Turmeric – The Most Effective Nutritional Supplement for Dogs
Experts in canine health tout the remarkable health benefits of turmeric for dogs, a common kitchen spice with extraordinary potential. Turmeric, and its primary active compound curcumin, has been the subject of over 6,000 studies revealing its extensive health advantages for both canines and humans.
This spice, often used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine, has been a focus of scientific research due to its diverse healing properties. It is one of the most clinically studied herbs today.
The root of turmeric is enriched with natural oils, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and a host of phytochemicals. These phytochemicals are plant-derived compounds that enhance the healthy functioning of cells, tissues, organs, and systems. They encompass antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, and numerous other derivatives that bolster the body’s natural functions. The most notable of these compounds are the curcuminoids, with curcumin being the most significant.
Key Health Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs:
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chronic inflammation is a root cause of numerous diseases, including cancer, arthritis, allergies, and kidney disease. Curcumin’s potent anti-inflammatory ability rivals many pharmaceutical drugs. Studies, including one in 2014, highlight that curcumin can outperform ibuprofen in arthritis patients. Its efficacy in reducing inflammation is not only limited to joint diseases but extends across various inflammatory conditions.
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Turmeric’s antioxidant properties play a crucial role in cancer prevention and treatment. Research indicates that curcumin can inhibit the transformation of precancerous changes into cancer. The National Cancer Institute recognizes curcumin’s role in modulating cancer development and progression, making it a significant dietary addition for cancer prevention.
- Arthritis Relief: Turmeric is particularly beneficial in combating arthritis. A 2014 study demonstrated that curcumin is as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain associated with knee osteoarthritis, but without the gastrointestinal side effects.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects extend to treating gastrointestinal issues, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Its ability to reduce gut inflammation and improve gut permeability has been noted in various studies.
- Steroid Alternative: Studies suggest that curcumin can be as effective as steroids in treating allergies and joint pain, with the added benefit of lacking the side effects associated with corticosteroids.
Curcumin is distinguished for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, rivaling the efficacy of certain anti-inflammatory medications but without their associated side effects. Moreover, the phenols in turmeric root contribute to fighting off germs, bacteria, viruses, aiding in digestion, bolstering immunity, enhancing energy, optimising metabolic function, purifying the blood, regulating blood sugar levels, and improving cognitive functions.
Piperine, a constituent in black pepper, is crucial for enhancing the absorption of curcumin, increasing its bioavailability by up to 2,000%. Without piperine, most of the curcumin would simply pass through the digestive tract unabsorbed.
Incorporating turmeric into your dog’s diet is supported by an increasing number of scientific findings, the top 10 health benefits of turmeric for dogs being:
1. Turmeric Contains Bioactive Compounds with Powerful Medicinal Properties – Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (1, 2, 3)
2. Curcumin Is a Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound – scientists now believe that chronic inflammation contributes to almost every chronic Western disease. Curcumin can suppress many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation without the side effects of manufactured drugs. (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
3. Turmeric Dramatically Increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the Body – curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects. It neutralises free radicals on its own but also stimulates your dog’s body’s own antioxidant enzymes. (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
4. Curcumin Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Linked to Improved Brain Function and a Lower Risk of Brain Diseases – curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain. (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
5. Curcumin Could Lower Your Dog’s Risk of Heart Disease – curcumin has beneficial effects on several factors known to play a role in heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant. (28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
6. Turmeric Can Help Prevent (and Perhaps Even Treat) Cancer – curcumin leads to several changes on the molecular level that may help prevent and perhaps even treat cancer. (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
7. Curcumin May Be Useful in Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease – curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease and slow, and even reverse, cognitive decline. (39, 40, 41)
8. Arthritis Patients Respond Very Well to Curcumin – arthritis is a common disorder characterised by joint inflammation. Many studies show that curcumin can help treat symptoms of arthritis and is in some cases more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs. (42, 43, 44)
9. Studies Show That Curcumin Has Incredible Benefits Against Depression – a study in 60 people with depression showed that curcumin was as effective as Prozac in alleviating symptoms of the condition. (45, 46, 47, 48)
10. Curcumin May Help Delay Ageing and Fight Age-Related Chronic Diseases – due to its many positive health effects, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer, curcumin may aid longevity. (49, 50)
Dosage and Administration:
The recommended dosage of turmeric for dogs is 30mg-40mg per kilogram of body weight daily, which can be adjusted according to the dog’s size and response. Since curcumin is rapidly metabolised and excreted, it’s best to administer turmeric in divided doses throughout the day. However, care must be taken as turmeric can stain surfaces and potentially cause constipation in dogs. To aid absorption and prevent gastrointestinal issues, turmeric should be combined with black pepper, and a healthy fat or kefir.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions:
While turmeric is generally safe and beneficial, it’s not suitable for all dogs. It should be used cautiously in dogs that are always hot and seeking cooler environments, as turmeric is a warming spice. Additionally, it can interact with certain medications, including anti-inflammatory and diabetes drugs, and may interfere with chemotherapy treatments. Therefore, consulting with a holistic veterinarian before adding turmeric to a dog’s diet, especially if they are on medication, is advisable.
In conclusion, including turmeric in your dog’s diet can offer a range of health benefits, from reducing inflammation and treating arthritis to preventing cancer and gastrointestinal disorders. Its natural composition and lack of adverse side effects make it a valuable addition to canine health management. However, appropriate dosing and consideration of potential interactions with existing medications are crucial for maximizing its benefits.
Bonza vegan dog food includes Turmeric alongside numerous other herbs, botanicals and adaptogens, each selected for their potent contribution to your dog’s health and longevity.
