Ginger Dog Treats: Soothing Digestive Recipes for Dogs

Dr. Marty Pets Team

1st May 2024

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The Potential Benefits of Ginger in a Dog's Diet

Ginger is a widely loved spice renowned for its unique scent and taste. Its characteristic spicy punch enhances dishes, while its therapeutic properties have been hailed across cultures throughout history.¹

But, ginger isn't just a beneficial spice for humans. It also offers a host of potential health benefits for your furry friend.

In dogs, ginger may aid with digestive issues, help ease joint discomfort, and assist with better mobility. Ginger's potent antioxidants may help to boost the immune system and protect against cellular damage.^2,3

Safety Measures for Feeding Ginger to Dogs

When introducing ginger into your dog's diet, moderation is key. Although it’s a beneficial spice, it should be given in small amounts. Too much ginger can have the reverse effect and upset your dog’s stomach. Start with a tiny bit of ginger, and see how your dog reacts before making it a staple.

The ginger you give to your dog should also be fresh or powdered and NEVER pickled.

Ginger can also be a natural blood thinner, so it might not be good for some dogs. Always chat with your vet to confirm it suits your pup's specific needs and health profile.⁴

Unleashing the Power of Ginger

Ginger's Soothing Effects

An antioxidant compound known as “gingerol” in ginger is responsible for helping to calm the waves of nausea in humans – and also in dogs. For dogs with digestive troubles, or who get motion sickness during car rides, a touch of ginger might offer some relief. If your dog is dealing with flatulence or bloating, ginger may help to ease discomfort and keep things flowing smoothly.⁵

Similarly to humans, dogs might also benefit from ginger's ability to alleviate joint discomfort. However, you should always consult your veterinarian if your pooch has joint pain, so they can diagnose any potential issues.

You can sprinkle a little grated (or powdered) ginger into your dog's meals or provide ginger-infused treats to help soothe your furry companion's stomach and entice their taste buds. Let’s take a look.

Delicious Ginger Recipes Your Pooch Will Love

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Preparing DIY Ginger-Infused Treats

Getting started with homemade ginger treats for dogs is so simple. Ginger can be incorporated into any homemade dog treat.

For example, you can try adding a little freshly grated ginger (or ginger powder) to:

Pureed pumpkin
Pureed sweet potato
Unsweetened applesauce

You can also spoon any of these mixes into ice cube trays, and pop them into the freezer for a ginger popsicle treat!

Integrating Ginger Into Your Dog's Regular Meals

If you prefer infusing ginger directly into your dog's meals, it's as simple as sprinkling a pinch of ground ginger over their food or adding a small amount of grated fresh ginger into the mix.

For a tasty broth, simmer ginger slices in water, then pour the cooled, strained liquid over your dog's dry food for a special, flavorful treat.

A simple, convenient way to add ginger to your pup’s daily meal is to serve them Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness. Each serving of the freeze-dried raw dog food contains ginger – alongside premium cuts of meats, veggies, fruit, and seeds. It also contains zero artificial preservatives, additives, fillers, or synthetic ingredients. So, you can be confident that your pup is getting only the good stuff.

A Dog-Friendly Gingerbread Recipe

Who doesn’t love a gingerbread snack?! But, it’s vital that you never feed your pooch “human gingerbread.” For one, nutmeg, a common ingredient in gingerbread, is highly toxic to dogs in large amounts. Even small amounts of this spice can cause stomach upset.6

But, that doesn’t mean your best friend has to miss out. Here’s a dog-friendly ginger dog treat recipe to tantalize their taste buds.

Ingredients:

2.5 cups coconut flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 eggs
½ cup applesauce (with no sweeteners) or pureed pumpkin

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
Combine coconut flour, cinnamon, and ginger in a bowl and mix with a fork.
When combined, add eggs, applesauce/pumpkin, and knead to form a dough.
If the dough feels too dry, add some more apple/pumpkin. If the dough is too wet, add a little more coconut flour.
Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough on a lightly floured surface till it’s about 1/4-inch thick.
Use a fun cookie cutter to cut shapes out, and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake the dough for 15 minutes, and then flip the gingerbread biscuits over and bake for another 15 minutes.
Cool gingerbread completely before serving it to your dog.
Store in an airtight container.

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FAQ

Is ginger safe for all dog breeds?

Yes, ginger is generally safe for all dog breeds when given in appropriate, small quantities. However, each dog is unique, and what may be fine for one may not be for another, especially if they have specific health or dietary restrictions. It's always best to consult your veterinarian before adding new ingredients, like ginger, to your dog's diet.

Can I give my dog ginger daily?

Yes, ginger can be given to dogs daily, but in moderation. Speak with your veterinarian if you’re not sure how much ginger is safe for your dog's size or health status.

Or, you can feed them daily with Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness, where each ingredient has been carefully proportioned. There is also a serving chart available on the bag to correctly match your dog’s size to their portion.

Can dogs eat gingerbread?

No. Dogs shouldn’t eat gingerbread intended for humans.

Many gingerbread recipes include nutmeg, which is highly toxic to dogs. And, much gingerbread – especially around the holidays – features icing and candy decorations that may be made with sweeteners like xylitol, which is extremely toxic for dogs. The candy decorations may also present a choking hazard.

Instead, make your own dog-friendly gingerbread using the recipe above.

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