Can Dogs Eat Ginger?

Ginger for dogs, when given in moderation, has several health benefits like aiding with digestion, reducing inflammation, and providing antioxidants.

You're in the kitchen, cooking up a sweet and spicy stir-fry. The mouth-watering aroma makes its way to your dog's sniffer, and before you know it, he's lunging for the cutting board chalked with ginger and swallows a bit of the fragrant root before you can assess the situation. You immediately ask yourself, "Can dogs have ginger?"

Do not despair, Fido friend! You absolutely CAN give your dog ginger; it is a safe and beneficial treat! Not only can you give him ginger, but it may also help his tummy feel better if he's having nausea, digestion, or inflammatory issues.

• Can dogs eat coconut oil?
• Can dogs eat cinnamon?
• Are mushrooms safe for your dogs?
• Can dogs eat cat food?
• Can cats eat dog food?

What is Ginger?

The brown, fragrant ginger root many of us have come to love and incorporate into our daily diet comes from the flowering ginger plant. Like turmeric, ginger root has been used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine and medicine for thousands of years. It has long been used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea medicine.

Ginger root contains hundreds of beneficial chemical compounds, over 475! Some of the more well-known compounds within ginger include gingerols, capsaicin, camphor, essential oils, acetic acid, and beta-carotene.

Health Benefits of Ginger for Dogs

Anti-Nausea Properties

Ever had an upset stomach, and the first thing that came to mind was a nice cold glass of fresh ginger ale? Ginger may have helped quell the queasy.

Having a dog nowadays almost guarantees that your pup will be faced with the excitement or horror of a thrilling car ride with their favorite human and feeling the wind run across their furry snout.

It is extremely common for pet parents to get a little car sick after a bumpy drive; your Fido is no exception!

Nausea and motion sickness in dogs can be a terrible experience and can often lead to vomiting. Not only do you not want your little buddy to hurl his guts, but your car's interior also wouldn't like the stains.

But wait! There is something you can do to win the tug-o-war against Nellie's nausea! Do your best to incorporate a small amount of ginger in his diet a few hours before setting off on your next great adventure, and it may help him be happy as a clam, inside and out!

Aid the Digestive System

While probiotic powder for dogs is the gold standard for maintaining healthy digestion, ginger root is a fantastic addition to your dog's health regimen. One of the main ways ginger can help with digestion is by promoting saliva flow and other gastric juices that naturally aid with nutrient absorption and the breakdown of foods.

Beyond that, it is a fantastic way to change things up and give your fluffer some much-needed flavor in his diet! Try creating ginger dog treats or find another way to incorporate some form of ginger into your dog's diet on the regular if your pooch struggles with digestion or to simply support his overall wellness.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

One health condition the majority of aging dogs deal with is osteoarthritis. While we humans have many options to deal with our aching bones, graying pups aren't so lucky.

Dog arthritis is an often painful and debilitating issue stemming from damage to the cartilage within the joints. When cartilage becomes damaged, it can cause inflammation, which can cause your dog joint pain. Beyond pain, your dog can experience swelling and stiffness. Watch out for any pronounced limping, wincing when you pick them up, or inability to run and jump.

Along with incorporating small quantities of ginger into their pet food, a great thing to do for your suffering friend is to ensure they absorb as many nutrients as possible. One way to aid nutrient absorption is by using probiotic powder for dogs.

When thinking about what your dog eats, it is important to remember that ginger is regarded by many to support the body's healthy immune system, promote blood circulation, ease painful bloating, and support healthy joints. If your doggo has aching bones, give ginger root a try!

Effective Against Heartworm Disease

While raw ginger is not used as the primary defense against or treatment for heartworm disease, studies show promising effects of ginger on the levels of heartworm microfilaria in the blood.

That being said, heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and can affect all dog breeds. It’s important to consult a trusted vet to learn how to prevent and properly treat heartworm disease to protect your pooch.

Chalk Full of Antioxidants

The antioxidants in ginger are thought to provide several health benefits for dogs, including protecting the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, which contribute to developing diseases like cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.
Since ginger is ok, you may be thinking that garlic with all of its antimicrobial properties is also a good addition to your dog’s diet. But learn more about why that may not be the case!

Potential Side Effects of Ginger

While ginger offers a slew of health benefits for your pup, it should not be included in every pet's diet. Here are a few side effects of ginger and situations in which ginger would not be an appropriate food supplement for your pup. As always, be sure to consult your vet to determine the potential benefits and risks for your individual pet before making dietary changes.

History of Bleeding Disorders

Ginger inhibits blood clotting, so dogs on blood thinning medications or pups preparing for surgery are better off avoiding this root.

Taking Certain Medications

Ginger can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and medications for diabetes. Ginger can also lower blood pressure and blood sugar, so pets with diabetes or heart conditions may not be the best candidate for a ginger-laden diet.

History of Gastrointestinal Problems

In some cases, ginger can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms like acid reflux or ulcers in your dog's stomach.

Pregnancy

Ginger may stimulate uterine contractions, so this root should not be given to pregnant dogs.

Allergy or Sensitivity to Ginger

Some dogs may experience flatulence, stomach upset, or even allergic reactions when given ginger. If you choose to feed your dog a commercial raw pet food diet, be sure to check the ingredients thoroughly if your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to ginger.

Ginger can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet in moderation, but it's important to be mindful of any underlying health conditions or medications your dog may be taking. If you're interested in promoting your dog's digestive health and overall wellness, consider adding a probiotic supplement to their routine. Fidobiotics offers a range of high-quality dog probiotics that are designed to support healthy digestion and immune function. Learn more about our products today!