How Turmeric Can Help Make Your Pup Healthier

Maybe you’ve heard about the benefits of turmeric for humans—or maybe you just know how good it tastes in your favorite curry recipe. Either way, you might not know that the spice can also be helpful (and tasty) to your pup. Curcumin is the active ingredient that makes it so powerful for their health. Here’s what you need to know about how turmeric can make your dog stronger and even live longer.

It acts as an anti-inflammatory

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties can help ease pain in pups who have joint disease and arthritic conditions: A 2014 study found that curcumin outperformed ibuprofen in humans with arthritis.

It may prevent cancer

Although there are many types of cancer, they are all characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells. Studies have shown that the curcumin in turmeric can help reduce the growth of those cells and help stop the spread of tumors in animals.

It can help treat GI issues

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pups, as well as other digestive disorders. However if your dog is sensitive to the spice, it can also cause upset stomach.

It can replace topical steroids

The curcumin in turmeric can help cool skin inflammation which is often caused by excessive scratching. Some studies have shown that curcumin is as effective as topical steroids for treatment, and it doesn’t have the same unwanted side effects.

How to integrate it into your pup’s diet

Turmeric can be mixed with coconut oil, olive oil, honey, or water to make a topical paste, which can be applied to your pup’s skin or licked off a spoon. Another option is making a simple gravy that can be soaked into your dog’s food: A popular mixture consists of water, turmeric powder, healthy oil, and ground-up black peppercorns. There are also capsules that you can give to your dog daily.

Know how much is too much

Small to medium-sized breeds can consume 250 milligrams twice a day whereas large dogs can get 500 milligrams two to three times a day. It’s important to start with a small dose and work up to the appropriate amount of turmeric. And always consult your vet before integrating something new into your pup’s diet!

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.