Turmeric has been researched for its ability to reduce discomfort, stiffness, and support for the inflammatory response in dogs [1].
The trouble is that it's not always easy to give your dog turmeric in powder form, and they might not enjoy chewing it in its organic form. Making golden paste offers a tasty, easy solution that allows you to give your dog tumeric in appropriate dosages.
This article discusses a brief guide on how to make golden paste (it's easy!) and how to use it to support your furry friend. If you're looking for a simple solution without requiring any culinary skills, a hip & joint oil with turmeric is a simpler and potentially more cost-effective solution.
How to Make Golden Paste for Your Dog
The following formula allows you to create small, treat-sized portions of golden paste for your dog. Whether you're looking for the mobility benefits for your dog or you're just interested in a natural, beneficial treat, this is the formula for you.
Be sure to start with just one portion to make sure that your dog doesn't have any digestive upset. It's also important to discuss golden paste with your vet, especially if your dog is on existing medications. Once you're sure your dog tolerates golden paste well, stick to a once or twice-daily portion and don't overdo it.
1. Golden Paste Ingredients:
When finding ingredients, ensure that you're getting them in their most natural form without additional ingredients. You may need to order some of these options online in order to find products without added ingredients.
Sweeteners and other inclusions for humans can be harmful to dogs, so be sure to use the following ingredients, specifically, and not enhanced or modified with additional chemicals, flavoring agents, or ingredients.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1/2 cup of turmeric powder
- 1 cup of water (potentially more as needed)
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil (or MCT oil)
- 1-2 teaspoons of black pepper
- don't include more black pepper, as too much can be harmful to dogs.
Be careful with your portions. The portions of ingredients listed above are within the safety margins for dogs, and the paste will be broken down into smaller chunks to further diminish the size. There's no need to add more of a particular ingredient for increased effect, as this could have the opposite effect and make the paste intolerable to your dog.
2. Making The Golden Paste
Follow the guidelines below carefully, but note that this is a pretty simple process that nearly anyone can do. If you can make macaroni and cheese, you can make golden paste! Let's get started.
Making The Paste Base:
- Get a small sauce pan and mix 1/2 cup of turmeric with 1 cup of water
- Set the burner to low-medium heat, and allow the mixture reach a gentle simmer.
- Stir continuously for 7-10 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth, thick paste.
- If the mixture starts to dry out too much, add a tablespoon of water as needed.
At this point, you should have the base of your paste. The next step is to incorporate the additional two ingredients to complete the formula.
Adding Ingredients:
- Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a moment, ensuring that it's still warm.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of coconut oil (or MCT oil) and 1-2 teaspoons of black pepper.
- Mix these ingredients in until they have melted and incorporated into the paste.
By this point, you have the essential elements of your paste. It should be consistent, generally smooth, and thick.
Cooling and Storing:
Place your paste into an air-tight container and set it in the fridge. You can store this paste for 2-weeks in the refrigerator before it expires. Allow the paste to cool before you feed any to your dog.
You can also place the paste into an ice cub tray and set it in the freezer, and storing it in the freezer allows it to last up to 3 months. Frozen cubes of golden paste are a great option for dogs, too, because it creates an enjoyable crunch that your dog might like.
If your dog isn't a fan of the flavor, frozen cubes also prevent the full flavor from shining through.
How Much Golden Paste to Give Your Dog
Once your golden paste is made, start with a small dose and gradually increase based on your dog's size and tolerance.
| Dog Size | Starting Dosage | Max Daily Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Small dogs (<20 lbs) | ¼ tsp per day | ½ tsp per day |
| Medium dogs (20–50 lbs) | ½ tsp per day | 1 tsp per day |
| Large dogs (50–80 lbs) | ¾ tsp per day | 1½ tsp per day |
| XL dogs (80+ lbs) | 1 tsp per day | Up to 2 tsp per day |
📝 Tips for Using Golden Paste
- Start with ¼ of the suggested dose and increase slowly over several days.
- Mix golden paste into your dog’s food for easier serving and better absorption.
- Split the dose between meals if needed to reduce digestive upset.
- If you notice gas or loose stool, reduce the amount and go slower.
- Always consult your vet before starting a new supplement, especially if your dog has health conditions or is on medication.
Potential Benefits of Golden Paste for Dogs
Golden paste combines turmeric, black pepper, and healthy fats—ingredients that have been widely researched for their natural support in wellness routines. While every dog is different and results may vary, here are some commonly discussed benefits:
Supports a Healthy Inflammatory Response
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that’s been studied for its role in supporting the body’s normal inflammation pathways. Many pet parents include golden paste in joint or mobility routines.
May Promote Comfort and Mobility
Some dog owners report that golden paste helps their dogs stay more comfortable during everyday movement or play, especially in aging pets.
Conclusion
Making turmeric paste only takes a few minutes, and it can be a cost-effective way to provide hip & joint support for your pup. The only downside to making golden paste for dogs is that you run the risk of including incorrect ingredients with added chemicals that may not be safe for your pets.
If you want to take the guesswork out of the process, you can opt for ready-made vet-formulated hip & joint products for dogs. In any case, work with your veterinarian to ensure you're cleared to safely use a new product for your pet's health & wellbeing.
