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09 Feb 2025

Properties and benefits of Curcumin in pet nutrition

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Properties and benefits of Curcumin in pet nutrition

Functional foods for dogs and cats go beyond meeting basic nutritional needs; they aim to provide additional health benefits for pets.

These products may include special ingredients with properties that promote well-being, such as antioxidants, prebiotic fibers, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and specific nutrients like curcumin found in turmeric.

The growing popularity of these ingredients and the trend toward natural foods are driving research into their effectiveness and safety for pet health

Curcumin: The potential of turmeric pet nutrition

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The growing popularity of these ingredients and the trend toward natural foods are driving research into their effectiveness and safety for pet health.

Curcumin, a bioactive compound found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), is one of the key ingredients in functional pet foods. Known for its vibrant orange-yellow color, it is used both as a natural dye and a food additive. It has also been incorporated into dog and cat food for its potential health benefits.

Commercial curcumin extracts also contain demethoxycurcumin and bis-demethoxycurcumin, known as curcuminoids. The concentration and ratio of these compounds vary between extracts, which can impact the product’s effectiveness.

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Nutritional properties

Turmeric can be obtained through synthesis or extraction and has its distinct aroma due to terpenoids present in its essential oils. It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential amino acids and contains macro and micronutrients such as calcium, potassium, sodium, and iron, as well as vitamins and flavonoids.

Additionally, it holds the “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) status by the FDA, indicating that its use as a food additive is considered safe.

Various techniques for obtaining curcumin are used today, including Soxhlet extraction, maceration, and advanced methods such as enzyme-assisted extraction. The choice of method and the quality of the raw material are crucial for the efficacy and quality of curcumin.

When used in dog food, turmeric can enhance color and flavor, and, in appropriate doses, provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Curcumin: exploring its benefits

The curcuminoids in turmeric, especially curcumin, have been widely studied in animals such as mice, rats, and dogs, but have not yet been investigated in cats (Kepinska-Pacelik et al., 2023).

Curcumin is known for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It neutralizes free radicals and stimulates endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, protecting cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, which is associated with various chronic diseases.

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Additionally, curcumin reduces inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators and modulating immune signaling pathways, such as NF-kB. In dogs, it has shown potential to alleviate arthritis (Comblain et al., 2016) and intestinal diseases (Kepinska-Pacelik et al., 2023), as well as improve overall health (Campigotto et al., 2020).

It can also help prevent excessive fat accumulation and metabolic disorders, and may improve hematological parameters and reduce liver injury markers in dogs with liver diseases (Bradford, 2012).

Despite the promising benefits, further studies are needed to fully understand the clinical effects of curcumin in animals, including cats, and to establish the optimal dosage and treatment protocols.

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Antioxidant Action of Curcumin in Dog Food

alimentos-curcumina The addition of curcumin to dog food can benefit both the product quality and the health of the animals. As a potent antioxidant, it helps stabilize the food and preserve its quality without affecting the dogs’ well-being

Studies show that, at concentrations of 100 mg/kg, curcumin is effective in preventing lipid oxidation, thereby extending the shelf life of the food.

Foods with curcumin showed lower formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) over a period of six months (Campigotto et al., 2020). These results highlight curcumin as a valuable antioxidant for maintaining food stability and promoting dog health.

Considerations and Precautions When Using Turmeric and Curcumin in Dog Food

Turmeric and curcumin are often recommended as dietary supplements for dogs by veterinarians and nutritionists. Incorporating them into pets’ diets can offer several health benefits, but it is essential to follow a few precautions:

1. Bioavailability and formulation:

Curcumin has low bioavailability, meaning it is not easily absorbed by the body. To enhance its absorption, it is often combined with other substances, such as black pepper extract (piperine) or fats. It’s important to ensure the formulation includes ingredients that improve its bioavailability for optimal effectiveness.

The effectiveness of curcumin depends on the quality of the raw material and growing conditions, as well as the maturation and storage methods. While generally safe, curcumin should be administered at the correct dosage to avoid adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances and palatability issues.

2. Supplement Quality:

When choosing turmeric supplements for dogs, select high-quality products from trusted manufacturers to ensure purity and effectiveness. Avoid supplements with unnecessary additives that could be harmful.

3. Adulteration and Contamination:

Turmeric can be adulterated with artificial dyes or other materials to enhance its appearance, and may be contaminated with heavy metals or mycotoxins. To avoid these risks, it is crucial to ensure the quality of the raw material through rigorous controls and choose suppliers who monitor contamination.

Final considerations

Plant-based ingredients, such as curcumin, have promising potential in functional pet foods, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits.

However, to maximize these benefits, curcumin should be part of a balanced diet and consulted with a veterinarian or nutrition specialist to optimize the animal’s health.