Ginger makes for amazing cookies and the perfect spicy, sweet flavor in almost any dish. It’s also celebrated for its many health benefits, making it a popular ingredient among us humans. But, can our four-legged friends enjoy all that ginger has to offer, too? In this post, we’re talking about ginger for dogs, whether or not dogs should eat ginger, and discussing some of its health benefits.
What Is Ginger?
As the days get colder and winter approaches, you’ll no doubt start to see ginger cropping up just about everywhere! It’s a flavor associated with the winter holidays and a staple in many baked good recipes. But, all year round, ginger is enjoyed as a spice, flavor-enhancer, and health tonic popular with a wide variety of people.
Just what is ginger, though?
Ginger is a plant — its technical name is Zingiber officinale — that is native to Asia. Ginger is taken from the root of the plant and is hearty enough to grow in cooler climates. It has been used for thousands of years both in cuisine and medicine. Ginger is closely related to other good-for-you plants like turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.
Ginger is tawny, taupe in color with a pale yellowish interior. It is oddly shaped and often appears to have limbs or branches. Ginger can be eaten raw, though it’s potent in flavor this way, cooked or dried.
And, ginger is considered by many to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet!
Can Dogs Eat Ginger?
Good news for Fido...Ginger is perfectly safe for dogs! As with any new ingredients, make sure you introduce ginger to your dog in a small quantity and that you are keeping a close eye on your pet to make sure he doesn’t have an adverse reaction.
Ginger is generally considered safe for dogs in any form — including fresh, raw ginger, cooked ginger, and dried ginger.
That said, just like with us humans, raw ginger can be a little bit tough to stomach! And, feeding Fido too much of this spice can cause some digestive distress. Instead, stick to small amounts mixed into your dog’s food or baked into his favorite dog treats!
The Benefits Of Ginger For Dogs
Now that you know ginger is AOK and safe to feed your pet, let’s discuss why you might consider introducing this particular ingredient to your dog’s diet. Here are some of the many health benefits associated with ginger:
Ginger Is Packed With Antioxidants
Ginger is rich in antioxidant properties which makes it incredibly beneficial for your dog’s immune system. Antioxidants help fight free radicals to prevent oxidative stress, something that can cause health issues for your dog as he ages. Ginger has been used to help keep people and pets healthy for many years and can be extra beneficial if Fido is feeling under the weather. Try adding ginger to your dog’s dish before cold and flu season to help keep your pet healthy or before seasonal allergies strike if that is something your dog frequently experiences.
Ginger Helps Soothe An Upset Stomach
Is your dog feeling nauseous? Help with an upset stomach, nauseous feelings, or car sickness by adding ginger to your dog’s diet. It’s been proven to help reduce feelings of nausea and help with stomach discomfort. Ginger is so impressive, in fact, that it has been studied for effectiveness against pharmaceuticals designed to help with nausea, motion sickness, and car sickness. Ginger has been found to be just as helpful when it comes to reducing nausea. Keep this in mind the next time you head out for a road trip with your dog or your pup isn’t feeling his best and is vomiting.
Ginger Helps Freshen Breath And Promotes Dental Health
Ginger is packed with compounds that are natural germ-fighters. They help prevent future health issues and freshen your let’s breath at the same time! Ginger can help keep your dog’s teeth healthy for years to come and works to prevent dental issues from developing. Add some fresh ginger to your dog’s dish or pump some ginger oil on top of his food for the best oral-supportive results.
Ginger Can Help Soothe Sore Muscles
It’s beneficial for your dog if he is extra active and could use some help recovering after a strenuous walk or hike. If your dog overdid it at the dog park, hiked a little farther than he should have, or is recovering from a muscle issue, reach for the ginger. It’s long been used by humans to help enhance athletic performance and speed up muscle recovery after exercise. The same benefits apply for Fido, too, so add it to his dog bowl if you notice him moving a little slower than normal after an exercise-heavy day.
Ginger Is Beneficial For General Discomfort
If your dog is uncomfortable—anywhere on his body—ginger can help! It works with your dog’s body to help ensure your pup has a healthy inflammatory response, something that is essential for your dog’s comfort level. This ingredient is especially helpful if your dog has joint or mobility-related discomfort or if your dog is getting up there in the years! Add ginger to your pet’s diet, introduce him to a ginger-filled treat or look for joint-targeted supplements formulated with ginger to help with discomfort.
PetHonesty Products That Contain Ginger
Ready to add ginger to your dog’s diet so he can benefit from its antioxidant compounds and soothing properties? Try Calming Hemp Chews, which are formulated with ginger root plus hemp, chamomile, valerian root, and other calming ingredients. It’s the perfect supplement to add to your dog’s diet to help him stress less and calm down.
Sources:
https://www.rover.com/blog/can-my-dog-eat-ginger/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/how-to-give-your-dog-ginger/
https://learn.theanxiouspet.com/natural-wellness/can-dogs-have-ginger/
https://www.loveyourdog.com/can-dogs-eat-ginger/
