Can Dogs Eat Wasabi?
Wasabi is a spicy condiment that adds a lot of flavor to sushi, sashimi, sandwiches, and burgers. Due to its intense flavor, wasabi is often considered an acquired taste, though it’s a top choice for many dishes and is used to flavor dried snacks, including chips, peas, wasabi almonds, and dried seaweed.
If your dog expresses curiosity about wasabi, you may be tempted to offer a tiny sample to your pup. However, it’s essential to consider the effects of this strong-flavored condiment on your pet’s health.
Since wasabi paste is recommended in minimal amounts for humans to consume, usually with a sushi roll or as a topping on sashimi or in a burger, it’s essential to consider this same small amount when your dog eagerly wants to try a bite of your sushi roll or sandwich. Its robust taste is similar to horseradish, which may cause an upset stomach, burning sensation, or bloating.
While wasabi immediately impacts your taste buds, it’s essential to consider its effect on your pet dog. Dogs have a strong sense of smell and taste, which can magnify the impact of wasabi and cause unwanted and sometimes severe reactions.
Wasabi’s Benefits and Drawbacks
Wasabi is densely packed with nutrients, which makes it an excellent condiment for health-conscious people. The wasabi plant originates from Japan and is either enjoyed as a spicy addition to your favorite meal or diluted as a recipe ingredient in sauces and marinades.
It’s often used in place of other spicy condiments, such as mustard and horseradish, and includes many nutrients, including zinc, potassium, iron, magnesium, antioxidants, and vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, and B3.
Due to its high level of vitamins and minerals, wasabi is considered a superfood, though just the scent of this incredible food can cause instant irritation in the mucus membranes. For this reason, it’s best to keep wasabi out of reach of pets so they don’t experience the severe impact of its scent and taste.
While dogs have a keen sense of taste and smell, they don’t detect spicy food in the same capacity as humans. They also have a very sensitive reaction to taste and smell, which helps them detect foods that are safe to eat.
Since dogs do not detect spiciness in foods, they may accidentally try a taste of some leftover wasabi, only to feel the impact of this sharp-tasting condiment moments after consumption. In some cases, they may continue to eat wasabi or food coated in this spice, only to experience its full flavor later, which causes a reaction.
Is Wasabi Safe for Dogs?
Wasabi may be pungent in taste and smell but not toxic for dogs. When some dogs eat sushi or cooked salmon or fish with wasabi, it may take a long time to react. Too much wasabi or food containing this spicy condiment may cause your pup’s throat to constrict, which can impact your breathing. Wasabi can also cause stomach upset, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
If your dog consumes a lot of wasabi, it may become dehydrated, and experience flatulence and a loss of appetite, and the sensation of heat can cause them to pant. Overall, your pet will likely feel discomfort, though it should subside when you give them fresh water. Some dogs may actually like the taste of true wasabi and may become accustomed to this spice in small quantities.
What to Do When Your Dog Eats Wasabi
The best way to provide fast relief for your pet is to flush your dog’s mouth with fresh water from a cup or large bottle. It’s also a good idea to keep a bowl of water nearby and easy access for your dog to use the washroom, whether a quick dash outdoors or a pad inside your home.
In most situations, your dog will experience the strong effects of wasabi’s intense flavor and mild to moderate discomfort, though there is no danger of poisoning,
Suppose discomfort, stomach pain, and other problems don’t subside once your dog drinks water, and you notice that your pet continues to feel sick and dehydrated. In that case, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for further assistance.
These severe symptoms may occur when your pet has an existing medical condition, such as intestinal issues or kidney disease, which can cause aggravation and irritation. It’s also important to recognize fake wasabi and other condiments that may appear authentic but are not of the same value or quality.
If your dog consumes a product that isn’t wasabi, it’s essential to monitor them to ensure there are no adverse effects.
Summary
Wasabi is a food that’s best kept out of reach, as dogs are naturally curious and may attempt to try a taste if it’s easy to access. Establish clear guidelines when you train your dog, especially if you prefer that your pet not consume human food.
While eating wasabi is not dangerous for dogs, it’s essential to supervise your pets when you enjoy lunch or dinner and control the amount of human food treats they consume, in addition to regular meals and dog treats, as it can cause an upset stomach and other problems.
