Wasabi is a highly potent, spicy, and powerful ingredient typically related to sushi rolls. It comes in a thick greenish paste and is used in small quantities because of its highly potent nature.
A little speck of wasabi with delicious sushi rolls goes a long way, with the taste sometimes even lingering in your mouth long after you are done with the sushi.
Wasabi possesses some health benefits and is quite tasty, but can dogs eat wasabi?
Wasabi for dogs sounds like a strange idea, and considerable confusion revolves around dog parents as to whether they should keep their pets away from wasabi or allow them a little taste.
This guide includes all a dog parent needs to know about wasabi for dogs and delves into this greenish paste to find an answer to “can dogs eat wasabi.”
Let’s get started!
What Is Wasabi?
Wasabi is a superfood greenish paste simply because it is rich in powerhouse vitamins such as Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, C, and A. It also contains minerals and antioxidants, including potassium, zinc, magnesium, and iron.
Wasabi originated in ancient Japan, where its use was restricted strictly to Japanese royal palaces. It eventually made its way to everyday use across the country and eventually throughout the world.
True wasabi is processed and derived from a plant with an intense and delicate flavor. In contrast, fake wasabi can irritate the mouth, nose, and throat’s mucous membrane through its overly pungent taste and odor.
A brief sniff of the garlicky, very strong wasabi holds the potential to arouse senses as much as smelling salts.
Can Dogs Eat Wasabi?
The answer to “Can dogs eat wasabi?” is not a yes, but not necessarily a no either. Wasabi is not inherently toxic to dogs, but its spicy and pungent taste can make them react poorly.
Some dogs may experience a constricted throat after overeating wasabi, which may also impede breathing. Such reactions do not mean that wasabi paste or wasabi itself is toxic to dogs; it is simply a reaction to the spicy and hot flavor of the substance.
This hot flavor can appeal to some dogs and cause others to shake their heads and run away from this spicy substance.
Just as humans can have an upset stomach by eating too many spicy foods, wasabi can also cause a stomachache or a bad case of flatulence in your dog.
The stomach irritation can ultimately lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which are apparent repercussions of dehydration. Dehydration itself is dangerous for dogs and can lead to various side effects, including an extremely dry nose, panting, and loss of appetite.
Do Dogs Like Wasabi?
Whether or not a dog likes wasabi depends upon various factors, including the canine’s food preferences, overall health, and medical conditions. Although some dogs prefer to steer clear of this spicy substance, others gladly lap it up, even if that means suffering the consequences later.
You can determine whether or not your dog likes wasabi by noticing signs of discomfort after consumption.
Is Wasabi Healthy For Dogs?
Although we cannot call wasabi inherently toxic for dogs, you should avoid giving it to your dog as a treat. That is because spicy foods are likely to upset your pet’s stomach, cause bloating and gas, and even burn their mouths.
Some common side effects of wasabi for dogs may include the following:
Why Should I Not Give Wasabi To My Dog?
If you have tried wasabi before, you must know how spicy and hot it is. Your dog can get a punch out of this sushi condiment like humans.
Wasabi is technically not spicy because its spice differs from that of common chili peppers. Although chili peppers are also not suitable for your dog to eat, wasabi goes one step further.
You should avoid giving it to your dog as wasabi tends to go up the nose and cause excessive sneezing instead of staying on the tongue and lips. It may also result in gagging or vomiting as a reflex.
However, it is essential to note that wasabi root is not poisonous for dogs: it’s only their reaction to the sudden spice levels that can be worrisome.
Do Vets Recommend Wasabi For Dogs?
There is a mutual consensus amongst vets on the non-toxic nature of wasabi. But at the same time, these professionals do not consider it a sensible idea to feed your pet dog wasabi intentionally as its spiciness can cause undesirable consequences, such as gas, skin irritation, stomach upset, vomiting, and gagging reflex.
How Do I Know That My Dog Ate Wasabi?
There are some telltale signs that you can detect to determine if your dog ate wasabi and regrets doing so.
Look for the following signs in your canine friend:
If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms mentioned above after eating wasabi, you can either wait the symptoms out or consult a veterinary professional for expert medical advice.
However, the latter is unnecessary, as even diarrhea and vomiting because of a wasabi reaction only becomes serious after it persists, causing your dog to become dehydrated or lethargic.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Wasabi?
Wasabi is not toxic or lethal to dogs. But if your dog eats wasabi, you should check the ingredient list to ensure that there is nothing in the paste that may cause your dog serious harm.
If the paste contains just wasabi, it is less likely to have severe symptoms. The most serious sign your dog may experience can be gastrointestinal distress.
If your dog exhibits signs of distress or discomfort because of the spicy taste, wash its mouth with a clean cloth and water. Ensure unhindered access to fresh and clean water, as your dog will likely drink a lot to soothe the burning sensation in its gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and throat.
If they show signs of using the bathroom or vomiting, you may want to put them in the garage or yard for a few hours or keep them comfortable in a place where they can easily relieve themselves without making a mess.
You can also put newspapers on the floor if necessary.
What Quantity Of Wasabi Is Safe For Dogs?
It is recommended that wasabi consumption be kept as minimal as possible, both for dogs and humans. Wasabi peas are a typical wasabi-containing snack, which may make you wonder: “are wasabi peas bad for dogs?”.
The answer to this question depends upon the number of peas your dog eats. It is generally good to go if your canine has just licked a plate of wasabi clean or munched on a few wasabi peas.
All you need to do is deal with the temporary symptoms that your dog may exhibit.
How To Keep Your Dog Away From Wasabi?
You should ideally keep wasabi with all the other foods your dog cannot or should not eat: away from your pet’s reach. This may include a high shelf that your dog cannot reach or the fridge.
On days you order food that comes with wasabi, such as sushi, ensure that you keep a close eye on your dog when eating. Dogs are known for snatching food very quickly, and thus it is essential to keep wasabi out of their reach at all times!
If you have to leave the room with the food still out, the best option is to take the wasabi or all the food with you, as your dog is likely to gobble up or bite on your food while you are away.
You can also take your canine friend with you wherever you go. This will ensure they do not lap up the wasabi while you are out.
Can Dogs Eat Wasabi Peas?
Wasabi peas are a trendy snack and are roasted peas drizzled with wasabi and other spices.
Although dogs are not recommended to eat wasabi peas, they will still be okay if they munch on one. Since most dogs cannot digest wasabi peas, they would pass along their digestive system without causing considerable harm.
However, you must ensure your pet does not gobble up more than one pea, as too many peas may cause vomiting or diarrhea.
Additionally, wasabi peas contain salt, sugar, starch, and oil, which can cause life-threatening and long-term health complications. Therefore, you cannot consider wasabi peas to be healthy for dogs, despite the health benefits of wasabi.
Can I Give Wasabi Almonds To My Dog?
No, you should not give wasabi almonds to your dog; there are several reasons to convince you why.
Firstly, dogs cannot digest raw almonds. Although they are not poisonous or life-threatening, they can cause gastrointestinal distress and other related problems.
Secondly, the spicy wasabi coating on these almonds only intensifies such gastrointestinal problems, causing double trouble.
Thirdly, various other ingredients in wasabi almonds can prove hazardous for dogs. These include starch syrup, corn flour, processed salt, etc. Eating too many of these can result in many health complications for your canine friend.
Can Dogs Eat Wasabi Paste And Sushi?
No, dogs cannot eat wasabi paste as it is an allyl isothiocyanate compound capable of causing burning sensations in your dog’s nose and mouth.
But what about sushi? Can dogs eat sushi since there is very little wasabi content in it?
Absolutely not. Sushi is very dangerous for dogs as it contains raw fish that can contain bacteria or parasites. Your pet can experience life-threatening weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and painful swelling in the abdomen if it overeats this food.
In such a case, you should consult a vet immediately.
What Are Some Alternatives To Wasabi For Dogs?
Spicy foods are generally not suitable for your dog as they can cause gastrointestinal distress and various other health complications.
It is better to offer some of the following alternatives to your dog in place of wasabi:
Conclusion- Wasabi and Dogs
Dogs can eat wasabi, but it is not worth the risk. Consuming spicy food can cause stomach pain and
other symptoms, which can be quite dangerous for dogs.
You should supervise your dog when offering spicy foods or condiments, especially when the
ingredients are wasabi-related.
It is best to steer clear of it altogether, may it be natural or fake wasabi. Instead, opt for safe
alternatives that offer your dog a spicy but safe diet.
