Ginger is one of the spices known for its distinctive flavour and smell. Besides the unique taste and smell, ginger has incredible health benefits for humans. It can help people to relieve problems like stomach upset and nausea. The good thing is this benefit also extends to your dog.
Ginger is not only safe but also beneficial for your dog. Administering a modest quantity of this spice can give your pet an antioxidant boost, aiding in alleviating nausea, gastrointestinal issues, and bloating. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help mitigate arthritis discomfort.
About Ginger
There is no doubt that ginger is safe for your dog to eat in small amounts. While it is not toxic, consuming a large portion of ginger can create digestive problems for your dog. You can give your dog the raw powder, ginger root and dried ginger to consume.
However, some dogs are allergic to this spice like any other substance. So, if you decide to feed your dog ginger, it is better to consult with your veterinary professional first. If you do not want to consult with a vet, offer your dog a small amount of the spice and watch them closely for the next 48 hours for any adverse allergic reactions.
Ginger is also one of the most fibrous food elements. So, if you offer it to your dog in large doses, they might find it difficult to digest. As a loving dog parent, the last thing you would want for your dog is to endure a bowel obstruction due to excessive ginger consumption.
You should not give your dogs ginger if they suffer from liver or kidney damage. It is better not to offer it to dogs suffering from blood clotting disorders. Do not give ginger to pregnant or lactating dogs either. Ginger also interacts with several medicines, so it is always better to consult the veterinarian before giving it to your pet.
Vitamin And Minerals In Ginger
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin and niacin
- Iron
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
Best Served
You can offer raw ginger to your dog. However, you can also give ginger to your dog in the form of capsules, tablets, and liquid. Even though you can offer dried ginger to your dog, there is a chance of developing side effects.
That is why veterinary professionals generally do not recommend dried ginger to dogs. Mix a small amount of raw ginger with the dog food, or use small pieces of ginger as treats. After offering ginger for the first time, keep your dog under watch. It will help you determine whether your dog is allergic to ginger.
Even though the amount of ginger should be considered depending on the size and weight of your dog, you should not serve them more than half an inch.
Please always discuss it with your veterinarian before adding it to your dog’s diet as a herbal remedy.
After considering every other aspect tailored to your dog, the professionals can help you recommend the right amount of spice.
In small doses, ginger offers a lot of benefits to dogs. It contains many minerals and vitamins that boost your dog’s immunity system. Let’s check out some of ginger’s health benefits for your dog.
Helps With Nausea
There are many reasons why your dog may feel sick. A small piece of fresh ginger can help alleviate the symptoms, whatever the reason. If you suspect your dog is suffering from a stomach upset, keeping some fresh ginger handy is always better. The compound gingerol in ginger helps speed up and smoothen your dog’s digestive process. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger also help soothe the digestive tract, reducing nausea.
Helps With Bloating
When your dog’s stomach expands due to excess air, fluid, or food, it creates a situation known as bloating. Bloating can lead to gastric dilation volvulus, which is fatal for your dog. In such a situation, blood flow between organs can get decreased significantly. In severe cases, excess pressure also makes your dog’s stomach twisted.
You can stop the progression of this problem by administering ginger at the early stages of bloating. The spice can stimulate the movements of the content in the stomach and prevent gas build-ups in the long run.
Powerful Antioxidant
The spicy, sharp taste and smell of ginger are caused by gingerol and other phytochemicals. These are exceptional antioxidants that help to reduce the number of free radicals in your dog’s body. The raw ginger root contains vitamins B, C, and E and minerals like copper and potassium. However, there are a lot of foods and vegetables that contain more vitamins and minerals for dogs. That is why ginger is not recommended as one of the principal elements for vitamins.
Can dogs eat gingerbread?
No, dogs should not eat gingerbread. Gingerbread often contains nutmeg, which can harm dogs in large amounts. It also contains sugar and potentially other ingredients not suitable for dogs.
Recap
The bottom line is that ginger is not toxic to your pet dog if you serve it in small doses. You should consult with your vet before introducing it to your dog. Also, please watch your dog closely after serving them ginger for the first time. If you suspect any adverse reactions, do not hesitate to contact the vet immediately.
