Can dogs eat ginger?

The holidays are approaching and that means more cooking, baking, and assorted treats enter our homes. And as pet parents, that can mean dealing with ingredients that may or may not be safe for our dogs and cats.

Every year, we like to figure out which ingredients are dog (or cat) safe, so that if they happen to end up in reach of our furry friends, we know whether it will be okay if they end up sneaking a nibble or two. And one ingredient we have been curious about recently is ginger.

Whenever we get a plate of sushi, that pickled ginger makes such a statement. And when it comes to sweet treats, ginger can be a go-to ingredient in a number of recipes, including gingerbread.

So we needed to know whether or not ginger was actually safe for our dogs to eat. And that meant asking an expert.

Is ginger safe for our dogs to eat?

With the help of Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM and veterinary advisor at OnePack, we have a better idea of whether or not ginger is a dog safe ingredient in our kitchens.

So when asked about the safety of ginger and if our dogs can eat it, what did Dr. Ostermeier say?

"Yes, dogs can eat ginger root in small amounts. Do not give pickled ginger, the type that usually comes with sushi. It can help with inflammation and sensitive stomachs, but you should check with your veterinarian before adding ginger root to their diet."

- Dr. Nell Ostermeier

Essentially, this is a dog safe ingredient as long as it is not the pickled variety (pickled anything is pretty much a not for dogs). This means that fresh ginger is okay, but in very small amounts. And at the same time, as with anything new being added to your dog's diet, talking to your vet is always the way to go.

This is definitely a good thing to know as we all have those curious pups who can get their noses into anything. And now we have the peace of mind to know that even if they do take a nibble on some ginger, it won't be the worst thing ever.

Are you surprised that ginger is dog safe?