As your dog is watching you put the finishing touches on your gingerbread house, silently (or maybe not-so-silently) begging for a taste, you may be thinking to yourself, “Can dogs eat gingerbread?” The short answer is no.
While delicious to humans—and quite fun to decorate during the holiday season—gingerbread is off-limits for dogs.
We asked two vets—Courtney Deer, DVM, emergency and critical care veterinarian at 1st Pet Veterinary Centers in the Phoenix area; and Danny Sack, DVM, veterinary surgery resident at MedVet Columbus in Worthington, Ohio—the important questions, like “Can dogs have gingerbread cookies?” and “What should you do if they do?”
In This Guide:
Why Is Gingerbread Bad for Dogs?
Like any well-trained pet parent, you’re probably tempted to feed your dog whatever you’re eating (or making), but there’s a good reason to avoid giving gingerbread to dogs: It contains ingredients that are harmful to them. They include:
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg is one of the main ingredients in gingerbread, and it’s toxic to dogs at certain doses. It contains a compound called myristicin, and large doses can be fatal. Dr. Deer says the dose in a single piece of gingerbread isn’t likely enough to cause symptoms in dogs; however, it’s best to avoid it. Even if your dog eats a few bites, they might get an upset stomach.
- Cloves: Cloves are often used in gingerbread recipes too. Much like nutmeg, it's generally in a low dose in a few bites or pieces of gingerbread, according to Dr. Deer. However, in larger doses, cloves can be toxic due to one of its main compounds, called eugenol.
- Fat and sugar: Gingerbread can be high in sugar and fat, which can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Breeds that are predisposed to gastrointestinal (GI) upset or pancreatitis—like Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Dachshunds—may be more likely to develop vomiting, diarrhea, and other signs of GI upset when ingesting gingerbread. However, pancreatitis is a risk for any breed of dog if gingerbread is ingested.
To sum up:
- Is gingerbread good for dogs? No, there is no benefit to dogs.
- Is gingerbread safe for dogs? No, gingerbread contains ingredients (namely nutmeg) that can be toxic in certain doses.
- Does gingerbread have any health benefits? While ginger may have health benefits for dogs, gingerbread doesn’t.
- Can dogs have gingerbread? No, you shouldn’t give gingerbread to your dog.
How Much Gingerbread Is Toxic to Dogs?
So, how much gingerbread is toxic to dogs, exactly? Is there any amount that’s safe?
According to Dr. Sack, a toxic dose can be as little as 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or two to three whole nutmegs.
While a dog is unlikely to eat this much unless they eat a whole tray of cookies, it’s better to be safe and avoid it completely.
Additionally, toxicity can be tricky: It often depends on the size of your dog and other factors, like their medical history. When in doubt, it’s best to avoid.
My Dog Ate Gingerbread—What Do I Do?
Call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline® at 855-764-7661 or ASPCA® Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 if you’re concerned that your dog ingested something potentially toxic.
These are the best sources of advice, because they can give recommendations in the context of your pet’s body weight, concurrent medications, and the ingested material, Dr. Sack says.
Seek urgent veterinary care from your local emergency clinic for prompt treatment if you notice any of the following signs:
Dog-Friendly Holiday Treats
Store-Bought Holiday Dog Treats
If you prefer to forgo baking, pick up holiday-inspired dog treats that are ready to serve right out of the bag.
Check out some of our favorites below.
Homemade Holiday Dog Treats
"Gingerbread" Icebox Cookies
These faux gingerbread cookies are made with real ginger, but no nutmeg or cloves—so they’re perfectly safe.
These treats are also high in protein, thanks to the finely ground kibble and peanut butter, which will help fill your pup up.
"Sugar" Cookie Dog Treat
These “sugar” cookies are made with real maple syrup, wholesome bone broth, and finely ground natural dog food.
Just make sure you don’t substitute with imitation maple syrup, which can contain xylitol—an ingredient that’s toxic to dogs.
Faux Red Velvet Truffles
These red velvet truffles combine coconut with beets, which give it that deep red color and can be beneficial to your dog’s skin and coat.
Plus, with just six ingredients, they’re super easy to make.
FAQs About Dogs and Gingerbread
Q:Can dogs eat ginger snap cookies?
A:No, dogs cannot eat ginger snap cookies. Much like gingerbread, ginger snap cookies are high in sugars and can lead to GI upset in dogs, says Dr. Deer. Ginger snap cookies may also have nutmeg in them.
Q:Can dogs eat gingerbread biscuits?
A:No, dogs cannot eat gingerbread biscuits. Real gingerbread in any form, including biscuits, is off-limits for dogs, since it contains a similar ingredient profile.
Q:Is ginger safe for dogs? What are the benefits of ginger?
A:Ginger is generally safe for dogs.
Ginger can be used in small quantities for GI upset, and as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, according to Dr. Deer.
In larger quantities, however, ginger can cause GI upset. You should also avoid feeding ginger to dogs on NSAIDs or with clotting disorders, because it can act as a blood thinner, says Dr. Deer.
Q:Is nutmeg harmful to dogs? How much nutmeg is toxic to dogs?
A:Yes, nutmeg can be harmful to dogs. While a little probably won’t cause problems, it can become toxic in larger quantities. The exact amount depends on the size of your dog, but 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or three whole nutmegs is enough to be problematic.
Holiday foods dogs can eat:
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