If you have spent any time in raw feeding circles, you have probably heard about Golden Paste for dogs. This simple turmeric based mixture has become a popular meal topper among Australian raw feeders, and at ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, we get asked about it often. Golden Paste is not a miracle fix, but it is an easy, affordable way to add a flavourful, nutrient dense topper to your dog's raw meals, especially for dogs who need a bit of encouragement at dinner time.
In this guide we will explain what Golden Paste is, why turmeric has become such a talking point in canine nutrition, how to make it safely, and how to use it as part of a balanced raw diet. We will also cover the things to watch out for, because turmeric is a spice, not a supplement free of considerations.
What is Golden Paste for dogs?
Golden Paste is a simple homemade mixture of turmeric powder, water, black pepper, and a small amount of healthy oil such as coconut oil. The black pepper is included because it contains piperine, which may help improve the absorption of curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric. On its own, turmeric is poorly absorbed by the body, so combining it with pepper and a fat source is the traditional way raw feeders prepare it at home.
Many dog owners like Golden Paste because it is cheap to make, easy to store, and dogs generally enjoy the taste and smell. It also gives fussy eaters a bit of variety, since the paste can be swirled through a raw meal as a topper.
Why do raw feeders add turmeric to a dog's diet?
Curcumin, the compound responsible for turmeric's golden colour, has been studied for its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help the body manage everyday oxidative stress caused by normal metabolic processes and environmental factors. Some research suggests curcumin may support a healthy inflammatory response, which is one reason it has become popular among owners of older or active dogs.
It is worth being clear here: Golden Paste is a food topper, not a medication, and it should never be used as a replacement for advice from your veterinarian. If your dog has a diagnosed health condition, always talk to your vet before adding any new ingredient to their diet. The Australian Veterinary Association recommends discussing any dietary supplement with your vet, particularly for dogs with existing health conditions.
How do I make Golden Paste at home?
A basic Golden Paste recipe uses turmeric powder, filtered water, a pinch of black pepper, and a tablespoon of coconut oil or another dog safe oil. The mixture is gently heated on the stove until it forms a thick paste, then cooled and stored in an airtight container. Because it contains no preservatives, homemade Golden Paste should be kept in the refrigerator and used within about two weeks.
Some owners like to freeze small portions in an ice cube tray so they always have a ready to use amount on hand for meal time.
How much Golden Paste should I give my dog?
Start small. For most dogs, beginning with around an eighth to a quarter of a teaspoon per day is a sensible starting point, gradually increasing over one to two weeks if your dog tolerates it well. Larger dogs can generally have proportionally more, but there is no need to overdo it. A small amount mixed through a raw meal is usually enough to see whether your dog enjoys it and tolerates it comfortably.
Watch for any signs of an upset stomach when introducing anything new, and reduce the amount or stop if you notice loose stools or reduced appetite.
Things to watch out for with turmeric
- Turmeric is a strong spice and too much, too quickly, can cause digestive upset in some dogs.
- Turmeric can have a mild effect on blood clotting, so dogs on blood thinning medication or with upcoming surgery should only have turmeric with veterinary approval.
- Turmeric can stain fabric and light coloured coats, so keep a towel handy at meal time.
- Always introduce any new food gradually and in small amounts, the same way you would when switching your dog to a raw diet.
Can Golden Paste help active or working dogs?
Some Sydney owners with active dogs, such as those who run agility, hike regularly, or work as farm or service dogs, ask whether Golden Paste offers any extra benefit for a busier lifestyle. There is no special formula for active dogs, but the same properties that make turmeric popular for older dogs, namely its antioxidant content, are often of interest to owners whose dogs put more strain on their joints through regular exercise. A small daily amount as part of an already balanced raw diet is a reasonable way to introduce it, provided you follow the same gradual dosing guidance as for any other dog.
As with any supplement, more is not better. Overloading an active dog's diet with turmeric will not improve performance and can increase the chance of digestive upset. Consistency at a modest dose tends to work better than large, irregular amounts.
Common mistakes to avoid when making Golden Paste
A few simple errors account for most of the problems owners run into with homemade Golden Paste:
- Skipping the black pepper. Without piperine, curcumin absorption drops significantly, so the paste is far less effective without it.
- Using too much oil. A small amount of healthy oil helps with absorption, but excess oil adds unnecessary calories and can contribute to loose stools.
- Making a large batch and storing it too long. Golden Paste does not contain preservatives, so a big batch sitting in the fridge for weeks is more likely to spoil or lose potency than a smaller, fresher batch made regularly.
- Increasing the dose too quickly. Jumping straight to a full adult dose without a gradual build up is one of the most common causes of tummy upset in dogs trying Golden Paste for the first time.
Taking it slow, measuring doses properly, and making smaller batches more often will help you get the most out of Golden Paste while keeping the risk of side effects low.
Golden Paste and a balanced raw diet
Golden Paste works best as a small addition to an already balanced raw diet, not as a stand in for good nutrition. A properly formulated raw diet already provides the majority of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats your dog needs. Toppers like Golden Paste are best thought of as a flavour boost and occasional variety, similar to how we use duck giblets or other whole food additions in Sydney households that feed raw.
If you are just getting started with raw feeding and want to understand how toppers like this fit into a complete meal plan, our meal planner quiz can help you work out portion sizes and ingredient balance for your dog's needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is Golden Paste made of?
Golden Paste is typically made from turmeric powder, water, black pepper, and a healthy oil such as coconut oil. Some recipes also include ginger.
How much Golden Paste should I give my dog?
Start with a small amount, such as an eighth to a quarter of a teaspoon per day for small dogs, and increase gradually based on size and tolerance.
Can Golden Paste replace medication?
No. Golden Paste is a food topper only. It may help support general wellbeing as part of a balanced diet, but it is not a substitute for veterinary care or prescribed medication.
How do I store Golden Paste?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within about two weeks, or freeze small portions for longer storage.
Is turmeric safe for all dogs?
Most healthy dogs tolerate small amounts of turmeric well, but dogs with bleeding disorders, upcoming surgery, or those on certain medications should only have it with veterinary guidance.
Can I buy ready made Golden Paste instead of making it?
Yes, some raw feeding suppliers sell pre made turmeric pastes, but check the ingredient list to avoid unnecessary additives.
Can puppies have Golden Paste?
Most guidance around Golden Paste is aimed at adult dogs. Puppies have different nutritional needs and smaller bodies, so it is best to speak with your vet before introducing turmeric or any new supplement to a growing puppy's diet.
Will Golden Paste change my dog's stool colour?
It can. Turmeric is a strong natural pigment, so it is normal to notice a yellow tinge in your dog's stool after starting Golden Paste. This is generally harmless, but consistently loose or unusual stools should be checked by your vet.
Want to try Golden Paste alongside a complete raw diet? Browse our full range of raw dog food or order a sample pack to see how your dog takes to it. Written by the ardam team, reviewed August 2026.
Golden paste pairs cleanly with a whole-food raw diet, since the base meal is already free of fillers.
