Can dogs eat ginger?
Short answer
Yes, a small amount of fresh or ground ginger is safe for dogs, and it's sometimes even used to help with mild nausea or motion sickness. In large amounts it can irritate the stomach, so keep servings small.
Ginger is a spice that won't harm dogs in small amounts and may even help settle mild nausea. Here's how much is safe, when it's worth using, and what to watch for, especially in dogs on blood-thinning medication.
Why only in moderation
Ginger contains gingerol and other compounds with mild anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects. It's traditionally used in both people and animals to help with mild nausea, for example around car travel, and in small amounts it's safe for dogs.
The safe dose is small, roughly a quarter to half a teaspoon of fresh grated or ground ginger for a medium-sized dog, and no more. In larger amounts, ginger can irritate the stomach lining and cause heartburn, nausea or diarrhoea, exactly the opposite of what it's meant to help with.
Ginger has a mild blood-thinning effect. This isn't an issue for healthy dogs, but for dogs on anticoagulant medication or ahead of planned surgery, it's worth checking with your vet before giving ginger.
Shop-bought gingerbread, ginger biscuits or ginger drinks are usually high in sugar and can carry other risky ingredients too, such as raisins in gingerbread, so skip these ready-made products. Only plain fresh or ground ginger in a small amount is the safe option.
How to serve ginger
- Add a small amount of freshly grated or ground ginger, a quarter to half a teaspoon, to a homemade treat or straight into your dog's food.
- For motion sickness, you can try a small amount of ginger 30-60 minutes before travelling, ideally after checking with your vet.
- Introduce ginger gradually and watch for heartburn or loose stool.
- Skip ready-made ginger products such as gingerbread, biscuits or drinks, because of their sugar and other ingredients.
Rough portion
Small dog: up to 1/8 teaspoon. Medium dog: 1/4 teaspoon. Large dog: up to 1/2 teaspoon of fresh or ground ginger, at most once a day and not continuously without a break.
Risks
- In larger amounts, it irritates the stomach and can cause heartburn or diarrhoea.
- It has a mild blood-thinning effect; check with your vet for dogs on anticoagulant medication.
- Ready-made ginger products, such as gingerbread and biscuits, contain sugar and other risky ingredients.
- Ginger tea with honey or lemon isn't suitable for dogs because of the sugar and acidity.
Symptoms to watch for
- Heartburn, lip licking
- Vomiting or diarrhoea after a larger dose
- Unusual bruising or bleeding in dogs on blood-thinning medication
Your dog already ate ginger. What now?
- A small amount of fresh ginger usually doesn't need any action, just keep an eye on digestion.
- If your dog eats a larger amount, watch for signs of stomach irritation such as vomiting or diarrhoea.
- If your dog is on blood-thinning medication and ate a significant amount of ginger, let your vet know.
- See your vet if digestive upset lasts more than a day.
Common questions about dogs and ginger
Does ginger help with car sickness in dogs?
Yes, a small dose given roughly half an hour to an hour before travel can mildly help with nausea, similar to how it works in people. The effect varies from dog to dog, and if travel sickness is a recurring issue, it's worth asking your vet about other options too.
How much ginger is safe for a dog?
As a guide, a quarter to half a teaspoon of fresh or ground ginger for a medium-sized dog, with proportionally less for smaller dogs. A larger amount can irritate the stomach and trigger the very symptoms ginger is meant to help with.
Can I give my dog ginger tea?
A small amount of plain ginger infusion without honey, lemon or sugar isn't a problem, though there's no real benefit to giving it regularly. Sweetened or shop-bought ginger drinks contain sugar and sometimes caffeine or other ingredients that don't agree with dogs.
Is ginger safe for puppies?
With any new spice, some caution is warranted in puppies because of their more sensitive digestion. If you want to try ginger, offer only a minimal amount and watch how your puppy reacts, ideally after checking with your vet first.
Other good treats
Can dogs eat apples?
Yes, dogs can eat apples. The flesh is safe, full of fiber and vitamin C, and even gives teeth a light mechanical clean. Always remove the core and seeds, though, and don't feed large pieces at once.
Can dogs eat bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat banana, but only as an occasional treat. It's safe and dogs tend to love it, but it's high in sugar. A small dog only needs 2 to 3 slices, a large dog about half a banana.
Can dogs eat carrots?
Yes, carrots are safe for dogs and rank among the best treats you can give them. They're low in calories, full of fiber and beta-carotene, and raw carrots even help clean teeth. Cut them to a size that suits your dog.
Can dogs eat pumpkin?
Yes, cooked or plain pumpkin flesh is very healthy for dogs, and vets often recommend it to help with digestive upset. Always choose plain pumpkin puree, never pie filling with added sugar and spices.
More from herbs and spices
Can dogs eat cinnamon?
Yes, a small amount of cinnamon is generally safe for dogs, and some sources suggest it may even have a mild positive effect on blood sugar. In larger amounts, or as a pure powder that gets inhaled, it irritates the airways and digestive tract, so use it sparingly.
Can dogs eat salt?
No, dogs should not get salt added to their regular diet. They need a small amount of sodium, but complete dog food already provides enough. Added salt, salty foods, or even salt water can cause salt poisoning, which is fatal in severe cases.
Sources
- AKC: Can Dogs Eat Ginger?
- ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Last updated 2 September 2026.