The 2020 study led by Gabriela Campigotto and colleagues investigated the impact of incorporating curcumin into dog food as a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants. The food, which contained 32.9 mg/kg of curcumin, was fed to 12 young Beagle dogs over a 42-day period.
The study found that although curcumin had no effect on growth or weight gain, it offered several health benefits. Dogs consuming curcumin-enriched diets showed lower lipid and protein oxidation and higher total antioxidant capacity after 6 months of feed storage.
Throughout the feeding trial, curcumin-fed dogs exhibited elevated red and white blood cell counts—especially neutrophils—indicating a robust immune response. By day 42, a decrease in lymphocytes and globulin levels suggested a notable anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, serum levels of glucose, urea, triglycerides, and cholesterol were higher in the curcumin group, though within healthy ranges.
The antioxidant system was significantly stimulated in the curcumin group, as evidenced by increased levels of non-protein thiols, antioxidant enzymes, and overall serum antioxidant capacity. This led to a reduction in harmful reactive oxygen species, supporting cellular resilience and immune balance.
This research underscores the potential for natural plant-based additives like curcumin to enhance the quality of dog food, especially in terms of preserving feed integrity and supporting long-term health.
Source: Gabriela Campigotto, D. F. Alba, M. M. Sulzbach, D. S. D. Santos, C. F. Souza, M. Baldissera, S. Gundel, A. Ourique, F. Zimmer, T. Petrolli, D. Paiano, and A. S. D. Silva. “Dog food production using curcumin as antioxidant: effects of intake on animal growth, health and feed conservation.” Archives of Animal Nutrition, Volume 74, Pages 397–413, Published 2020-06-30.
