Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers?

Yes, dogs can eat bell peppers and will most likely enjoy the crunch! Bell peppers are healthy, nutritious, low in calories, and tasty, which makes them a great snack for dogs!

dog and red, yellow and green bell peppers

Table Of Contents

Just how good are bell peppers for dogs?
Green, red, or yellow – can dogs eat all types of bell peppers?
- Dogs can’t eat jalapenos
Are peppers always safe for dogs?
FAQs

My dog adores red bell peppers, and he mostly eats them cooked with some meat (I use them to make a killer stir fry, but I give some to my dog before I add soy sauce). I let him indulge, as bell peppers of any color are healthy for dogs, and, along with cucumber, zucchini, green beans, and carrots, are some of the best vegetables for dogs!

Just how good are bell peppers for dogs?

Vegetables can be a great snack for dogs, and you’d be surprised to learn that so many dogs enjoy them. With bell peppers, dogs adore the crunch when they eat them raw and they love chewing on things. This can be pretty beneficial for their teeth and gum health. Also, peppers are hydrating, so they can be a good treat on warm summer days or after a long walk or run.

Whenever you can it’s best that you give your dog healthy snacks, like the ones you buy specifically for dogs, or homemade treats like simple vegetables. That is always a much better option compared to processed foods, cured meats, or snacks loaded with sugar. Dogs don’t need that kind of thing!

Bell peppers are rich in nutrients that support overall health and in the long run, make your dog healthier! Here’s what they have:

Vitamin C: Although dogs don’t need extra vitamin C as their bodies can produce their own, it’s still good to know that bell peppers, especially the red ones, are one of the best sources of this vitamin!

Vitamin A: This vitamin is important for maintaining healthy vision and then healthy skin and coat.

Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and supporting healthy skin and fur.

Potassium: Supports heart health and proper muscle function.

Folic Acid: Supports healthy cell growth and development.

Your dog doesn’t always need all of these vitamins and minerals, but it’s good to know that the snacks that you’re choosing for them have all the good nutrients!

Green, red, or yellow – can dogs eat all types of bell peppers?

Yes, dogs can eat all types of bell peppers, whether green, red, or yellow. All these peppers are the same species but different varieties, which allows them to reach different levels of ripeness! Green bell peppers are less ripe and probably don’t taste sweet at all. Then you have yellow bell peppers, which are somewhere in the middle, and red bell peppers, often called sweet bell peppers, that are fully ripe, have a lot of vitamin C and are the sweetest.

Let’s start with the green ones! Dogs can eat green bell peppers, both raw and cooked. They are super crunchy, not very sweet, and still have a lot of nutrients, even though you’ll often read that they are not as healthy as other peppers. Still, they are a fresh and healthy snack, so if your dog seems to like them, go for it!

Everyone’s favorite, red bell peppers, are safe for dogs to eat. They are the ripest, sweetest, and most flavorful. They have all the good nutrients and double the amount of vitamin C compared to green ones.

Just like the other two, dogs can eat yellow bell peppers. They are rich in vitamins like A and C, and they are a healthy, tasty treat for dogs.

Dogs can’t eat jalapenos

In addition to all three colors of bell peppers, I have to mention that dogs can’t eat jalapeno peppers! This is really just common sense, but dogs shouldn’t eat spicy food at all! Check the link to read more about jalapenos. I wrote about them after learning that some dogs, as wild as they are, like to steal jalapenos and eat them! Worried owners then panicked and had to figure out how to help their dogs. Fortunately, jalapenos aren’t toxic to dogs; they’re just terrible for their stomachs.

Are peppers always safe for dogs?

Peppers are generally safe for dogs, but you should remove the stems and seeds before sharing any with your dog.

Seeds are harmless, and your dog will pass them through without issue, but the stem can be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs. It’s best to wash, clean, and cut peppers before giving them to your dog.

Additionally, you need to pay attention to how much fiber you’re giving your dog, as too much fiber can upset their digestion and cause various issues.

First, if your dog eats too much fiber, they can end up with gas and bloating. Since dogs can’t digest fiber well, they may also experience runny stool and temporary diarrhea.

When they overeat fiber, they may become lazy, lethargic, or just a bit down.

These effects are temporary, but it’s good to know that when it comes to vegetables, the best rule to follow is not to overdo it and to give them only a few pieces here and there as a snack.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

These are the most popular FAQs about peppers, as there are so many types of peppers out there and so many curious dogs that at one point tried to eat them! If you have more questions, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll be happy to respond!

Can dogs eat banana peppers?

Yes, dogs can eat banana peppers, but maybe they shouldn’t as they are still a little bit spicy. It’s good to know that they are not toxic, but since they’re spicy they may upset your dog’s stomach.

Can dogs eat chili peppers?

No, dogs should not eat chili peppers. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, the compound that makes them spicy, which can cause significant digestive distress for dogs, including pain, excessive drooling, and diarrhea. Spicy foods should be avoided for dogs to prevent these unpleasant reactions.

Can dogs eat pepperoncini?

Dogs can technically eat pepperoncini, but they shouldn’t! If your dog ate pepperoncini by accident, don’t worry too much as they are not toxic, but they will still cause stomach problems and general discomfort for dogs.

Can dogs eat poblano peppers?

Dogs shouldn’t eat poblano peppers even though they are not as spicy as some other chili varieties. However, even though poblano peppers are milder, they can still be a bit spicy for dogs, and cause stomach upset or digestive issues.

Can dogs eat shishito peppers?

Yes, dogs can eat shishito peppers as they are generally mild, but there is always a chance that one could be spicy. While shishito peppers aren’t toxic, they are unpredictable, so it’s best you avoid them. If they ate some by accident, don’t worry, as they are not toxic, but don’t share them with your dog.

Can dogs eat serrano peppers?

No, dogs should not eat serrano peppers. Serrano peppers are quite spicy and contain capsaicin, which can cause severe stomach upset, pain, and even vomiting or diarrhea in dogs.