Ginger is a powerhouse in traditional medicine, and it can actually be a great natural remedy for our furry friends, too! However, when it comes to adding ginger to your dog’s diet, it’s best to think of it as a short-term boost rather than a daily staple. It works best as a targeted “treatment” when your pup is feeling a bit under the weather.
Grow Your Own for Peace of Mind
While you can grab ginger at any grocery store, I always recommend using rhizomes you’ve grown yourself. Why? Because that’s the only way to be 100% sure they’re free of nasty pesticides. When you’re using ginger as a remedy for your dog, purity is key.
The good news is that growing ginger isn’t nearly as hard as it sounds! To make sure you have a harvest ready by fall, you’ll want to get a head start. Start sprouting your root pieces indoors by January at the latest. Once the frost is gone—usually around mid-May—you can move your ginger plants outside.
Ginger is pretty low-maintenance, but it is a “hungry” plant, so make sure to fertilize it regularly. It loves a warm, humid environment. Pro tip: Always use room-temperature water for your ginger plants (no cold shocks!), and feel free to give the leaves a light misting or “shower” every now and then.
Keep Portions Small
Ginger isn’t meant to be a permanent fixture in your dog’s food bowl. Only feed it in small amounts, and definitely check in with your vet first to make sure it’s the right move for your dog’s specific needs.
Common ways to use ginger as a herbal remedy for dogs:
- Soothing digestive issues or an upset stomach
- Relieving joint pain
While ginger isn’t toxic, using it long-term without professional advice can sometimes mask underlying health issues that need real medical attention. That’s why it’s best to keep the ginger treatments short and sweet.
Fresh or Dried?
You can mix ginger into your dog’s food either fresh or dried. If you decide to dry your ginger, grind it into a fine powder before stirring it in. If you prefer using it fresh, just peel the rhizome and dice it into tiny, bite-sized pieces so it blends right into their meal.