Saffron or turmeric is a plant native to India with a root very similar to ginger in shape and smell, but with a much more intense orange color. Although all its parts are used for therapeutic and culinary purposes, the most commonly used is its root in powder form.
It is becoming more and more common to find this spice in our culinary recipes and natural treatments, however, did you know that it can also be beneficial for our pet? In this Animal Expert article, we talk about its most common properties and uses and answer the question “Can a dog eat turmeric?”. I keep reading and discover all the information about this seasoning in the diet of dogs!
- Before detailing the different components of this popular root.
- It is important to note that dogs can consume saffron.
- However.
- As with other products.
- Such as brewer’s yeast or salmon oil.
- The key to success lies in quantity and frequency.
- That said.
- We show below the nutritional composition for every 100 grams of saffron.
- According to the U.
- S.
- Department of Agriculture (USDA):.
Now that we know that dogs can eat turmeric and the amount of each of its components, let’s review its most remarkable properties, both to treat and to prevent health problems in dogs.
Saffron is considered one of the most effective carminative plants, therefore, it has powerful digestive properties that favor intestinal transit of the dog, stimulate the production of gastric juice and help alleviate stomach problems. Similarly, it benefits the gallbladder by promoting bile flow and acts as a liver protector. As if that were not enough, the digestive properties of turmeric do not stop there, as this spice increases the production of probiotics, resulting in an improvement of the intestinal flora of the dog.
Although research on the cancerous properties of saffron is still under study, studies such as that of the American Cancer Research Association, the Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Study of Oral Turmeric Extract in patients with colorectal cancer or another study by the Amala Cancer Research Center, Potential Turmeric Against Cancer Activity, has been observed that this plant may improve the clinical status of patients with certain cancers. However, as mentioned, the results are not yet considered conclusive and it is not possible to accurately confirm that saffron prevents or treats the development of cancer, only that it improves the patient’s condition.
Countless studies to date have determined that saffron efficacy is increased in patients with colon and stomach cancer, but have also found positive results in patients with lung, pancreas and liver cancer, among others. These anticancer properties are also reflected in dogs, so they can help reduce the risk of developing tumors or alleviating cancer symptoms in dogs.
The rich minerals and vitamins of saffron make it a powerful antioxidant. Especially if the dog is fed only on a dietary base, the lack of these substances as beneficial to health should be covered with the intake of vitamin supplements, such as turmeric. Thus, the plant can detoxify the dog’s body and prevent cell oxidation.
Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of saffron, this spice is increasingly used in the production of natural nutritional supplements that are used to treat joint problems in dogs, horses and other animals. Therefore, by directly ingestion of the powdered root, it is also possible to alleviate the symptoms of various joint-related diseases and promote their prevention.
In addition to all of the above properties, turmeric may also promote the function of the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin. In this way, this seasoning helps to balance insulin, triglycerides and blood sugar levels, as well as strengthen the dog’s immune system.
The properties of turmeric for dogs mentioned above translate into a number of benefits that allow us to use this plant to treat the following health problems:
As a carmine plant with powerful digestive properties, turmeric is ideal for treating and preventing flatulence and excess gases in dogs, provided that the cause of these problems is inadequate nutrition, lack of chewing or poor digestion. When gases are produced by the presence of a particular disease or the development of a food allergy, it is essential to go to the veterinarian to follow the best treatment.
In addition, because of its digestive properties, turmeric is a perfect natural remedy to combat stomach problems, such as colic, gastritis, gastroenteritis, acidity, diarrhea and vomiting, mainly.
As mentioned, turmeric is a natural liver protector, so it is very beneficial for the treatment of fatty liver in dogs and other problems related to this organ, always following the instructions of the veterinarian. Also, thanks to its antioxidant properties, it is also ideal for improving kidney function.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, dogs can take turmeric to relieve symptoms of arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis and, in general, any osteoarticular problems. However, as in all pathologies, saffron should never be a substitute for the treatment prescribed by the veterinarian, but a supplement that favors the clinical condition of the animal.
Because of its nutritional composition, anti-glucémic and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps treat and prevent diabetes in dogs. Your ability to regulate blood sugar and stimulate pancreatic function may reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance.
Depending on how we use saffron, the recommended amount may vary. Thus, if we intend to use this plant to avoid the development of the pathologies and health problems mentioned above, we can use it as a condiment using it in homemade recipes, never exceeding 60 mg a day. If the dog does not follow a homemade diet, it is not recommended to sprinkle turmeric in the prepared meal.
On the other hand, if we are interested in giving turmeric to a dog to treat stomach problems, we can offer 2 to 3 grams per day, always with the consent of the veterinarian and within the time set by the specialist. For joint problems, the recommended daily dose for dogs is a maximum of 1 gram.
All quantities shown are for dogs of large breeds (25-35 kg), so they must be adapted according to the size of the animal.
Now that we know that dogs can eat saffron and what is the recommended dosage for each case, we will consider whether they can also consume curry, because one of the main spices that make up it is precisely the one we treat in this article, saffron. . Well, as there are several different curry recipes, the ingredients to make the mixture, which you can easily find, are:
Although some of its ingredients separately are good seasonings for the homemade recipes of our dogs, the truth is that all of them, in curry form, are not recommended. This is mainly due to the components of hot ingredients that can cause poor digestion and develop stomach problems in animals, such as diarrhea or vomiting. Therefore, we conclude that dogs should not eat curry. If you want to spice up your four-legged partner’s meals, it’s best to choose the ones that benefit you individually or just use a splash of olive oil.
If you want to read articles similar to Can you eat saffron ?, we recommend that you visit our Homemade Diets section.