How much turmeric should I take? People, dogs and horses

Oct 14, 2026

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The most common question in the Turmeric User Group is “how much?” The honest answer is that there’s no single right dose. The right amount varies from person to person and animal to animal, and you find it by starting low and building up.

These amounts are for Golden Paste, the cooked mix of turmeric, oil and black pepper.

People

Start: 1/4 teaspoon, twice a day, with food.
Build up: over the first week, increase to 3–4 times a day.
Where many people settle: 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon, 3–4 times a day.
If your stomach complains: drop back to about 1/8 teaspoon and stay there longer before increasing again.

Healthy people who just want turmeric as part of a good diet usually need less than people using it for sore joints or other problems.

Dogs

Start: about 1/4 teaspoon of Golden Paste (or 1/4 teaspoon of powder mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of oil and a few grinds of pepper) mixed into food.
How often: at least twice a day; little and often is better.
Build up: slowly over two to three weeks. If more is needed, add another serving in the day before making each serving bigger.
Loose stools? Reduce to about 1/8 teaspoon for a while.

Small dogs settle on less, large dogs on more. → Turmeric for dogs: getting started

Cats

Start with a pinch, or a tiny smear of Golden Paste, in wet food, and talk to your vet first.

Horses

Start: about 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of a mix of turmeric, oil and freshly ground pepper, twice a day, in wet feed.
Build up: increase about once a week until you reach a maintenance level. Increase the oil and pepper along with the turmeric.
There’s no set dose. Split it into at least two feeds a day if you can.

Why “little and often”?

Turmeric doesn’t stay in the body for long, only several hours. Smaller servings spread through the day keep a steadier level than one big serving.

Before you start

If you or your animal takes any medication, especially blood thinners, diabetes or blood pressure drugs, check with your doctor or vet first. → Turmeric and medications

General information only, not medical or veterinary advice.

What amount works for you or your animal? Tell us in the comments.