Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice from a root in the ginger family. In foods it adds colour, and curcumin, its active compound, is studied for inflammation. The amounts in a food are generally far below those in studies.

In one trial in dogs with arthritis, whose authors include researchers from a pet food maker, a diet with curcuminoids, collagen and green tea extract showed no difference in objective measures such as how much weight the dogs put on a limb, though indicators of pain appeared lower. Arthritis needs a veterinarian’s plan.