While ginger is a delicious and beneficial spice to add to human food, many dog owners wonder whether there is any danger when dogs eat ginger. Before you feed your dog any food off your plate, it is important to understand the possible effects it can have, as well as any potential benefits.
Can Dogs Eat Ginger?
Yes, dogs can certainly eat ginger, but only in limited quantities. Whenever you feed your canine friend food that isn’t in their normal diet, you should do it in limited quantities, and pay attention to any possible reactions your dog might have. Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, ginger happens to be a very healthy food with limited negative effects. So in moderate amounts, there should be no risk to your dog eating a few pieces of ginger. Ginger has antioxidants and organic compounds that can notably improve health in humans, and some of those effects can also be enjoyed by your pooch. [1]
In fact, some dog owners swear by adding ginger in small quantities to their dog’s diet when certain health or medical concerns arise.
Ginger is safe for your dog to eat in small doses. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Why Should Dogs Eat Ginger?
Some of the best reasons why dogs should be given ginger are if they are suffering from stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, arthritis, and other worrying problems that some dogs experience.
Gastrointestinal Problems
You have likely used ginger at some point in your own life to improve gastrointestinal health, to relieve nausea, or simply speed the digestive process. Digestive problems are quite common in dogs, and adding a bit of ginger to their diet can be exactly what they need. If your dog is vomiting or having diarrhea, try adding a bit of ginger essential oil to their water bowl. You can also mix in a few slices of fresh ginger with their food. If your dog happens to be overly sensitive to taste, adding ground ginger to their food might be a better idea. For bloating, cramping, and constipation, ginger can also be used on your pooch, as it can normalize the digestive system and eliminate painful constipation symptoms. [2]
Anticancer and Antiemetic Potential
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that ginger can be of use to dogs undergoing cancer chemotherapy. The root was found to have an antiemetic effect in dogs suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy, such as vomiting and nausea. [3] [4]
In another 2008 animal study, ginger acted as an anticancer as well as an anti-inflammatory agent in liver cancer cells. [5]
Arthritis
As your dog ages, it will begin to lose mobility and experience increased soreness in joints and muscles. Just like humans, dogs can get arthritis, and it affects a very large percentage of canines as they age. This can be very painful for your pup, and difficult to watch as an owner. Using ginger essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser in your home can deliver small amounts of this powerful oil to your dog, which should help to reduce inflammation in its sore joints. Adding ginger to your dog’s food can also be an effective measure for arthritis, but an aromatic diffuser will provide all-day treatment for your aging pup. [6]
