Can Dogs Eat Ginger?
Ginger is a common spice in our kitchens, in its natural root form or as a powder. It has plenty of health benefits and gives food a unique smack. The spice is versatile, as you can use it in sweet and savory dishes. Be it in soups, cakes, juices, marinade, and more, ginger will always uplift your foods.
Is it okay for my dog to eat ginger? Unlike most spices, ginger is safe for dogs. It may be surprising to many dog owners who may have been very strict with their pets regarding foods with ginger.
Do you want to know more about ginger and your canine? If yes, you are in the right place, as we give you the necessary info about the safety of this spice for dogs.
Is Ginger Safe for My Dog?
Yes, ginger is safe for your dogs, though you should limit its consumption. It is good news for many people, as you can share your gingered beef with your pooch.
Did you know that ginger provides several benefits to your dog? If you regularly take this spice, there is a high chance you know about its nutritional value, which dogs can take advantage of.
Benefits of Your Dog Eating Ginger
The following are the perks of your dog eating ginger
Fights off Nausea
Dogs can get nauseous for several reasons, such as sickness, motion sickness, excess heat, allergies, and medication. Signs of nausea are restlessness, discomfort, excessive drooling, panting, and appetite loss. At times there may be vomiting.
You can crush a ginger rhizome and feed it to your pup. Put it in water, soup, or milk if the taste is too strong for them. You will notice changes after a few minutes.
Relief For Bloating
Bloating brings discomfort to dogs, an issue you need to address promptly. It comes about due to gas build-up in the tummy. The gas comes from dogs eating and drinking fast or due to the breakdown of food in the stomach.
Ginger is a great home remedy, as it has volatile oils that stimulate gut movement and allow gas expulsion. Additionally, the root is rich in fiber, which promotes food motility in the lower digestive tract. Fiber prevents constipation, another culprit behind bloating and abdominal pain.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Gingerol is a compound found in ginger and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Gingerol will enhance your dog’s immune system and reduce the chances of them ailing. As an antioxidant, ginger fights off cellular oxidative stress from free radicals. The result is less susceptibility to cancer and conditions like hair loss due to old age.
According to research, a regular serving of ginger fends off chronic conditions like heart diseases and diabetes. Also, ginger may aid in the management of obesity.
Nutritional Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is rich in nutrients like proteins, carbs, and fiber. Proteins are crucial for muscle growth and repair of torn tissues, while carbs provide energy. Fiber promotes sound gut health.
Furthermore, the rhizome has vitamins B3, B6, and C. Minerals include zinc, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium, and calcium. Despite minerals and vitamins being trace, they can complement other sources.
How to Feed Ginger to Your Dog
The many advantages of ginger for dogs make it wise to include it in their diet. Preparation of ginger for dogs is straightforward, and you can do it in three ways.
The first way is to prepare ginger doggie treats. You make the treats the same way you make cookies, but make it pet friendly. Use a little or no oil, salt, and sugar. Use ground rhizomes or ginger powder in the mixing process, then bake. Let the treats cool and feed your dog.
The other way to do it is by mixing the spice with high-quality dog food. Use a little ginger because the aroma may be too much for some dogs.
Finally, give your dog ginger dissolved in water or other liquids like soup or milk. Add the spice to the fluids when boiling for proper blending. Moreover, your canine can drink ginger-flavored juices and smoothies. Ensure they do not have additives like sugar, cinnamon, garlic, and chocolate.
Can dogs eat raw ginger? Yes, your dog can eat raw ginger without any problem. Crush the rhizome or chop it into smaller bits for easy feeding.
Points to Note About Dogs and Ginger
Below are critical things to remember when feeding your dog ginger.
1. Talk to Your Vet
You should consult your veterinarian to know whether it is alright for your dog to eat ginger. Consultation helps rule out the possibility of allergies.
Dogs allergic to ginger can react even when it comes into contact with their skin. Your dog may start to itch, develop hives, and pant uncontrollably.
2. Be Patient with Your Dog
Introduce ginger gradually to your canine, as it may feel foreign. Please do not force your furry friend to eat food with this spice, as it may turn aggressive. Test your pup with a morsel of gingered food and give it more if it likes it.
3. Limit its Consumption
Do not use more than one small rhizome on your dog’s food. Too much ginger gives the food a strong aroma that may repel your furry friend.
Ginger can reduce blood pressure, but it might act as a blood thinner in excess. In addition, the spice can cause heartburn and tummy irritations in large quantities.
4. Be Careful with Raw Ginger
While dogs can eat raw ginger, you should crush it or chop it into smaller pieces. Ginger is a root and typically firm and may cause choking if your dog tries to eat it whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Ginger Should My Dog Have?
Ginger has many benefits to dogs, but you should limit its consumption to a tablespoonful if raw. A small crushed rhizome is perfect if you want to put it in food or water. Too much ginger can irritate your pup’s tummy or cause heartburn. Some dogs may get nauseous after having a lot of ginger.
Can Dogs Eat Pickled Ginger?
Pickled ginger is not toxic, but the preservatives can be hard for a dog to handle. The scent and taste of the acidic media used in pickling are repulsive to dogs and can trigger ulcers and other illnesses in the digestive system.
If you only have the pickled type, you can wash it under running water to wash away the preservatives and give your dog a small piece of the pickle.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Pickles? Are Pickles Safe For Dogs?
Can Ginger Beat Arthritis in Dogs?
Arthritis is common in dogs, mostly the older ones, and results in stiff and painful joints. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory agent and can offer relief to inflamed joints.
You can prepare ginger water for your pet and let it have it regularly. Typically, you will notice changes after a few days of this home remedy. Contact your pet doctor if there is no improvement.
Can I Give My Dog Ginger Biscuits?
Ginger biscuits are irresistible, and you may get tempted to share them with your pooch. One biscuit won’t hurt, but avoiding giving your dog this treat is better.
Related: 20 Excellent Treats for Your Canine Friend
The snack may have ingredients that can endanger your pet’s life. We are talking about sugar, salt, oil, cinnamon, and chocolate. The same applies to ginger cake and gingerbread.
If you badly want to share a gingered snack with your dog, go for the pet-friendly varieties. Also, you may prepare a bunch of ginger cookies without the mentioned ingredients.
Which Dogs Should Not Eat Ginger?
Despite ginger being good for dogs, some situations call for its withdrawal from your dog’s diet. Canines allergic to ginger should not eat it. The same applies to dogs with hemophilia, diabetes, and those under treatment. According to pet experts, pregnant and lactating dogs should likewise avoid ginger.
Conclusion
There’s no need to panic if your dog eats ginger. As seen in this piece, it is a healthy spice that your dog should occasionally have. It fights nausea, arthritis, and bloating and prevents cancer, among other conditions. Those are enough credits to convince you to prepare some delicious food with ginger for your pup.
It’s important to remember that in small amounts, ginger is beneficial to dogs.
Excess intake can bring about heartburn or spike low blood pressure.
Talk to your vet before giving your dog this spice to avoid hurdles like allergies, which can get fatal.
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