Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a root from the ginger family that is used as a spice and food colouring and has long been one of the most popular herbs in traditional medicine because of its potential health benefits. This is particularly due to its active component, curcumin. In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric is traditionally used as a vitality booster to strengthen overall energy, improve digestion, and relieve arthritis and other types of pain. Although primarily known for its use in humans, turmeric has gained popularity in the pet supplement space, with some pet foods starting to incorporate it as an ingredient.
The growing popularity of the use of nutraceuticals in the prevention and alleviation of symptoms of many diseases in humans and dogs means that they are increasingly the subject of research[1]. Curcuma is known to have an extensive range of biological and pharmacological effects: research has identified its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and potential anti-cancer properties, which may be beneficial in addressing various health concerns in dogs.
Studies have shown that curcumin could support healthy joint mobility and comfort in dogs. Its anti-inflammatory properties can be particularly beneficial for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, a form of chronic joint inflammation caused by deterioration of the cartilage. It is suggested that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules, which helps alleviate pain and discomfort, especially in senior dogs. Indeed, studies suggest turmeric in dietary intervention as an effective way of reducing the use of NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to treat joint pain and inflammation in dogs with arthritis[2].
Another study aimed to characterise turmeric and its main substance, curcumin, in terms of properties, advantages, and disadvantages, based on literature data. It reported that adding curcumin to commercial snacks was also found to be beneficial for dogs’ health: “Snacks that were produced for dogs from commercially canned meat, curcumin was added, homogenised, and offered to dogs twice a day. On the 15th day, the erythrocyte and hematocrit counts were higher in curcumin-fed dogs than in control dogs. Dogs fed curcumin had lower levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, nitric oxide, plasma reactive oxygen species, lipoperoxidation, and protein carbonylation on the day than control dogs.”[3]
Turmeric is also a valuable source of essential nutrients. It contains a significant amount of carbohydrates and protein and is rich in essential amino acids, calcium, potassium, sodium, and iron. The rhizome also provides certain vitamins and a range of active substances, including curcuminoids, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids.
In one study, a dietary supplement combining curcumin extract, hydrolysed collagen, and green tea extract significantly reduced pain during manipulation in dogs with osteoarthritis[4]. While subjective evaluations of lameness and joint mobility did not show statistical improvements, caregivers noted a stabilisation of pain symptoms in treated dogs compared to a worsening in the control group.
Another study examined a supplement combining green-lipped mussel extract, curcumin, and blackcurrant leaves in dogs with osteoarthritis[5]. This mixture was found to significantly improve the severity of symptoms and enhance mobility. Separately, curcumin co-micronised with palmitoyl glucosamine has shown promise in protecting cartilage, reducing pain, and restoring locomotor function by up to 45% in canine osteoarthritis models. The process of co-micronisation involves finely grinding two or more compounds together to enhance their solubility and absorption.
The benefits of curcuma are not limited to osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that the administration of curcumin was effective in slowing the progression of degenerative myelopathy (DM)[6]. Several reports indicate that curcumin has a wide range of properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant, increasing levels of enzymes that help to reduce oxidative stress[7].
Initial research[8] also suggests that curcumin supplementation can reduce symptoms of food allergies by inhibiting the levels of immunoglobulins which significantly decreases allergic responses in affected dogs.
One of the problems with using turmeric is its bioavailability and poor water solubility, which hinders its use in pharmaceuticals. Bioavailability in humans is improved enormously by combining turmeric with black pepper, and although it does help in dogs, the effect is by no means as drastic. Other methods to enhance curcumin absorption include combining it with healthy fats, such as coconut or fish oil, or using advanced formulations like co-micronisation.
Turmeric should not be given in high doses. As I haven’t been able to find a reliable recommended dose (suggestions vary from 5 mg to 20 mg per pound of bodyweight per day), I simply add a spoonful or so to a topping mixture that will be given over several days. Or add some to a broth as it is cooking. The advantage is that you know from the colour when turmeric has been added and can take it into account when using the broth in future recipes!
Note:
- Not all turmeric on the market is beneficial or suitable for dogs. Make sure turmeric products (juice, powder) are unadulterated with other spices and colouring.
- If you are cooking, note that increased temperatures during cooking can reduce the content of some beneficial compounds.
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References:
[1] Kępińska-Pacelik J, Biel W. Turmeric and Curcumin-Health-Promoting Properties in Humans versus Dogs. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Sep 26;24(19):14561. doi: 10.3390/ijms241914561. PMID: 37834009; PMCID: PMC10572432
[2] della Rocca, G., Schievano, C., Di Salvo, A. et al. Palmitoyl-glucosamine co-micronized with curcumin for maintenance of meloxicam-induced pain relief in dogs with osteoarthritis pain. BMC Vet Res 19, 37 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-023-03594-4
[3] Campigotto, G., Alba, D.F., Favaretto, J.A. et al. Intake of snacks containing curcumin stimulates erythropoiesis and antioxidant response in dogs. Comp Clin Pathol 29, 855–863 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-020-03125-9
[4] Comblain, F., Barthélémy, N., Lefèbvre, M. et al. A randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of a diet supplemented with curcuminoids extract, hydrolyzed collagen and green tea extract in owner’s dogs with osteoarthritis.BMC Vet Res 13, 395 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-1317-8
[5] Corbee, R.J. The efficacy of a nutritional supplement containing green-lipped mussel, curcumin and blackcurrant leaf extract in dogs and cats with osteoarthritis. Vet. Med. Sci. 2022, 8, 1025–1035.
[6] Kobatake, Y.; Nakata, K.; Sakai, H.; Sasaki, J.; Yamato, O.; Takashima, S.; Nishii, N.; Maeda, S.; Islam, M.S.; Kamishina, H. The Long-Term Clinical Course of Canine Degenerative Myelopathy and Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin. Vet. Sci.2021, 8, 192. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8090192
[7] Kępińska-Pacelik, J.; Biel, W. Turmeric and Curcumin—Health-Promoting Properties in Humans versus Dogs. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 14561. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914561
[8] Micháľová, A.; Takáčová, M.; Karasová, M.; Kunay, L.; Grelová, S.; Fialkovičová, M. Comparative Study of Classical and Alternative Therapy in Dogs with Allergies. Animals 2022, 12, 1832. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12141832
Want to know more? These studies may be useful:
- Pye C, Clark N, Bruniges N, Peffers M, Comerford E. Current evidence for non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical treatments of canine osteoarthritis. J Small Anim Pract. 2024 Jan;65(1):3-23. doi: 10.1111/jsap.13670. Epub 2023 Sep 29. PMID: 37776028.
- Blees NR, Teunissen M, Dobenecker B, Prawitt J, Tryfonidou MA, Jan Corbee R. Collagen Hydrolysates as Nutritional Support in Canine Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2024 Nov 27. doi: 10.1111/jpn.14076. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39604106.
A couple of recipes with turmeric you can try for your dog:
Cucumber and courgette hydrating drink
Beef, cauliflower and pumpkin topping
Turmeric, ginger and beetroot jellies
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Nutrional information:
Spices, turmeric, ground, 100 g
For full nutrient content see Food Data Central
Important Considerations:
- Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
- If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
- Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
- Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
- I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
- Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
- I am not a professional nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
- The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!