Ginger

Ginger has long been heralded as a wonder spice for humans, with its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. 

But it can be a potent remedy for your dog as well. Here are some of the benefits of ginger, and how to give it to your dog. . 

What Is Ginger? 

Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is a flowering plant whose rhizome or root is widely used as a spice and folk medicine. 

Known for its warming properties and spicy flavor, ginger has a rich history in various traditional medicines around the world. Its origin goes back to Southeast Asia, and it has since spread across the world, becoming a staple in various cuisines.

In traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ginger is known for its warming properties, and it’s used for conditions like … 

• Digestive issues
• Nausea
• Inflammation
• Respiratory conditions 

Today, ginger is still used often in teas, tinctures, and poultices, depending on the condition being treated … and of course, it’s a staple ingredient in many culinary dishes!

Ginger Benefits For Dogs

Here are a few ways to use ginger for dogs …  

Digestion

Ginger can be an excellent aid for dogs with digestive issues. The active compounds in ginger stimulate digestive enzymes, reduce bloating, and ease nausea. These properties make ginger especially useful for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those experiencing motion sickness.. 

Anti-inflammatory Effects 

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can be a boon for dogs with joint issues or arthritis. For dogs with mobility issues or inflammation in the joints, ginger may offer increased comfort and mobility. 

Ginger’s warming effect also contributes to relieving stiffness, making it a useful natural remedy for chronic joint conditions.

Antioxidant Properties 

Ginger root contains one of the highest levels (3.85 mmol/100 g) of total antioxidants, surpassed only by pomegranate and some types of berries,

That’s why ginger may help in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are damaged molecules and they’re a normal part of metabolism. But if they’re uncontrolled, they can harm cells and even your dog’s DNA.  This leads to oxidative stress, contributing to early aging and chronic health issues. 

By including ginger in your dog's diet, you can contribute to overall health and wellbeing, supporting cellular function, and possibly delaying aging effects.

Cancer Prevention 

Some studies suggest that ginger might have potential anti-cancer properties. The bioactive compounds in ginger may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and promote apoptosis (programmed cell death). 

Though more research is needed in this area, incorporating ginger into your dog's diet could provide added protection against certain types of cancer.

Ginger can also help with nausea from chemotherapy treatments. 

Ginger For Dogs: Risks And Cautions 

Ginger is generally safe for most dogs … but like anything, use it in moderation. 

The biggest risk of ginger for dogs is overuse or overfeeding. Ginger is a spice that can lead to gastrointestinal upset if you overdo it. While it can aid in digestion, excessive amounts may actually have the opposite effect, causing stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Ginger may also induce labor by stimulating blood flow to the uterus, so consult your holistic vet before feeding ginger if your dog is pregnant.

Ginger can thin the blood, so avoid it if your dog's on blood thinning medication.

Ginger Powder Vs. Fresh Ginger Vs. Extract 

What kind of ginger is best for dogs? There’s a lot to choose from, with ginger powder (sometimes sold in capsules), fresh ginger root, and extract or tincture. The potency and bioavailability of the different forms varies. 

• Ginger powder is convenient but may lack some beneficial compounds found in fresh ginger
• Fresh ginger is potent but can be time consuming to prepare properly.
• Ginger extract or tincture is considered the best form for potency and bioavailability, providing all the benefits in a concentrated and convenient form.

In summary, ginger extract or tincture is convenient and effective. But your dog can enjoy some of the benefits of ginger if you grate some fresh ginger root into her meals, or by making a tea from the fresh root. 

Ginger Tea

To  make ginger tea, slice about 1” of  the root (peel it if you want, but it’s not essential), and simmer in 2 cups of boiling water for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, and strain.  

How Much Ginger Can Dogs Have?

Here are some general guidelines you can follow to give ginger to your dog:

Ginger Extract/Tincture: 5 drops per 20 lbs of body weight, 2-3 times daily. 

Ginger Tea: ¼ cup per 20 lbs of body weight. 2-3 times daily

Ginger Powder: ¼ tsp per 20 lbs of body weight. 2-3 times daily

Ginger Capsules: ginger capsules are a convenient way to give your dog ginger if he suffers from motion sickness and you need it while you’re traveling. 1 capsule should be enough for a 20 lb dog, 1-3 times a day. 

Note:  If you use ginger powder, buy it at a health store, since grocery store ginger sold for cooking purposes will likely be lower quality. 

Remember these are just general guidelines, and individual dogs may react differently to ginger. Always start with a smaller amount and observe how your dog responds.

Bottom Line | Ginger For Dogs

Ginger can be a wonderful addition to your dog's diet, offering benefits ranging from digestive aid to potential cancer prevention. 

The key is to feed it in moderation and opt for quality first. If you’re really after ginger’s health benefits, choosing an extract will offer your dog more potency. 

When used in moderation and preferably in extract form, ginger can contribute many benefits to your pup's overall health and well-being.