Is Ginger Good for Dogs?

The flavorful spice that many of us use in our own kitchens comes from the underground stem or root part of the flowering ginger plant. It has been used as a medicinal solution for human ailments ranging from mild stomach upset to pregnancy-induced nausea and various non-stomach afflictions in between. 

So like most superfoods that can be beneficial to us – be it a new health trend or thousand-year-old cure-all – it’s natural to wonder if ginger can perhaps enhance your dog’s wellbeing too.  

The short answer: While there are serving guidelines to know before feeding your dog a piece as you’re cooking, yes,  ginger can benefit your dog’s health. Here’s how: 

The Benefits of Ginger for Dogs 

• Ginger is antioxidant rich. The main active ingredient in the spice – gingerol – can help protect against cell damage and support your dog’s overall immunity. 

• Ginger is an anti-inflammatory. Acting as a natural anti-inflammatory, ginger can help improve your dog’s muscle and joint health. It may also help ease inflammation-related pain from canine arthritis. 

• Ginger is a digestive health aid. Last but certainly not least, ginger can help decrease gas and bloating in dogs. It stimulates movement in the stomach, which can help speed up digestion. And, because ginger is rich in volatile oils which regulate gut contractions, it can help prevent and expel gas from your dog’s digestive tract. 

How to Incorporate Ginger Into Your Dog’s Diet 

We people-kind can incorporate ginger into our diet in fresh, powdered, juice, tea and even supplement form. But how is it best served to your dog? Sundays takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect way to incorporate ginger into your dog’s diet. All of our highly palatable recipes contain just the right amount of ginger that will enhance your dog’s health. 

It’s important to note that ginger ingested in large amounts by dogs may not only cause gas and nausea – two symptoms you may be trying to address – but can rarely act as a blood thinner when ingested in large amounts by dogs with pre-existing bleeding disorders. The risk is incredibly low and it would require ingesting a large amount by a dog with the pre-existing condition.  

When introducing any new ingredient to your dog’s diet that has not been formulated specifically for dogs, check in with your vet. And take a look at our Chicken, Beef and Turkey recipes for an easy and safe way to incorporate ginger into your pup’s regular meal.