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Enhance Your Pet's Health With the Golden Spice
By now, you've likely heard about the incredible power of turmeric and how it can be a valuable addition to your morning smoothie or daily cooking routine. But have you considered turmeric for dogs? That's right, this yellow spice can enhance your canine's health in multiple ways, especially improving their joint health and digestive health.
When you see turmeric on a spice rack, it's usually in a powdered form or a golden paste in a bright yellow color. But do you know what it is?
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizome of the ginger family. It's commonly found in Southeast Asia, and it's been used for thousands of years in Chinese Medicine and Eastern Medicine as a traditional medicine ingredient for a wide range of ailments.
Turmeric is loaded with plenty of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutrition powerhouse for both humans and dogs. It contains rich sources of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
What makes turmeric a unique spice is the active compound, curcumin. Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound that gives turmeric its bright yellow hue.
While some people assume what's beneficial for humans is equally beneficial for dogs. This isn't always true because we have different nutritional needs. However, this golden spice is one of those superfoods that has a wide range of potential health benefits for dogs and humans.
According to the Morris Animal Foundation, approximately 14 million adult dogs in the United States suffer from arthritis. While certain factors, such as age, size, breed, and neuter age, play a role in the development of joint problems, degenerative bone disease is one of the leading causes of dog euthanasia. As much as we love our furry friends, seeing them live in pain can be heartbreaking.
With its anti-inflammatory properties, the curcumin in turmeric acts as a pain relief and a natural remedy to reduce chronic inflammation and alleviate joint pain. Together with glucosamine, the duo increases mobility and improves joint issues, allowing your dog to enjoy walks, runs, and playing with their favorite toys again.
Gut health isn't just essential for humans. It's also vital for dogs. An imbalanced gut causes various intestinal issues, from diarrhea and food sensitivities to chronic internal diseases and bowel cancer. To maintain a healthy digestive system, it's crucial to promote good bacteria growth while reducing bad bacteria and inflammation.
Thankfully, turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial content help your pooch develop a healthy gut microbiome and expel toxins from your pet's body. By adding turmeric to your furry friend's diet, you can reduce their gastrointestinal problems and enhance their liver health as well.
For some dogs who have sensitive stomachs or suffer from chronic GI tract problems, adding turmeric to their diet may rebuild the gut flora and improve digestion. As pet owners, we know how hard it is to see our beloved companions struggle with digestive issues, so incorporating turmeric into their meals can help provide relief and keep their tummies happy.
A robust immune system is your dog's first line of defense against any illnesses. While curcumin has antimicrobial agents actively fighting infections, it also works in sync with your dog's white blood cells to boost their immune response and reduce the oxidative stress that causes cancer cell mutations.
A study found that dogs fed a curcumin-rich diet demonstrated significantly higher levels of antioxidants in their blood. These dogs also displayed improved overall health, indicating that curcumin may have the potential to slow down the aging process.
This discovery suggests that antioxidant effects can promote long-term health and happiness. By adding some turmeric to your pet's daily health regimen, you'll have a better chance of keeping them safe from health conditions, including kidney disease, liver diseases, and different types of cancer.
Certain dog breeds don't do well in humid climates. The heat and the extra moisture make them prone to fungal skin and ear infections, and itchy skin problems, such as atopic dermatitis and allergic skin disease. This is where turmeric's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties come in handy. By adding turmeric to their diet, you can help prevent and treat bacterial and fungal infections.
In addition to being used as an oral skin health supplement for dogs, turmeric also serves as a highly effective natural topical remedy for a variety of skin conditions. The best part? It's completely safe, with no adverse side effects. Watch as your furry companion experiences relief from scratching and licking their hot spots and irritated skin, leading to a noticeable improvement in their coat health.
Recent studies find that the gut microbiome is directly linked to brain health and mood. When the balance of good bacteria in the gut is disrupted, the bad bacteria trigger a host of health issues, including anxiety, depression, brain fog, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Aside from being a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric is also a prebiotic. It feeds the good bacteria in your pet's gut, promoting a healthy balance and overall well-being. Over time, you may see noticeable improvements in your pet's behavior, mood, and cognition.
Another fascinating potential benefit of curcumin is its ability to prevent blood clots and artery stiffness. Its blood-thinning properties are beneficial in maintaining a healthy heart and preventing cardiovascular diseases in dogs.
By adding turmeric to their diet, you can help support their heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. As a bonus, controlling healthy blood pressure can drastically lower the risk of developing insulin resistance and diabetes in dogs.
So, how can you start including turmeric in your dog's diet to reap these benefits? Here are some effective methods.
It's important to remember that every dog is different, and the effects of turmeric can vary. It's always the best idea to introduce any new supplement slowly and gradually adjust the amount to the proper dosage for your pet's weight and size according to the supplement's instructions.
One of the common misconceptions some pet owners make is assuming that if a little bit of turmeric is good for your dog, then more must be even better. This is not true, and it can cause adverse effects. Always stick to the recommended dosage and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions.
Turmeric is a bit tricky because curcumin is insoluble in water. Instead, oil is the best choice as it boosts curcumin absorption. So, if you decide to use turmeric powder or fresh turmeric roots, mix the active ingredient with an omega-3 oil, such as coconut oil or fish oil. When the mixture becomes a paste form, add it to the pet foods. This will enhance the taste of your pet while providing all the benefits.
While turmeric is generally safe for dogs, not every dog responds well to it. High doses of turmeric may cause stomach upset and, in rare cases, gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers. When you begin adding turmeric to your dog's diet, your buddy may go through a short detoxification process that can cause some natural responses, such as loose stool, gas, and diarrhea. These gastrointestinal side effects should subside as your dog gets used to the turmeric and its effects on their body.
Due to the anticoagulant properties of turmeric, it is not advisable to combine turmeric with blood-thinner medications. If your dog is already on medication for any pre-existing conditions or has an iron deficiency, please consult your veterinarian to discuss these potential interactions before adding turmeric to your fur baby's diet. Additionally, pregnant dogs shouldn't consume turmeric as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
For dogs with sensitive stomachs or suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, always consult with your veterinarian and discuss the turmeric dosage before giving it to your pet. If your vet gives you the green light, proceed at a slower increase process to avoid any negative reactions.
As a rule of thumb, if you notice any concerning symptoms or changes in your dog's behavior, stop giving them turmeric and consult with your veterinarian immediately.
Another problem with turmeric supplements is that curcumin is sensitive to UV light. Once the active ingredient is exposed to light, it'll rapidly lose its potency. To ensure that your dog is getting all the benefits of turmeric, make sure to store it properly in a dark, cool place. Always use the product within the expiration date. This will help maintain its potency and effectiveness for your beloved pet.
If you decide to purchase turmeric supplements for dogs, they may come in the form of pills, capsules, powder, or chews. Always read the storage instructions and follow them carefully to ensure the product's effectiveness. Remember, proper storage is key to getting the most out of turmeric for your dog.
Not all powdered turmeric are created equal, and some may even contain harmful additives that can pose risks to your dog's health. It's crucial to purchase organic, high-quality turmeric powder from reputable sources to minimize the risk of heavy metals. These contaminants are known to cause serious health concerns, such as kidney stones, food poisoning, and neurological problems.
Carefully examine the ingredient list and ensure that the product only consists of pure turmeric powder without any additive that may be harmful to dogs. Avoid buying from unfamiliar sources or products with vague ingredients, as they may jeopardize the safety of your beloved pet.
We truly understand why dog parents would want to use fresh turmeric as an addition to their pet's diet. To you, they're your family members, and you want to give them the best.
However, fresh turmeric root can be difficult to find and prepare. Giving turmeric to dogs can be an extremely messy situation as they tend to paint your home yellow with their mouths. At the same time, measuring your dog's exact dosage and keeping the homemade supplement from spoiling can be challenging. This is where turmeric supplements for dogs solve all these problems.
A Promise of Purity
As devoted natural supplement advocates, we created our Ruji Naturals Hip + Joint Superfood Supplement Bites - the perfect balance of organic turmeric powder, glucosamine, and other powerful ingredients to provide your dog with all the benefits and none of the hassle.
You also don't have to worry about whether the curcumin is going to waste. We've incorporated just the right amount of organic coconut oil to maximize absorption and bioavailability.
A Taste Sensation for Your Pup
Our bite-sized chew treats are made with human-grade, organic, and non-GMO natural ingredients that are carefully selected for their premium quality and safety. We've crafted our bites to be irresistibly chewable, making them a treat both you and your dog will love. Not only do these delightful and nourishing supplements promote your dog's well-being, but they also add an extra touch of joy to their day with every single bite.
Committed to Wellness
At Ruji Naturals, we believe in the importance of your dog's well-being and strive to make a positive difference in their lives. Our Hip + Joint Superfood Supplement Bites are just one of the many ways we fulfill this commitment. We also support and advocate for animal welfare, using our platform to raise awareness about dog health and nutrition.
Join us on this journey toward a healthier, happier world for our canine friends.
Author : Lianne Fachetti
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