Can dogs eat horseradish? You may be asking this because your pup had a bite of this tangy condiment, and you’re worried about their health. Humans can eat horseradish, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is no, horseradish is not good for dogs to eat. While horseradish is technically safe for dogs to consume, the pain your dog will be in from consuming it makes it a bad snack choice for your pupper.
If your dog has eaten horseradish, you should contact your vet for guidance. Here’s why horseradish isn’t good for dogs.
Why Is Horseradish Bad For Dogs?
Horseradish is an incredibly pungent root veggie, often found in condiment form, that can cause discomfort for your dog. It provides health benefits for humans, but those benefits are not worth the pain it can cause your pup.
The root is often compared to wasabi, which is also not good to feed your dog. These spicy veggies can cause pain in your dog’s mouth, throat, esophagus, and lower digestive system.
If you want to give your pup a root veggie like horseradish, there are better options. Jicama, Jerusalem artichokes, and ginger are all safe for dogs to eat and provide nutritional benefits without the fiery flavor.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Horseradish?
If your dog had a horseradish snack, they will most likely be fine without veterinary intervention.
An exception to this is if your pup exhibits signs of allergy, like difficulty breathing or development of a rash. If your dog exhibits signs of allergy after consuming horseradish, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Your dog may suffer gastrointestinal upset after eating horseradish. This may present as diarrhea or vomiting. The best thing you can do for your dog in this case is to keep an eye on them and refrain from giving them food until their stomach is feeling better.
You might consider giving your dog a bland meal of boiled chicken and rice to help soothe their tummy.
Has your dog ever accidentally eaten horseradish? What was their reaction to this spicy root vegetable? Let us know in the comments below.