Can dogs eat peppers?
Bell peppers are a common ingredient in the US. They can be found in many dishes, including stir-fries and vegetable platters. Peppers are sweet, crisp, and juicy. They can be used as a snack or as a healthy ingredient. You might be tempted to give your dog a piece if you enjoy peppers.
Are re Peppers Safe for Dogs
Yes! BellPeppers do not cause any harm to dogs. If your dog loves crunchy snacks, they will love BellPeppers.
You should not give your dog spicy peppers. They are non-toxic and contain capsaicin. This chemical is responsible for heat in hot peppers. Although it is not toxic, it can cause extreme discomfort and pain in your pet.
If your dog does eat a spicy pepper, don’t panic. Although they aren’t toxic to dogs, your dog might experience stomach irritation, bowel pains, diarrhea, vomiting, or other symptoms. Your vet can help you to relieve your dog’s discomfort if they seem particularly distressed.
Common Pepper Types
Let’s look more deeply at which peppers can be safely eaten by dogs and which ones are not. Here is a quick overview of the most common peppers you will find in your local farmer’s market or grocery store.
*Note: We have added a “spice level” category, which is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Anything higher than zero can cause discomfort and gastrointestinal problems in your dog.
Pepper Type
Common Uses
Spice Level
Are Dogs Safe?
Anaheim Chili
Stews, sauces, salsas
500-1000 SHU
No.
Banana Pepper
Condiment
500 SHU
No.
Bell Pepper
Snacking raw or stir-fried in soups and salads
0 SHU
Yes!
Bird’s Eye Chili
Thai, Vietnamese, & Malaysian cuisine
50,000-100,000.
NO!
Carolina Reaper
Novelty, super spicy pepper
1,400,000- 2,200,000 SHU
NEVER. Get in touch with a veterinarian.
Cayenne Pepper
Seasoning: Dry and powdered
30,000-50,000 SHU
No.
Fresno Chili
Salsa, sauces, ceviche
2,500-10,000 SHU
No.
Ghost Pepper
Novelty, super spicy pepper
1,000,000+ SHU
NEVER. Get in touch with a veterinarian.
Habanero Pepper
Salsas, hot sauce
150,000 – 575k SHU
NO!
Jalapeno Pepper
Pickled foods from South and Central America, Southeast Asian cuisine, Central Asian cuisine.
2,000-8,000 SHU
No.
Pepperoncini
Condiment
100-500 SHU
No.
Pimento/Cherry Pepper
Condiment in olives
500-1000 SHU
No.
Poblano Pepper
Mexican cuisine
1000 – 1,500 SHU
No.
Scotch Bonnet
Jamaican cuisine
100,000- 350,000 SHU
NO!
Serrano Pepper
Mexican and Vietnamese cuisine
10,000-25,000 SHU
No.
Shishito Peppers
Grilled or fried
100-1000 SHU
No.
Nutritional Value of Peppers
Although bell peppers are high in vitamin C and can be enjoyed by dogs, more than that is recommended will not benefit them. The low-calorie content of bell peppers is what makes them a good choice for your dog. Bell peppers are full of water and low in calories so they make a great treat for dogs who like to chew!
How to Safely Feed Peppers To Dogs
It is best to remove the seeds and core the bell pepper before you give it to your dog.
Raw peppers may be difficult for some dogs to digest. You can lightly roast them or put them in the oven for a few minutes. It’s important to not season or add oil, as your dog shouldn’t eat foods high in salt or processed oils.
You should also avoid giving your dog bell peppers made with toxic ingredients. Bell peppers are often made with ingredients that can be harmful to dogs.
GarlicOnion Added salt and MSGAvocadoCitrus
Limit the amount of raw bell peppers (with stem and seeds removed) and only lightly cook, unseasoned and un-oiled bell peppers.
Can dogs eat peppers? The FAQ
You’re sure to find the answer to your pepper questions here if you don’t see it above. These are some of the most frequently asked questions by dog owners about whether their dogs can eat peppers.
Can dogs eat raw peppers?
Dogs can eat raw bell peppers as long as the stems and seeds have been removed. This will prevent them from choking or causing dental damage.
Dogs shouldn’t eat spicy or raw peppers or chilies. This can cause extreme pain and discomfort.
Can dogs eat bell peppers?
Yes! Yes! Although it is not toxic to dogs, capsaicin can cause severe gastrointestinal discomfort and distress in dogs.
Can dogs eat red and yellow peppers?
Yes, if they’re bell peppers. Other varieties of red or yellow peppers (like banana peppers and cayenne) have high levels of capsaicin so are not safe to be eaten by dogs.
Are re-Green Peppers Safe for Dogs?
Yes, if they’re bell peppers. Other varieties of green peppers, like serrano and jalapenos are too spicy for dogs to eat.
Fun fact! As they ripen, bell peppers change in color and become sweeter. They start out green, which is the least sweet, and then they turn yellow, orange, and red, which are the sweetest.
Can dogs eat bell peppers cooked?
As long as you don’t add any oil, seasonings, or other ingredients to the dish, yes!
You can cook the bell peppers lightly before you give them to your dog if your dog is sensitive or has trouble digesting vegetables. Your dog will be able to digest the bell pepper fiber by cooking them.
You should not give your dog seasoned bell peppers.
Dogs can eat spicy peppers
No! No!
Consuming spicy peppers can cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or distress. It can be distressing to see your dog feel uncomfortable.
If your dog is experiencing discomfort after eating spicy peppers, it’s worth calling your vet. Your vet will give you suggestions to help your dog feel better as the spice fades, and what to do if the situation becomes serious.
