Turmeric: Ancient spice may offer osteoarthritis relief in dogs, cats

The color additive turmeric is permitted in pet foods and may ameliorate inflammation for dogs and cats, but few studies are available that define specifics about preparation and dosing.

Greg Aldrich, Ph.D.

January 6, 2020

Turmeric is commonly considered a spice and is permitted in pet food for use as a coloring additive. | (tarapong srichaiyos | shutterstock.com)

Turmeric is commonly considered a spice and is permitted in pet food for use as a coloring additive. | (tarapong srichaiyos | shutterstock.com)

Turmeric has been finding its way into pet foods with increasing frequency in the past few years. There are dozens of websites and online news outlets describing many positive attributes of turmeric for pets. It is purported to have a wide variety of health benefits.

In folk medicine, turmeric has been prescribed for rheumatism, pain, fatigue, arthritis, gastritis, dermatitis and liver issues. It has been described as preventive and adjunctive treatment for cancer and may even have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Almost too good to be true.

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Functional formulation delivery in pet products

Functional products and ingredients are becoming more complex in the wake of consumer demand.

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Ingredient Issues

Supportive or softness — Collagen versus gelatin

Collagen should be just as commonly accepted as gelatin in the pet food ingredient approval arena.

While collagen and gelatin have their differences, they are both commonly used as ingredients and should be treated equally when it comes to approval.

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Polyols in pet food: Is there new potential for their use?

Polyols are sugar alcohols commonly found in semi-moist pet foods. Some of these low-calorie carbohydrates might find a new use if they provide some benefit and are safe.

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Locust bean gum (carob bean gum) use in canned pet foods

Locust (carob) bean gum is a GRAS additive with limited controversy that is complementary to carrageenan in canned pet foods.

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Natural and artificial flavors in dog and cat diets

Natural and artificial flavors are ingredients used to enhance, augment or potentiate the flavor of the foods they occupy.

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Apple cider vinegar: Natural ingredient for pet foods?

Apple cider vinegar may have application for pet health and should be explored more completely to verify its benefits and possible drawbacks in pet food formulations.

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Titanium dioxide: A whitener with broad application

Titanium dioxide, a synthetic whitening agent, is found in many pet foods and treats.

Titanium dioxide is a colorant with a lot of applications and some research that could lead to small changes in standards of use. (Dr_Microbe | iStockPhoto.com)

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Remove the chemicals from my pet’s food

Is it possible to remove food “chemicals” from nutritionally complete pet foods and maintain a balanced formulation?

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Agar-agar: gelling agent option for canned dog and cat foods

Agar-agar may be a good replacement for gelling in canned pet foods and other pet applications

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Caramel: natural brown color for pet food with a hint of controversy

Caramel is a natural coloring agent that helps provide consistency and product appeal in pet foods.

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Molasses: Sweetener or functional carbohydrate?

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Gelatin: Has its time come for pet food applications?

While not a significant ingredient in today’s pet food and treat formulas, the potential for innovative solutions may warrant giving gelatin another look.

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