Peppers add color, flavor, and crunch to our meals, but what about our dogs? If your pup stares at you while you’re slicing bell peppers or cooking with jalapeños, you might wonder: Can dogs eat peppers safely?
The answer depends on the type of pepper. Some, like bell peppers, are safe and even healthy in moderation. Others, especially spicy varieties, can cause stomach upset and discomfort.
In this article, we’ll explore whether dogs can eat 20 common types of peppers, their benefits, risks, and how to serve them safely. We’ll cover each type of pepper one by one below:
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Eat Peppers? Detailed Answer Below:
Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers?
Yes, dogs can safely eat bell peppers, whether they are red, green, yellow, or orange. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, along with powerful antioxidants that support immune health, eye function, and skin condition. Always remove seeds and stems, and serve raw or lightly cooked pieces for easier digestion. Red bell peppers are the most nutritious of all colors, offering the highest levels of beta-carotene.
Avoid adding salt, oil, or seasoning, as these can upset your dog’s stomach. Start with small portions and observe your dog’s reaction to ensure they tolerate it well, especially if it’s their first time trying peppers.
Can Dogs Eat Jalapeño Peppers?
No, dogs should never eat jalapeños. These peppers are too spicy for their digestive systems and can cause irritation, stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Even a small amount may lead to significant discomfort or distress.
Dogs are much more sensitive to capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers hot, than humans. Always keep spicy foods, including jalapeños, chili peppers, and dishes seasoned with them, safely out of reach. If your dog accidentally eats one, monitor them closely for signs of discomfort and provide plenty of water. Contact your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Peppers?
Banana peppers are only mildly spicy, but they can still upset your dog’s stomach and cause discomfort. While they aren’t toxic, their slight heat and acidity may lead to digestive issues such as drooling, gas, or loose stools. Dogs have more sensitive stomachs than humans, so it’s best to avoid feeding them any type of spicy pepper.
If your dog accidentally eats a small piece, offer fresh water and watch for signs of irritation or discomfort. Stick to dog-safe vegetables like bell peppers or carrots instead; they’re gentle on the stomach and provide valuable nutrients without the risk.
Can Dogs Eat Poblano Peppers?
Poblanos are mild to moderately spicy, which can still be unpleasant for dogs. The capsaicin content can upset their digestive system. Stick to non-spicy options like bell peppers instead.
Can Dogs Eat Anaheim Peppers?
Anaheim peppers are mild for humans but not suitable for dogs. Their spice level can still cause stomach irritation. If you want your dog to enjoy a crunchy veggie, offer plain bell peppers instead.
Can Dogs Eat Serrano Peppers?
No. Serrano peppers are much hotter than jalapeños. Even a small amount can cause burning sensations, excessive drooling, and gastrointestinal distress. Keep these far from your dog’s food.
Can Dogs Eat Habanero Peppers?
Absolutely not. Habaneros are extremely hot and can cause severe irritation to your dog’s mouth, throat, and stomach. Ingesting them may even lead to vomiting or dehydration.
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Peppers?
Yes, sweet peppers (similar to bell peppers) are perfectly safe. They’re crunchy, hydrating, and provide vitamins C and E. Just ensure they’re washed, deseeded, and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Can Dogs Eat Cayenne Peppers?
No. Cayenne contains high levels of capsaicin that can burn a dog’s mouth and cause digestive upset. It’s sometimes used in deterrent sprays, which shows how irritating it can be to pets.
Can Dogs Eat Cherry Peppers?
No, dogs should not eat cherry peppers. These peppers can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhoea due to their spiciness and capsaicin content. Even small amounts may irritate a dog’s digestive system.
Can Dogs Eat Cascabel Peppers?
No, dogs should not eat cascabel peppers. Cascabels are spicy and contain capsaicin, a compound that can cause mouth irritation, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea in dogs. It may also lead to dehydration and discomfort.
Can Dogs Eat Pasilla Peppers?
No, dogs cannot eat Pasilla peppers. Although milder than some chillies, Pasillas still contain capsaicin, which can irritate a dog’s mouth, stomach, and digestive tract. Eating them may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or excessive thirst.
Can Dogs Eat Carolina Reaper Peppers?
Absolutely not! Dogs should never eat Carolina Reaper peppers. This pepper is one of the hottest in the world, containing extremely high levels of capsaicin, which can cause severe pain, burning sensations, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and even respiratory distress in dogs. Always keep Carolina Reapers far away from pets.
Can Dogs Eat Scotch Bonnet Peppers?
No, dogs should not eat Scotch Bonnet peppers. These peppers are extremely hot and contain high levels of capsaicin, which can cause mouth and stomach irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, and dehydration in dogs. Even a small amount can be painful, so it’s best to avoid Scotch Bonnets entirely.
Can Dogs Eat Trinidad Scorpion Peppers?
No, dogs should never eat Trinidad Scorpion peppers. These are also among the hottest peppers in the world, containing dangerously high levels of capsaicin, which can cause severe mouth pain, stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and even inflammation of the digestive tract. Ingesting these peppers can be extremely distressing and harmful.
Can Dogs Eat 7 Pot Douglah Peppers?
No, dogs should never eat 7 Pot Douglah peppers. This pepper is one of the hottest varieties on Earth, containing an extremely high concentration of capsaicin. Even a small amount can cause intense burning sensations, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and stomach pain in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Malagueta Peppers?
No, dogs should not eat Malagueta peppers. These small, spicy peppers contain capsaicin, which can irritate a dog’s mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Eating Malagueta peppers may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and stomach pain.
Can Dogs Eat Thai Bird’s Eye Peppers?
No! Dogs should never be given Thai Bird’s Eye peppers. These tiny chillies pack intense heat due to their high capsaicin content, which dogs can’t tolerate. Eating them can lead to mouth irritation, drooling, stomach cramps, or diarrhoea. Even smaller amounts may cause discomfort.
Can Dogs Eat Piri Piri Peppers?
No, dogs should not eat Piri Piri peppers. These peppers are extremely spicy and contain capsaicin, which can irritate a dog’s mouth, throat, and stomach. Even small amounts may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain. Piri Piri seasoning and sauces are even more harmful due to added salt, garlic, and oils. Always stick to dog-safe treats instead.
Can Dogs Eat Aji Amarillo Peppers?
No, dogs should not eat Aji Amarillo peppers. Although these Peruvian peppers are milder than many hot varieties, they still contain capsaicin, which can cause digestive upset, drooling, and discomfort in dogs. It’s best to keep Aji Amarillo, raw, cooked, or in sauces, away from your dog’s bowl.
Can Dogs Eat Lemon Drop Peppers?
No, dogs should not eat Lemon Drop peppers. Despite their fruity, citrus-like flavor, these peppers contain capsaicin, the compound that makes chilies hot. Even a small amount can cause mouth irritation, vomiting, or stomach pain in dogs. Always avoid giving spicy foods like Lemon Drop peppers to your dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Brazilian Starfish Peppers?
No, dogs should not eat Brazilian Starfish peppers. These colorful, uniquely shaped chillies may look harmless, but like other varieties, they also contain capsaicin, which can cause burning sensations, drooling, stomach upset, and diarrhoea in dogs. It’s best to keep Brazilian Starfish peppers out of your dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Eat Rocoto Peppers?
No, dogs should not consume even a particle of Rocoto peppers. These peppers are extremely spicy and contain high levels of capsaicin, which can irritate a dog’s mouth, throat, and digestive system. Eating Rocoto can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, and discomfort.
Can Dogs Eat Monzano Peppers?
No, dogs should not eat Manzano peppers (also known as Apple Chilli). Like other hot peppers, Manzano peppers contain capsaicin, which can cause burning sensations, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea in dogs. Even a small amount can be too spicy for them.
Can Dogs Eat Chili Peppers?
No. All chili peppers contain varying amounts of capsaicin, which is harmful to dogs. Eating them can lead to abdominal pain, panting, drooling, and vomiting.
Can Dogs Eat Pepperoncini?
Pepperoncinis are pickled and spicy, making them unsuitable for dogs. The vinegar and sodium content can also be harmful. Avoid giving any pickled or seasoned peppers to your pet.
Can Dogs Eat Ghost Peppers?
Never. Ghost peppers rank among the hottest in the world and can cause extreme pain, mouth burns, and potential toxicity in dogs. Keep them far away from your pet.
Can Dogs Eat Mini Bell Peppers?
Yes! Mini bell peppers are a safe, crunchy snack for dogs. They’re smaller but packed with nutrients. Slice them into small pieces and remove the seeds for easy digestion.
Can Dogs Eat Shishito Peppers?
Shishito peppers are mild for humans, but unpredictable; some can be spicy. It’s best to avoid feeding them to dogs since even slight spice can irritate their stomach.
Can Dogs Eat Thai Peppers?
No. Thai peppers are intensely spicy and can severely irritate a dog’s digestive system. Even licking one could cause drooling and discomfort.
Can Dogs Eat Tabasco Peppers?
No. Tabasco peppers are very hot and often processed into sauces containing vinegar, salt, and other ingredients that are unsafe for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Fresno Peppers?
Avoid feeding Fresno peppers to your dog. Though similar to jalapeños, they are spicy and can cause gastrointestinal upset or mouth irritation.
Can Dogs Eat Cubanelle Peppers?
Cubanelle peppers are mildly sweet and lower in heat, so small amounts of plain, raw Cubanelle may be tolerated. Still, introduce them carefully and watch for any digestive issues.
Can Dogs Eat Hungarian Wax Peppers?
No. These peppers are moderately hot and unsuitable for dogs. Even a bite may cause stomach upset or burning sensations.
Can Dogs Eat Chipotle Peppers?
No. Chipotle peppers are smoked and derived from jalapeños, making them spicy and often seasoned. Never give smoked or processed peppers to dogs.
Health Benefits of Safe Peppers for Dogs
When fed properly, non-spicy peppers like bell or sweet peppers offer several benefits:
- Rich in vitamin C – supports immune function
- High in antioxidants – helps fight free radicals
- Low in calories – ideal for weight management
- Contains beta-carotene – promotes eye and skin health
- Natural source of hydration
Tip: Start with small portions. Too much fiber at once can upset your dog’s tummy.
Dangers of Feeding Spicy Peppers to Dogs
Spicy peppers contain capsaicin, the compound that gives them heat. Dogs are far more sensitive to it than humans. Eating spicy peppers may cause:
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Watery eyes or sneezing
- Stomach cramps, gas, or diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration from excessive panting
In rare cases, severe reactions may require veterinary care.
How to Feed Peppers Safely
If you want to add peppers to your dog’s diet:
- Stick to non-spicy varieties (like bell peppers).
- Wash thoroughly to remove pesticides.
- Remove seeds and stems.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve raw or lightly steamed.
- Avoid spices, oils, or seasoning.
You can mix a few pieces with your dog’s kibble or use them as low-calorie training treats.
Conclusion:
Yes, dogs can enjoy mild, sweet peppers like bell peppers in moderation. These colorful vegetables are a safe, vitamin-rich treat that can boost your dog’s diet.
However, avoid spicy varieties, from jalapeños to ghost peppers, as they can cause serious irritation and discomfort.
When in doubt, stick to plain, sweet peppers, served raw and unseasoned. And always check with your vet before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet.
