Can dogs eat wasabi?   NO! 

Although Wasabi is not toxic to dogs, its pungent taste can irritate their stomach. The spicy and overwhelming flavor of wasabi can cause digestive upset or other health issues for dogs as they are not accustomed to the taste. Dogs are likely to dislike the smell of wasabi, which reduces the chances of them consuming it. There have been cases where dogs have unknowingly eaten wasabi in sushi, and if this happens, it's essential to watch for signs of stomach upset.

Why is wasabi bad for dogs?

While it's true that wasabi is not toxic as mentioned earlier, its pungent taste can still pose a problem for dogs. This is because their stomachs are not accustomed to it.

Wasabi is too spicy for dogs

The spicy flavor of wasabi comes from a compound called allyl isothiocyanate. While this compound is generally safe for humans, it can be too spicy and overwhelming for dogs. When a dog consumes wasabi, it can cause discomfort in their mouth and digestive system.

Wasabi can cause digestive upset in dogs

In addition to being too spicy for dogs, wasabi can also cause digestive upset. This is because wasabi is an irritant that can cause inflammation and discomfort in the digestive tract. If your dog has a history of gastritis or is prone to stomach and intestinal inflammation, consuming wasabi can exacerbate these issues. It's especially important to be cautious with puppies who have chronic stomach ailments and ensure that they do not consume any wasabi. Consuming wasabi can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Wasabi can be toxic for dogs in large amounts

While small amounts of wasabi are unlikely to cause serious harm to your dog, large amounts can be toxic.

Signs that your dog ate wasabi

If you are not sure if your dog has consumed wasabi but suspect it, several behaviors can signal accidental consumption. One of the most common behaviors is licking around their mouth excessively. This is due to the spiciness of the wasabi causing it to frighten the dog, leading to licking their mouths and sometimes even the floor. You may also notice your dog wandering and fidgeting shortly after consuming some wasabi. Some other signs include excessive drooling and repetitive sneezing.

What to do if your dog eats wasabi

If your dog accidentally consumes a small amount of wasabi, they'll likely be fine. However, you should still keep an eye on them and watch for any signs of digestive upset or discomfort. If you can, remove any visible wasabi from their mouth and rinse their mouth and snout with water. If your dog consumes a large amount of wasabi or is showing symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, you should contact your veterinarian right away.

If your dog has accidentally eaten wasabi, you should monitor for the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Excessive thirst
• Vomiting

Can dogs eat wasabi peas or other wasabi products?

Most of the wasabi sold in the market is likely not real wasabi. This is because harvesting wasabi in Japan is difficult, and imports are limited. As a result, many wasabi products may contain additives and citric acid, which can be even more harmful to dogs than pure wasabi. Citric acid, in particular, can impair a dog's central nervous system function. It's important to take extra care when handling wasabi peas and other wasabi products to ensure that your dog doesn't accidentally consume them.

Curious if you can feed your dog other foods besides wasabi?

Does your dog also look up at you with those puppy dog eyes whenever you are snacking on something? You know foods like chocolates should not be shared with them but do you search the Internet every time if it’s okay to share a bite of whatever you are eating? The Buddydoc Food Dictionary provides information on hundreds of foods that we consume and informs you whether it is safe for them to consume and the nutritional benefits for your pet. If you're curious about other foods, try searching on Buddydoc!

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