Can Dogs Eat Ginger? When it is or isn’t an Emergency

Yes, dogs can eat ginger as long as it’s in small amounts. Ginger is available in many forms, including raw ginger, ground ginger, ginger powder, crystallized ginger, the whole ginger root, and ginger from sushi. Some of these will be safe for dogs, while others won’t necessarily be safe due to the use of unhealthy additives.

Why ginger is good for dogs

Ingesting a small amount of ginger may offer a variety of health benefits to dogs. According to VCA hospitals, there is evidence that ginger may help with providing relief from nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms like upset stomachs and diarrhea. Most of this, however, is anecdotal due to limited research in this space.

Ginger is actually used in many dog supplement products. For example, the Missing Link supplement powder helps with maintaining healthy digestion in dogs. It contains ingredients like ginger and flaxseed.

How to give ginger to dogs

There are many safe ways to offer ginger to dogs. You could, for example, finely chop or grate fresh ginger and mix it with the dog’s regular food. You could also use ginger as an ingredient for special homemade dog treats. It should be safe as long as you only add a tiny amount of ginger to the dog’s food.

While rare, there are cases of dogs being allergic to ginger. This is something you need to be cautious of if this is the first time you are feeding your dog human foods like ginger. Ask your vet for advice if you are ever in doubt.