As an astute pet parent, you may find yourself in a position of deciding whether or not to give your dog turmeric. You could also be confused because you’ve heard about curcumin, and wonder if they are the same thing. Taking just a few moments to understand the difference will allow you to make a wise choice for your best friend.
Just the Facts, Please
A plant, grown mainly in India, has been used as both a spice and part of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. That plant is turmeric. The most potent component in the turmeric plant is called curcumin. Here’s a big difference—turmeric contains only 2-5% curcumin. That’s a small amount for use by the body! Now you know why simply sprinkling dried, ground turmeric as a spice on food is an inadequate way to obtain the valuable compounds of curcumin in the plant. Then there’s the question of absorption. The canine body does not easily absorb plain turmeric or even plain, standardized curcumin extracts. Without the right absorption, you aren’t doing your pup any favors by giving them turmeric or curcumin in name only. Upon study, it’s clear that choosing a curcumin supplement over a turmeric product is preferred. Choosing curcumin that absorbs better, works longer, and has proven results is the best choice.
The Power of the Delivery System
Seek out a product that extracts curcumin from turmeric and then blends it with turmeric essential oil containing turmerones (including ar-turmerone) for better absorption, blood retention, and outstanding benefits. Not only do the turmerones enhance absorption of the curcumin, but they also have some of the same clinical effects. The combination of these two compounds makes for an exceptional curcumin product for canines. And, this type of curcumin has been the subject of over 60 published studies—more evidence to answer your question about how to choose effective curcumin. Absorption ingredients to avoid? Look for cellulose, PVP, or polysorbate 80—not good choices for health conscious pet parents.
How it Starts, Matters
Curcumin grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals should be a given, but unfortunately, that’s not the case for all turmeric and curcumin products. From the beginning rhizome to continual growth to harvest, to the raw materials—the curcumin you trust should be consistently analyzed. This includes testing for contaminants and potency, both in the country of origin (usually India) and the United States.
Why Give Your Dog Superior Curcumin?
As a pet parent, you want your dog to feel great. You are serious about your dog’s healthy life. Turn to highly absorbable curcumin for results stronger than plain turmeric—in fact up to 500 times stronger. Get the peace-of-mind that comes from relying on a curcumin supplement that reduces free radical formation and helps reduce the negative effects of oxidative damage and stress, including those associated with the aging process. The bottom line? Pass on turmeric alone and choose curcumin with proven absorbability to support normal cell function and cellular health. Then, sit back and enjoy every moment with your incredible furry friend!