Can dogs eat ginger?

Updated 29/04/2024

Brightening up curries, teas and being revered for its variety of health benefits, it's no wonder ginger has its place firmly in our kitchens. But does your pup come trotting in, snout twitching and tail wagging when you cut into a fresh ginger root or pour your anti-bloat tea? If so, we wouldn't blame you for wondering if Fido can enjoy a piece and get a few (zingy) health benefits too. 

But can dogs eat ginger? Or is it just as unsafe for dogs as other aromatics healthy for us humans, like onions and garlic? Well luckily for your pup, dogs can eat ginger. In fact, it might even hold a few health benefits for our canine companions, too. So to find out the safest ways for dogs to eat ginger, take a look below as we get into some of the most popular questions fellow pet parents have on the topic.

Related article: Can dogs eat cabbage?

Is ginger poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat ginger left, right and center, or is ginger toxic to dogs in some way? Well luckily for your pup (if they managed to get their paws onto your ginger root), ginger isn't poisonous to dogs. But with that said, eating too much of it can cause gastrointestinal upset, and it isn't the safest choice if your pup is experiencing any health issues. For more on that, have a scroll below.

Related article: Can dogs eat zucchini?

Is ginger good for dogs?

So can dogs eat ginger and get any health benefits like we humans can? Well with a fair few claims out there on the health benefits of ginger for both dogs and their humans, it could be worth seeing for yourself. We'll get into some of the potentially positive health effects of ginger in dogs below, but first, a few words of warning on why ginger isn't good for all dogs. 

Like with any product, there's a chance your pup could be allergic to ginger, so watch out for any signs of intolerance the first time you feed it to them, including rashes, inflamed skin and itching. Next, you'll need to consult your vet before you share any ginger - they'll be able to advise on how much is safe for your specific pup. Plus, if your pooch is on medication or has a health condition of any kind, then ginger might not be the best choice for them. Instead, opt for a less risky snack like zucchini.

Related article: Can dogs eat pears?

Health benefits of eating ginger for dogs

Now we've cleared up the question - can dogs have ginger - and you're hopefully clear on whether your specific pup can enjoy its zingy freshness, let's get into some of the health benefits your pooch could reap. 

Ginger is packed with antioxidants (which is partly why it's loved by us humans), which helps to remove free radicals and protect your pup from cell damage. Plus, if your doggo suffers from canine arthritis, ginger might help to reduce inflammation and the symptoms of the condition. And like with us humans, eating ginger might help your pooch with digestion, easing bloat and gas. Plus, you’ll find a range of vitamins and minerals in the vegetable, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium.

And with that in mind, know that medicating your pup with ginger shouldn't be your first port of call if they're experiencing any health issues. Instead, contact your vet for advice or treatment, and be sure to ask whether they consider ginger a safe option for your specific furry friend.

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Feeding your dog ginger

Now that you're hopefully clearer on the question - can dogs eat ginger - now let's talk about the safest ways to feed your pooch ginger. Firstly, we suggest contacting your vet. That way, you'll know that the vegetable won't interfere with any medication they're on or health issues they're experiencing. Plus, you'll be able to get specific advice on how much ginger is safe for your doggo based on their size, age and breed.

Then when it comes to preparing ginger for dogs, remove the skin as this could be a little tough for your dog's stomach, then chop it into tiny pieces or mince it up - this will make it easier for your pup to digest. Then, either use it as a special training treat, or sprinkle it on top of kibble to spice things up.

Related article: Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts?

Other ginger products

So, ginger and dogs are a great match - some of the time. But can dogs eat the ginger-infused products we humans enjoy? We advise taking it on a case by case basis, but if it’s got additional fat and sugar, don’t feed it to your pup.

Can dogs eat gingerbread?

As adorable as gingerbread might be, we don’t advise sharing it with your doggo. It’s packed with butter and sugar, which can result in GI distress, pancreatitis and obesity in dogs if ingested. 

Can dogs eat ginger snaps?

They might get your pup's tail twitching, but we don't advise feeding your doggo ginger snaps. Not only are they packed with sugar and fat, they also often contain nuts, and some of which are bad news for dogs.

Can dogs eat pickled ginger?

We advise sticking to fresh ginger for dogs. While pickled might tickle their taste buds, it's likely to contain lots of salt, vinegar and potentially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So now we're all clued-up on the question - can dogs have ginger, you might be wondering - what 'human' foods can dogs eat? Get started with those below.

• Cabbage
• Lettuce
• Spinach