Turmeric is one of the most versatile and well researched herbs on the planet, with over 6,000 studies to its name. It possesses incredibly diverse and powerful actions not limited to the following; Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial as well as being a powerful antioxidant. All these qualities, combined with very little side effects or contraindications whilst being affordable and palatable, makes it a huge favourite in the treatment of animals and humans worldwide.
Turmeric blocks more pain and inflammation pathways than any other researched herb, which makes it an excellent alternative to conventional pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicines that often have unwanted side effects.
Inflammation is the driving force in many chronic life shortening diseases that affect our dogs and cats, like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, liver and gastrointestinal diseases. I recommend Turmeric for daily use as a disease preventative in dogs and cats. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric that gives it its superpowers. In a study done in humans in 2014 Curcumin outperformed ibuprofen in arthritis patients, it has the same affect in dogs and cats, but without the gastro upset caused by ibuprofen.
One third of all studies done on turmeric are dedicated to cancer treatment and prevention. Promising studies have showed it killing cancer cells and preventing further growth. With around 50% of dogs ending up with cancer, turmeric is an essential preventative herb that can be easily administered to their food daily. (such as in our Superfood Gravies!)
One more interesting study showed that the terrible side effects of steroids can be minimised when taken alongside curcumin.
One last thing to note is that turmeric or curcumin is not suitable if your dog is on blood thinning medications and should be abstained at least 2 weeks prior to surgeries. Also not suitable if there is stomach ulcers. Otherwise it is quite a safe and extremely diverse herb that is in most of our formulas at Natural Pet Supplements.
HOT TIP: Curcumin (the active compound) is around 20 times more effective if mixed into a fat base (e.g. coconut oil or with raw meat with some fat). The addition of a small amount of black pepper will also greatly increase cellular uptake.