Superfoods for dogs are an essential part of your dog’s diet, especially if you give commercial dog food to your pup. Check out these 19 superfoods which can make your dog happy and healthy.

In my previous blog post, I had discussed about 8 amazing superfoods for dogs, their benefits and how much of them should be given to your dog on a daily basis. In this blog post, I bring you the remaining 19 superfoods which you can add to your dog’s diet and enhance the immunity, keep them young and healthy as well as keep them away from cancer, heart diseases, diabetes and so much more.

I will be discussing the following superfoods in this post:

• Chia seeds
• Leafy greens
• Ginger
• Olive oil
• Parseley
• Pumpkin
• Watermelon
• Yoghurt
• Banana
• Turkey
• Sweet potato
• Kelp
• Quinoa
• Raw Honey
• Broccoli
• Kefir
• Sunflower oil
• Kale
• Seaweed

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Chia seeds:

These are known as the nutritional powerhouse as they are packed with antioxidants, fiber, protein, magnesium, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. Chia seeds have been known to boost dog’s immune system, support joints as well as intestinal health, improve the skin and coat condition, promote insulin function as well as regulate blood sugar. They are a great addition to those dog’s diet who are on a fat loss regime since these slow down the digestion and absorb water allowing dogs to feel fuller and less hungry for a longer time.

You can either use chia seeds after soaking them in water and mixing it in your dog’s food or can use them dry. Simply sprinkle some Chia seeds on top of your dog’s meal if you wish to use them as dry. Remember to start small and gradually increase the quantity.

Leafy green vegetables

Study has shown that admission of leafy green vegetables to dog’s diet reduces their risk of cancer development by around 90% as compared to dogs who consume yellow orange vegetables like carrots which reduce the risk by 70%.

Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach are rich in nutrients. This gives them anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant qualities. Leafy vegetables are also rich in vitamins E, C, K, contain a ton of fiber as well as are high in potassium, iron and calcium.

The primary thing to remember when administering leafy greens to your dog is to wash them properly and get rid of any pesticides. You can either steam, sauté or just serve them raw to your dog. For sautéing you can use some olive oil. Remember to administer leafy greens sparingly and occasionally.

Ginger

I have already discussed the amazing benefits of ginger for dogs in my previous blog post. However, there are controversies regarding whether ginger should be administered to dogs or not. Ginger has many anti-inflammatory properties, prevents cancer and relieves arthritis. It also suits the dog’s digestive system, bloating as well as gastrointestinal problems. To know about how much ginger you should add to your dog’s diet, check out this blog post.

Olive oil

Olive oil is not only great for humans, it is great for dogs as well. Olive oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants. It can act as a natural superfood and reduce the risk of diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart diseases. The omega 3 present in olive oil works to improve the skin and coat condition of your dog.

Remember to only use extra virgin olive oil. You can just drizzle some of it on your dog’s diet. Limit the consumption of olive oil to 1 teaspoon every 20 pounds of your dog’s body weight.

Parsley

Parsley contains antioxidants, folic acid as well as vitamins A, C and K. It has anti-inflammatory properties, promotes healthy immune system, and benefits your dog’s joints, urinary tract, kidneys as well as works to refresh your dog’s breath.

However, remember to only feed curled leaf parsley to your dog and in small quantities. Parsley contains furanocoumarin which can be harmful to your pup if consumed in large quantities. Never give your dog spring parsley as they contain large amounts of furanocoumarin.

You can either chop parsley and add to your pup’s food or you can blend parsley with water and juice it to add to your dog’s water bowl. You can also make breath freshener with parsley for your dog.

Pumpkin:

This is probably known to every dog guardian for its potential benefit in soothing a dog’s upset stomach.  Pumpkin is not only rich in enhancing your dog’s immune health, it also supports eye health and protects your dog’s coat and skin.

Pumpkin contains an enormous amount of fiber which helps to relieve constipation and relieves diarrhea. Check out this blog post to know everything about dog constipation and how you can help your pup. Pumpkin is also rich in vitamins A, C, E, calcium as well as iron.

To add pumpkin as a superfood to your dog’s food, cook it and add one or two tablespoons to your dog’s diet and serve it. You can either cook the pumpkin or buy a cooked one. Do not buy pumpkin pie filling as it contains spices, sugar and other components which are not safe for your dog.

You can also save pumpkin seeds and make a treat for your pup and yourself. Roast the pumpkin seeds with some olive oil and just a bit of salt. You can also grind the seeds and add it to your dog’s food. Remember to give your dog only a little number of treats at once, since the fat in pumpkin seeds can cause diarrhea or soft stools when fed in large quantities.

Watermelon:

Watermelon is one of the most nutritious dog foods. It not only contains antioxidants like lycopene (prevents cancer), it also contains vitamin A, B, C, magnesium, potassium as well as amino acids. Watermelon also acts as an amazing source of fiber which is great for your pup’s intestinal health. Furthermore, watermelon contains a lot of water which is amazing for your dog’s liver and kidney health.

Yoghurt:

 Yogurt is considered as one of the best probiotics for your dog overall health. However, recent evidences suggest that yoghurt not only promotes gut health, it can also enhance your dog’s immune system. Greek style yogurt is an amazing source of protein. Some dogs may have trouble digesting yogurt, therefore, give your dog yogurt in small quantities. For the plain or unflavored yogurt, add a couple of tablespoons to your dog’s food. You can also allow your pup to directly lick it off the spoon.

Bananas:

Bananas are natural sugars which can quickly metabolize and provide your dog an instant boost of energy. Bananas are also a great source of electrolytes, potassium, vitamin C as well as amino acids.

Turkey:

Unseasoned, boneless, skinless roasted turkey can act as an amazing protein packed diet which can give your dog essential amino acids and potassium.

Sweet potatoes:

This is a favorite veggie for a lot of dog guardians. Sweet potatoes are very rich in naturally occurring sugars as well as dietary fiber and contains a lot of antioxidants which help in fighting aging as well as prevent cancer in dogs. Sweet potatoes also possess a large number of antioxidants as well as anthocyanin. These two factors when combined together can help reduce oxidative damage which is caused by ageing and reduces the chances of disease development like cancer.

Kelp

Kelly can act as a great source of folic acid, iodine, vitamin A, calcium and sodium. It has been observed to enhance the immune system and improve the energy of your dog. Kelp can also be of benefit if you’re trying to help your dog shed some pounds.

Quinoa

Quinoa is an extremely nutritious seed besides being a great source of protein and fiber. Therefore, quinoa is referred to as the mother of all grains. Quinoa is also very easy for dogs to digest. You can allow your dog to have quinoa right from the plate. Quinoa also offers a satiety feeling to your dog, reducing the hunger pangs. Remember to make minimally prepared quinoa (broth or water with a slight amount of salt) for your dog. When cooking quinoa, do not add onions or spices as these can be toxic to your dog.

Raw honey

Raw honey is great when you are trying to help your dog enhance immune tolerance towards seasonal allergies. When dogs eat local and unpurified honey, they ingest a large amount of local pollen. This increases your dog’s tolerance towards pollen which can be of great help during the allergy season and keep your dog protected from seasonal allergies. Honey also contains enzymes, antibacterial properties as well as many vitamins which help your dog build a stronger immunity and aids in his or her digestion. Give 1 teaspoon every day if your dog belongs to a small dog breed and 1 tablespoon if your dog belongs to a large dog breed.

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the best greens not only for your child but your dog as well. Broccoli boasts of containing excellent cancer part fighting powers. It is also very rich in fiber, calcium, potassium as well as the eye protecting lutein. Broccoli can also act as a great treat for training your dog.

Kefir:

Kefir is like a runny yoghurt, but it is full of probiotics. This is one of the least expensive and easiest ways to provide your dog healthy gut bacteria. Just add one spoonful of kefir to your dog’s meal. You can also make kefir yourself a home and save more money.

Sunflower oil:

The oil extracted from sunflower seeds contain an amazing number of fatty acids (omega 6), vitamin E as well as many anti-inflammatory properties. In case you bake dog biscuits for your pup, you can use sunflower oil in the preparation or you can serve this oil as a direct addition to your dog’s diet.

Kale:

Due to Kale being aa superfood not only for your dog, but also for your kid, people try to add it to all the recipes. Kale aids in your dog’s liver function as well as acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is super rich in iron, antioxidants as well as vitamins A, C and K. When kale is mixed with other dietary items, it tends to take the flavor of other food items. You can add 1- 3 tablespoons of chopped kale to your dog’s meal on an everyday basis. Just sprinkle the kale with a slight amount of water followed by microwaving it for 20 seconds to allow wilting slightly before you present it to your dog. Kale is rich in beta carotene which allows improvement in his or her reproductive functions.

Seaweed:

Seaweed can be considered as the oceanic version of the ever so nutritious kale. It is harder to look for a leafy green that is more nutrient dense that this superfood. Seaweeds are rich in vitamin B12 and iodine. Seaweed also contains soluble fiber which is great for your dog.

Seaweed has the potential to slow down your dog’s digestive process and reduces the risk of cholesterol and sugar. In the research performed on dogs suffering from bone fractures, seaweed or its milled version, was added to the diet of the dogs. After a period of 30 days, dogs who were administered seaweed flour showed higher bone healing capacity compared to the control group.

The most important point to remember: Extras

Remember, none of the foods mentioned here contain superpowers. None of them can change your dog’s life overnight or cure him from the disease in an instant. However, these can prevent your dog from suffering from many diseases in the senior years of his or her life.

Many commercial dog foods boast about containing nutrients which are needed by your dog. The packs say the food is wholesome for your dog. However, the extreme pressure and heat used in processing of these commercial dog foods, leach the diet of most of its nutritional factor. Therefore, your dog will need a healthy dose of a combination of superfoods on a regular basis to keep up with his or her nutritional requirements.

Remember, not all super foods can be safe for your dog. Consult your veterinarian before you start your dog on any new superfood. If, the veterinarian is not available, you can test the superfood out yourself by giving a very small quantity to your dog and checking the dog’s reaction to it. However, remember to do prior research before starting your dog on any superfood.

Superfoods, even though there amazing for your dog, must be administered in moderation. These should not make up over 10% of your dog’s diet. Giving your dog’s snacks and treats in large quantities can make him or her susceptible to weight gain. If your dog shows symptoms like excessive gas, vomiting or diarrhea, immediately stopped administering the food and have a consultation with your veterinarian.

Conclusion:

What superfood do you give your dog? Which one is your favorite? Has your dog ever shown any negative reaction to any of the superfoods you administered to him or her till date? Let me know in the comment section below. If you have any queries regarding the article, please mention it in the comment section below, I will try to address it as soon as possible. If you have a story or anecdote you wish to share with the world, feel free to contact me on any of my social media channels.

 

See you in my next blog post.
Shruti

 

 

 

Transform your pup’s regular boring kibble diet to a vibrant colorful and yummy version by adding superfoods. Which are the best superfoods for dogs? Part I

Imagine if you were made to eat the same food every day. After a certain point, you’d get bored and go looking for something delicious and different tasting. It’s the same case with dogs. When a pup has been provided the same meal morning and night every day, after a certain period of time, the dog is bound to get bored and may not enjoy mealtime like before. Super foods for dogs are a great way to add vibrancy to your dog’s diet as well as provide some extra nutritional benefit. In this article, I bring you the first part of superfoods for dogs. Read all the way till the end to understand the benefits and nutritional importance of every superfood discussed here.

For easy reading of the article, I have divided the article into the following sections:

What are super foods for dogs?

Why are superfoods catching up as a great addition to a dog’s regular diet nowadays?

Best dog superfoods:

• Blueberries
• Turmeric
• Fish oil
• Hemp seed oil:
• Eggs
• Sardines and Anchioves
• Bone broth
• Carrots

Conclusion

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What are super foods for dogs?

Superfoods for dogs are basically vegetables which are packed with nutrition and are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibers and so much more. Super foods are specific foods which have been publicly agreed upon to be amazing for enhancing nutritional health.

Super foods are known to contain the following nutrients:

Antioxidants: 

Antioxidants are mainly responsible for delaying the aging process of cells as well as preventing cancer.

Healthy fats: 

These fats are responsible for improving the cardiovascular system. They are also responsible for keeping the cellular integrity as well as prevent heart diseases.

Fiber: 

Fiber works to prevent diabetes as well as keeps constipation at bay. Fiber is also helpful in preventing digestive disorders.

Vitamins: 

These are essential for proper nutrition as well as normal growth.

Phytochemicals: 

Phytochemicals have shown to possess amazing health benefits.

Cannabinoids: 

Cannabinoids are responsible for promoting homeostasis.

Every superfood that you choose may have a different combination of nutrients and different benefits. By adding a bit of these superfoods to your dog’s diet, you can make sure that your dog gets all the essential nutrients needed by his or her body.

Why are superfoods catching up as a great addition to a dog’s regular diet nowadays?

As dog guardians, we always select the best food for our dog. If you are feeding your dog, dog food from a premium brand, it might already involve some of the superfoods in it. However, just because the pack has the label of premium, it does not mean that it contains all the nutrition that your pup needs.

Even though a lot of dog food manufacturers would claim that their brand contains all the nutrition that your pup will ever need, we all know how much processing and drying goes into the process of making commercial dog food. The process of freezing, drying as well as packaging takes away a lot of the good nutrients from the food. To understand the reality of commercial dog food, click here.

Therefore, it is our job as the dog guardian to replace the lost nutrients and to supplement our dog’s diet with the proper level of nutrition for a happy and healthy life. Giving your dog fresh super foods will allow him or her to gain access to raw and best nutrition.

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Best dog super foods

Remember, these super foods are not only good for your dog, they can provide amazing benefits to your health as well. These super foods can make great treats for both you as well as your dog. Let’s explore these amazing super foods:

Blueberries:

It’s hardly ever seen that a dog does not like Blueberries. Blueberries can be fed to dogs in raw form, frozen or pureed. You might need to chop them into small bite-size pieces if your dog belongs to a small breed.

Blueberries fall in the category of amazing dog food. However, do not feed your dog too many blueberries at once, as it may cause diarrhea. When presented in small portions, blueberries can have amazing beneficial effects. The following properties of blueberries make it an amazing superfood:

Antioxidants: Blueberries can act as amazing antioxidants and prevent formation of free radicals. Free radicals are the ones which cause premature aging and cancer. Therefore, blueberries have the potential to prevent cancer formation.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is known to improve dog’s as well as human’s immune system. It has been observed to reduce cognitive aging as well as inflammation.

Vitamin K: vitamin K is essential for production of blood clotting factors and promotes clot formation.

Manganese: Manganese is not produced naturally in dogs. However, dogs do need manganese for the purpose of metabolizing carbohydrates and proteins as well as to produce energy. Manganese is also needed to make fatty acids and is responsible for the maintenance of bone and cartilage.

Fiber: Additional fiber to your dog’s diet prevents constipation and promotes good health. Fiber also helps in digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea as well as colon issues. Check out this blog post to understand dog constipation

Copper: Copper has a vital role to play in absorption of iron in a dog’s body. Iron is very important for proper functioning of the red blood cells. Copper is also essential for the formation of melanin. Melanin is the pigment which gives your dog his or her characteristic skin and fur color.

Turmeric:

In my previous blog post, I have discussed the amazing benefits of turmeric for dogs. The active ingredient of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin has been observed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, anti-bacterial properties amongst many more. Turmeric has also been observed to have amazing gastrointestinal benefits. It has shown to protect against neurodegeneration and prevent cancer.

Fish oil:

fish oil is a supplement which is taken by both humans as well as dogs. Fish oil has been observed to help support glossy and smooth fur, kidneys, immune system as well as a healthy heart in dogs. The primary nutrient present in fish oil which is hard to find in any other nutritional supplement is:

Omega-3 fatty acids – Eicosapentanoic acid [EPA]: Fish oil basically contains two types of omega-3 fatty acids. One of these fatty acids is EPA which has been observed to reduce general inflammation due to injury. EPA has also been observed to reduce inflammation which is associated with other causes like canine dermatitis, dandruff, hotspot, itchy skin which may have been brought upon by allergies in dogs. EB has also been observed to reduce shedding in dogs

Omega-3 fatty acids - docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]: This agent has very important role to play in the proper development of your pup’s brain as well eyes. If a pregnant mother is administered DHA, it will be beneficial to the development of the offspring.

Hemp seed oil:

Hemp seed oil might just be the best superfood amongst all. Hemp oil is considered as a complete protein for dogs. It contains 10 amino acids which your dog’s body needs but cannot produce by itself. Hemp seed oil has been observed to be better than fish oil or flaxseed oil due to the presence of the 3:1 ratio of the two essential oils which is omega-3:omega-6 ratio. This ratio of fatty acids is the best for your dog’s health. The essential fatty acids observed in hemp seed oil are linoleic acid as well as alpha linolenic acid. These are very good for your dog’s heart.

Hemp seed oil has been observed to prevent skin issues in dogs like dandruff and eczema as well as promote good blood circulation.

Full-spectrum hemp seed oil contains components from the entire hemp plant and not just from the seeds. In order to make a full-spectrum hemp seed oil, the oil is extracted from the leaves,stalk as well as flowers of the hemp plant. Full-spectrum hemp seed oil has been observed to offer all the nutrients of the hemp seed oil along with the added benefits of CBD oil and some other terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids. Check out the benefits of administering  CBD oil to dogs.

CBD oil, hemp oil as well as other cannabinoids promote formation of healthy and good endocannabinoid system (ECS) in dogs. All living creatures have ECS. ECS helps regulate important cognitive as well as physiological functions of the body like:

• pain sensation
• memory
• mood
• appetite
• proper digestion
• inflammation and so much more.

Eggs

Possibly one of the best-known superfoods for dogs are eggs. Eggs have been used for years to improve the fur quality of dogs. One thing to remember about eggs is that, they should always be served cooked in some form. Feeding raw eggs to your dog can cause biotin deficiency or salmonella infection. Furthermore, do not feed eggs too often as it may lead to obesity. To prevent your dog from becoming obese, feed your dog eggs a few times a week. The primary benefits of feeding eggs to your dog are as follows:

Protein packed: Protein contributes to your dog’s healthy skin, muscle development, tissue repair as well as shiny coat.

Folate: promotes proper absorption of food in diet

Fatty acids: Eggs are rich in omega-3.

Selenium: selenium is needed for keeping the immune system as well as thyroid gland healthy.

Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is not only critical for formation and growth of blood cells, it is also needed for a healthy brain as well as proper functioning of the nervous system.

Riboflavin: Metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. 

Iron: Iron has an important role in development of red blood cells and maintenance of hemoglobin levels.

Vitamin A: This is needed for ocular support and to keep their coats and muscles healthy.

Sardines and Anchiovies:

These are fishes with some amazing health benefits for dogs. They provide omega-3 to your dog which contains EPA as well as DHA. These omega-3 fatty acids are responsible for improving the condition of your dog’s skin, as well as to promote healthy growth of the joints, heart as well as brain.

These fishes are also an amazing source of calcium which helps in supporting your dog’s joint as well as bone health. Furthermore, they provide many trace minerals as well as primary minerals including zinc, vitamin B12, D, E as well as K. They are also low on mercury levels and are a great source of high-quality proteins.

Remember to feed these fishes to your dogs in moderation. Smaller dogs can safely consume around 2 to 3 anchovies the while large dogs can be given up to 5 anchovies per day.

If you are feeding canned sardines to your dog, you can feed the entire fish including the bones [bones help supply calcium]. One can of sardines contained around hundred calories. Therefore, for small dogs, give them half a can per week. Larger dogs can be given up to one can.

Bone broth:

bone broth is a nutrient dense treat which can either be administered individually or as a part of your dog’s homemade diet. Bone broth contain high levels of protein, amino acids, minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, calcium as well as vitamins.

The collagen part of the bone and cartilage provides gelatin, which supports joint and bone heath. Bone broth also contains other compounds which can help your dog’s joints like chondroitin and glucosamine. These two compounds have been observed to reduce progression of joint diseases like arthritis and hip dysplasia.

You can either make bone broth at home by using raw bones or ones from leftovers. You can also choose to buy bone broth from the market. Remember to start small. The sudden change in your dog’s diet may lead to an upset stomach. Feed the bone broth over your dog’s regular food.

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Carrots

Carrot is one superfood which is probably loved by all dogs. It contains beta-carotene which is known to support eye health, boost immune system as well as support the dog’s coat and skin. Carrots also have a large amount of fiber which works in promoting healthy digestive track and can act as a low-calorie snack. Remember to give your dog the dog carrots in raw form and not cooked.

If your dog does not like raw carrots, you can either boil or steam them. You can also puree boiled carrots and mix it into your dog’s food.

To know about more superfoods, you can add to your dog’s diet, check out part II of this article which will release tomorrow.

Conclusion:

Depending on the availability, a variety of superfoods can be added to your dog’s diet. You do not need to add all superfoods, a few of these should be enough. To know exactly which superfoods, you should add to your pup’s diet, a consultation with your vet might help. The addition of any superfood will depend upon a variety of factors like your dog’s prior medical history, any medications that he or she is currently on and finally the taste buds of your dog. One thing I know is that I cannot feed Delta (my body) any item that he does not wish to eat.

What superfoods do you add to your pup’s diet? How frequently do you administer these superfoods? Which ones are your dog’s favorite? Let me know in the comment section below. I would love to know your side of the story. If there is a story or anecdote you wish to share with the world, feel free to contact me on any of the social media channels or my email. I will be happy to share your stories and experiences with the world. Hopefully, we can all learn something from one another.

 See you in my next blog post

Shruti

Is turmeric for dogs an amazing supplement or is all of this just a hype? Let’s find out.

As dog guardians, we are always on the lookout for natural supplements as a part of our regular dog care routine. Turmeric for dogs is a strong contender in this category. Turmeric can act as an excellent supplementation to your dog’s regular diet. Turmeric has already proven its benefits to humans; thus, it is not surprising that the benefits extend all the way to canine care as well. Read the complete blog post to understand the amazing benefits of turmeric as an exceptional supplement for dogs.

For easy reading, I have divided the blog post into the following sections:

What is turmeric?

Is turmeric a good supplement for dogs?

The ways in which turmeric can provide benefits to your dog:

How to make the turmeric paste?

How much turmeric paste should you add to your dog’s diet?

Doses of turmeric to be administered to your pup

Is turmeric safe for dogs?

Side effects of administering turmeric to your dog:

Conclusion

What is turmeric?

Generally, a flowering plant, however it is the turmeric’s root that acts as a supplement. Turmeric is a part of the ginger family. Even though it looks pretty similar to ginger, turmeric has a very specific smell which will help you distinguish it from ginger. The presence of curcumin in turmeric gives it its primary orange yellow color as well as the medicinal properties. Curcumin contains antioxidants, antimicrobial, chemo preventive as well as anti-inflammatory properties. In case of humans, curcumin has been observed to help in the following conditions:

• pain
• liver issues
• sprains
• skin issues
• treatment of cancer

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Is turmeric a good supplement for dogs?

As mentioned previously, turmeric contains curcumin which is the primary active ingredient of the supplement. Curcumin has been observed to have antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer as well as wound healing properties. It is been observed to be able to fight diseases like diabetes, arthritis, liver disease, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases and many more.

Let’s understand the ways in which turmeric can provide benefits to your dog:

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties

It is a misconception amongst a lot of dog guardians that inflammation only happens to dogs who suffer from joint diseases. However chronic hidden inflammation can occur even in the absence of a joint disease. Certain diseases like digestive issues, kidney disease, dental problems, allergies, arthritis as well as cancer can be caused by inflammation. However, this does not make inflammation a problem that may go away on its own.

Inflammation happens when your dog’s body releases white blood cells to fight the foreign microorganisms. This influx of white blood cells to the region where the pathogenic microbe is present, leads to swelling of that place which is referred to as inflammation. However, chronic inflammation [inflammation going on for long periods like weeks, months or years] is the reason behind occurrence of most of the hospitalization related diseases in dogs. It has also been observed that low-grade inflammation is the primary driver of joint degradation as well as arthritis. A study done in 2014 found that curcumin present in turmeric acts better than ibuprofen in reducing pain in case of people suffering from arthritis.

Another study done in 2004 found that curcumin worked as well as other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Thus, to conclude, turmeric is one of the best available anti-inflammatory therapy which the nature has to offer us.

Turmeric can prevent cancer in dogs

A study done in UK has been observed that curcumin can stop the steps which lead to cancer. Turmeric can also be used to treat cancer naturally. A lot of study on cancer research has been done using curcumin, and the results appear to be very promising. Turmeric has been observed to not only kill the present cancer cells, it also prevents the new cancer cells from growing. Curcumin basically interferes with the development, spread and the growth of cancer as a whole.

In the current world scenario, more than half of the dogs in their senior years develop cancer. Therefore, adding turmeric to your dog’s diet can be a great addition to help prevent cancer in the older years of your dog’s life

Turmeric helps relieve arthritis pain

Arthritis in dogs is a very common problem with several dog breeds like Labradors, Great Danes etc. Arthritis primary causes inflammation of the joints. Turmeric has been observed to relieve inflammation. This makes turmeric a great supplement for use in dogs who suffer from arthritis. The curcumin component of turmeric has been observed to work with the potency that is equal to ibuprofen in reducing pain in case of human subjects.

Turmeric can be helpful in treating gastrointestinal issues

Turmeric has shown a positive response in case of treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and other gastrointestinal disorders as well. Curcumin has shown to have positive effects on the gut permeability and gut inflammation.

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Turmeric has the potential to replace corticosteroids

A lot of dogs who suffer from allergies and joint pain are put on steroids to control the symptoms. The best part about turmeric is that it has shown the same efficacy as steroids but without the side effects associated with the use of corticosteroids. The greatest advantage of using curcumin is the absence of side effects.

Turmeric can also act as a very powerful antioxidant

Antioxidants have been observed to slow the aging process, enhance regeneration of cells and increases the lifespan of an organism. Turmeric can act as a very powerful antioxidant. It will prevent the oxidative damage to the DNA, proteins as well as cells and keep your dog young and healthy for a longer period.

Boosts the immune system:

Turmeric is a great supplement to boost your dog’s immune system. In one recent study on turmeric, two groups of dogs were enrolled. One group was provided a diet rich in curcumin, while the control group was provided a diet without any curcumin. After 42 days, the dogs who were administered curcumin regularly showed elevated levels of antioxidant activity as well as improvement in the white and red blood cell counts. Another study found that the combination of Rosemary leaves and turmeric extract can reduce the growth of neoplastic cells [cancer cells]. Therefore, turmeric has a role in supporting the immune system to fight against cancer.

Turmeric supports a healthy heart

Curcumin also has anticoagulant activity which helps in preventing blood clot formation. If blood clots in your dog’s body are left untreated, it can lead to severe health issues like stroke and heart attack. A regular administration of turmeric can prevent formation of blood clots and keep your dog away from heart diseases and strokes.

Therefore, to conclude turmeric can replace the drugs which are used to fight with inflammation, allergies, cancer, gastrointestinal issues and many more but without the side effects. This is what makes this golden spice the best contender as a supplement to your dog’s regular diet.

How to make the turmeric paste?

Making turmeric paste is fairly easy. Since the curcumin of turmeric is hard for your dog’s intestine to absorb directly, making this paste can help in the absorption process. You will only need a few ingredients to make the turmeric paste

• ½ cup of organic turmeric powder
• 1-1  ½ cups of filtered water
• 1½ freshly grounded black pepper
•  ¼ cup of ghee.

Procedure to make the turmeric paste:

• Dilute the turmeric with 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Keep the remaining water aside in case you need to dilute the paste further later on.
• Stir the liquid on low heat for around 10 minutes or as long as it takes to form a thick paste.
• In case the paste becomes too thick, add some more water.
• In case the paste looks too watery, and a small amount of turmeric and heat it for a few more minutes.
• Once the paste has thickened, add a small amount of pepper and stir it thoroughly.
• Wait for the mixture to cool
• Put the mixture in a jar and store it in a fridge. You can store this mixture for around two weeks.
• You can also use coconut oil instead of ghee for making this paste. Click here to know the complete benefits of coconut oil for your dog.

How much turmeric paste should you add to your dog’s diet?

If you are just starting out, start with very small doses of turmeric. Just add ¼ teaspoon to your dog’s diet initially. Once you observe that your dog is tolerating turmeric and you start noticing some health benefits as well, you can increase the dose to 1 to 3 tablespoons of paste on a daily basis. However, how much of turmeric you can give your dog on a daily basis will be determined by your dog’s size and weight. Therefore, have a talk with your veterinarian before you start your dog on turmeric supplementation

You can add the turmeric paste your dog’s diet by directly mixing the paste directly with the food of your dog or by mixing it with some water and adding it to your dog’s diet. Luckily most dogs do not mind the taste of turmeric.

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Doses of turmeric to be administered to your pup

• Small dogs should be given around ¼ teaspoon daily
• Medium-size dogs should be given around ½ teaspoon every day
• Large dogs should be given around ¾ teaspoon per day
• Giant dogs like Great Danes can be given around 1 teaspoon every day.

The above-mentioned doses are a rough starting point. However, you can increase the amount depending on your dog’s responsiveness to the turmeric. It is better to administer turmeric in smaller quantities spread out over a few times in a day compared to giving the full dose at once since turmeric has a high metabolic rate and will leave your dog’s body quickly.

Turmeric can also help aid your dog if he or she is suffering from constipation.

Is turmeric safe for dogs?

Turmeric is one of the safest natural supplement which you can add to your dog’s diet. Turmeric as well as its primary ingredient curcumin has been observed to have a poor bioavailability. This means that it is not very well absorbed by the body of the dog. Turmeric also has been observed to have a high metabolic and elimination treat which indicates that it leaves the body of your dog really soon. Therefore, it is generally recommended to give turmeric to your dog in it a paste form to observe the best outcome.

Side effects of administering turmeric to your dog:

Yes, turmeric is an excellent supplement and is really safe for your dog. However, as it is with all kinds of supplements and food, not every supplement is meant for every dog. There are certain conditions when your dog should not be administered turmeric:

Turmeric has the potential to interact with certain medications like anti-diabetes as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also interfere with chemotherapy treatments if your dog is on one. Therefore, if your dog is suffering from any prior illness or is on any active medication, it is best that you consult with a holistic veterinarian before you start adding turmeric to your dog’s diet.

Another minor side effect of turmeric is that turmeric has a tendency to heat up your dog. Thus, your dog may always be hot and look for cool places to lie on. If your dog is displaying said signs and symptoms, discontinue use of turmeric in your dog’s diet.

A large quantity of turmeric can cause upset stomach and your dog. Therefore, as previously mentioned, always start with small doses and gradually increase it.

Another minor issue with turmeric is that it can stain really well. Therefore ,wash your hands with soap after handling the spice and keep it as far away from your clothes as possible.

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Conclusion:

Turmeric has proven its worth in gold when it comes to being the perfect supplement addition to your dog’s diet. However, as I always mention, consult your veterinarian before you start on the journey of adding any new supplement to your dog’s diet. Remember to start small and very gradually increase the dosage to the required amount. If your dog shows any signs of discomfort after taking turmeric, discontinue the use of the supplement immediately and consult your veterinarian. What natural supplements do you add to your dog’s diet? Which natural supplement do you think is the best? Let me know in the comment section below. If you have any queries regarding this blog post or any other, feel free to reach out to me. If you wish to share your story with the rest of the world, contact me on my social media channels. I will be happy to share your story with the world.

See you in my next blog post

Shruti