Short answer: yes. Ginger is safe for most healthy dogs in small amounts, and it's best known for settling an upset stomach and easing nausea from motion sickness. It also has natural anti-inflammatory properties. The key is moderation and checking with your vet first, especially if your dog is on medication or has a health condition.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We spend our days around dog treats and chews, and ginger is one of those human-kitchen ingredients people ask us about all the time. Here's the plain-English rundown on whether it belongs in your dog's bowl.
Is ginger safe for dogs?
For most healthy dogs, yes. Fresh ginger root, ground ginger powder, and ginger juice are all considered safe in small quantities. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, ginger is most commonly used as an anti-nausea and anti-vomiting supplement, and it's also used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The catch is that ginger is potent. A little goes a long way, and too much can cause the very stomach upset you were trying to fix, along with gas or mild diarrhea. Start small and watch how your dog responds.
What are the benefits of ginger for dogs?
The two most researched benefits are nausea relief and inflammation support:
- Nausea and motion sickness: Ginger is best known for calming an upset stomach. If your dog gets carsick, a small amount before a trip may help.
- Anti-inflammatory support: Ginger contains compounds that act as a natural anti-inflammatory, which is why some owners use it to support aging joints. The American Kennel Club notes ginger has been studied for both nausea and its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antioxidants: Ginger also provides antioxidants that support overall wellness.
Ginger is a supplement, not a cure. If your dog is vomiting repeatedly, seems lethargic, or is off their food for more than a day, skip the home remedies and call your vet.
How much ginger can I give my dog?
Less than you'd think. A common rule of thumb from the AKC is no more than 1/16 teaspoon of ground ginger per pound of body weight, with practical caps of about 1/4 teaspoon for small dogs and up to 3/4 teaspoon for large breeds. Always start on the low end.
Because ginger is so concentrated, introduce it slowly over a few days and watch for any digestive upset before making it a regular thing. And talk to your veterinarian before you start, since they know your dog's history.
When should you NOT give a dog ginger?
Ginger isn't right for every dog. Avoid it, or check with your vet first, if your dog:
- Has a bleeding disorder or is scheduled for surgery. VCA notes ginger can slow blood clotting.
- Is taking NSAIDs, anticoagulants, or blood-pressure or diabetes medication, since ginger can affect blood sugar and blood pressure.
- Is pregnant or nursing.
When in doubt, a quick call to your vet clears it up.
Should you use homemade ginger treats or store-bought?
You can absolutely bake simple ginger treats at home using a pinch of ground ginger, a lean protein, and something like pumpkin or sweet potato. If you go that route, keep the ginger measured and skip anything toxic to dogs (no xylitol, onion, garlic, or excess sugar).
That said, I'm a big believer in keeping ingredient lists short. At Bully Sticks Central, everything we make is 100% natural and single-ingredient, which means 100% real meat and nothing else, so you always know exactly what your dog is eating. Our chews are fully digestible, contain no rawhide, and are ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms. Everything we sell is 100% high-quality guaranteed.
If you like the simplicity of single-ingredient snacks, here's more on why single-ingredient chews are better for your dog. Ginger pairs naturally with other functional favorites, too, like our peanut butter treats, and if you want a low-fat, easy-to-digest chew, take a look at whether trachea treats are safe.
The bottom line
Ginger is safe for most dogs in small amounts and can genuinely help with nausea and inflammation. Start with a tiny dose, watch how your dog reacts, avoid it if your dog has a bleeding disorder or takes certain medications, and check with your vet before making it routine. Used sensibly, a little ginger can be a helpful addition to an already healthy diet.
This post was last updated at August 6, 2026 23:33
