Ginger is a powerful superfood that has been used medicinally for centuries. It contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and even cancer-fighting compounds that can help keep your dog stay healthy! It’s not a complicated ingredient to use as a supplement, but it has so many health benefits.
Want to know more? Let's dig in.
What makes ginger healthy for your dog?
Adding ginger as a supplement to your dog's diet is a simple way to ensure your dog is staying as healthy as possible. Nearly everything you would use ginger for in your own body—like soothing an upset stomach, reducing inflammation, or combating nausea—ginger can do for your dog as well.
Rich in antioxidants
Ginger is a great source of antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage by stealing electrons from other molecules. This can lead to inflammation, which is a major contributing factor in many diseases. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and prevent them from causing cell damage.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Ginger also contains anti-inflammatory agents that can help to reduce swelling and pain associated with conditions like arthritis. These same anti-inflammatory properties can also help to reduce the risk of cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Powerful digestive aid
In addition to these powerful health benefits, ginger is also a great digestive aid. It can help to ease nausea, bloating, and gas. This is especially useful if your dog is prone to car sickness or has a sensitive stomach.
How much ginger should your dog get?
The amount of ginger you give your dog will depend on their size and weight. Animal nutritionists tend to recommend about 10 to 25mg per pound of body weight. So, for a 50-pound dog, you would give them 500 to 1250mg of ginger per day. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much ginger too quickly can cause diarrhea or an upset stomach. Keep it to a minimum at the start, and slowly build up to a full dose over a couple of weeks.
What is the best way to integrate ginger into your dog's diet?
There are a few different ways you can give your dog ginger. The easiest way is to add it to their food. You can either get powdered ginger or finely minced fresh, skinless ginger and mix it into your dog's dinner. Remember that ginger has a strong flavor, so you may need to add some wet food, a tasty topper, or bone broth to ensure your dog still eats their meal.
If your dog is particularly fussy, you can also try giving them capsules filled with powdered ginger. No matter how you give it to them, make sure they are getting the proper amount to reap all of the health benefits.
You can also make homemade dog treats with ginger! Just mix some powdered ginger into your favorite dog biscuit recipe or use it to make frosting for pupcakes. Your dog will love the taste and you'll love knowing they are getting a healthy snack.
If you don’t have the time to make your own treats or mix together a ginger concoction, there are a number of fortified ginger supplements that you can buy over the counter. These include fortified goat milk or ginger-fortified bone broth.
Whether you add it to their food, give them capsules, or bake them homemade dog treats, ginger is a great way to keep your furry friend healthy and happy!