Estimated Read Time: 2 ½ minutes
Summary: “Can dogs have bell peppers?” In this blog, we’ll learn if bell peppers are safe for dogs and, if they are allowed them, how they should eat them…
Bell peppers all year round find their way into some of the most popular dishes; from stews, to fajitas and salads! But can dogs eat peppers…?
Can Dogs Eat Peppers?
Yes, your dog can enjoy raw, steamed or puréed bell peppers – as long as they’re unseasoned (no salt, pepper, spices or garlic etc.). Peppers have a super high nutritional value so can benefit your dog in numerous ways. Peppers are loaded with vitamins A, C, E and B6, essential nutrients like beta-carotene and lutein, and antioxidants.
Dogs can eat any colour of bell pepper (yellow, orange, green or red), but a red pepper typically has the highest load of nutrients and therefore is arguably the best type of bell pepper to feed to your pup.
It is advisable to remove the stem and pips from the bell pepper and chop it into bitesize pieces before serving it to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Peppers?
Banana peppers (otherwise known as banana chilis or yellow wax peppers) are safe to give a dog if they’re of a very mild variety, but it is not advised. Dogs can be sensitive to even the smallest amount of spice, so they’re usually worth avoiding even if they’re technically deemed “safe”.
Because of this, you absolutely should not feed your dog spicy varieties of peppers like chilli peppers or jalapeños. These can be incredibly uncomfortable and distressing for a dog to eat.
Dogs & Bell Peppers
Always take it slowly when introducing any new food to your dog to avoid upsetting their stomach – particularly with puppies. Feed one or two pieces of chopped, plain raw or steamed pepper per day (or a spoonful of plain, puréed pepper) before considering upping the amount you’re allowing them to eat. Large dogs shouldn’t have more than half a pepper per day and small dogs no more than a quarter. Excessive amounts of any high-fibre food, including bell peppers, can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhoea or even vomiting.
As with humans, all dogs will react differently to different foods so always be mindful of this when trying new foods, snacks, and treats regardless of their touted benefits.
Sources
“Can Dogs Eat Banana Peppers? 3 Side Effects For Dogs” Masterclass, May 12. 2022 https://www.masterclass.com/articles/can-dogs-eat-banana-peppers
Author Anastasio, Alexandra “Can Dogs Eat Peppers?” American Kennel Club, Sept 01. 2022 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-bell-peppers/
