Published: August 2020 | Updated: October 2022
Most of us know about turmeric as it relates to curry and other Indian-flavored foods. But does turmeric have benefits for dogs too?
Turmeric has become a popular ingredient and pet supplement for good reason. But, as is the case with any dog supplement, you have to make sure it is a bioavailable form of turmeric at the right concentrations.
I don’t know a single person who is cooking curry for their dog every night, but if there was another way to give your dog the benefits of this ancient spice, wouldn’t you jump at the opportunity?
Curcumin vs. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural solution that comes from the root of a plant called Curcuma longa. Turmeric is made up of a group of chemical substances called curcuminoids, and curcumin is the most abundant curcuminoid which elicits the most health promoting benefits, which is why you hear about curcumin so often.
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, a spice that has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s the substance in turmeric that gives it its bright yellow color.
In Ayurveda, curcumin has been shown to help with a range of other issues, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cancer (both prevention and treatment)
- Dementia
- Alzheimer's disease
- Depression
- Mood disorders such as anxiety disorders (including post-traumatic stress disorder) and ADD/ADHD symptoms (such as hyperactivity)
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
It is even suggested to help prevent tumor growth by reducing cell division rates in cancer cells or by stopping new blood vessels from forming in tumors (angiogenesis).
When we’re talking about pet supplements, you want to be adding turmeric in the form of curcumin for dogs because this is the workhorse portion of turmeric.
Turmeric Benefits for Dogs
There are thousands of studies that show the health benefits of turmeric for dogs (as curcumin). It is thought to be a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that even beats aspirin and ibuprofen in effectiveness!
Curcumin is also thought to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Curcumin also stimulates bile flow in the liver, which helps break down fat and cholesterol so they can be eliminated from your dog's body more efficiently.
Studies suggest that curcumin can help with a variety of different conditions, ranging from cancer to gastrointestinal disease to osteoarthritis and joint pain.
To keep it simple, curcumin has incredible anti-inflammatory properties that work through a variety of pathways in the body. And we know that inflammation is at the root of virtually EVERY disease.
Curcumin’s antioxidant properties also contribute to a healthy aging process, and who doesn’t want to see their dog jump for joy in their senior years?
Curcumin for Dogs with Joint Pain
Joint pain is a common problem in dogs. There are several reasons why your dog may be experiencing joint pain, including old age, obesity, or even an injury. However, if your pup is experiencing joint pain, providing a supplement of some sort may be weighing heavy on your mind.
One of the best ways to combat this issue is by using curcumin for dogs with joint pain. Curcumin is a substance that helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints of dogs. It also works as an antioxidant and reduces free radicals in the body that cause damage to cells and tissues.
Is Turmeric Safe for Dogs?
YES! Just like our friend Boswellia, turmeric is completely safe. Not only has it proven more effective than some conventional medications, but it is far safer than steroid drugs for treating chronic inflammation in dogs.
The safety of curcumin has been studied in dogs and it appears to have few side effects when used at recommended doses.
In certain situations, it may affect blood sugar levels and kidney function, so it's important to be cautious when giving it to a dog with diabetes or impaired renal function, like those with kidney disease. If your dog has either of these conditions, it doesn't necessarily rule out curcumin, but rather means you should consult your holistic veterinarian first.
Rocket Animal Health prides itself on choosing safe active ingredients that actually work, so your dog can live a limitless life free of negative side effects.
Turmeric Dosage for Dogs
We’ve talked about this before, but as always, the concentration of ingredients, even those that are natural, really matters.
Curcumin is typically not well absorbed by animals. Rocket Animal Health set out to solve that problem by using a source of curcumin that is complexed with the same components that make up cell membranes. This means that this form of curcumin makes it into your dog’s cells without a hitch, so the dog supplements you spend money on actually work!
The other really cool thing about turmeric is that it works synergistically with CBD and Boswellia. The combination of these three compounds has been shown to have many synergistic effects on the body, including reducing inflammation and protecting against oxidative damage.
In other words, Canine Cush is formulated in such a way that each ingredient can work at maximum effectiveness with zero nasty side effects. There’s no better option when it comes to giving your dog the best life possible.
Get Started With Canine Cush and Share the News
Turmeric has been used as a well-known anti-inflammatory in both herbal medicine and some conventional medical practices. While medical use of turmeric dates back thousands of years, it has only recently gained popularity in Western medicine because of its numerous potential benefits. As additional research is released, more dog lovers will begin incorporating it into their dog's daily regimen. Now that you know the benefits, you can get started with your own dog and educate others on the effects of turmeric.
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