Turmeric is a bit of wonder herb from Southern India, but a huge rise in popularity also comes with conflicting information. Before you buy Turmeric Tablets for dogs, here is the low-down on this golden spice from the experts at Dorwest Herbs.
1.What should you look for when choosing your Turmeric for dogs?
Due to the huge surge in popularity, unfortunately there are those wanting to make a ‘quick buck’ by selling inferior quality produce. Turmeric for dogs has even been found to be mixed with other ingredients and artificially coloured. So, here are the top tips to consider before buying Turmeric supplements for dogs:
- Ensure your Turmeric is from a reputable company.
- The Turmeric must be identified using various testing methods (Macroscopy, microscopy, DNA & HPTLC) and be fully traceable with tests carried out from field all the way to the end product.
- Turmeric for dogs must be of medicinal quality; culinary Turmeric is produced for taste not the quality of the Curcuminoid compounds.
- Check that it’s sustainable and grown using responsible practices.
- Look for standardised quantities of the Curcuminoids (the active part of the root).
2. Can the body easily use it?
The bioavailability (the amount available to be used by the body) of Curcumin has been found to be low. Curcumin is poorly absorbed into the body and is then rapidly metabolised and eliminated from the body. Luckily, the bioavailability of Curcumin for dogs can be easily increased by two methods. This is by either ingesting a fatty substance at the same time as Curcumin, or by eating it with a compound found naturally in black pepper called Piperine. In fact, one study has found that taking Piperine along with Curcumin can increase its bioavailability by 2000%! Our Turmeric tablets for dogs contain Piperine, so this source of Curcumin for dogs is easily absorbable.
Luckily, Turmeric is relatively easy to give to your pet, simply adding Turmeric and Curcumin supplements for dogs to their normal food will provide enough of the fat needed for its absorption and impart its health benefits.
3. Side effects?
Turmeric is thought amongst herbalists to be a very safe herb. Although, it is important to discuss its use with your veterinarian before you give it to your pet, especially if they are taking any medication or about to undergo elective surgery. One important thing to note is that it has been reported that Turmeric may have anti-coagulant properties and could exacerbate clotting disorders
4. It seems to be used for everything!
If you Google Turmeric it does seem to have been used for every condition, and just as a wonderful health tonic. Much is anecdotal, however there have been a number of interesting studies into its anti-inflammatory properties and analgesic activity (pain relieving) within the body. The health benefits of this herb are likely to be wider ranging than just this, and with so many studies currently being undertaken, it is a case of watch this space!
5. What is curcumin and is it important?
Turmeric’s Latin name is Curcuma Longa. Its therapeutic actions have widely been attributed to the compounds it contains called ‘Curcuminoids’. There are 3 main Curcuminoids of which 80% of this is the most well-known ‘Curcumin’. Curcumin is thought to be the ‘active’ part of the plant however it is important to note that the whole herb exhibits activities superior to Curcumin alone. A good quality Turmeric and Curcumin supplement for dogs will contain a standardised amount of Curcuminoids of 95%.
Taking the whole herb means you not only get the Curcuminoids but also all the other compounds that make up Turmeric. This corresponds with a widely held belief of herbal medicine called synergy, and qualified herbalists will usually always prescribe the whole herb rather than compounds extracted from it.
For more information, you can discuss our Turmeric Tablets for Dogs with one of our experienced advisors. Please get in touch on 01308 897272 or use our contact form. Plus, get free UK delivery on orders over £50!
Please remember, you should always consult a vet if you are concerned about your pet’s health.
6 thoughts on "5 things you should know before buying Turmeric for dogs"
I have read that turmeric needs to be spread out over time and given two or three times a day to be effective. Is this the case with Dorwest turmeric?
Hello,
Yes we recommend with our Turmeric to give with food to increase bio-availability and, depending on the size of your dog, if you are giving more than one tablet daily it is best to split the dose up in their morning and evening meal. I hope this helps. If you have any further questions, please call 01308 897272 or email info@dorwest.com and one of our advisors will be more than happy to help.
Is it safe to give turmeric to a dog who is already on a conventional NSAID from the vet?
Hello Louise, if your pet is on prescribed medication from the vet, we recommend that you should always consult your vet first.
Is it ok to give turmeric when your dog is on incurin and urillin ( for incontinence )
There are no known interactions with these medicines but we always advise to check with your vet if they are prescribed medication. Hope that helps