If your dog’s once-vibrant smile has been overshadowed by red, swollen gums and that telltale hesitance to chomp their favorite toy, you’re not alone. Canine periodontal disease affects over 80% of dogs by age three, turning routine meals into painful ordeals. While traditional dental care focuses on mechanical cleaning alone, 2026’s breakthrough formulations are revolutionizing how we approach oral inflammation. Enter turmeric-curcumin dental chews—a sophisticated fusion of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern veterinary science that tackles gum disease at its biochemical root. These aren’t just treats; they’re therapeutic tools designed to soothe angry tissue while scrubbing away plaque, offering a dual-action solution that’s capturing the attention of holistic veterinarians and pet parents alike.
But navigating this emerging market requires more than grabbing the first bright-orange chew you see. With innovations in bioavailability, sustainable sourcing, and breed-specific formulations hitting shelves this year, understanding what separates a truly effective product from clever marketing has never been more critical. Let’s dive into the science, safety considerations, and smart shopping strategies that will transform your approach to your dog’s dental health.
Top 10 Turmeric-Curcumin Dental Chews for Inflamed Gums
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Humann Turmeric Chews Supplement – Clinically Studied High Absorption Curcumin Complex - Orange Citrus Flavor – from SuperBeets Makers – Joint Health – 30 Count
Overview: Humann Turmeric Chews deliver antioxidant support in a convenient, citrus-flavored chewable format. From the makers of SuperBeets, this supplement features 300mg of TurmiPure Gold turmeric extract per serving, designed for those seeking joint health benefits without swallowing pills.
What Makes It Stand Out: The clinically studied turmeric-curcumin complex boasts 24 times higher absorption than conventional turmeric ingredients, addressing a common bioavailability issue. The orange citrus flavor eliminates the bitter, peppery aftertaste typical of turmeric supplements, making daily compliance enjoyable. With just one chew per day, it simplifies supplementation routines.
Value for Money: At $26.95 for 30 chews ($0.90 per count), this sits at the premium end of the turmeric supplement market. The price is justified by the advanced absorption technology and palatable flavor profile. Compared to standard capsules with lower bioavailability, you’re paying for enhanced efficacy and a superior user experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include exceptional absorption rates, pleasant taste, reputable brand backing, and convenient once-daily dosing. Weaknesses involve the relatively high cost per serving and limited 30-count supply. The citrus flavor, while appealing to most, may not suit all palates.
Bottom Line: These chews are ideal for health-conscious consumers prioritizing absorption and taste. If you’re willing to invest in a premium turmeric supplement that delivers proven bioavailability improvements, this product delivers on its promises.
2. Turmeric Curcumin for Dogs - 90 Soft Chews - with Collagen, BioPerine and Fish Oil - Hip & Joint Support, Ease Inflammation, Antioxidant, Cardiovascular & Liver Support.
Overview: This comprehensive canine supplement from Coco and Luna combines turmeric curcumin with collagen and fish oil in a 90-count soft chew format. Designed to support multiple aspects of canine health including joints, inflammation response, and cardiovascular function, it offers a multi-targeted approach to pet wellness.
What Makes It Stand Out: The veterinarian-formulated blend includes BioPerine to enhance absorption of key nutrients, addressing the bioavailability challenge common with turmeric. The formula is notably clean, free from palm oil, corn, soy derivatives, synthetic colors, and artificial flavors. The inclusion of collagen and fish oil provides synergistic support for cartilage maintenance and joint mobility.
Value for Money: Priced at $32.99 for 90 chews ($0.37 per count), this represents solid mid-range value. The comprehensive formulation justifies the cost compared to single-ingredient supplements, offering joint, liver, and cardiovascular support in one product.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include veterinarian formulation, clean ingredient profile, multi-functional benefits, and domestic manufacturing in FDA-registered, GMP-certified facilities. Weaknesses include unspecified flavoring that may not appeal to all dogs, and the soft chew format may not be suitable for pets with dental issues.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for dog owners seeking a comprehensive, clean-formulated supplement from a trusted manufacturer. The 90-count supply provides three months of support for average-sized dogs.
3. Nutridog Turmeric Chews for Dogs with Curcumin & Coconut Oil Joint Pain Relief, Anti-Inflammatory Antioxidant Support, 120 Salmon-Flavored Soft Chews for Hip & Joint Mobility (120 Ct, Salmon)
Overview: Nutridog offers a budget-friendly canine supplement featuring 95% curcuminoids from turmeric extract, enhanced with coconut oil and BioPerine. The 120-count salmon-flavored soft chews target joint pain relief and anti-inflammatory support while addressing skin health and allergies.
What Makes It Stand Out: The formula delivers 4x better absorption through BioPerine while combining joint support with coconut oil for skin and allergy benefits. The salmon flavor appeals to dogs, eliminating administration struggles. Most notably, the 100% satisfaction guarantee promises a full refund if no improvement is seen within 28 days, even if you keep the bottle.
Value for Money: At $22.90 for 120 chews ($0.19 per count), this is exceptional value—among the lowest cost per serving in the category. The dual-action formula and risk-free guarantee make it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious pet owners.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include outstanding affordability, high curcuminoid concentration, appealing salmon flavor, skin health benefits, and an industry-leading guarantee. Weaknesses involve variable dosing (1-4 chews based on size) that may reduce the stated value for large breeds, and the formula may be less comprehensive than premium competitors.
Bottom Line: A top-tier budget option that doesn’t compromise on core ingredients. The money-back guarantee removes all risk, making it an ideal starting point for dogs new to turmeric supplementation.
4. Chimes Tranquil Turmeric Adaptogen Ginger Chews Candy - (2 Pack With Ashwagandha, Reishi and Turmeric with Curcumin) Vegan, Gluten Free
Overview: Chimes Tranquil Turmeric chews position themselves as the world’s first adaptogenic ginger candy, blending traditional supplement ingredients with confectionery. This vegan, gluten-free treat combines turmeric, ashwagandha, and reishi mushroom in a ginger chew format designed for stress adaptation rather than targeted supplementation.
What Makes It Stand Out: The unique fusion of Ayurvedic adaptogens—80mg ashwagandha, 120mg reishi, and turmeric-derived curcumin—creates a functional candy category. The ginger base provides digestive comfort while delivering stress-modulating compounds. This innovative approach makes wellness accessible through familiar candy formats, distinguishing it from traditional capsules or chews.
Value for Money: At $9.35 per ounce, this is priced as a premium specialty candy rather than a cost-effective supplement. The value proposition rests on convenience and enjoyment rather than therapeutic dosing, making it suitable for casual wellness support rather than clinical needs.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include innovative adaptogen blend, vegan/gluten-free certification, pleasant ginger flavor, and stress-adaptation focus. Weaknesses involve minimal curcumin content (3.8mcg per chew), high sugar content typical of candy, and insufficient dosing for those seeking serious anti-inflammatory benefits.
Bottom Line: Perfect for consumers seeking a functional, stress-relieving snack rather than a clinical turmeric supplement. Treat it as a wellness candy, not a replacement for dedicated joint or inflammation support.
5. Himalaya Turmeric Chews with Curcumin for Healthy Joint Support, and Optimum Flexibility & Mobility, 300 mg of Extracts per Serving, 30 Soft Chews, 15 Day Supply
Overview: Himalaya’s plant-based turmeric chews provide targeted joint support in a tropical fruit-flavored soft chew. Each serving delivers 300mg of standardized turmeric rhizome extract (not simple powder) with a clean label free from animal products, gluten, and common allergens. The 30-chew bottle provides a 15-day supply at the recommended two-chew daily dose.
What Makes It Stand Out: The commitment to purity is exceptional: organic sweeteners, no gelatin, palm oil, glycerin, or artificial additives. Using standardized extract instead of crushed powder ensures consistent curcuminoid content. Manufacturing in a cGMP-certified facility with rigorous testing demonstrates quality commitment.
Value for Money: Price is listed as N/A, making direct cost assessment impossible. However, the 15-day supply timeframe suggests a premium positioning. The value lies in the clean formulation and standardized extracts, appealing to ingredient-conscious consumers willing to pay for purity.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include exemplary clean-label formulation, plant-based certification, standardized extract potency, rigorous quality testing, and allergen-free composition. Weaknesses include the inconvenient two-chew daily serving, only 15 days per bottle, and lack of enhanced absorption technology like BioPerine.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for purity-focused consumers seeking plant-based joint support. If you prioritize clean ingredients and standardized extracts over cost or convenience, this professionally manufactured option delivers quality you can trust.
6. Force Factor Better Turmeric Joint Support with HydroCurc Turmeric Curcumin, 120 Soft Chews and Smarter Greens Superfood Chews with 25+ Superfoods, 60 Soft Chews
Overview: Force Factor delivers a two-in-one wellness solution with this bundle combining Better Turmeric Joint Support (120 soft chews) and Smarter Greens Superfood Chews (60 soft chews). This pairing targets joint health and overall vitality in a convenient, candy-like format that eliminates the need for swallowing pills. Designed for busy adults seeking comprehensive nutritional support, the individually wrapped chews offer portability and ease of use.
What Makes It Stand Out: The star feature is HydroCurc turmeric with black pepper extract, claiming 329% enhanced absorption—a significant improvement over standard curcumin supplements. The dual-product approach intelligently separates joint-specific support from general wellness, with the Greens chews delivering 25+ superfoods plus probiotics and prebiotic fiber. Unlike many energy supplements, it promises natural vitality without caffeine or stimulants. As America’s #1 Soft Chews Brand, Force Factor has refined the taste and texture to make daily supplementation genuinely enjoyable rather than a chore.
Value for Money: At $44.94 for 180 total chews ($0.25 each), this bundle offers solid value compared to purchasing separate turmeric, greens, and probiotic supplements. A typical serving would be 2-4 chews daily, providing a 45-90 day supply. While premium-priced versus basic capsules, the superior absorption technology, convenience factor, and palatable delivery system justify the investment for those prioritizing compliance and quality.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Excellent absorption technology; convenient, travel-friendly packaging; combines multiple supplements in tasty format; includes probiotics and prebiotics; stimulant-free energy support.
Weaknesses: 125 million CFUs is modest compared to dedicated probiotic supplements; sugar content isn’t disclosed; “329% absorption” lacks independent verification; soft chew format may not appeal to purists preferring capsules.
Bottom Line: This bundle excels for adults seeking convenient, pleasant-tasting supplementation without sacrificing ingredient quality. It’s ideal for travelers or those with pill fatigue. However, dedicated athletes or those with severe joint issues may need higher-potency standalone supplements. For general wellness maintenance with a focus on compliance, this is a worthwhile investment.
Understanding the Turmeric-Curcumin Connection to Oral Health
Turmeric’s reputation as a golden healer isn’t just folk medicine folklore. The root’s active compound, curcumin, operates as a powerful pleiotropic agent—meaning it influences multiple inflammatory pathways simultaneously. For dogs suffering from gingivitis or early-stage periodontal disease, this matters enormously. Inflamed gums aren’t simply irritated tissue; they’re battlegrounds where the immune system releases cytokines and enzymes that, while meant to fight bacteria, ultimately destroy collagen and bone if left unchecked.
The Science Behind Curcumin’s Anti-Inflammatory Power
Curcumin’s magic lies in its ability to inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), the master switch that turns on inflammatory genes. By blocking this pathway, curcumin reduces production of prostaglandins and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)—the same enzyme targeted by NSAIDs, but without the gastrointestinal side effects. Research published in veterinary pharmacology journals shows curcumin can suppress inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α within gingival tissue, effectively cooling the cellular fire that causes gum recession. When delivered through a dental chew, curcumin makes direct contact with affected tissue, providing localized relief while systemic absorption supports overall immune modulation.
Why Dental Chews? The Dual-Action Approach
Unlike powder supplements that work internally, turmeric dental chews leverage mechanical abrasion and chemical action simultaneously. As your dog gnaws, the chew’s texture scrapes away plaque and tartar while releasing curcumin directly onto gum lines. This creates a sustained-release effect—each bite delivers fresh anti-inflammatory compounds exactly where needed. The chewing action itself stimulates blood flow to gum tissue, enhancing nutrient delivery and waste removal. It’s a synergistic dance: physical cleaning removes the bacterial load that triggers inflammation, while curcumin addresses the inflammatory response that persists even after bacteria are cleared.
Key Ingredients to Look for Beyond Turmeric
A superior dental chew in 2026 functions as a holistic formulation, not a single-ingredient wonder. Smart manufacturers are stacking complementary compounds that amplify curcumin’s effects while providing additional oral health benefits. When scanning ingredient panels, think of curcumin as the star quarterback—it needs a solid offensive line to truly shine.
Supporting Anti-Inflammatory Compounds
Look for omega-3 fatty acids from algae or fish oil, which resolve inflammation through different pathways than curcumin. Boswellia serrata, another Ayurvedic resin, inhibits 5-lipoxygenase, creating a complementary anti-inflammatory network. Some advanced formulas now include palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a fatty acid amide that modulates endocannabinoid receptors in gum tissue, offering rapid pain relief. Green tea extract provides catechins that neutralize bacterial toxins, while quercetin stabilizes mast cells to prevent histamine release. These ingredients don’t just support curcumin—they create a multi-pronged attack on oral inflammation that addresses the complexity of periodontal disease.
Natural Abrasives for Mechanical Cleaning
The best turmeric chews balance medicinal benefits with functional texture. Coconut flour and sweet potato provide gentle scrubbing action without enamel wear. Pumpkin seeds, ground to precise particle sizes, act as natural abrasives that polish teeth while delivering zinc and magnesium for gum repair. Some 2026 innovations incorporate diatomaceous earth in food-grade, microscopic amounts—its silica content helps break down tartar while being soft enough to avoid tooth fracture. Avoid products using harsh cellulose or synthetic polymers that offer cleaning but no nutritional value. The texture should feel slightly firm but yield to pressure, like a dense rubber sponge, not a rock-hard bone.
Decoding the 2026 Market Landscape
This year’s turmeric dental chew market reflects broader shifts in pet wellness: personalization, sustainability, and biotechnology integration. Manufacturers are moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches, recognizing that a Great Dane’s periodontal needs differ radically from a Shih Tzu’s. Understanding these trends helps you identify forward-thinking brands committed to efficacy over hype.
Sustainability and Sourcing Trends
Ethical sourcing has become non-negotiable for premium products. Look for turmeric sourced from organic farms in India or Hawaii with transparent supply chains. The 2026 gold standard includes carbon-neutral shipping and biodegradable packaging made from mushroom mycelium or cornstarch polymers. Some brands now feature QR codes linking to batch-specific lab reports showing curcuminoid content, heavy metal testing, and soil quality certifications. Water-extracted curcumin, rather than chemical solvent extraction, preserves more of the root’s synergistic compounds while reducing environmental impact. This isn’t just eco-consciousness—it often correlates with higher-quality raw materials and more meticulous manufacturing.
The Rise of Personalized Canine Dental Solutions
Artificial intelligence is reshaping product development. Forward-thinking companies now offer breed-specific formulations accounting for jaw structure, typical saliva pH, and genetic predisposition to periodontal disease. Age-tailored versions address puppies’ teething inflammation versus senior dogs’ chronic gingivitis. Some subscription services analyze your dog’s dental photos using AI to recommend chew density and curcumin concentration. While these innovations sound futuristic, they’re increasingly mainstream in 2026, allowing you to match products precisely to your dog’s unique oral environment rather than guessing.
What Makes an Effective Dental Chew for Inflamed Gums?
Effectiveness hinges on three non-negotiable factors: bioavailability, texture engineering, and dosage precision. A chew that excels in one area but fails in another delivers mediocre results at best. Think of it as a three-legged stool—remove one leg and the whole thing collapses.
Texture and Density: The Goldilocks Principle
The ideal chew must be firm enough to provide 3-5 minutes of active chewing but pliable enough to avoid causing tooth fractures. In 2026, advanced manufacturers use durometer testing to achieve a Shore hardness between 60-70A—roughly the same as a firm rubber dog toy. This density allows the chew to flex slightly around teeth, cleaning below the gumline where inflammation breeds. If a chew shatters quickly or feels rock-hard, it’s either too brittle (posing obstruction risks) or too dense (threatening enamel). The surface should have micro-ridges or nubs that create turbulence in saliva, helping distribute curcumin into periodontal pockets.
Size Matters: Matching Chews to Your Dog’s Breed
A chew too small creates choking hazards; too large encourages aggressive biting that bypasses the therapeutic chewing motion. 2026 sizing standards align with veterinary dental associations: extra-small (under 10 lbs), small (10-25 lbs), medium (25-60 lbs), large (60-90 lbs), and giant (90+ lbs). But it’s not just weight—muzzle length matters. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs need shorter, wider chews they can grip with their flat jaws, while Greyhounds require longer, thinner options for their deep-chested mouths. Some brands now offer “chew profiles” based on bite force measurements, ensuring the product yields appropriately to your dog’s jaw power.
The Importance of Bioavailability in Curcumin Products
Here’s where many well-intentioned products fail: curcumin’s natural bioavailability in dogs is less than 1%. Without enhancement, most of that golden compound passes through the gut unabsorbed, doing little for systemic inflammation and even less for localized gum treatment. 2026’s top-tier chews don’t just contain turmeric—they engineer it for maximum uptake.
Enhanced Formulation Technologies
The most effective enhancement is piperine, a black pepper extract that inhibits glucuronidation, the process that normally breaks down curcumin in the liver. Look for a 10:1 curcumin-to-piperine ratio—enough to boost absorption by 2000% without irritating sensitive stomachs. Liposomal curcumin, where molecules are wrapped in phospholipid bubbles, allows direct penetration of gum tissue. Nanoparticle curcumin, though more expensive, achieves cellular-level delivery that’s particularly valuable for advanced inflammation. Some cutting-edge formulas use “curcumin-phosphatidylcholine complexes” that merge curcumin with cell membrane components, essentially tricking the body into absorbing it as a nutrient rather than a foreign compound.
Safety Considerations and Potential Interactions
Turmeric’s safety profile is impressive, but “natural” doesn’t mean “risk-free.” Dogs with certain conditions or medication regimens need veterinary clearance before starting any curcumin supplement, even in chew form. Understanding contraindications prevents well-meaning care from becoming a medical complication.
When Turmeric Isn’t Enough: Recognizing Advanced Dental Disease
Curcumin excels at managing inflammation but cannot reverse stage 3-4 periodontal disease where bone loss and deep pocketing occur. If your dog has loose teeth, pus discharge, or refuses hard food entirely, no chew will substitute for professional dental cleaning and possible extractions. Think of turmeric chews as preventive and early-intervention tools, not miracle cures. They’re ideal for dogs with grade 1-2 gingivitis, post-procedural maintenance, or breeds predisposed to gum disease. Using them as a Band-Aid for advanced infection wastes precious time and allows preventable suffering.
How to Introduce Turmeric Dental Chews to Your Dog
Even the most palatable chew can cause hesitation if your dog associates chewing with oral pain. A strategic introduction respects their discomfort while building positive associations. Rushing this process often results in rejected chews and wasted investment.
The Gradual Integration Method
Start by letting your dog sniff and lick the chew without pressure to bite. Rub a tiny amount of coconut oil or peanut butter on the surface to spark interest. Offer it for just 30 seconds initially, praising any interaction. Gradually increase duration over two weeks, watching for jaw fatigue or frustration. For dogs with severely inflamed gums, soak the chew in warm bone broth for 2-3 minutes to soften it slightly, reducing initial discomfort. Monitor stool consistency—turmeric’s bitter compounds can cause loose stools in sensitive dogs, so start with half a chew and work up to the full recommended dose over 7-10 days.
Measuring Success: What Improvements to Expect
Patience is crucial, but so is knowing what progress looks like. Unlike pharmaceutical NSAIDs that mask symptoms quickly, curcumin works by modulating underlying inflammatory pathways, producing subtler but more sustainable changes. Setting realistic expectations prevents premature abandonment of an effective therapy.
Timeline for Visible Results
During week one, you might notice increased willingness to eat hard kibble as acute gum tenderness eases. By week three, redness along the gumline should visibly diminish, and your dog may chew toys more vigorously. The real victory comes at week six: reduced plaque buildup and healthier pink gums rather than angry red. Keep a weekly photo log of your dog’s teeth and gums—progress is often incremental enough that daily observation misses it. Some owners report fresher breath within days, but this varies. Remember, curcumin is rebuilding tissue integrity, not just deodorizing.
Cost Analysis: Investment vs. Veterinary Bills
Quality turmeric dental chews range from $1.50 to $4.00 per chew in 2026, with daily use recommended for active inflammation, tapering to 3-4 times weekly for maintenance. At first glance, $90-$120 monthly seems steep. Compare this to a professional dental cleaning ($500-$1,500 depending on location and anesthesia) plus potential extractions ($100-$300 per tooth), and the math shifts dramatically. For dogs with chronic gingivitis requiring annual cleanings, consistent use of therapeutic chews can extend the interval between procedures by 12-18 months, effectively paying for themselves while sparing your dog repeated anesthesia. The key is viewing them as preventive medicine, not luxury treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are turmeric dental chews safe for all dogs?
Most healthy dogs tolerate them beautifully, but those with bleeding disorders, upcoming surgeries, or on anticoagulant medications need veterinary approval. Curcumin’s mild blood-thinning effect, while beneficial for circulation, can complicate clotting. Pregnant or nursing dogs should also avoid high-dose curcumin products due to limited safety data.
How long before I see noticeable improvement in my dog’s gums?
Expect subtle changes in comfort within 5-7 days, visible gum color improvement by 3-4 weeks, and significant plaque reduction by 6-8 weeks of consistent daily use. Dogs with severe inflammation may need 12 weeks to show full benefits. If no improvement appears after 8 weeks, consult your vet—underlying issues may require additional treatment.
Can these chews replace daily tooth brushing?
No, but they dramatically reduce brushing frequency. Think of them as co-therapy: chews handle mechanical cleaning and inflammation, while brushing 2-3 times weekly targets stubborn plaque in hard-to-reach areas. For dogs who absolutely won’t tolerate brushing, chews combined with water additives offer a viable alternative, though not an equivalent substitute.
What if my dog refuses to eat the chew?
Try warming it slightly to release aromatic oils, or crumble a small amount over their food to acclimate them to the flavor. Some dogs dislike turmeric’s earthy bitterness—look for formulas masking it with natural chicken or beef liver flavor. If refusal persists after a week, the chew may be too hard for their current gum sensitivity; try a softer “senior” version regardless of age.
Are there any drug interactions I should worry about?
Curcumin can interact with diabetes medications (potentially lowering blood sugar further), chemotherapy drugs (interfering with certain protocols), and NSAIDs (increasing bleeding risk). Always provide your vet with the exact product label showing curcumin concentration and any enhancers like piperine before starting.
Can puppies use turmeric dental chews?
For puppies over six months with permanent teeth, yes—choose size-appropriate “junior” formulas with lower curcumin concentrations (around 50-75 mg per chew). Avoid use in teething puppies under six months; their gums are already inflamed from normal tooth eruption, and introducing curcumin may mask signs of retained baby teeth or other dental anomalies needing veterinary attention.
Will turmeric stain my dog’s teeth or fur yellow?
High-quality extracts contain purified curcuminoids that stain far less than raw turmeric powder. Any surface staining on teeth is temporary and actually polishes off with continued chewing. Fur staining around the mouth can occur in white-coated breeds; wipe their muzzle with a damp cloth post-chew or choose a formula with added chlorophyll, which neutralizes staining pigments.
How many chews should I give per day?
For active inflammation: one appropriately sized chew daily for 6-8 weeks, then taper to every other day. For maintenance: 3-4 times weekly. Over-supplementation offers no added benefit—curcumin has a therapeutic ceiling, and excess is simply excreted. More importantly, excessive chewing can cause jaw soreness and wear on teeth.
Do these chews work for cats with inflamed gums?
Feline periodontal disease is equally common but cats metabolize curcumin differently and are more sensitive to plant compounds. Never give dog-formulated chews to cats. 2026 has seen the emergence of cat-specific turmeric gels and tiny soft chews, but the dosage and formulation differ significantly. Consult a feline veterinarian before using any turmeric product on cats.
What’s the typical shelf life, and how should I store them?
Most quality chews remain potent for 18-24 months when sealed. Once opened, store in an airtight container away from light—curcumin degrades with UV exposure and oxygen. Avoid refrigeration, which introduces moisture and can cause mold. If chews become brittle or lose their characteristic turmeric scent, they’ve lost efficacy and should be replaced.