Yes, dogs can eat bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, and green) in moderation and can be used as treats at times. It is packed with various nutrients which strengthen dogs’ optimal functioning, immune system, heart health, and a lot more.
Table of Contents
What Are Bell Peppers?
Bell peppers are the species of capsicum annum, and it comes in colors like red, yellow, green, orange, purple and white. However, purple and white are very uncommon. Bell peppers are also known as sweet peppers as they are less spicy than chilies.
Bell pepper was first cultivated in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. It was then taken to Spain in 1493 and started spreading across the world after it reached Spain.
Are Bell Peppers Safe for Dogs?
Yes, bell peppers are safe for dogs to eat when served plain without salt, onion, garlic, or herbs. However, there are parts of bell peppers that are unsafe for your dog, they are:
Stem: Stems are hard to digest, so it is recommended not to give bell pepper stems to the dog.
Seeds: Seeds contain cyanide which is toxic to dogs. Also, seeds pose the risk of getting lodged in the esophagus and can lead to breathing issues.
Skin: The skin of bell peppers is challenging to digest. Hence, you must remove the skin before feeding bell peppers to dogs.
Why is Bell Pepper Safe for Dogs?
Bell peppers are tremendously nutritious for dogs. It is packed with Vitamins, carotenoids (Lutein, Capsanthin, Beta carotene), flavonoids (Quercetin, Luteolin), potassium, and folate. These provide a lot of health benefits to dogs that are unimaginable to many!
The benefits of consuming bell peppers are:
Strong Immune System: Bell peppers are stuffed with Vitamin A, C, K, E, and B6. These are the prime nutrients to keep the immune system strong. A single cup of chopped bell peppers contains 3 times more vitamins than an orange!
Fights Cancer: Antioxidants like Folate are packed in bell peppers that fight the body’s free radicals and prevent cancer. Too many free radicals damage the DNA of a dog’s body, leading to various illnesses.
Optical Health: Bell peppers contain beta carotene, which is modified into vitamin A and helps in maintaining the optical health of the dog. It is said that the carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin are the elements that keep the eye healthy. These two carotenoids safeguard the retina of the dog from oxidative damages.
Heart Health: The presence of potassium helps in keeping the heart healthy in dogs. If your dog does not get enough potassium and magnesium, your dog might suffer from heart muscle contractions, arrhythmias, and low blood pressure.
Aids in Healthy Weight: Most of the dogs in the United States are suffering from obesity. Bell peppers help maintain the healthy weight of the dog as it is low in calories and low in fat.
Bone Health: The presence of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, manganese, magnesium, and calcium aids in the bone strength of the dog. The presence of beta carotene also helps in keeping away arthritis in adult dogs.
Aids in Skin and Coat Condition: The presence of Vitamin E keeps the skin and coat of the dog healthy.
Aids in the Nervous System: Bell pepper contains Vitamin B6, which keeps the central nervous system intact.
Keeps the Reproductive System Healthy: The presence of beta carotene helps in keeping the reproductive system healthy.
Bell Peppers are healthy for dogs. However, there are downsides to bell peppers. The presence of capsaicin should not be overlooked, as its amount regulates the spiciness in the peppers. Hence, feeding bell peppers in moderation is best. The presence of capsaicin can cause:
Stomach upset
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Intestinal issue
Gas formation
Bloating
Mouth irritation
Dehydration
How Much Bell Peppers to Feed Your Dog?
Bell peppers are a healthy treat for your dog. Remember, moderation is the key. If you are introducing bell peppers to your dog, then offer him a small amount. Watch out for the symptoms. If any, then talk to the vet immediately.
Generally, large dogs can eat one-half bell pepper. Small dogs can have 1 to 3 slices of bell peppers per day.
What If My Dog Ate Bell Peppers?
If your dog accidentally ate bell peppers, then wait 8-12 hours for the symptoms to show. After that, you need not panic as there will be no severe issues.
The symptoms which your dog will show are:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Dehydration
Indigestion
Gas
Abdomen pain
Visit the vet if any of the symptoms appear after your dog consumes bell pepper.
How to Serve Bell Peppers to Your Dog?
There are various ways you can serve bell pepper to your dog.
Steam the bell pepper: Steaming the bell pepper will help you remove the bell pepper’s skin and be more accessible for your dog to chew.
Cook the bell pepper: Cook the bell pepper without any seasonings. Salt and other spices are harmful to dogs.
Puree the pepper: Steam the pepper, and blend it in a mixer grinder. Serve the puree to your dog.
Blend the pepper in the dog food: Steam or remove the skin of the bell pepper, and chop it into bite-size pieces. Then mix the chopped bell peppers in the kibble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat chili?
No, dogs cannot eat chili, as it is very spicy. In addition, capsaicin is very high in bell peppers, leading to mouth infections, tongue swelling, and throat irritation.
Can dogs eat black pepper?
Bell pepper is used as seasonings in many foods. However, too much black pepper causes diarrhea, vomiting, and swelling of the tongue in dogs. Hence, keep bell peppers away from your pet.
Does pepper keep away worms?
It is difficult to answer whether peppers can prevent worms or not. Hence, the best advice comes from the doctor.
Can dogs eat banana peppers?
Mild banana peppers are safe for dogs to consume in moderation.
Can dogs eat hot peppers?
No, dogs cannot eat the hot varieties of peppers due to the presence of capsaicin.
Conclusion
Winding up the reading, we can comprehend that bell peppers of any color are nutritious for dogs. It helps keep the eyes healthy, skin and coat conditions intact, the reproductive system functions appropriately. The antioxidants present help prevent cancer and many more. All you need is to serve it without the stem, skin, and seed, which become problematic for dogs to digest, leading to bloating, diarrhea, vomiting and choking. As a responsible and loving pet parent, offer your dog bell pepper in moderation, keeping a count on the daily intake.
