You already know that spicy peppers are the perfect way to punch up your favourite recipes, but can dogs eat chilli, too? Are all spicy foods off limits? And, what should you do if your pup chows their way through your spicy vegetable patch?
As you might have guessed already, chilli peppers are not a great addition to your dog’s diet. In this article, we’ll talk about the reasons why not and what to do should your dog have other ideas!
Can dogs eat chilli peppers? Yes and no.
Chilli peppers are members of the capsicum family, named after the chemical compound capsaicin. This is the magical part of the pepper plant that is responsible for heat and spice in peppers, and while it’s not technically toxic for dogs, it can cause some negative reactions in the body.
For one thing, capsaicin is simply unpleasant. We humans have come to love the burn of spicy foods, and we know that it’s only temporary. Our doggos though, might experience some distress or fear at suddenly feeling like their mouth is on fire.
The second danger here is the effect that spicy foods can have on your dog’s digestion. It’s not uncommon for dogs to suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea, feelings of discomfort, and dehydration after eating even small portions of fresh or dried chilli peppers.
What should you do if your dog eats chilli peppers?
Let’s say you’re making pico de gallo in the kitchen and a small piece of chilli pepper falls from the cutting board right into your dog’s opportunistic mouth. Don’t panic. Even though dogs are less accustomed to eating spicy foods than we are, they probably won’t feel too much discomfort from a small taste.
But, what should you do if your dog has followed their nose to your chilli pepper plant? In the case that your dog has swallowed an entire pepper, it’s best to call your veterinarian. Your dog will likely begin to experience the digestive upset from the pepper and may need to be brought to your local clinic for care.
You might also want to give your dog a temporary solution to help ease the burning sensation in their mouth. As it turns out, research shows that milk is one of the most effective ways to neutralise spice pain. This is because dairy products contain a type of protein that binds to and dissolves the capsaicin so that it can no longer be absorbed by the body’s spice receptors. Of course, you don’t want to give your dog more than a spoonful or two of milk as they may have a secondary reaction to the dairy.
Can dogs eat chilli peppers? No, but they can eat a close relative!
Not all members of the pepper family are unpleasant for doggos. In fact, you might already have a close relative in your fridge that your dog would prefer instead: capsicums!
The fact that we call these large, sweet peppers capsicums is actually a bit misleading. After all, this pepper variety does not contain any capsaicin, making it a spice-free alternative to chilli peppers.
Capsicums can be served in small bite-sized pieces as tasty treats or toppers for your dog’s regular meals. Just make sure not to overdo it as the fibre content can cause some digestive upset if your dog is not accustomed to eating veggies.
Are all spicy foods bad for dogs?
It’s pretty clear that your doggo should stay away from super spicy chillis. But does that mean that they’re destined to a spiceless life entirely? No! In fact, there are a few sources of spice that your dog might actually enjoy.
Ginger, for instance, is a natural source of spice that your dog can enjoy in small quantities. This root herb is a wonderful immune booster and digestive aid without invoking an uncomfortable spice response.
Some dried spices like cinnamon and turmeric also make for safe and healthy alternatives to chilli peppers. In fact, cinnamon and turmeric offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make them great additions to your DIY dog treats. If you’re not sure how to incorporate spices into your home-cooked treats, you might opt for a high quality kibble with turmeric as an ingredient.
Overall, can dogs eat chilli?
The main takeaway here is that while chilli peppers aren’t technically toxic for dogs, they’re not a good addition to your dog’s diet. The presence of capsaicin in chilli peppers makes them unpleasant and potentially dangerous for your dog, especially if your pup manages to eat more than a small taste. In the case that your dog has managed to chow down on chillies, make sure to call your vet and consider giving them a small portion of a dairy product to ease their discomfort.
If you’re looking for chilli pepper alternatives, the good news is there are plenty! You can opt for a spiceless relative of the chilli pepper, the capsicum. Or, you can incorporate other dog-friendlier spices like turmeric, cinnamon or ginger.
At the end of the day, the answer to “Can dogs eat chilli?” is no. But, your pupper probably won’t be disappointed to pass up on chilli peppers. With a delicious regular diet and tasty treats, your dog will be happy not to indulge in your spice-filled culinary creations. That leaves more for you!
