Can Dogs Eat Ginger?

Although you and your dog have plenty in common, you’re built rather differently. There are plenty of things you freely enjoy that your dog cannot partake in. Outside of the obvious human treats like chocolate and wine, there are plenty of other treats your dog can’t have. Ginger sits in a grey area. Some dogs can have ginger, while others cannot. The form of ginger is just as important as the ginger itself. Ginger may not be your dog’s favorite snack, but it may serve a purpose in certain scenarios where your dog may benefit from ginger’s holistic wellness properties.

Can Dogs Have Ginger?

Some dogs can safely enjoy small amounts of fresh peeled minced ginger. In fact, it may be beneficial in many situations to feed your dog some ginger. The keywords here are “some dogs” and “small amounts.” Ginger isn’t very delicious to your dog, who would rather have unsweetened, unsalted peanut butter or a frozen banana as a treat. Ginger is best given with purpose, rather than as a random snack. Healthy adult dogs can be fed appropriate amounts of ginger according to their size. There is no officially recognized threshold amount of ginger for dogs, but it’s best to take a “less is more” approach. Smaller breeds can enjoy ~¼ teaspoon. Larger breeds can have up to ~1 teaspoon. Ginger is very potent and can be irritating to the digestive system in large amounts. If you’re unsure of how much ginger to give your dog, start with one paper-thin slice of ginger root and observe your dog.

Dogs That Cannot Have Ginger

Ginger can have an effect on blood sugar, blood clotting, and blood pressure. It can also place a burden on an unhealthy liver or kidneys. If your dog has issues with any of these conditions or has diabetes, you should never allow your dog to have ginger. Do not give your dog ginger if they are taking any medications, as ginger can interfere with medication absorption. Pregnant or nursing dogs should not have ginger and puppies should never have ginger. Puppies are very vulnerable, and ginger’s effects on blood sugar, pressure, and clotting may be too strong for fetal pups and young dogs.

Can Dogs Have Foods Made With Ginger?

Whole ginger is very different from something like gingerbread. In the case of ginger-flavored or ginger-infused foods, you might want to think twice. Many foods with ginger in the name contain negligible amounts of actual ginger, with natural and artificial flavors making up the difference. Nothing imparts the benefits of ginger more effectively than whole ginger.

Ginger Ale, Gingerbread, Ginger Candy, and Gingersnaps

No. Don’t give your dog sugary human treats or carbonated beverages. The amount of ginger in ginger drinks, candies, and desserts is negligible. The benefits don’t outweigh the risks of giving your dog so much added sugar or artificial sweetener. Many of these products often contain artificial flavors and colors to lead people to believe they contain more ginger than they actually do. The only way you know how much ginger you’re consuming or giving to your animal is to use it in its natural form.

Pickled Ginger

If you’re hoping your dog will eat the leftover pickled ginger that came with your sushi, think again. Pickled ginger is often very acidic and made with sweeteners. It might be harmful to your dog’s health, especially since artificial sweeteners like xylitol can be fatally toxic to dogs.

Dog Treats Made With Ginger

Any high-quality treat made specifically for dogs and formulated with ginger is likely safe for most dogs when fed in small amounts. You can also make your own homemade dog treats by combining mashed bananas, rolled oats, and fresh ginger.

The Benefits of Ginger for Dogs

There are several reasons why giving your dog ginger may be advantageous. Most people who give their dogs ginger are using it as a holistic wellness support tool. Raw ginger isn’t particularly yummy and dogs don’t feel rewarded when they eat it. They may, however, benefit from consuming it under certain circumstances.

Settling Upset Tummies

You probably drink ginger ale when you’re sick and find that it settles your upset stomach. A little bit of raw ginger may be able to do the same thing for your dog, although evidence is mostly anecdotal. Ginger may not be the best way to treat an upset stomach, but it could be a valuable remedy if it’s all you have on hand in the middle of the night on the weekend.

Helping with Motion Sickness

If your dog gets carsick, you can’t avoid the car. You still need to make trips to the vet. When a ride is inevitable, a ginger treat before the ride may help to prevent motion sickness. This is a holistic remedy humans often use to combat motion sickness, car sickness, or seasickness. Some anecdotal reports suggest that it works just as well for dogs.

Easing Side Effects of Medical Treatments

Dogs undergoing chemotherapy often experience nausea as a side effect. Chemotherapy may limit medication options for dogs. A small amount of ginger is a fairly harmless way to settle your dog’s stomach and inspire an appetite. Some pet owners may find that medical cannabis is more effective as an appetite stimulant in dogs undergoing chemotherapy. Speak to your vet about potential treatment options and do not introduce new supplements, holistic care tools, or medications into your dog’s regimen without your vet’s approval. This approval is especially important when your animal is in a vulnerable state due to intense medical treatments.

Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy Without Ginger

If your primary interest in giving your dog ginger stems from its potential holistic wellness benefits, CBD may be a better solution. CBD can help to support regular gastrointestinal health, joint mobility, and brain function while relieving the emotional and physical tension associated with stressful environments. CBD may help keep pets calm during car rides or soothe excitable dogs when their environments can be a bit too intense. Fourth of July celebrations and thunderstorms can sometimes leave a dog in knots, and CBD can help pets unwind thanks to its ability to help balance your pup’s emotional wellbeing. CBD’s interaction with the mammalian endocannabinoid system gives it the unique ability to have a calming effect on the nerves, and it promotes a sense of relaxation without drowsiness.

VETCBD Hemp’s CBD is Made for Your Pet

VETCBD Hemp’s tincture is made from American-grown hemp and is formulated specifically for your pets. We triple lab test our products for safety, quality, and purity. VETCBD products were designed in association with a board of veterinarians who believe that your pets deserve the very best in holistic wellness. You should always speak with your pet’s veterinarian regarding medical concerns and seek advice before incorporating CBD into your pet’s wellness routine. In many cases, CBD provides the support your dog needs to feel calm and relieved. Sources: Dietary ginger as a traditional therapy for blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis | Medicine Journal The Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on Platelet Aggregation: A Systematic Literature Review | National Institutes of Health Ginger Lowers Blood Pressure Through Blockade of Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels |Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials | British Journal of Anaesthesia High Time for Cannabis Research | American Animal Hospital Association The Endocannabinoid System of Animals | NCBI