How to Make Golden Paste for Dogs: Updated Recipe
What Is Golden Paste for Dogs?
Golden paste is a simple turmeric-based paste that may help dogs with inflammation, arthritis, pain, allergies, skin disease, ear disease, digestive inflammation, and even cognitive support.
The updated recipe uses five ingredients:
- Turmeric
- Green tea
- Olive oil
- Ginger
- Freshly ground black pepper
The main active compound in turmeric is curcumin, and 95% curcumin is known as a potent natural anti-inflammatory. The updated version of golden paste adds green tea and ginger to make the recipe even more anti-inflammatory.
This is one of those kitchen remedies that is simple, inexpensive, and useful for many dogs.
And yes, it will stain.
Your counter.
Your spoon.
Possibly your dog.
Possibly you.
Golden paste is very yellow. Consider yourself warned.
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Advanced Plus Health Formula
Where Did Golden Paste Come From?
Golden paste was originally developed by Dr. Doug English, an Australian veterinarian.
He created this recipe a number of years ago, and it has since been used by thousands and thousands of pet parents.
Not just for dogs.
Many people have used it for themselves too.
The idea is simple: combine turmeric with ingredients that help improve absorption and increase anti-inflammatory support.
That is where the oil and freshly ground pepper come in.
Why Is Turmeric Used in Golden Paste?
Turmeric is a kitchen spice used in many curries, but it is also well known for its natural health benefits.
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin.
Curcumin has been studied as a:
- Potent natural anti-inflammatory
- Natural pain reliever
- Possible cancer-preventive compound
- Possible supportive option in some cancer cases
- Support for inflammatory conditions
In dogs, curcumin has been discussed or used for:
- Arthritis
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Ear disease
- Skin disease
- Allergies
- Eye disease
- Dry eye
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Cognitive dysfunction
There are hundreds and hundreds of studies on curcumin.
That is one of the reasons turmeric keeps coming up in natural pet health.
What Makes This Golden Paste Recipe Updated?
The original golden paste recipe often uses water and coconut oil.
This updated version makes a few changes.
Instead of water, I am using green tea.
Instead of coconut oil, I am using olive oil.
I am also adding ginger.
So this version is designed to be a stronger anti-inflammatory recipe while still using simple ingredients many people already have at home.
Updated Golden Paste Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Why It Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| Turmeric | 1/4 cup | Main source of curcumin |
| Green tea | 1/2 cup | Anti-inflammatory support from EGCG |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons | Improves turmeric absorption and adds essential fatty acids |
| Ground ginger | 1 1/2 teaspoons | Adds gingerol, another anti-inflammatory compound |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1 1/2 teaspoons | Helps increase turmeric absorption |
Ingredient 1: Turmeric
For this recipe, use standard turmeric from the grocery store.
This is the regular turmeric spice you would use in curries.
If you are using raw turmeric that has not been cooked, it can still be used, but it needs to be cooked longer.
For most pet parents, standard grocery-store turmeric is the simplest option.
Use:
1/4 cup turmeric
Ingredient 2: Green Tea
Most golden paste recipes start with water.
In this updated version, I am using green tea.
Dr. Karen Becker has discussed using green tea in a modified golden paste recipe.
Green tea contains EGCG, which makes it a potent anti-inflammatory. It has also been shown to be beneficial for degenerative joint disease and may help act as a natural pain reliever.
That makes green tea a very useful addition.
Use:
1/2 cup green tea
What About Caffeine in Green Tea?
Some pet parents are concerned about the caffeine in green tea.
The amount of caffeine in green tea is relatively small, and at the dose used in this recipe, it is considered safe.
The key is using the recipe as directed.
Not giving your dog a mug of green tea and asking him to journal about his inflammation.
Ingredient 3: Olive Oil
The original recipe often used coconut oil, but Dr. English has suggested olive oil as a substitute.
Olive oil is useful for two reasons.
First, oil helps improve the absorption of turmeric.
Second, olive oil contains anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids.
That gives this recipe an added anti-inflammatory benefit.
Use:
3 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 4: Ginger
This addition came from one of our subscribers.
Ginger is another kitchen spice many of us already have.
The active ingredient in ginger is gingerol.
Ginger is well documented as a natural anti-inflammatory, and it is safe when given in appropriate doses.
I have seen many dogs benefit from it.
For this recipe, use regular ground ginger from the grocery store.
Use:
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
Ingredient 5: Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Black pepper is key because it markedly increases the absorption of turmeric.
But here is the important part:
Use freshly ground black pepper.
Do not use old pre-ground pepper if you can avoid it.
Pre-ground pepper has been crushed long before you use it, exposed to oxygen, and oxidized. That means it can lose much of its ability to help turmeric absorption.
So grind the pepper fresh.
Use:
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Golden Paste for Dogs
This recipe is simple.
But the order matters.
You do not just throw everything into a pot and hope for the best.
Well, you could.
But please do not.
Step 1: Add Turmeric
Add:
1/4 cup turmeric
Place it into a bowl or pot.
Step 2: Add Green Tea
Add:
1/2 cup green tea
Mix the turmeric and green tea together.
Step 3: Simmer on Medium Heat
Turn the stove to medium heat.
Simmer the turmeric and green tea mixture.
You want it to turn into a fairly thick paste.
This usually takes about:
7 to 10 minutes
You will see the mixture change from watery to thick.
That is what you want.
Step 4: Let It Cool
Once the paste is thick, remove it from the heat.
Let it sit and cool for about:
10 minutes
This is important before adding the next ingredients.
Step 5: Add Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Once the mixture has cooled, add:
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Mix it in well.
Step 6: Add Ground Ginger
Add:
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
This makes the paste even more anti-inflammatory.
Step 7: Add Olive Oil
Add:
3 tablespoons olive oil
Mix until everything is well combined.
Now you have your updated golden paste.
Updated Golden Paste Recipe Card
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mix 1/4 cup turmeric with 1/2 cup green tea |
| 2 | Simmer on medium heat for about 7 to 10 minutes |
| 3 | Stir until it becomes a thick paste |
| 4 | Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes |
| 5 | Add 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper |
| 6 | Add 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger |
| 7 | Add 3 tablespoons olive oil |
| 8 | Mix well and store |
How Long Does Golden Paste Last?
Because this recipe uses green tea, it may not last as long as some other versions.
In the fridge, I would use it within about:
7 to 10 days
At the very most, around:
2 weeks
If you have a small dog, make a smaller batch or freeze portions.
You can freeze golden paste, and it can last over:
3 months
Just leave a small amount unfrozen, then take out more as needed.
How Much Golden Paste Should I Give My Dog?
Start low.
This matters.
The typical starting dose is:
1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs of body weight once daily
Give that for:
3 to 5 days
Make sure your dog is doing well with that amount.
Then, if tolerated, you can increase to:
1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs of body weight twice daily
For a 40 to 50 lb dog, that would be about:
1/2 teaspoon twice daily
Golden Paste Dosage Table for Dogs
| Dog Weight | Starting Dose | If Tolerated |
|---|---|---|
| 20 lbs | 1/4 teaspoon once daily | 1/4 teaspoon twice daily |
| 40 lbs | 1/2 teaspoon once daily | 1/2 teaspoon twice daily |
| 50 lbs | About 1/2 teaspoon once daily | About 1/2 teaspoon twice daily |
Start with the once-daily dose for 3 to 5 days before increasing.
That gives you time to make sure your dog is tolerating it well.
Can Golden Paste Be Given Long Term?
Yes, this recipe can be safely given long term when used at the suggested dose.
Many dog parents are finding it helpful for senior dogs.
It may help support:
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- Pain
- Mobility
- Cognitive function
- General comfort
For many older dogs, anything that can help them move better and feel more comfortable is worth considering.
Especially when it comes from the kitchen.
What Is Golden Paste Best For?
Golden paste may be most helpful for dogs with inflammation-related issues.
Best For
Golden paste may be useful for dogs with:
- Arthritis
- Senior dog stiffness
- Joint pain
- General inflammation
- Skin disease
- Allergies
- Ear disease
- Dry eye support
- Inflammatory bowel disease support
- Cognitive dysfunction support
This is not a magic paste.
It is not going to make your 13-year-old dog do parkour.
But if your senior dog is stiff, inflamed, itchy, uncomfortable, or slowing down, this is a simple remedy worth knowing about.
Why Add Green Tea Instead of Water?
Green tea adds another layer of anti-inflammatory support.
It contains EGCG, which is known for anti-inflammatory benefits.
It may also help with degenerative joint disease and act as a natural pain reliever.
So instead of using plain water, green tea gives the recipe an extra therapeutic purpose.
The one caution is storage.
Because this recipe uses green tea, it is better to store it carefully, use it fresh, and freeze extra portions.
Why Add Ginger?
Ginger contains gingerol, a natural anti-inflammatory compound.
It is safe when used in appropriate doses and may help make this golden paste more effective for inflammation.
This is why I like adding it.
Turmeric helps.
Green tea helps.
Ginger helps.
Together, they make a stronger anti-inflammatory kitchen remedy.
Why Add Olive Oil?
Turmeric is not absorbed well on its own.
That is one of the biggest problems with using turmeric.
Olive oil helps improve absorption.
It also provides essential fatty acids, which can further support inflammation and skin health.
So olive oil is not just there to make the paste smooth.
It has a purpose.
Why Does Black Pepper Matter?
Black pepper markedly increases the absorption of turmeric.
But freshly ground black pepper is much better than old pre-ground pepper.
Pre-ground pepper can lose effectiveness after being exposed to oxygen.
So grind it fresh.
Your dog does not care about gourmet pepper.
But your turmeric does.
Step-by-Step: How I Would Start Golden Paste With a Dog
Step 1: Make the Recipe Correctly
Use:
- 1/4 cup turmeric
- 1/2 cup green tea
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Cook the turmeric and green tea first.
Cool it.
Then add the pepper, ginger, and olive oil.
Step 2: Start With a Small Dose
Give:
1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs once daily
Use that for:
3 to 5 days
Step 3: Watch Your Dog
Make sure your dog is doing well with it.
Watch for changes in:
- Appetite
- Stool
- Comfort
- Energy
- Mobility
- Skin
- Itching
- Overall response
Step 4: Increase if Tolerated
If your dog is doing well, increase to:
1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs twice daily
For a 40 to 50 lb dog, this is about:
1/2 teaspoon twice daily
Step 5: Store It Properly
Keep it in the fridge and use within 7 to 10 days when possible.
Do not keep it longer than about 2 weeks.
Freeze extra portions for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Golden paste is one of the simplest natural remedies you can make for dogs.
This updated recipe uses five ingredients:
- Turmeric
- Green tea
- Olive oil
- Ginger
- Freshly ground black pepper
The turmeric provides curcumin.
The green tea adds EGCG.
The olive oil helps absorption and adds essential fatty acids.
The ginger adds gingerol.
The freshly ground black pepper improves turmeric absorption.
That is a pretty good kitchen team.
Start with 1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs once daily for 3 to 5 days.
If your dog tolerates it well, increase to 1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs twice daily.
For many senior dogs, especially those dealing with inflammation, arthritis, stiffness, or cognitive support needs, golden paste may be a very helpful long-term addition.
Simple.
Practical.
Bright yellow.
And potentially very useful.
Click To Get A Free Copy of My E-Book!
P.S. If you are new to golden paste, start low and go slow.
Give 1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs once daily for 3 to 5 days first.
If all looks good, then go to twice daily.
P.P.S. Use freshly ground black pepper.
That small step makes a big difference for turmeric absorption.
Old pre-ground pepper sitting in the cupboard since who-knows-when is not quite the same thing.
P.P.P.S. If you have a small dog, freeze small portions of the paste.
That way you are not trying to use up a full batch before it spoils.
Your dog needs golden paste.
Not a golden science project in the back of the fridge.
