Can Dogs Eat Ginger?

We adore ginger because it’s spicy, zesty, and full of good nutrients. But can dogs eat ginger? Believe it or not—they can! Ginger is safe for dogs, and they can eat some! Now, you may wonder if they’re going to like it since it tastes hot and spicy. Well, that’s another question, but what’s good to know for us is that dogs can eat ginger, and it’s actually good for them.

dog and ginger root with slices of ginger

Table Of Contents

Is ginger safe for dogs?
- Ginger is safe for dogs, but dogs don't need ginger
How much ginger can dogs eat?
Are there any health benefits of ginger for dogs?
Can dogs eat raw (fresh) ginger?
And what about pickled ginger?
What about ginger powder? Can dogs eat it?
What ginger-flavored products are safe for dogs?
FAQs

I use ginger to make smoothies, then I use it in my stir-fries because it goes incredibly well with garlic and soy sauce, and I use it for baking cookies, so I haven’t had the opportunity to share ginger with my dog since he can’t eat any of these things.

If you’re using ginger in cooking, be careful, as some other ingredients may not be safe for your dog, like onions, garlic, and soy sauce. When it comes to baked goods, unless you use xylitol, all baked goods are non-toxic to dogs, but they’re also not recommended since they have lots of sugar and empty carbs.

Is ginger safe for dogs?

Yes, ginger is safe for dogs in small amounts. It’s not toxic, and even though it tastes spicy, it doesn’t have any harmful compounds like onions or garlic.

In fact, ginger can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet since it has some health benefits. However, like any new food, you should check how your dog reacts to it before you start adding it to their meals.

Ginger is safe for dogs, but dogs don’t need ginger

As with all other healthy foods, you need to remember that dogs really don’t need them in their diets. In this case, dogs don’t need ginger, and even though it’s healthy and has health benefits, it’s not something they can’t live without.

How much ginger can dogs eat?

Since it’s strong and quite spicy, you shouldn’t give your dog more than a teaspoon of fresh ginger. If it’s a small dog, I would go with just a sprinkle!

Too much ginger can lead to an upset stomach and some digestive issues, so don’t overdo it.

Are there any health benefits of ginger for dogs?

You probably already know that ginger is the number one food for nausea and upset stomach. It works the same for dogs! Here are some of the ways ginger might help your dog:

Digestive support: Ginger can soothe upset stomachs and reduce nausea. You can try giving your dog a ginger biscuit (a low-sugar one) if they are carsick or have stomach issues.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginger has natural compounds that help reduce inflammation.

Antioxidants: Ginger is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Blood sugar regulation: Ginger can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, which may be beneficial for some dogs.

Can dogs eat raw (fresh) ginger?

Yes, dogs can eat raw or fresh ginger, but you should limit the amounts as too much can upset their stomach. Raw ginger has a really strong flavor—even I can’t eat too much without having a burning sensation in my stomach—so please be careful.

Also, make sure to peel the skin and slice it properly. If you’re looking to get some health benefits, then fresh ginger is the best option, but I would really limit the amount you give your dog, and maybe a sprinkle of fresh ginger will be enough.

And what about pickled ginger?

Dogs shouldn’t eat pickled ginger. While the ginger itself isn’t toxic, pickled ginger is made with vinegar, sugar, and sometimes salt, all of which can be harmful to dogs. Too much salt can lead to dehydration, and sugar is never good for dogs. Additionally, pickled ginger can have preservatives or artificial additives that are not always safe. If your dog accidentally eats a small piece of pickled ginger, don’t worry, as it’s not toxic to dogs, but don’t give them any on purpose.

What about ginger powder? Can dogs eat it?

Yes, dogs can eat ginger powder, but only a pinch is safe since it’s more concentrated than fresh ginger. You can use ginger powder when you’re baking for your dog, as there are several great pumpkin-sweet potato cookies you can make for them!

If you use powdered ginger in your dishes, make sure the other ingredients are dog-friendly as well! Don’t use ginger salt or anything mixed with onion and garlic powder!

What ginger-flavored products are safe for dogs?

Most ginger-flavored products are not safe for dogs. Ginger cookies, ginger snaps, or gingerbread all have lots of sugar, fat, and other ingredients that aren’t good for dogs. Sometimes, they may even include harmful ingredients like nutmeg, xylitol (a toxic artificial sweetener), or chocolate.

The only thing I can think of is ginger-flavored dog cookies, which I sometimes see in my local pet shop, so you may be able to find these!

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

How much ginger can you give a dog?

Only a small amount of ginger is considered safe, as too much can cause digestive issues. For small dogs, go with 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, while large dogs can have more, but not more than a whole teaspoon.

Can ginger cause diarrhea in dogs?

Yes, ginger can cause diarrhea if you give them a lot and if your dog is sensitive to it. While ginger is generally safe and can soothe upset stomachs, too much can irritate your dog’s digestive system and cause runny poo.