Ginger Snaps for Dogs: Easy PB Recipe
Dog Treat Recipes
When the cookie tin comes out, those big hopeful eyes follow every crumb. The spicy, cozy smell of ginger snaps is hard for a dog to ignore, and it is natural to wonder whether sharing one is okay. Store-bought ginger snaps for dogs are a no, but a homemade batch made with dog-safe ingredients is a very happy yes.
This grain-free recipe pairs gentle ginger with natural peanut butter, one of the most loved flavors in any dog treat recipe. If peanut butter is a favorite in your house, these peanut butter and carob treats and easy peanut butter dog cookies done four ways are worth bookmarking too. They make a sweet addition to a lineup of Christmas dog treat recipes.
Can Dogs Have Ginger Snap Cookies?
No, dogs should not have regular ginger snap cookies. Store-bought and homemade human ginger snaps are high in sugar and fat, and many contain nutmeg, cloves or allspice, which can upset a dog's stomach. Sugar-free versions may contain xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs even in small amounts. Plain ginger is fine in small quantities, so a dog-specific ginger treat is the safe way to share the flavor.
Why Store-Bought Ginger Snaps Are Bad for Dogs
The ginger itself is not the problem. It is everything around it. A typical ginger snap is built on brown sugar, molasses and butter or shortening, so it is dense in calories that do nothing for your dog, and fatty, sugary foods can trigger vomiting, diarrhea and, over time, weight gain. Many recipes also add nutmeg, which contains a compound called myristicin that can cause stomach upset and, in larger amounts, more serious signs. Cloves and allspice can irritate the gut too.
The biggest worry is sugar-free cookies. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. If you want a sweet-tasting reward without the risk, these sugar-free dog treats are a lovely place to start.
What to Do If Your Dog Ate a Ginger Snap
Stay calm and check the packaging or recipe. If the cookies contain xylitol, call your vet or an animal poison control line straight away, even if your dog seems fine. If they contain no xylitol and your dog ate only one or two, most dogs just need watching. Call your vet promptly if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, trembling or unusual behavior, or if your dog ate a large amount or is very small.
Is Ginger Good for Dogs?
Yes, in small amounts plain ginger is safe for dogs and is often used to help settle mild nausea, such as an unsettled tummy on car trips. It is one of the gentle pantry ingredients that turns up on lists of superfoods for dogs, especially for seniors.
How Much Ginger Is Too Much for Dogs?
A little goes a long way. Too much ginger can cause heartburn, gas or an upset stomach, so keep ginger treats as an occasional snack rather than a daily supplement. Check with your vet first if your dog is pregnant, has a health condition, is due for surgery or takes regular medication, particularly blood thinners.
Peanut Butter Ginger Dog Treats Recipe
These grain-free ginger dog treats bake low and slow until crisp, so they really do snap. The recipe makes 20 to 30 treats, depending on the size of your cutter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup natural peanut butter (check the label: it must be xylitol-free)
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 to 3/4 cup water, added gradually
- 1 egg (optional, helps the dough hold together)
What You'll Need
A lined baking tray, a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, a rolling pin and a small cookie cutter. A clean jar lid works in a pinch.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325F (165C) and line a baking tray.
- Mix the almond flour, coconut flour, ginger and cinnamon in a large bowl, then stir in the peanut butter and the egg, if using.
- Add the water a splash at a time until the dough comes together into a firm ball that is not sticky.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out your treats.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the treats inside for another 45 minutes, or until crisp.
- Cool completely before serving.
Recipe Tips and Flour Swaps
Coconut flour soaks up a lot of liquid, so if the dough crumbles, add more water or the egg rather than more flour. If your dog does not tolerate almond or coconut flour, oat flour or brown rice flour both work well; use the same total amount and adjust the water. Whole wheat flour is fine for dogs without grain sensitivities. For extra-special occasions, sandwich two snaps with a little peanut butter dog bone filling.
Storing and Gifting Ginger Dog Treats
Keep the snaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze them for longer. They make a thoughtful present for doggy friends, especially packed into these DIY dog treat jars. Like any treat, they should be an extra, not a replacement for your dog's regular meals, and it is always wise to check with your vet before any major change to their diet.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
1Are ginger snaps bad for dogs?
Regular ginger snaps are not a good choice for dogs. They are high in sugar and fat, and some recipes include nutmeg or other spices that can upset a dog's stomach. Sugar-free versions may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. One plain cookie is unlikely to cause serious harm, but homemade dog-safe ginger treats are the better way to share.
2Can dogs eat ginger biscuits?
Ginger biscuits, also called gingernuts, are the same story as ginger snaps. They are sugary and buttery, so they are not a healthy snack, and any that are sugar-free or chocolate-coated should be avoided completely. If your dog steals one, check the ingredients for xylitol and call your vet if you see vomiting or diarrhea.
3Can dogs eat gingerbread?
Gingerbread is best kept away from dogs. It usually contains more spices than ginger snaps, including nutmeg, cloves and allspice, along with sugar, molasses and sometimes icing. A small nibble is unlikely to be dangerous, but a large amount can cause significant stomach upset. Call your vet if your dog eats a lot or seems unwell.
4Is cinnamon safe for dogs?
Ground cinnamon is not toxic to dogs in the small amounts used for baking, which is why a teaspoon works in this recipe. Larger amounts can irritate the mouth and stomach, and inhaled cinnamon powder can make a dog cough. Never let your dog get into cinnamon oil or a whole jar of the spice.
5Can puppies eat ginger treats?
Puppies can try a small piece of a homemade ginger treat once they are settled on solid food, but go slowly. Their tummies are sensitive, and rich treats like peanut butter cookies should be tiny and occasional. Break the snaps into small pieces, watch for any stomach upset, and ask your vet if your puppy has any health concerns.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes to Try
If these snaps disappear as fast as expected, the next batch could be peanut butter banana dog treats, calming cookies for dogs or festive puppermint dog cookies.
For a whole year of ideas, 52 Weeks of Treats gathers more than 30 healthy dog treat recipes, from summer blueberry pupsicles to hearty winter beef bites, with an allergies guide, grain-free and dairy-free references and a special occasions section.
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I added extra water and peanut butter, and finally 2 eggs to pull the dough together…rolled, cut and baked and they are a huge hit! I ate one and they aren’t bad…our Ruby LOVES them!
These are in the oven as we speak, the kitchen smells heavenly. I did have to add a bit more peanut butter and water to make it all stick together. Here in the U.S., the oven temp is 350. I followed the directions to a T and they came out wonderfully. My shepherd woofed one down. Almond flour is dang expensive though!! 🙂
I can’t handle Almond flour due to sensitivity, can it be replaced with another non-gluten flour?
My dog is in love with these treats. thanks for the recipe
My dogs love this dog treat, but I used 3/4 cup of water as opposed to the 1/4 cup as stated in the recipe. Anyone else have a similar challenge?
Can you just use whole wheat flour instead if the almond or coconut?
Coconut flour doesn’t suit to my dog. Is there any other flour that I can use beside coconut?
Hi Ritu,
I would suggest experimenting with all almond flour, or perhaps rice flour. 🙂
Thanks you so much for replying back. 🙂
Love your site and your holiday dog treat recipes. My current foster Great Dane Moose and I can’t wait to try them out. We also shared them with our Dane Dame readers too 😉 http://thedanedame.com/holiday-dog-treats/
Happy Holidays!
Wendy
Thanks Wendy! How cute is your site – I’m a fan! 🙂
Have a wonderful Christmas xx
Ah thanks so much Serena, happy holidays to you, Soda & Coco too 😉
Haha! I hope he enjoys them!!
Can’t wait to try these! Maybe give them as gifts too if I have to & if Guinness will let me out the door after I make them! Haha!
*have time to….