Turmeric Golden Paste For Dogs: A Recipe Your Dog Will Love

Golden paste for dogs is a homemade turmeric blend that many pet parents swear by for easing joint pain, calming inflammation, and supporting overall health.

This bright yellow paste gets its name from turmeric — the spice that gives curry its golden color. When mixed with healthy fats like coconut oil and a pinch of black pepper, turmeric’s natural compounds become more absorbable for dogs.

Golden paste is popular because it’s affordable, easy to make, and can be stirred right into your dog’s food. But is golden paste really good for dogs? And how much is safe?

In this guide, I’ll break down what golden paste is, how it may help your pup, how to make a simple golden paste recipe for dogs, and how to feed it safely.

What is Golden Paste for Dogs?

Golden paste is a turmeric-based paste that is created by mixing turmeric, black pepper and coconut oil with water. Easy! Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, and has recently become increasingly popular in the United States as an alternative to prescription or over-the-counter medication for both humans and their pets.

Golden Paste Recipe for Dogs

Doug English, the vet who created the golden paste recipe, shares his recipe:

Golden Paste Ingredients:

• ½ cup turmeric powder
• 1 cup water
• ⅓ cup raw, unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil
• 2-3 tsp cracked black pepper

Boil the turmeric and water before lowering the heat and simmering until it turns into a paste (this should take 7 to 10 minutes). Add the pepper and oil after it’s been removed from heat and cooled down, about 10 minutes later.

Potential Health Benefits of Golden Paste for Dogs

We reached out to Napa Valley Holistic Vet Kimberly Schmidt, who gushed about the benefits of golden paste, answered our questions, and told us how you can whip it up at home. Turmeric on its own has anti-inflammatory powers— and it’s a great pain reliever. “It has even been shown to have a positive effect on cancer cells,” she says. If your pet has inflammatory diseases such as cancer or arthritis, turmeric can be especially beneficial. Taken alone, only a small amount of the active component, called curcumin, gets absorbed into your pup’s bloodstream, though. “By combining curcumin with piperine—a compound in black pepper—the bioavailability increases dramatically,” Schmidt explains.

Translation: When combined with black pepper, turmeric in the paste is better absorbed into your dog’s blood. The coconut oil in the recipe makes the liver metabolize the curcumin slower, so it’s better absorbed by your dog. Plus, coconut oil has its own health benefits.

 

 

 

 

 

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Waiting for mum to finish making my golden paste. It’s the 🥥 oil that I love 😋 . . . #goldenpaste #healthypup #turmericstainseverywhere #dogsofinstagram #instadog #labradorretriever #labstagram #dog #dogsofinstagram

A post shared by Gisbey The Chocolate Lab (@gisbey_the_choclab) on Feb 4, 2018 at 1:20pm PST

How To Safely Serve Golden Paste To Dogs

Golden paste can be a helpful natural supplement, but only if you feed it safely. Turmeric is powerful, so it’s smart to start slow and watch how your dog reacts.

Start with small amounts:

Most vets recommend starting with about 1/4 teaspoon of golden paste per day for small dogs, and up to 1/2 teaspoon for medium to large dogs. Always mix it into your dog’s regular food,  never feed it straight from the spoon.

Watch for side effects:

Some dogs don’t tolerate turmeric well. Too much golden paste at once can cause stomach upset or diarrhea. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, start with an even smaller amount and work up gradually.

Keep it fresh:

Store homemade golden paste in the fridge for up to two weeks. Some people freeze it in ice cube trays to portion it out easily.

Talk to your vet:

Always check with your vet before adding golden paste, especially if your dog is on medication, has liver issues, or is prone to kidney stones. Turmeric can interact with some medicines, so it’s better to be safe.

What Dogs Is Golden Paste Good For?

Golden paste is popular for many dogs, but it’s not for every pup. Here’s when it can help:

Dogs with joint pain or arthritis:

Turmeric’s natural anti-inflammatory properties may help older dogs or dogs with mild arthritis feel more comfortable.

Dogs with itchy skin or mild allergies:

Some pet parents find golden paste helps calm minor skin irritation thanks to its natural antioxidants.

Dogs needing immune support:

Turmeric’s compounds can help fight inflammation in the body and support overall wellness when used responsibly.

Dogs who should skip golden paste:

Puppies, pregnant dogs, dogs with bleeding disorders, or dogs on certain medications may need to avoid turmeric. Too much turmeric can thin the blood or strain the liver if used incorrectly.Bottom line: Golden paste can be good for dogs when used in small amounts and with your vet’s OK, but it’s not a miracle cure. Always use it as a supplement to a balanced, fresh diet, not a replacement for good nutrition.

Is Golden Paste Dangerous for Dogs?

If your dog has gallbladder stones or bile duct obstruction, you shouldn’t give him golden paste, as curcumin makes the gallbladder contract, Schmidt says. Diabetic dogs may also want to be cautious, as golden paste can lower blood sugar. “These effects are all very mild, but if your pet has any of these conditions, then turmeric would not be the best choice for them,” Schmidt says.

What’s the Best Dose of Golden Paste for Dogs?

English recommends ¼ teaspoon twice a day with your dog’s food (pups generally like the taste!) If your dog doesn’t experience any negative side effects (loose stools or upset stomach), you can increase this to up ¾ teaspoon four times daily after a few weeks.

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.