Does your dog suffer from joint issues? Turmeric paste or golden paste is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. 

Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine have used turmeric for thousands of years. A body of evidence from western and holistic medicine shows turmeric is an effective preventative for a range of diseases.  Even though many of these studies are directed towards healing arthritis in humans, there is growing evidence proving its effectiveness on animals too. Click on the links below for more details on two of these studies:

• Curcumin...a shield against acute and chronic diseases

• Efficacy and mechanism of action of turmeric supplements in the treatment of experimental arthritis

It is suitable for all life stages from puppies to senior dogs.  The list of Golden Paste’s preventative and healing properties is a long one. Here are some of them:
 
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Anti viral
Anti bacterial
Anti cancer
Anti-arthritis
     
Golden Paste is easy to make especially if you have a Thermomix. For the stove top method click here.

How to make Golden Paste in the Thermomix

INGREDIENTS

    •    70 g organic turmeric powder –  Choose one with at least 3% curcumin, the active    ingredient in Turmeric.
    •    300 ml filtered water
    •    2 teaspoons ground black pepper - Curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body. Piperine in black pepper helps make curcumin more bio-available.
    •    100 g organic Coconut oil – Curcumin dissolves in fat. The fat helps the absorption of curcumin in the body.
    •    5 g ceylon cinnamon (Adding cinnamon prevents the cat pee body odour that some dog get when on Golden Paste. Cinnamon also has many healing benefits. Use only ceylon cinnamon)

METHOD

1. Add turmeric and water to bowl. Cook for 10 mins / 90 degrees / Speed 3.  You may need to add additional water if the paste is too thick. The consistency is dependent on the turmeric.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl. Mix well for 30 seconds on Speed 4.

3. Store in glass container in the fridge.

Your Golden Paste should be consumed within 2 weeks. Extras may be frozen.

Dosage

Small to medium size breeds 250 mg (about 1/8 teaspoon) 2x times a day
Large to giant breeds 500 mg (about 1/4 teaspoon) 2-3 times a day
Discuss the exact amounts required with your holistic vet.

TIP: Golden Paste leaves the body quickly, so it’s best to feed smaller amounts a few times a day.

When you add golden paste to your dog’s meals, start slowly because it can cause loose stools. Take once daily (with food) for three days before increasing to twice daily for another three days. Increase your dosage from there till you see desired effects.   Reduce the amount consumed if your dog experiences loose stools.

Possible interactions with medications

Turmeric is a natural blood thinner. If your dog is on medication that thins his or her blood (such as warfarin), speak with your veterinarian before you add turmeric to your dog’s diet. For a list of other drug interactions, click here.
 

How to feed Golden Paste to dogs and humans

My dogs like it mixed in with bone broth. For humans, experiment what tastes good for you. I like adding mine to salads, curries and soups.