Can Dogs Eat Peppers?

They're healthy for humans, but can dogs eat bell peppers? It turns out that if you want to give bell peppers to your dog, you can! They are an excellent treat. 

Despite this, you shouldn't feed your dog peppers every day. On occasion, most dogs can eat peppers, in small amounts. However, before you decide to add these veggies to the menu, there are a few things to consider:

An upset stomach - Firstly, your dog's stomach may not agree with this nightshade vegetable. If there aren't any inflammatory symptoms, then a couple of bell peppers can be relatively healthy for your dog.

Raw and bland is best - Don't cook, season or add anything to the pepper. Always give a small amount, especially if it's the first time your dog has eaten a pepper. 

Colour - Whilst every colour has health benefits and are relatively safe; dogs can eat red peppers and benefit the most from all the vitamins and minerals it contains. 

can dogs eat red peppers

With carotenoid phytonutrients, beta-carotene, antioxidants and rich in vitamins A and C, red peppers can be a fantastic addition to your dog's food.

Ripeness - With more nutrients, a fully ripe pepper is best.

Why might you want to give your dog a bell pepper? Well, they can help reduce inflammation, which, if your dog is arthritic, is fantastic.

Whilst bell peppers are safe for dogs, individuals will respond differently. See how your dog reacts and then decide if peppers are a good idea for them. Usually, dogs can eat yellow peppers, green peppers - really any sweet pepper without symptoms. 

If your dog starts to react to the bell peppers, they will only likely experience mild side effects. Bell peppers aren't toxic to dogs so you probably won't need medical attention. However, if you're concerned, then your vet is always the best person to advise you. 

can dogs eat peppers

Symptoms:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Gas
  • Stomach upset
  • Vomiting

Top Tips:

  • Low in calories but high in nutrients, dogs can eat green peppers, yellow, orange or red - whatever colour they like!
  • Your dog can eat raw bell peppers; you don't need to cook it before giving it to them.
  • Bell peppers are not spicy. Dogs and spicy food are a terrible combination. With some stinky side effects, hot peppers can cause a lot of pain to your dog. 
can dogs eat bell peppers

Treatment Plan

Since bell peppers are relatively safe, treatment would mostly involve monitoring your dog to see if they have any problems.

If they have an upset stomach, keep their food really bland for a few days and give them lots of water. 

If you're worried your dog is allergic, speak to your vet about treatments available to you.