No. Dogs cannot eat spicy food. Spicy foods are toxic for dogs and can cause upset stomachs and long-term health problems. Spicy foods such as chili peppers, jalapenos, and any food with chili powder and hot sauce should never be fed to dogs. Spicy foods contain a compound called capsaicin, which creates a burning sensation on taste receptors. This leads to digestive problems like upset stomach, vomiting, short-term issues like flatulence, and long-term health issues.
Table of Contents
What Is Spicy Food?
Spice can be a seed, fruit, root, bark, or any part of a plant that is used to season and color the food. Food prepared with a lot of spices is generally considered spicy and tasty. Spicy food treats your tongue with a fiery blast and adds a zing. Some ingredients that can make food spicy are hot peppers, garlic, curry blends, and chili. Spicy foods generally contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber and can protect you from health problems.
All Spices Nutritional Value
Spices contain minerals, vitamins, and fiber and have a lot of health benefits when consumed correctly. A 3oz of all spices has the below nutritional value.
Calories
263
Total Carbohydrates
9g
Dietary Fiber
22g
Fat
2.6 g
Protein
6g
Sodium
77mg
Potassium
1044 mg
Carbohydrate
72g
Vitamin C
65%
Iron
39%
Vitamin B6
10%
Magnesium
33%
Calcium
66%
Are Spicy Foods Safe For Dogs?
No, spicy foods are not safe for dogs to consume and can cause digestive problems. Spicy foods are toxic to dogs and cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and gas. Also, spicy food causes excessive thirst and vomiting. The blood cells of the dogs get affected by the spicy flavor in the food. Peppers contain capsaicin, which irritates the intestinal lining and causes vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes tremors. However, dogs can taste spicy food as they have fewer taste buds and the dogs end up eating tasteless food. This helps in lesser temptation for eating spicy foods. Spicy foods also trigger an allergic reaction in younger dogs and puppies. Always contact your vet immediately if your dog shows symptoms after eating spicy foods.
Why Is Spicy Food Bad for Dogs?
Spicy food is toxic to dogs and causes short-term and long-term illnesses.
Capsaicin: Spicy foods contain capsaicin which may cause a burning sensation in dogs. It leads to bloating, stomach pain, and excessive thirst. Excessive thirst may lead to dogs drinking too much water.
Chili pepper in spicy foods can cause stomach ulcers in dogs. In addition, problems like anemia and canine pancreatitis.
Myristicin: Nutmeg is one of the spices added to spicy foods, and it contains a component called myristicin. This affects the nervous system. Consumption of too much nutmeg can lead to health problems in dogs.
Hallucination
Disorientation
Increased heart rate
Upset stomach
Seizures
What if My Dog Ate Spicy Food?
The risk of consuming spicy foods includes
Bloating: Spiciness in spicy foods is due to the component called capsaicin that causes the burning sensation in dogs. This leads the dog to drink excess water, which results in bloating.
Stomach issues: Chili peppers and other spicy foods can cause stomach ulcers in dogs. It can also disrupt a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Spicy foods can also cause problems like anemia, and canine pancreatitis, where the pancreas becomes inflamed.
Vomiting and diarrhea: Capsaicin has adverse effects on a dog’s health and causes vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.
If you find your dog consuming spicy foods, follow the below steps without fail.
Contact your vet immediately
Contact the ASPCA(Animal poison control center) helpline to determine the toxic reaction of your pet
Note down the ingredients list in the food package for any toxic ingredients
Seek medical attention at the earliest if necessary.
Alternatives To Spicy Foods
The healthy alternatives to spicy foods that can be fed to your dog as a source of protein include
Beef
Chicken
Lamb
Duck
Fish
Frequently Asked Questions
What will happen if your dog eats spicy food?
Dogs will exhibit the following symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, lethargy, depression, higher heart rate, excessive drooling.
Can dogs eat chili?
No. Dogs cannot eat chili. It will cause health hazards and it is best to contact the vet immediately.
Can dogs eat chili sauce?
No, dogs cannot eat chili sauce as it may irritate a dog’s digestive tract.
Can dogs eat spicy tuna?
Dogs can eat tuna but without being spicy as it can make the dog sick.
Can dogs die from spicy food?
Dogs won’t die from eating spicy food but will become sick after consumption. However, if unattended, it may lead to death.
Final Thoughts
Spicy foods are toxic to the dog’s health and can cause long-term illness. The toxic component in spicy foods leads to vomiting and stomach upsets. Dogs can taste spicy food but should not be fed. Likewise, you should not feed dogs any human food. Contact your vet if your dog eats a lot of spicy food to avoid adverse reactions.
