Known for its bright orange-yellow hue and its numerous health benefits, turmeric is a natural supplement that supports humans and dogs alike.

Maybe you’ve heard about all the good turmeric can do in your diet—but what about your dog’s? Turmeric is safe, holistic, and powerful for your dogs, too. Read on to learn more about the three ways turmeric can help your dog and how you can give it to them.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant. Popular in Asian and Indian cuisines, it’s often used in curries. While the spice comes from the plant itself, many health benefits come from the turmeric root.

The root contains medicinal compounds called curcuminoids. Curcumin, a curcuminoid, is the main active ingredient in turmeric—and it has incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Why is Turmeric Good for Dogs?

Joint Pain: Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s especially helpful for your pup’s joints. If you have an older dog with stiff joints or even arthritis, turmeric can help ease this pain.

Digestion: The curcumin in turmeric helps aid digestion. Whether you just want to support your healthy dog’s digestion, or you have a pup prone to stomach issues, turmeric can help.

Cancer Prevention: In addition to being an anti-inflammatory agent, curcumin has been shown to prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading. Studies have even shown its ability to reduce tumors. Adding turmeric to your dog’s diet can help his longevity and overall health.

How Can you Safely Give Your Dog Turmeric?

While turmeric is clearly a superpower supplement, you must be careful when giving it to your dog. Don’t just pick up any turmeric from a health food store; be sure to do your research and consult your vet first.

It’s recommended to only give your pet a dog-specific turmeric supplement. Also, not all turmeric you purchase is the same. Organic turmeric tends to have higher levels of curcumin—A.K.A. the reason turmeric is so beneficial—so look for products with organic turmeric.

For more dog health and care tips, check out the rest of the Best Bully Sticks blog.