Can Dogs Eat Wasabi: Bad or Good? Are Wasabi Peas Safe For Dogs?
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So, can dogs eat wasabi? Can it hurt my dog’s mouth and stomach?
Wasabi is used in food as a powerful spice. Even though wasabi seems to have health benefits in humans, its spiciness can make even adults tear up. It’s not recommended to give wasabi to your dog. Feeding wasabi to your dog may cause severe agony or gastrointestinal disturbances.
What if my do accidentally ate wasabi, what should I do? This article covers everything about this topic.
Is Wasabi Good For Your Dog’s Health?
Wasabi can make your dog’s sinuses explode, but it doesn’t mean it’s bad for your dog. Or is it?
In humans, research shows that wasabi seems to have antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps with allergies, asthma neurodegenerative diseases. And it contains potassium, calcium, and vitamin C.
At the moment, there isn’t enough research and evidence to support the same benefits for our furry friends. Take this information with a grain of salt. Consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your dog’s diet.
Is Wasabi Toxic to Dogs?
The wasabi plant is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbage, horseradish, and mustard.
Although wasabi is not necessarily toxic for dogs, you should refrain from feeding it to your dog. Wasabi is very hot and spicy. If your pooch overeats it, its digestive system can have trouble handling the searing heat wasabi produces. This may result in burning their mouths, vomiting, gas, or even diarrhea.
Just think about this for a second:
Wasabi’s burning and pungent taste are responsible for a compound known as Allyl isothiocyanate. The wasabi plant uses this compound as a defense mechanism chemical against herbivores (such as horses, deer, and cows). It makes plants that produce such spicy-tasting chemicals unattractive to plant-eating animals.
I think we can all agree that Allyl isothiocyanate (wasabi) is something our dogs should stay away from. If a horse is not willing to eat wasabi, why give it to Fido.
Wasabi paste is meant to be mixed with other food and used only in very small amounts for human consumption.
Can Dogs Have Wasabi?
We strongly recommend you don’t feed wasabi to your pet dog. Dogs should stick to dog food. Their food should be based on ingredients safe for the consumption of pets.
Just because humans can eat certain foods doesn’t mean it’s safe for your dog. For instance, dogs can’t eat garlic, even in their powdered form. Garlic can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as elevated heart rate and collapse.
Don’t ever want to run the risk of giving your pup toxic foods that could cause them allergies or more harm? We recommend doing an at-home food allergy test.
Beware of Fake Wasabi
According to The Washington Post, about 99% of all wasabi sold in the U.S is fake. The American Chemical Society says the vast majority of wasabi is simply a mix of plain old horseradish, hot mustard, citric acid, and green dye.
Given the fact that most wasabi is fake and made out of these other ingredients, we definitely advise you to keep your dog away from it.
Citric acid can be problematic for dogs, resulting in central nervous system depression, while horseradish can cause irritation to dogs.
Possible Side Effects of Wasabi on Dogs
Before you let your dog eat wasabi, read on to learn about the possible side effects wasabi can have on your furry friend.
- Stomach pain
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Excessive thirst
- Vomiting
- Burning sensation in nose and mouth from the hot fumes of wasabi
Signs Your Dog Ate Wasabi
If your dog licks, eat some wasabi or any spicy food, they may show the following body language.
- Rubbing their face, mouth, and snout all over the floor as if they were trying to get rid of the taste from their mouths
- Lip licking
- Profuse sneezing
- Drinking lots of water
- Running around with their tail between their legs
- Ears drop
Dog Ate Wasabi: What To Do?
While a small sliver of wasabi may not cause any serious harm in your pooch, it’s always best to take precautions.
If your dog ever gets a hold of wasabi, here are some steps you can take to make Fido feel better.
- Remove any wasabi leftover from his mouth
- Rinse your dog’s mouth and snout with water
- Provide plenty of water
- Monitor your dog’s behavior
- If your dog is having a terrible reaction to wasabi, call your veterinarian as soon as possible
Can Dogs Eat Wasabi Peas?
Peas are a fine source of fibers, iron, and vitamins A, K, and B for your dog. So, can dogs eat wasabi peas? In short, no. Peas are not appropriate for dogs with kidney issues, and if consumed in high amounts, they can cause digestive issues.
Wasabi peas are a crunchy snack made with dehydrated roasted peas coated in wasabi and they contain starch, sugar, salt, and oil.
While one pea will not pose a threat to your dog’s health, we recommend staying away given all the facts we know about wasabi on dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Wasabi Almonds?
So, can dogs eat wasabi almonds? While almonds aren’t toxic to dogs, says Dr. Richard Goldstein, chief medical officer at the Animal Medical Center in NYC, they can pose gastric health problems in dogs.
No, dogs can’t eat wasabi almonds. Almonds alone are not good for dogs, and if you add wasabi to it, that is certainly a combination that your dog should avoid.
Are Dogs Allergic to Wasabi?
In humans, wasabi has a pungent odor that can irritate the nose and may trigger an allergic reaction often due to the dye, horseradish, or gluten present in fake wasabi.
If your dog is allergic to certain foods or ingredients listed in this article, be sure to remove any wasabi from your home to remain on the safe side.
Wasabi & Dogs
Although wasabi it’s hardly life-threatening to your dog, a responsible and caring dog parent would never jeopardize the health of their dogs.
Treat your pooch like any other family member and avoid giving Fido foods that are not meant for his consumption. Keep your pup eating his food. It’s safer and the right thing to do.
