Ginger
221 foods contain this ingredient
This is an alphabetical list, not a ranking. Add KL+ to rank foods for your pet in the Food Finder.
About Ginger
Ginger is the rhizome of a flowering plant, used in pet foods and treats mainly to settle the stomach and add mild anti-inflammatory plant compounds.
Ginger is commonly added to pet foods and treats as a natural flavoring and functional ingredient to support digestion and reduce mild nausea, with active compounds like gingerols providing modest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It can be beneficial for dogs (and occasionally cats) with motion sickness or stomach upset when used in small amounts, but high doses should be avoided and caution is advised for pets on anticoagulant medications, pregnant animals, or those with known sensitivities due to potential effects on clotting and occasional gastrointestinal irritation.
Related ingredients
- Derived from
- rhizome of Zingiber officinale
- Primary role
- digestive support and flavoring
Why it's used
Ginger contributes gingerols and shogaols, compounds studied for calming an upset stomach and easing nausea, and formulators add it in small amounts to treats or functional foods aimed at digestive comfort or joint support. It is given orally in forms ranging from dried powder to fresh root or tincture.
Common concerns
- Bleeding risk Ginger has mild blood-thinning properties, so veterinary sources advise caution in pets with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant or NSAID medications.
- GI upset Mild gastrointestinal upset and, less commonly, allergic skin reactions are listed as potential side effects in veterinary references.
- Pregnancy and nursing Veterinary sources recommend caution when giving ginger to pregnant or nursing animals.
- Evidence base The main peer-reviewed canine study on ginger's antiemetic effect used a chemotherapy-induced vomiting model rather than everyday motion sickness, so the extrapolation to typical pet use is indirect.
Also relevant
A 1997 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found ginger root extract reduced cisplatin-induced vomiting in dogs, though it was less effective than the prescription antiemetic granisetron; ask a veterinarian before using ginger for a specific pet's nausea or joint concerns.
Common Questions
What category is Ginger?
Ginger is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Ginger part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Ginger in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Ginger?
221 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Ginger, including NaturVet, Northwest Naturals, Now Fresh.
Foods with Ginger
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
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