Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Ginger? Yes, a Small Pinch Is Fine
Yes, dogs can eat ginger in small amounts. Fresh ginger root and plain ground ginger are not toxic to dogs, and the AKC describes small amounts as safe. Large amounts can cause stomach upset, gas and lethargy, and ginger is not right for every dog: pregnant dogs, dogs with bleeding disorders and dogs on certain medications should skip it. Gingerbread, ginger snaps, candied ginger and pickled sushi ginger are sugary, spiced or salty, and best kept for people.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read3 sources
Why a little ginger is safe
Ginger root is a common kitchen spice with no compound known to poison dogs at food amounts. Pet Poison Helpline notes that small amounts of spices used to flavor food usually do not cause toxicity, and that the main risk with ginger is stomach upset and lethargy after a large amount.
Ginger is not a medicine for your dog, and this page does not suggest using it as one. If your dog has nausea, travel sickness or digestive problems, talk to your vet about the cause and the right treatment rather than reaching for the spice rack.
Dogs that should avoid ginger
VCA Animal Hospitals advises caution with ginger in pregnant or nursing pets and pets with gallbladder disease, and says to avoid it in pets with bleeding disorders. Ginger can affect blood clotting, so the AKC also suggests avoiding it before surgery.
It can interact with some medicines, including blood thinners and common anti-inflammatory pain relievers for dogs. If your dog takes any regular medication, ask your vet before sharing ginger in any form, even a little.
Gingerbread, ginger snaps and other ginger foods
Gingerbread and ginger snap cookies are high in sugar and fat and usually contain nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. Nutmeg contains myristicin, which in larger amounts can cause disorientation, a fast heart rate and abdominal pain. Some recipes also add raisins or chocolate, and sugar-free versions can contain xylitol.
Pickled sushi ginger is salty and sugary. Candied and crystallized ginger is coated in sugar. Ginger ale and ginger beer are sugary, and some contain caffeine or alcohol. If your dog ate baked goods with raisins, chocolate or xylitol, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. A fee may apply.
How to serve ginger
Peel a piece of fresh ginger root and grate it very finely, or use plain ground ginger with nothing added. Mix a tiny amount into your dog's regular food. Ginger has a strong, spicy taste, and many dogs will refuse it, which is fine.
Do not give ginger essential oil or concentrated ginger supplements made for people. These are far stronger than the root, and supplements can contain other ingredients that are not safe for dogs.
If you like to share small snacks, a lick mat or a treat ball makes a little go further and slows a fast eater down.
How much ginger by dog size
Under 20 lb: a small pinch of ground ginger or a few gratings of fresh root. Between 20 and 50 lb: a slightly larger pinch. Over 50 lb: up to a quarter teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Offer it occasionally, not every day.
Start with less than this the first time. Too much ginger commonly causes gas, loose stool or heartburn-like discomfort, which can look like lip-licking, drooling or restlessness after eating.
Puppies and ginger
Puppies do not need ginger, and their digestion is more easily upset by strong spices. A stray crumb is harmless, but there is no reason to add ginger to a puppy's food.
Holiday cookies are a common puppy hazard in December. Keep cookie tins closed, put cooling racks out of reach, and remind guests not to share gingerbread with a begging puppy. If a puppy eats a whole cookie, check the recipe for raisins, chocolate or xylitol and call your vet if any were included.
Signs of trouble and when to call the vet
Mild trouble after ginger shows up within a few hours as vomiting, diarrhea, gas or tiredness. Offer water and skip it next time. An allergic reaction is rare but can cause facial swelling, hives or breathing changes.
Call your vet the same day if vomiting repeats, your dog is very lethargic, or you notice unusual bruising or bleeding in a dog on medication. Facial swelling or breathing trouble needs an emergency vet straight away.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can dogs eat gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread is best avoided. It is high in sugar and fat and usually contains nutmeg and cloves. Some versions have raisins, chocolate or xylitol, which can poison dogs. Share a dog-safe treat instead.
Can dogs eat ginger snaps?
One plain ginger snap is unlikely to harm a large dog, but they are sugary, spiced cookies and not a good treat. Check the label for xylitol, raisins or chocolate, and call your vet if any were included.
Is ginger good for dogs with an upset stomach?
Ginger is not a treatment for a sick dog. Vomiting or diarrhea can have many causes, some serious. If your dog is unwell for more than a day, or very unwell at any point, call your vet.
Can dogs eat pickled ginger?
It is not recommended. Pickled ginger is high in salt and sugar and is often dyed. A slice is unlikely to be dangerous, but it can upset the stomach and adds nothing useful for your dog.
Can dogs drink ginger ale?
No. Ginger ale is sugary, carbonated and contains very little real ginger. Some sodas contain caffeine or artificial sweeteners. Give your dog fresh water instead.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
