Turmeric is an Asian plant in the ginger family and gets its distinctive, earthy flavor and a rich, dark yellow color from a compound called curcurmin, an orange-yellow pigment, which is essentially its active ingredient (2 to 6% of Turmeric).

Curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, wound healing and anticancer properties. It can help fight diseases like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, gastrointestinal issues and more. It is the perfect herb to sprinkle on your animal’s food. 

Turmeric is safe for most dogs in small quantities and will boost immunities and alleviate symptoms of many canine conditions. You may even find it listed as an ingredient on your dog’s food label. Its purpose is to enhance the color and/or flavor of the kibble. Sin e Turmeric has been shown to prevent and treat several chronic and serious diseases in humans, unsurprisingly, adding this supplement to your dog’s food can provide similar health benefits, like: 

• Anti-inflammatory effects

• Antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal benefits

• Anti-diarrhoea medication

• Antioxidant properties, which may help prevent certain cancers

• Natural detox agent

• Pain relief

• Promoting digestive health and treat Gastrointestinal Disorders.

• Promoting heart and liver health

• Preventing cataracts

• Treatment for allergies, epilepsy, and liver disease

It’s important to note that turmeric reportedly has anti-coagulant properties which could exacerbate clotting disorders. Another pre-caution is Turmeric is a natural blood thinner, so some precautions must be taken when using the product. Dogs on blood-thinning medications may not be candidates for using turmeric. As with all supplements, consult your veterinarian before adding turmeric to your dog’s diet, especially if he or she suffers from a chronic illness, taking any medication or about to undergo elective surgery.

With Tori at Kuro Snacks, we infuse Turmeric for a bit of color and to reap the health benefits.