Can dogs eat ginger?

Can dogs eat ginger?

Humans eat ginger for a whole range of reasons: its invigorating spicy flavor, its health benefits, and its nausea-relieving properties. But can dogs eat ginger? If you’ve been wondering whether your dog can enjoy the same health benefits as we do, or whether the strong-flavored root would be bad for them, read on…

In this blog we’ll explore the benefits of ginger, if you can feed it to your dog, and the things you should know before offering it to pets.

Can I feed my dog ginger?

The quick answer is yes: dog’s can eat ginger. The tropical root is free from toxic substances so if your dog happens to get hold of some, or you’ve fed them a scrap of human food and are worried about the effects of the ginger in it, don’t worry.

However, like all human foods, ginger should only be fed to dogs in moderation.

Is ginger good for dogs?

For centuries humans have eaten ginger to cure upset stomachs, prevent sickness, as an anti-inflammatory, and due to its full flavor. It’s also thought to manage cholesterol levels and help with osteoarthritis.

Though studies haven’t shown that any of these benefits translate for dogs, ginger is also packed with nutrients that are essential to your dog’s diet. It’s rich in iron, magnesium, and Vitamin B. And while these should all be included in your dog’s usual meals, offering them ginger as an occasional treat is a good way to boost their intake – as long as it’s not their main source.

Are there any negative side effects to ginger for dogs?

There are some potential side effects to be aware of. Some dogs can be allergic to ginger, so start by feeding them a small amount to test for reactions. Most dogs with ginger allergies are allergic to the contact with their skin. It can cause rashes and itching, so if your dog displays these symptoms stop feeding them ginger.

Eating too much can also cause stomach upset in dogs. If this happens, take them to the vet and seek advice on how much is too much for your dog. The answer might be to stop feeding it to them altogether.

Ginger is also known to react with some medications. So if your dog has a kidney or liver illness, it’s best to avoid feeding them ginger.

How to feed ginger to dogs

Raw ginger with the skin removed is the best and healthiest way to feed it to dogs. Pure ginger powder could also be mixed into their food, although the health benefits of this are usually not worth the risk of the powder not being as pure as the fresh root.

Chop the ginger into small pieces or mince it so your dog won’t choke. And if you’re not sure how much your dog can eat, check with your vet before feeding it to them.

Avoid feeding your dog any human foods that contain ginger, like ginger biscuits or curries, as these are likely to contain other ingredients that are harmful to dogs. For example, curry contains chili, onion, and garlic which are toxic to dogs, and ginger biscuits and cakes are high in sugar and sometimes contain nuts.

If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy treat to feed your dog, why not try Front of the Pack’s freeze-dried treats? They’re made with 100% raw animal protein and frozen for a chewy, jerky-like texture. They’re fresh and pure with no added nasties, so you won’t need to worry whether their new favorite snack is doing them any harm.