4 Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs

What’s all the fuss about turmeric?

For thousands of years, nature has provided boundless resources to keep us healthy and free of illness - from herbs and spices, to roots and shoots, our earth provides a bounty of natural remedies. One herbaceous plant that stands out is ‘turmeric’. Belonging to the ginger family, turmeric, sometimes called "Indian Saffron", can be traced back to ancient India where it was used as a spice as well as in religious ceremonies.

Turmeric has been used for nearly 4,000 years in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. More recently, the holistic health and wellness movement in North America - which draws on many of these ancient knowledges - has been touting its powers as "The Wonder Spice". Testimony of individuals suffering chronic and debilitating illnesses attest to its medicinal properties. Research findings have consistently demonstrated its efficiency in healing the human body.

So, one thing’s for sure: turmeric is good for us. But does it also mean it is good for our four-legged pals?

 

Top Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs

This wonder spice is bursting with properties that make it a nutritional powerhouse, not just for us but also for our pets. Read on, to learn about the top benefits of turmeric for our dogs.

1. Alleviate Pain With Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Within the turmeric spice lies a miraculous compound called ‘Curcumin’. This compound, found in several other plants, has been extensively researched. The reason? It has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve swelling and pain as effectively as ibuprofen or aspirin. These medicinal properties are crucial in assisting us to care for our aging canines; Arthritis, the thinning of cartilage between bones and joints can cause excruciating pain. Turmeric helps relieve this pain in a natural way without worrying about toxic side-effects that can accompany pharmaceutical solutions. That way, they’ll be able to keep playing with you even as they grow older!

2. Relieve Allergies and Help Improve Skin Problems

Dogs experience allergies just like we do. Like us, their allergies can be triggered by environmental or food related allergens. Symptoms of allergic reactions in dogs can range from sneezing to itchy skin or the dreaded hot spot! Enter, turmeric. With its naturally occurring antihistamine properties it helps as a decongestant and with its anti-inflammatory properties eases itching.

3. Good for the Heart, Liver, and Digestion

Studies have shown the cardiovascular benefits of turmeric in protecting the lining of blood vessels and arteries, improving their function and assisting with heart health. Research has also indicated that Curcumin is a liver stimulating compound which improves the production of bile leading to better food digestion and breakdown of dietary fats, needed in lactating females and underweight pets. The anti-inflammatory agents of turmeric also assist in gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflamed bowels and intestinal permeability.

4. Help Prevent Cancer

Sadly, studies show that 1 in 3 domestic dogs will develop some form of cancer - the leading cause of death in our companions. Some breeds are high risk, with the most common being the large or giant breeds as well as senior pets who are prone to developing tumors or bone cancer.

Chronic inflammation is usually a precursor to cancer. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant which helps to counteract this risk. Several studies have shown that Curcumin is effective in disrupting the growth and spread of cancerous tissue in both humans and dogs. With one out of three dogs succumbing to cancer, prevention really is better than a cure.

 

Time to Add Turmeric to Your Dog’s Diet

There are many ways to add turmeric to your dog’s diet. You could whip up a gravy or sauce from turmeric to mix with his food or infuse a paste to fill a Kong. However, you must also be careful of how much turmeric you give to your dog. Over-supplementing your dog with turmeric can cause upset stomach, or increase risks for those with kidney problems.

One of the safest and most convenient ways to add turmeric to your dog’s diet is to purchase a dog food that is specially formulated with turmeric already added. Try out our Wilder Harrier soft training treats, made with turmeric and Shiitake mushrooms. All the benefits this wonder spice can offer, and at the same time provide your dog with a delicious, complete and hypoallergenic source of protein: crickets! They’re perfect for training and great for all ages.

When it comes to the health of our beloved best friends, we do not cut corners. This means we choose ingredients that are natural, unprocessed, whole and least detrimental to the planet. Wilder Harrier operates on the principle that a good diet is the foundation of good health and we strive to provide our customers with products that fulfill this need.