Can dogs have peppers?

Yes. Dogs can have some peppers. Bell peppers are okay. Spicy peppers are not.

It depends on the type of pepper. Sweet bell peppers are generally safe in small amounts, but spicy peppers are not recommended because they can irritate a dog’s digestive system.

Which peppers are safe for dogs?

Bell peppers (red, green, yellow)

Plain bell peppers are not toxic to dogs. They can be served raw or cooked without seasoning.

Remove:

• Seeds
• Stem
• Core

Start with small pieces to prevent choking.

Which peppers are not recommended?

Spicy peppers contain capsaicin, which can irritate a dog’s mouth and digestive tract.

This includes:

• Jalapeños
• Serrano peppers
• Habanero peppers
• Cayenne pepper
• Chili peppers

These are not toxic in small amounts, but they can cause stomach upset and discomfort.

What happens if a dog eats a spicy pepper?

Possible symptoms include:

• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort

Symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours if only a small amount was eaten.

How much is dangerous?

Bell peppers are low risk when plain and fed in small pieces.

Spicy peppers are more likely to cause stomach irritation than serious toxicity. Larger amounts increase the chance of vomiting and diarrhea.

If your dog ate a large amount of spicy peppers or is acting lethargic, call your veterinarian.

When to call the vet

Call your vet if:

• Vomiting continues
• Diarrhea is severe
• Your dog seems weak or painful
• A large amount was consumed

Related pages

• Can dogs have bell peppers?
• Can dogs have jalapeños?
• Can dogs have habaneros?

Sources: See full veterinary references here