Horses have been part of the Turmeric User Group from the start, and many owners feed turmeric every day. Here’s how to begin.
Step 1: check with your vet
Talk to your vet first if your horse is on any medication (including phenylbutazone or other anti-inflammatories), is in foal, or is due for surgery. If you compete, check your organisation’s rules on supplements too. → Turmeric and medications
Step 2: make the mix
Horses do well on a simple mix of turmeric powder, oil and freshly cracked black pepper, or on Golden Paste. Linseed (flaxseed) oil is a popular choice for horses. Mix it into a damp feed so it sticks and doesn’t sit in the bottom of the bucket.
Step 3: start small, build slowly
- Start with about 1 teaspoon of the turmeric, oil and pepper mix twice a day in wet feed.
- Increase about once a week, watching how your horse responds.
- There’s no set dose. Little and often works best, and once you’re happy with how your horse is moving and feeling, that’s your maintenance amount.
What to watch for
- Loose manure: turmeric speeds up the gut. Drop back to the last amount that suited, then build up more slowly.
- A “cat pee” smell: some horses develop it when they start. It usually passes within a couple of weeks. Adding about a tablespoon of Ceylon cinnamon (not cassia) to a batch of paste can help.
- Fussy eaters: start with a smaller amount, and mix it well through something your horse enjoys.
What not to use
High-strength 95% curcumin products made for people aren’t recommended for horses. Turmeric powder has a long history as a food; concentrated extracts don’t. → Turmeric vs curcumin capsules
General information only, not veterinary advice. If your horse is unwell or lame, please see your vet.
Where to get it: Turmeric Life’s animal products, formulated by Dr Doug, are available at turmericlife.com.au ↗
Feeding turmeric to your horse? Tell us how you started in the comments.
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