Ginger, a popular culinary spice in Eastern culture, is one of the most commonly consumed dietary condiments in the world. The ginger root, which has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other herbal medicines, also offers numerous benefits for our dogs. It can contribute to their overall health and wellbeing in several ways.

Digestive Aid
Ginger has long been recognized for its ability to soothe upset stomachs and alleviate gas and nausea in humans, and the same holds true for dogs. Whether helping with cancer treatment or simply dealing with motion sickness during car journeys, a small amount of ginger can help settle the stomach and promote better digestion.
Anti-inflammatory
Ginger has anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. This can be beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, as it may help ease their discomfort and improve mobility.
Pain Relief
Alongside its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is an analgesic with mild pain-relieving effects. Studies have shown that ginger may reduce muscle soreness, joint pain, and minor injuries.
Immune Support
The immune-boosting properties of ginger can help strengthen the dog’s immune system; regular consumption of ginger may help ward off common ailments and aid in maintaining wellness.
Antioxidant Benefits
Ginger contains antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. By combatting oxidative stress, ginger can help protect cells from damage and reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
Improved Circulation
Ginger has been shown to promote better blood circulation, thereby ensuring efficient delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body.
Anti-parasitic
Some studies suggest that ginger may have anti-parasitic properties, helping to rid our dog’s body of internal parasites such as worms. While ginger alone may not be sufficient to treat severe parasitic infections, it can complement conventional treatments and support our dog’s recovery.
Fresh Breath
In addition to its health benefits, ginger can also help freshen our dog’s breath. Its aromatic compounds can help mask unpleasant odors and promote better oral hygiene when included in their diet or as part of homemade dental treats.
With proper care and moderation, ginger can be a valuable addition to our dog’s wellness regimen, providing a natural way to support their health and happiness.

Ginger can be incorporated into toppings, training treats or biscuits. Use fresh ginger root or ginger powder. Or share your ginger tea with your dog – before adding the lemon, of course!

Important Considerations:

    • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
    • Ginger can thin the blood so should not be given to dogs on anti-coagulants or NSAIDs, or pregnant dogs.
    • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential contaminants or additives.
    • Incorporate ginger into the dog’s diet in moderation, as excessive consumption may lead to digestive upset.

Nutrition facts (per 100g)

Ginger Root, raw

Energy                       80 kcal

Protein                       1.82 g

Carbohydrate            17.8 g

Fibre                                2 g

Magnesium                  43 mg
Phosphorus                  34 mg
Calcium                         16 mg
Potassium                     415 mg

(For full nutrient content see Food Data Central

Nutrition facts (per 100g)

Ginger, ground

Energy                       335 kcal

Protein                      8.98  g

Carbohydrate            71.6 g

Fibre                            14.1 g

Magnesium                 214 mg
Phosphorus                 168 mg
Calcium                        114 mg
Potassium                   1320 mg

(For full nutrient content see Food Data Central

Would you like to know more? These studies might be of interest:

  • Mustafa, I.; Chin, N.L. Antioxidant Properties of Dried Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) var. Bentong. Foods 2023, 12, 178. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12010178
  • Bode AM, Dong Z. The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 7.
  • Sharma SS, Kochupillai V, Gupta SK, Seth SD, Gupta YK. Antiemetic efficacy of ginger (Zingiber officinale) against cisplatin-induced emesis in dogs. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997 Jul;57(2):93-6. doi: 10.1016/s0378-8741(97)00054-8. PMID: 9254112.
  • Zahoor A, Yang C, Yang Y, Guo Y, Zhang T, Jiang K, Guo S, Deng G. 6-Gingerol exerts anti-inflammatory effects and protective properties on LTA-induced mastitis. Phytomedicine. 2020 May 26;76:153248. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153248. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32531697.
  • Shahrajabian, M. H., Sun, W., & Cheng, Q. (2019). Clinical aspects and health benefits of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern industry. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B — Soil & Plant Science, 69(6), 546–556. https://doi.org/10.1080/09064710.2019.1606930
  • Moosa Javdani , Abolfazl Aali , Abdolnaser Mohebi , Fatemeh Heydarpour , Amin Bigham-Sadegh.
    Oral Administration of Ginger Rhizome Powder and Postoperative Inflammation Indices in Ovariohysterectomized Dogs.
    Iran J Vet Surg 2021; 16(2); Serial No: 35; Pages: 91-99

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • As some commercial foods may contain ginger as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.