Ginger for Dogs – Health Benefits, Precautions and Dosage
When it comes to introducing new ingredients into your dog’s diet, it’s essential to ensure they are safe and beneficial for your furry friend. One common query among pet owners is, “Can dogs eat ginger?” This article dives deep into the use of ginger for dogs, exploring its historical medicinal background, nutrient profile, and the positive effects its phytonutrients can have on canine health. From digestive benefits to anti-inflammatory properties, we’ll cover how to safely incorporate ginger into your dog’s diet, optimal dosages, and answer frequently asked questions about this versatile root. Whether you’re curious about its safety or looking for natural ways to enhance your dog’s health, this guide provides all the information you need about ginger for dogs.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of Ginger in Canine Diets
- What is Ginger?
- Description and Characteristics
- The Origins of Medicinal Use of Ginger
- Historical Use in Traditional Medicine
- What Nutrients and Phytonutrients Does Ginger Contain?
- Breakdown of Macro and Micronutrients
- Overview of Phytonutrients and Enzymes
- What is the Mechanism of Effect of These Phytocompounds in Dogs?
- Gingerol and Its Effects
- Shogaol and Its Pain-Relieving Properties
- Zingerone, Paradol, and Zingibain
- What Areas of Dog Health is Ginger Beneficial For?
- Digestive Health
- Pain Relief
- Cardiovascular Health
- Cholesterol Management
- Anti-Cancer Properties
- Cognitive Health
- Antimicrobial Effects
- Dosage of Ginger for Dogs
- Recommended Amounts by Dog Size
- Best Ways to Include Ginger in Dog’s Diet
- Fresh Ginger
- Ground Ginger
- Ginger Tea
- Supplements
- FAQ – Ginger for Dogs
- Is ginger good for dogs?
- Is ginger safe for dogs?
- Is ginger toxic to dogs?
- How much ginger can you give a dog?
- How to prepare ginger for dogs?
- Is ginger good for dogs’ stomach?
- Is ginger good for dog diarrhea?
- Is ginger a pain reliever for dogs?
- Is ginger good for dog’s skin?
- Is ginger good for dogs with kidney disease?
- Is ginger anti-inflammatory for dogs?
- Is ginger good for dog car and motion sickness?
- Is ginger good for dogs that are vomiting?
- Is ginger good for dogs with acid reflux?
- Can dogs eat ginger biscuits/snaps/cake/nut biscuits/chews?
- Can dogs have ginger tea? How to make ginger tea for dogs?
What is Ginger?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant whose root or rhizome is extensively used as a spice and in traditional medicine. The root is characterised by its pungent and spicy flavour, which is derived from its natural oils, with gingerol being the most notable. Ginger is not only celebrated for its flavour but also for its extensive health benefits, which can be attributed to its rich array of nutrients and bioactive compounds.
The Origins of Medicinal Use of Ginger
Ginger’s history as a medicinal herb stretches back more than 5000 years when it was valued by ancient civilisations in India and China as a panacea for various ailments. The Greeks, Romans, and Arabs also recognised ginger’s medicinal properties, incorporating it into their health practices. Throughout history, ginger has been used to alleviate nausea, aid digestion, and help fight the flu and common cold.
What Nutrients and Phytonutrients Does Ginger Contain?
Full breakdown of Ginger’s Nutrients
Ginger is loaded with numerous nutrients and bioactive compounds:
- Macronutrients: Mostly carbohydrates, with minimal protein and dietary fibre.
- Micronutrients: Includes a spectrum of vitamins such as vitamin C, B6, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and manganese.
- Phytonutrients: Contains gingerol, shogaol, paradol, and zingerone, each contributing to its health properties. Ginger also contains zingibain, a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins and facilitates smoother digestion.
What is the Mechanism of Effect of These Phytocompounds in Dogs?
- Gingerol: Acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, helping to manage and reduce chronic inflammation and neutralise harmful free radicals.
- Shogaol: Offers pain relief, particularly useful in conditions like arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Zingerone and Paradol: These compounds aid digestion and can soothe the stomach, helping to treat nausea and prevent vomiting.
- Zingibain: Enhances digestive efficiency by breaking down proteins and promoting faster transit of food through the gastrointestinal tract.
What Areas of Dog Health is Ginger Beneficial For?
Ginger benefits various aspects of canine health:
- Digestive Health: Improves digestion, reduces nausea, and speeds up stomach emptying. (1, 2)
- Pain Relief: Effective against muscle pain and soreness, and helps alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis. (3, 4, 5)
- Cardiovascular Health: May lower blood sugars and improve heart disease risk factors, similar to certain pharmaceuticals. (6, 7)
- Cholesterol Management: Can reduce LDL cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels. (8, 9)
- Anti-Cancer Properties: Contains 6-gingerol, which may have protective effects against cancer. (10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
- Cognitive Health: Protects against age-related brain damage and improves cognitive functions. (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
- Antimicrobial Effects: Can inhibit the growth of various bacteria and viruses, potentially reducing infections, including gingivitis and periodontitis. (22, 23, 24, 25)
Dosage of Ginger for Dogs
The dosage should be tailored to the dog’s size:
- Small dogs: A pinch of fresh ginger (around 1/4 teaspoon) per day.
- Medium dogs: About 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ginger per day.
- Large dogs: Up to 3/4 teaspoon of fresh ginger per day.
Best Ways to Include Ginger in Dog’s Diet
- Fresh Ginger: Finely grated and mixed into food.
- Ground Ginger: The easiest way of adding ginger to your dog’s diet. Add recommended dose to your dog’s food or look for a food that includes ginger as part of its formulation.
- Ginger Tea: Mild ginger tea can be given in small quantities.
- Supplements: Capsules or liquid extracts should be used under veterinary supervision.
FAQ – Ginger for Dogs
Is ginger good for dogs?
Yes, ginger offers multiple health benefits for dogs, including aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and improving cardiovascular health.
Is ginger safe for dogs?
Ginger is safe for dogs when given in small, appropriate amounts. It should not be a substitute for medical treatment when serious health issues arise.
Is ginger toxic for dogs?
No, ginger is not toxic to dogs. However, excessive amounts can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
How much ginger can you give a dog?
Please refer to the dosage section for specific recommendations based on your dog’s size.
How to prepare ginger for dogs?
Ginger should be peeled, finely grated, and then added directly to your dog’s meals. Ensure it is mixed well to avoid any choking hazards or digestive issues. Alternatively use ground ginger by adding it to their food in the appropriate dose for your dog.
Is ginger good for dogs’ stomach?
Yes, ginger can help soothe the stomach, relieve gas, and promote healthy digestion.
Is ginger good for dog diarrhoea?
Ginger can be beneficial for mild cases of diarrhoea associated with indigestion. Persistent diarrhoea should be evaluated by a vet.
Is ginger a pain reliever for dogs?
Yes, ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pain associated with conditions like arthritis.
Is ginger good for dog’s skin?
While more effective internally, ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can indirectly benefit skin health by reducing systemic inflammation.
Is ginger good for dogs with kidney disease?
There is research on ginger’s effects on kidney disease in animals which show it to be renal protective. It has been shown to have a positive effect on diabetes induced kidney disease. It is important to consult a veterinarian for advice tailored to your pet’s specific kidney condition. (26, 27, 28)
Is ginger anti-inflammatory for dogs?
Yes, ginger is highly effective at reducing inflammation, making it beneficial for dogs suffering from various inflammatory conditions.
Is ginger good for dog car and motion sickness?
Ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea and motion sickness and can be used to help dogs during travel.
Is ginger good for dogs that are vomiting?
If the vomiting is due to motion sickness or digestive issues, ginger can be helpful. For frequent or severe vomiting, seek veterinary care.
Is ginger good for dogs with acid reflux?
Ginger may help manage symptoms of mild acid reflux by improving digestive health. Whilst there is limited research in dogs, studies in humans point to a benefit in reducing reflux and given the translational nature of the dog-human interaction ginger could very well provide reflux relief. (29)
Can dogs eat ginger biscuits/snaps/cake/nut biscuits/chews?
Dogs can eat ginger in these forms only if they are free of toxic ingredients and given in moderation. However, many commercial products contain excessive sugars and fats that are not ideal for dogs so it is not recommended. NOTE: Commercial ginger biscuits, ginger snaps, ginger cake may contain the sweetener Xylitol which is highly toxic for dogs and should not be fed under any circumstances.
Can dogs have ginger tea?
Yes, you can give dogs a mild ginger tea. The benefits of giving your dog ginger tea include providing nutritious hydration with all of the anti-inflammatory benefits ginger offers dogs.
How to make ginger tea for dogs?
Steep a small slice of ginger in hot water, let it cool, and offer a few tablespoons to your dog or add it to their drinking water.
By understanding the benefits and appropriate uses of ginger, you can safely incorporate this powerful root into your dog’s diet for enhanced health and well-being.
In answer to the question, ‘Can dogs eat ginger’, the unequivocal answer is yes. Ginger , for all its health benefits, should form part of your dogs daily nutrition as part of a complete and balanced diet.
Bonza, a vegan dog food, includes ginger in its Superfoods and Ancient Grains formula, together with numerous other health giving ingredients, specifically selected for their health-giving properties.
