Can Dogs Eat Ginger?

It has been several years now since the West started to 'rediscover' the many therapeutic properties of ginger. Following the publication of a series of scientific studies backing its medicinal virtues, more and more people are working this ingredient into their diets, either fresh or as a supplement to boost their nutrition. Even so, what many still do not know are the uses and benefits of ginger in dogs.

Yes, you read that right! Our best friends can benefit from adding this root to their diet too, and that is exactly what we are going to talk about here at Soyunperro. Read on!

What Nutrients Does Ginger Contain?

Ginger, which we can buy fresh or dehydrated, ground, powdered, or even find in dietary supplement formulas, is simply the root (or rhizome) of the plant Zingiber officinale. It is made up of 79% water, 18% carbohydrate, 2% protein and just 1% fat, so it can even be used in diets for obese or overweight dogs.

What is more, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of raw ginger provides:

• Energy: 80 kcal
• Protein: 1.82 g
• Fat: 0.75 g
• Carbohydrate: 17.8 g
• Fibre: 2.0 g
• Sugars: 1.7 g
• Water: 78.9 g
• Total B vitamins: 10.3 mg
• Vitamin C: 5 mg
• Vitamin K: 0.1 µg

• Vitamin E: 0.26 mg
• Folate: 11 µg
• Magnesium: 43 mg
• Iron: 0.6 mg
• Phosphorus: 34 mg
• Calcium: 16 mg
• Potassium: 415 mg
• Selenium: 0.7 µg
• Sodium: 13 mg
• Zinc: 0.34 mg

The Benefits of Ginger for Dogs' Health

Simply looking at its nutritional profile, we can see that ginger offers an interesting pool of micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) that are essential for strengthening the immune system and supporting a great many physiological processes in dogs' bodies, such as hormone production, strengthening bones and teeth, and protein synthesis for muscle development.

Beyond this first impression, though, we want to share with you 5 beneficial properties of ginger for dogs' health that have been demonstrated in scientific studies. Take a look:

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Action

One of the main uses and benefits of ginger in dogs relates to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which help treat and prevent the most common degenerative diseases in dogs, especially older ones, such as arthritis and osteoarthritis.

What is more, moderate intake can help manage acute pain in cases of trauma and bruising, and even chronic pain linked to degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

On another note, the antioxidants found in ginger root help fight free radicals in the body, preventing cell damage and the oxidation of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), as well as the build-up of insoluble lipid plaques in the arteries, which translates into better protection against heart disease, strokes and arteriosclerosis.

The Anti-Cancer Properties of Ginger

A study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, also in the United States, has revealed that controlled administration of powdered ginger can promote the self-destruction of tumour cells in ovarian tissue, as well as inhibiting the emergence of new cancer cells.

Other research carried out at Georgia State University, again in the United States, has shown that ginger extract can be useful in treating prostate cancer, promoting a significant reduction in tumour size. Experiments on laboratory rodents achieved a reduction of over 50% compared with the control groups.

The Digestive Effects of Ginger in Dogs

Ginger root was already used by classical civilisations, such as the Greeks and Romans, to treat various gastrointestinal complaints. And today we know these digestive virtues are down to its ability to stimulate the production of gastric juices and the secretion of bile in the gallbladder, as well as supporting bowel movements in dogs.

Because of this, a moderate intake of ginger, or its extract, can help relieve stomach pain and other symptoms linked to an upset stomach in dogs, although if we are talking about a dog who always tends to overeat or 'gulp down' everything they see, the cause of this inappropriate behaviour needs investigating, since it could be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, parasite infestations or other health problems.

Ginger is also useful in controlling nausea and dizziness that can affect our furry friends in various situations, including during pregnancy in bitches, preventing vomiting and letting them enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy.

A Protective Action for the Respiratory System

Various studies confirm that ginger has protective properties for the respiratory system. Infusions made with this root help clear phlegm and ease coughing and other common symptoms of flu and colds, and can even keep these cases from worsening into bronchitis or pneumonia.

What is more, thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, ginger also helps treat respiratory allergies and asthma in dogs, acting as a natural antihistamine and anti-allergy agent.

Ginger for Regulating Blood Cholesterol and Sugar

Ginger also has a stimulating action on the pancreas, supporting insulin production and optimising its use to control blood sugar levels. As a result, including it in the diet of dogs with diabetes can help regulate their blood sugar more efficiently.

By boosting pancreatic function, ginger root can also help treat and prevent pancreatitis in dogs and cases of pancreatic insufficiency. Finally, to wrap up the most notable benefits of ginger for dogs, it is worth pointing out that it helps regulate blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, so it can be strategically worked into the diet of dogs with high cholesterol.

What Is the Best Way to Give a Dog Ginger?

Fresh, natural ginger root is usually available in most supermarkets, greengrocers and markets. In health food shops you will also find dehydrated, ground or powdered ginger, as well as ginger extracts and oils, which are generally made for human use, although dogs can eat them too with the right precautions. What is more, ginger capsules for dogs are increasingly being sold in vet clinics and specialist pet shops.

When choosing the most convenient form, bear in mind that dogs are not usually very drawn to the spicy taste of fresh ginger root. So if you prefer to use the natural food (rather than extracts or capsules), we advise favouring ground or powdered ginger, since you can work it into different recipes to complement your best friend's nutrition.

In any case, remember it is hugely important to have a vet's guidance to determine the dose and frequency of administration that is most beneficial for your dog, taking into account their nutritional needs, health status and the purpose of giving it. Every dog is different, which is why it is impossible for us to tell you the right amount for your dog. It should always be the vet who tells you.

Some experts in natural BARF feeding suggest that a suitable dose for healthy dogs may be 1/4 of a small (coffee) teaspoon a day of fresh or chopped ginger root, per 20 kilos of body weight. From Soyunperro, though, we recommend you check with your vet beforehand.