Having trouble getting your pet to eat turmeric? Here are 4 ways to make it more palatable for them.
Every pet is unique with their own personalities and preferences. When it comes to introducing new foods, things like taste, smell, texture, past experiences and how they're feeling health-wise can impact the way they respond.
Here's why introducing turmeric to your pet's diet is beneficial for their health and how to encourage them to eat it.
Health Benefits Of Feeding Your Pet Turmeric
Turmeric delivers a multitude of benefits for both pets and people alike! Here's how it can improve your pet's health and wellbeing:
- Accelerates recovery from illness & surgery
- Anti-inflammatory (great for Cushing’s Syndrome)
- Antioxidants eliminate free-radicals (which cause damage to cellular functions and DNA)
- It's an anticoagulant (lowering the risk of blood clots)
- Relieves arthritis pain (perfect for ageing dogs)
- Supports coat and nail health
- Reduces skin irritation
- Improves mobility through reducing inflammation and pain reduction
For more information on the benefits of Turmeric for animals, explore in our informative guide: "Why Turmeric for Animals."
4 Methods to Feeding Your Dog Turmeric
A word of caution: Stay away from commercial capsules or pills with high levels of curcumin (95%)—they're not suitable for animals.
1) Create Golden Paste
Make Golden Paste and incorporate it into your dog's diet regularly. Smaller portions work best.
Golden Paste is prepared by cooking Turmeric Powder in water with coconut oil (alternatively flaxseed oil or extra virgin olive oil) and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance its digestibility and unlock all the benefits.
Some dogs may be happy to lick the paste off a spoon, while others enjoy it mixed in soup or gravy. Some will need the paste syringed into their mouths.
2) Turmeric Dog Bites
Not everyone has the time to create Golden Paste and sometimes, our pets just don't want to eat it. If you're looking for a convenient and tasty option, try Turmeric Dog Bites.
GET TURMERIC DOG BITES
Turmeric Dog Bites are a 100% natural food-source and nutritional supplement formulated by Veterinarian, Dr. Doug English BVSc. They are designed to increase metabolism and enhance bioavailability (absorption) of the Turmeric they contain.
Packed with superfoods, Turmeric Dog Bites are made from gluten free and GMO free ingredients, and liver for added taste.
3) Make a Simple Gravy
When a batch of Golden Paste isn't feasible, create a quick gravy.
Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a heat-safe cup, pour boiling water until it's 1/3 full, let it cool, and add about 1/8 teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper and a teaspoon of healthy oil.
This flavourful gravy can be added to your dog's food bowl, resulting in wagging tails and in some cases, adorable turmeric-stained whiskers.
4) Just Add the Ingredients To Their Food
If you don't have the means to cook turmeric, add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon of healthy oil, and a few grinds of black pepper directly to your dog's food.
While this method is less beneficial because it's not cooked, it can still provide some turmeric benefits. Remember to adjust the amounts proportionately as you increase the turmeric serving size.
Feeding Tips:
- Start with a small serving size and gradually increase it over two to three weeks.
- Feeding your pet a small amount often throughout the day is best, but if that's not possible, twice a day works too.
- Pay attention to your dog's response and adjust the portions accordingly.
- Should loose stools or stomach upset occur, reduce the portion and gradually increase it over time.
Pay attention to pain relief and improved movement. These are signs that you've found the right daily maintenance amount.
Turmeric has so much to offer, and your dog deserves the best. By choosing turmeric, you are choosing improved health and a long, happy life for your furry best friend.