It’s Planting (and Organic Farm Basket) Season and Mom’s trying to decide what to grow in our patio pots AND which vegetables to bring home from the organic farm stand that we ALL can enjoy! The top of our list includes veggies that are delicious, nutritious AND safe for dogs. Every year Mom plants a few herbs, heirloom tomatoes (green zebra are her favorite) and habanero peppers. This got Mom thinking…Can Dogs Eat Peppers?
This is a very interesting question! There are so many types of peppers…Sweet peppers, hot peppers, banana peppers, red peppers, green peppers, bell peppers – to name a few!
First up…Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers?
If Ella’s eyes are any indication, YES! Dogs Can Eat Bell Peppers! Not only are Bell Peppers safe for dogs but they are also very nutritious for both YOU and your Dog!
Can Dogs Eat Red Peppers?
If it’s a Red Bell Pepper the answer is YES! Dogs CAN Eat Red Bell Peppers! Red Bell Peppers are the most nutritious of the Bell Pepper family so opt for Organic Red Bell Peppers first. Bell Peppers in general are packed full of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants such as Vitamin C, A, E B6 and Lutein.
Green, Orange, Red and Yellow Bell Peppers all make a healthy snack or dog food accent topper for your pup but start slowly to see how your dog handles Bell Peppers. Serve Bell Peppers Raw, roasted with olive oil or gently sauteed in olive oil (keep them slightly crunchy) to preserve their nutrition. You can also crush, dice or puree bell peppers or serve “stuffed” (a slice with dog food on it).
Always check with your vet first to get recommendations based on the size and health of your dog. Too much of any good thing can wreak havoc with your dog’s stomach and digestive track so serve in small amounts!
Warning! Do NOT feed your dog any other type of Red Peppers! For more on this, read the warnings under Green Peppers below!
Note: Cook / prepare your bell peppers alone. Do NOT cook with onions or garlic as they are both toxic to dogs.
Fun fact..the minute Ella took a sniff of all the bell peppers she did a happy dance and tried to lick them! She’s got a great veggie radar!
Can Dogs Eat Green Peppers?
It’s always BEST to err on the safe side so…NO! Dogs should NOT eat green, red, yellow, etc., peppers – UNLESS they are Bell Peppers! Most peppers outside of bell peppers are spicy, hot peppers. Hot peppers are dangerous and in some cases, toxic, for dogs.
Spicy peppers and foods in general can cause severe stomach problems. Capsaicin in spicy or hot peppers can cause pain, diarrhea, gas, vomiting and excessive thirst for your dog. So, NEVER allow your dog to eat green or any peppers other than bell peppers.
In Summary, Can My Dog Eat Peppers?
The answer is: Dogs can only eat Bell Peppers. Red Bell Peppers are the most nutritious so opt for Organic Red Bell Peppers first and serve in small doses AFTER you’ve checked with your vet. Green, Yellow and Orange Bell Peppers are nutritious as well if you’d like to switch up the variety of Bell Peppers! If you REALLY want to WOW Your Dog, add a little bell pepper to the top of one of Scooby’s Dog Food Recipes!
Want to learn more about which vegetables and fruits are safe for your dog? The AKC published a very thorough list to help! Always check with your vet, however to double check the safety for your particular pup.
Are you interested in growing chilies, veggies and other foods without a garden, limited space or time? Our Fwiend Jenny will teach you how! Don’t forget to include Bell Peppers so your Pups can enjoy too!
Want More Fruit, Veggie and Other Food Safety Guidance for your Dog?
Check out our other blog posts for the scoop!
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries In Season? (Includes Strawberries, Radish and Squash)
Can Dogs Eat Lettuce and Arugula? (Includes Broccoli, Leeks (Onion & Garlic Family), Citrus, Carrots and Celery Leaf
Can a Dog Eat Peaches? (Includes Corn, Green Beans, Cucumber and Parsley)
Is Stevia Safe for Dogs? (Includes Sugar, Sweeteners and Artificial Sweeteners)
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