8 Awesome Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Are you ready to spice up your dog’s dinner? A common spice used in Indian cuisine, turmeric for dogs offers a buffet of health benefits.


If you like to cook, you’re probably familiar with a yellow spice called turmeric. Turmeric is commonly used in Indian cuisine and it is a key ingredient in curry powder. Not only can turmeric be used in tasty recipes for humans, but it is also good for your dog. Here are just a few of the awesome benefits of turmeric for dogs.


Why is Turmeric Good for Dogs?


Turmeric is the name for the powdered spice derived from the rhizome of the turmeric plan, Curcuma longa. This plant belongs to the same family as the ginger plant and, in fact, turmeric is used in many of the same ways as ginger. In addition to being full of flavor, turmeric offers a wide variety of other benefits largely related to its high curcumin content. Curcumin is a compound that is responsible for most of the medicinal benefits associated with turmeric – it has natural anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-cancer benefits.


Related: Top 10 Spices And Herbs That Are Safe For Dogs


In dogs, turmeric can help to support your dog’s heart health – especially for senior dogs. Dogs are just as susceptible to high blood pressure and high cholesterol as humans are and turmeric can help to lower bad cholesterol levels in support of general heart health. Turmeric may also help to thin the blood which may reduce the risk for the dangerous clots that can lead to heart attack and stroke. This yellow spice is also known for its detoxification benefits and its anti-cancer qualities. Other benefits associated with turmeric for dogs may include:


  • Relief from allergies
  • Prevents the formation of cataracts
  • May help treat epilepsy
  • Kills parasites and other pests
  • Relieves stomach upset and digestive disorders
  • May help treat diarrhea by adding substance to stools
  • Helps with fat metabolism and weight loss
  • Rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins


Tips for Using Turmeric for Dogs


Because turmeric has the potential to provide your dog with so many important benefits, it is a great supplement to add to your dog’s dietary routine. One way to add it to your dog’s diet is to simply sprinkle it over your dog’s food before feeding. The recommended dosage for turmeric is about 15 to 20 mg per pound of bodyweight. To simplify things a little more, aim for a dosage of 1/8 to ¼ teaspoon per 10 pounds of bodyweight. For example, a 50-pound dog would require a dosage between 5/8 teaspoon and 1 ¼ teaspoons per day.


Related: Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?


As an alternative to simply feeding your dog plain turmeric, you can also use this spice in homemade recipes for dog treats and other items. For example, you can create a turmeric paste that you can feed to your dog by hand. Simply combine ½ cup of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of turmeric and a dash of black pepper then stir it up and add it to your dog’s food. Another option is to make turmeric-flavored dog treats. Combine 1 cup of self-rising gluten-free flour with ½ cup of pumpkin puree and ½ cup of steamed brown rice. Stir in two beaten eggs, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters. Bake the treats for 10 to 15 minutes at 250°F until they are cooked through and browned then turn off the oven and let them cool and harden.


Turmeric for dogs is an easy way to pass along a slew of potential health benefits. Add some to his daily diet or try your hand at homemade dog treats flavored with the spice. No matter how you choose to use turmeric, your dog will appreciate a little extra spice in his life.

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

More by Kate Barrington

Next