Can Dogs Have Ginger Snaps?
Without a doubt, ginger snaps are delicious and crunchy sweets that we humans like eating.
Ginger snaps can be eaten on their own or in desserts and other dishes and are popular, especially around the Christmas season! Ginger snaps, after all, are sweet and spicy delicacies that have been around for decades. So, can dogs consume ginger snaps?
In terms of cookies, it appears to be a very nutritious treat! But what about your canine companion? In short, no dog should consume ginger snaps.
In this post, we investigate this and discuss the basic elements of ginger snap cookies and their effect on dogs.
Can Dogs Consume Ginger Snaps?
Dogs and ginger snaps are not a nice or healthy combo. Ask any veterinarian, and he will confirm this.
Ginger, as a vegetable, is safe to feed to dogs and is also healthy. It works to improve healthy digestion and aids in the treatment of stomach discomfort. But, as you might expect, ginger isn’t the sole component in ginger snaps.
Other ingredients included in the ginger snap biscuit are flour (mostly), sugar, and spices. These ingredients, too, contribute to the distinct flavor. Ginger, however, is used in tiny amounts in ginger snap biscuits. And, more often than not, this trace of ginger is unnatural.
As you may well know, sugar is never a beneficial component for dogs. On the other hand, Ginger snaps are low in sugar, which is excellent news. Ginger snaps have a lower sugar level when compared to other cookies. Furthermore, the cookies are rather modest in size. And crunchier, which your dog could enjoy every now and then.
So, it’s fine to give this unique gift to your animal pet on rare occasions. It will not damage your dog, and without a doubt, your pet will like the mix of sweet and crispy.
However, when serving ginger snaps, ensure the cookies do not include xylitol. Canines are at risk from this toxic substance.
To summarize, your dog can eat ginger snaps. However, you should be aware that there are better, healthier choices to feed instead. When taken in moderation, the cookies may not be dangerous.
However, the fact that they are designed for human consumption stays constant, so they should not be offered to dogs as treats.
Ginger And Its Canine Advantages
Ginger may be quite beneficial to dogs. It promotes good digestive processes and can even help with stomach discomfort. It is a root vegetable that can make both people and dogs feel better if they become carsick or have just had a stomach virus.
Ginger is high in antioxidants, which help your dog’s immune system. It has even been proved to prevent some types of cancer in dogs.
It is also good for the heart because it has anticlotting properties. It may also help to lower microfilariae burdens linked with heartworms.
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can help your dog deal with unpleasant arthritic symptoms as they age. It cleanses their bodies of impurities and helps lessen inflammation around aching joints. You may even manufacture a salve and apply it topically to treat localized pain caused by osteoarthritis.
The Other Ingredients And Their Dangers
Now that you’re aware of the numerous benefits ginger may provide for your dog, you should know that the remaining components destroy ginger snaps for your pet.
Sugar
When it comes to the elements that make ginger snaps dangerous, sugar is the main offender. Dogs’ digestive tracts are not designed to metabolize sugar, which is completely unnecessary in their diets and can lead to serious health problems.
Sugar is not poisonous to dogs, but it will upset your dog’s internal processes in the long term. They may begin to exhibit diabetic signs and may even become obese, significantly reducing a dog’s longevity.
Synthetic Sweeteners
You may believe that instead of utilizing sugar, you might use a healthier option such as xylitol to make the ginger snaps healthier for both you and your dog. However, xylitol is harmful to dogs and will cause even more harm than regular white sugar. Give your dog no xylitol-containing products.
Flour
Although wheat is not a particularly dangerous foodstuff, it can disturb your dog. Although not all dog owners support a gluten-free diet, it is well acknowledged that wheat gluten in bread is frequently difficult for dogs to digest. It is unlikely to give them any discomfort, but they will feel better without it in their system.
Lard Or Shortening
Shortening or lard is another important component in ginger snap cookies. These are butter substitutes.
Although neither shortening nor lard are poisonous to dogs, significant amounts are likely to induce vomiting and diarrhea. Even tiny servings of cookies can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.
Recipe For Dog-Friendly Ginger Snaps
Don’t give up if you’ve always wanted to give this delectable treat to your dog. It might just require modifying an existing dish to make it safer for your dog to eat.
There are several recipes for dog-friendly ginger snaps on the internet. The secret is to use honey for white sugar and olive oil for shortening or lard. Although honey contains sugar, it is less processed and more natural than pure white sugar. It is not only safer, but it also provides health advantages in the form of vitamins and minerals.
One thing is guaranteed when making delectable ginger snap biscuits for your dog. That your kitchen will smell like you sprayed air freshener. The fragrance of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses fills the air.
What You’ll Need To Make 25 To 30 Ginger Snap Cookies:
- 4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup fresh shredded ginger
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup of water
Preparation Instructions:
- To begin, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Then get a big bowl. Add flour, honey, ginger, and cinnamon to it. Stir up all of these ingredients. After that, add the molasses, olive oil, and water. Knead the dough until it’s firm.
- Then, on a floured surface, roll out the dough. The thickness should be 1/4 inch over here. Place the pieces on the cookie sheets after using the cookie cutter.
- It’s now time to bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Allow the newly made biscuits to cool when the timer goes off. Then place them in an airtight container in your freezer or refrigerator.
Conclusion
Not all human foods are good for your dog, unlike ginger, which is beneficial to both people and dogs. Most dog owners like to offer ginger snaps to their dogs since ginger is an anti-motion sickness remedy.
While ginger snaps are not poisonous to dogs, limiting their consumption to a little mouthful is better.
Making your own ginger snaps is a terrific way to give your dog a healthier alternative to the traditional treat. That way, everyone in your family may celebrate the holidays in their own unique manner.
Further Reading: