consider these properties.

#1 – Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Perhaps the most notable use for turmeric is its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the compound found in turmeric, has been shown to reduce inflammation. This is important for conditions such as arthritis, cancers, allergies, dental disease, gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease and more. Two studies have now reported that curcumin has outperformed ibuprofen when treating inflammation – a 2014 study based on treating people with arthritis and a 2004 study on inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells. In the 2004 study, curcumin had better results than aspirin as well. Since chronic inflammation can be the result of and even lead to many serious illnesses, it’s important to prevent it. Feeding a turmeric supplement is an excellent way to offer a natural anti-inflammatory.

#2 – Management of Joint Pain

Turmeric contains powerful antioxidants which neutralizes the free radicals that cause painful inflammation and damage to joints. While humans have long found benefits of turmeric for the management of joint pain, it’s only recently becoming popular among dog owners. Some brands of supplements are now including turmeric along with ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which have also long been known for their joint enhancing properties.

#3 – Gastrointestinal Comfort

Because so many gastrointestinal diseases are exacerbated or even characterized by inflammation, turmeric works wonders when it comes to treating your dog’s bowls. Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a chronic condition that can be difficult to treat in dogs, characterized by the Veterinary Institute of Integrated Medicine by “[d]iarrhea and/or vomiting, blood and/or mucus in the stool, hypermotility on the bowels, malabsorption and eventual destruction or severe scarring of the intestine itself.” The Institution also advises curcumin as a viable treatment option; “Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, hepato-protective effects, increases glutathione levels, down-regulates tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), NO, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-?B), decreases free radicals in colonic mucosa.”

#4 – Shows Promise with Cancer Patients

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and Cancer Research UK performed a Phase 1 clinical trial that “[…] seemed to show that curcumin could stop the precancerous changes becoming cancer. Research has also shown that there are low rates of certain types of cancer in countries where people eat curcumin at levels of about 100 to 200 mg a day over long periods of time.” They report that there are several clinical studies where curcumin kills cancer cells and prevents them from growing. It has had the best effects on bowel cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer cells. A Phase 2 study performed in the United States showed that patients with cancer either had tumors that decreased in size or showed an increase in the levels of particular immune system chemicals that destroy cancer cells.

Although most studies have been performed inside a laboratory or among human patients, there is enough evidence to suggest that turmeric is a supplement that has the potential for a wealth of benefits. There are some side effects from feeding turmeric, such as possible effects on blood clotting and bladder and kidney stones, but studies show that these risks are small. We encourage you to speak with your veterinarian about adding turmeric to your dog’s diet, as the benefits are likely to far outweigh the risks.

BONUS TIP: If your turmeric supplement does not also include black pepper extract, your dog’s body will not be able to as effectively absorb the curcumin found in turmeric.

Learn More about Our Organic Turmeric Based Joint Formula by Project Paws. Like all our products, every purchase provides healthy donated meals to animal shelters!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional.