When it comes to keeping our canine friends healthy, making sure they are eating the right foods is essential. But, when we look to alternate sources of nutrition to add something special to their diets, it can be a bit tricky. This article will explore the question – is it safe for dogs to eat ginger?
Ginger is a popular ingredient in many dishes, and has long been thought to possess medicinal benefits. It is a root vegetable and part of the Zingiberaceae family of plants, and is thought to be native to Southeast Asia. It’s used in both traditional and modern medicine due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and has even been used to treat nausea and other digestive issues. However, when it comes to feeding ginger to our furry friends, it’s important to understand the potential risks and benefits.
HOW MUCH GINGER CAN DOGS EAT?
Not a lot. For small dogs like Chihuahuas, you should feed them no more than 14 of a teaspoon of powdered ginger, and for large dog breeds, no more than 34 of a teaspoon. There isn’t a set rule for how much root ginger to use, but you should keep the measurements small. A large dog will receive a piece that is no larger than your thumb from Paw-heps as a literal rule of thumb.
How To Feed Ginger To Your Dog
There are many different ways to consume ginger, including as a powder, pill or capsule, tincture, tea, or raw root.
Fresh organic ginger root:
With a knife, remove the skin and finely mince the yellow portion of the root.
Demian Dressler DVM (Dog Cancer Vet), recommends the following dosages to help prevent nausea from cancer treatments …
10 lbs or less: 14 tsp, three times per day; 10 lbs to 35 lbs: 12 tsp, three times per day; 35 lbs or more: 34 tsp, three times per day
Always begin slowly and increase the dosage over time.
For other forms, Ottawa Valley Dog Whisperer recommends the following dosages:
Powdered ginger:
1 to 10 pounds… up to 1/8 tsp 10 to 20 pounds… 1/8 to 14 tsp 20 to 50 pounds… 1 tsp 50 to 100 pounds… 2 tsp Over 100 pounds… up to 1 tbsp
Ginger tea:
Ginger tea can be purchased or made at home using fresh ginger root.
1 to 10 pounds: less than 14 cup, 1 to 3 times per day; 10 to 20 pounds: 1 to 3 times per day; 20 to 50 pounds: 14 to 12 cup; 50 to 100 pounds: 12 to 1 cup; over 100 pounds: up to 1 cup, 1 to 3 times per day.
Capsule:
1 to 10 pounds: 1/2 capsule, 1 to 3 times per day 10 to 20 pounds: 1 to 2 capsules, 2 to 3 times per day 50 to 100 pounds: 1 to 2 capsules, 3 to 4 times per day Over 100 pounds: adult human dose
Tincture:
One to ten pounds: one to three drops, two to three times daily Ten to twenty pounds: three to five drops, two to three times daily Fifty to one hundred pounds: twenty drops, two to three times daily Over one hundred pounds: adult human dose
Avoid ginger if your dog is taking blood-thinning medication, will be having surgery, or is about to give birth as it can thin the blood. It may also lower blood sugar and blood pressure. If your dog has diabetes or a heart condition of any kind, consult your veterinarian. If your dog is expecting, taking any medications, or is being treated for a condition, you should also talk to your veterinarian.
Things to know before offering dogs ginger
Allergies are possible
Ginger can cause allergies in dogs, particularly if it comes into contact with their skin. Keep an eye out for rashes and severe itching as these could be symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Large quantities can lead to digestive upset
Dogs eating ginger may experience stomach issues, just like with any food that isn’t served in moderation. Ask your veterinarian about the ideal amount of ginger you can give your pet without risk to avoid this problem.
It may not be advisable for dogs with certain medical conditions to consume ginger.
Although dogs can generally consume ginger without harm, there are a few instances where you should exercise extra caution. For instance, it’s best to prevent your pet from consuming this spice if they have a history of liver or kidney disease. Asking your veterinarian for advice is crucial because there may be interactions between ginger and some medications.
FAQ
What happens if a dog eats ginger?
Ginger is safe for dogs to consume in small amounts and has a number of health advantages. Fresh ginger root is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can improve heart health, ease bloating, and support healthy blood circulation.
Does ginger settle a dog’s stomach?
And it turns out that the benefits of ginger for humans also extend to benefits for dogs. For thousands of years, cultures in Asia and the Middle East have used ginger root as a spice and medicine. The most well-known benefit of ginger is probably its role as a digestive aid for nausea and upset stomachs.