Can dog's eat... Peppers?

Yes, dogs can eat peppers, provided you offer them correctly. Raw bell peppers can make a great low-calorie, crunchy snack for both us and our pets.

Let’s look at peppers in more detail, including all the dos and don’ts of feeding them to your dog, as well as their potential health benefits.

#Can dogs eat bell peppers?

Raw bell peppers are fine for dogs to eat, if you remove the core and seeds first. Wash your pepper and pat it dry to remove any dirt or pesticides before preparing it. The plant and the stalks of bell peppers contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid that can be toxic to pets, so this should be removed before serving.

Pepper is best offered to your dog in easy-to-eat pieces, such as strips or small chunks. Large bits of pepper could be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs and puppies.

Chilli peppers should, of course, never be fed to your pet – more on this later!

Let’s explore bell peppers and dogs in more detail…

##Can dogs eat red peppers?

Yes, red bell peppers are not toxic to dogs. These are considered the healthiest type of pepper, as they are the most nutrient-rich. They are also sweeter tasting, and therefore more palatable, than other types of bell pepper.

##Can dogs eat green peppers?

Green peppers are safe for dogs to eat, but their bitter taste may put some animals off. They still contain nutrients, but in lower amounts than red peppers.

##Can dogs eat yellow peppers?

Yellow peppers are a healthy snack for dogs to have occasionally. They don’t contain quite as many nutrients as red peppers, but they are less bitter than green ones.

##Can dogs eat raw peppers?

Raw peppers make a perfect occasional snack for dogs. They have a crunchy texture which many dogs enjoy, plus they are low in calories. Raw peppers must be fresh and ripe, with firm skin – not
wrinkled.

##Can dogs eat bell pepper seeds?

While not toxic for dogs, bell pepper seeds are not recommended. The stems, core, and seeds from bell peppers may lead to digestive issues. Just as we wouldn’t eat these parts of the pepper, we wouldn’t advise giving them to your dog either.

##Can dogs eat cooked peppers?

Cooked bell peppers are also fine for dogs, provided they are served plain and unseasoned. Added ingredients like sauces, garlic, onions, and salt could be toxic to your pet, however. Most dogs are happy to eat them raw, so it’s usually easiest to stick with that.

#Are peppers good for dogs?

Peppers contain many known health benefits for people, including:

• High in vitamin C – Humans (and guinea pigs!) are unable to produce their own vitamin C, so need plenty in their diet. Dogs can synthesise their own, so this is less important to them.
• Rich in antioxidants – Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help with chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Good source of fibre – Fibre maintains a healthy digestive system and can help with feelings of fullness, which is useful in weight management. Read about the benefits of fibre for dogs.
• Low in fat and calories – Peppers make great low-calorie snacks, so they are unlikely to contribute to weight gain.

More research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of bell peppers for dogs. But on the surface, peppers would be a great choice for many pets, provided you only offer them in
moderation. Peppers and other treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. Too many peppers could lead to tummy troubles, such as vomiting and diarrhoea. They may also lead to dietary imbalances.

Most vets would recommend sticking to a high-quality complete pet food for the bulk of your dog’s diet each day. 

Looking for digestive care for your pet?

Enter their details to find the best digestive care product for your pet

Get started

#When might peppers be bad for dogs?

While raw peppers fed as an occasional snack are considered healthy for dogs, there are some instances where peppers could cause problems. These include:

Peppers cooked with other ingredients – As mentioned earlier, peppers must only be offered to your pet plain. Sauces, spices, garlic, and other similar items are not healthy for your pet and could even be toxic. Only offered peppers that have been roasted or grilled, with no cooking fats or other ingredients.

Peppers eaten in a large volume – Eating too much of anything outside of their normal diet could lead to an upset stomach. Peppers should only be eaten as occasional treats rather than in bulk.

Chilli peppers – Chili peppers are not recommended for dogs. Whilst chili peppers won’t be toxic, they contain capsaicin. This will cause irritation to your dog’s stomach, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea. You shouldn’t feed these to your dog or any spicy leftovers that contain them. They won’t add any nutritional benefits and could cause your pet a lot of discomfort.

Pepper allergies – Allergies to peppers are uncommon in dogs, but it is worth being aware of the signs. These may include:

• Itchy or red skin
• Swelling
• Breathing issues
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Lethargy or even collapse

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, then you must contact a vet immediately for advice.

If your pet hasn’t had peppers before, then it is worth offering them a small amount to begin with and assessing their response before offering them any more.

#Summary

Let’s recap all the key points about peppers and your dog:

• Bell peppers are not toxic to dogs, but should only be fed in moderation.
• Peppers are best served raw and cut into manageable pieces, with the stem, core, and seeds removed.
• Don’t give your dog peppers that are cooked with other ingredients.
• Contact your vet immediately if your dog is showing signs of an allergy after eating bell pepper.