Turmeric is a popular spice used in cooking around the world. It has also been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for centuries. It is known for its health benefits in humans and its potential to prevent and treat various diseases, but did you know that it can also be beneficial for dogs and cats?
Turmeric has gained popularity for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. In this article, we will explore the benefits of turmeric, its use in traditional medicine and how we can incorporate it into our animals' diet.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a plant that belongs to the ginger family. It is native to India and has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for more than 4.000 years. The root of the plant is the part used to make the spice. It is known for its bright yellow color and slightly bitter taste. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Use of turmeric in traditional medicine
Turmeric has been used for centuries to treat various diseases and ailments in humans such as digestive problems, headaches, arthritis, etc.
As we have said, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it effective, for example, in the treatment of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. It may also be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, although more studies are needed.
Turmeric is also beneficial in treating digestive disorders such as dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, it helps reduce inflammation and improve the function of the digestive tract.
Turmeric is even used to treat skin problems such as acne and psoriasis. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
Benefits of turmeric for dogs and cats
Turmeric also has many benefits for dog and cat health due to its curcumin content. Some of the most notable are:
Anti-inflammatory properties
Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in joints and muscles. This can be particularly helpful for older fur babies who suffer from arthritis or joint pain, since it helps in joint flexibility.
Antioxidant properties
Curcumin is an antioxidant that can help protect body cells from oxidative damage. Oxidative damage has been linked to many diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. This can be beneficial for older dogs or cats, or those who are predisposed to developing these types of diseases by preventing deterioration and improving mobility.
Anti-cancer properties
Curcumin could have anti-cancer properties and reduce the chances of developing cancer or serve as a natural adjuvant treatment if it has appeared. However, more studies are still needed in this regard.
Properties in digestion
Turmeric can also promote the digestion of our animals because reduces inflammation in the digestive tract and generally improve your gastrointestinal health.
Properties for the liver
Turmeric is an excellent liver protector. It is a natural product that helps protect and strengthen liver functions. In addition, it helps to strengthen the pancreas, helping to digest fat and improve kidney function. You have powder and liquid options for Dogs and to Dogs and cats.
How to incorporate turmeric into our animals' diet
Turmeric can be easily added to the diet of our dogs and cats in several ways. There are various formats of supplements with turmeric, generally mixed with other ingredients to make it more palatable. Perhaps the easiest to administer along with our furry dogs' food are liquid or powder supplements.
It should be remembered that it is important for the effectiveness of these natural products to take into account the appropriate dosage according to the type of animal. It is also important to have realistic expectations when it comes to turmeric or any other natural supplement. We would love for Nature to solve in one day what medicines have not been able to solve for years, but unfortunately that is not the case.
In any case, from Herbalist for animals We are happy to help you choose the product that best meets the needs of your dog or cat, but remember that we are not veterinarians. In fact, we collaborate with integrative veterinarians in many parts of Spain to which we can redirect you.
Are there any risks associated with using turmeric on animals?
If used correctly, turmeric is safe for dogs and cats. However, it is important to note that some animals may experience mild side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting if given too much. That is why it is so important to follow the instructions of specific products for animals that have recommended dosages.
Additionally, turmeric may interact with some medications. If your dog or cat is taking any medication, it is important that you consult with an integrative veterinarian, that is, one who has knowledge of phytotherapy and nutrition, among other natural therapies, to establish the best treatment for each case. Talk to your veterinarian before adding turmeric to his diet.
Buy supplements for dogs or cats at Animal Herbalist
In our herbalist for animals, you can find different types of supplements with turmeric for dogs and cats.
If your partner suffers from digestion, has joint problems, dysplasia, osteoarthritis or you simply want to start preventing wear and tear, in our Online store We offer several products that contain turmeric and can help you. Ask us, we will be happy to answer your questions and offer you the best for your dog or cat!
