Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? The Dos And Don’ts Of Giving Veggies To Dogs

When it comes to sharing human foods with Fido, it can be tricky to know exactly what is safe and what isn’t. Just because something is healthy for us doesn’t always mean it is good for our dogs, so it’s important to err on the side of caution when asking yourself questions like “can dogs eat bell peppers”.

The word pepper itself would have us thinking that the answer to can dogs eat bell peppers is a pretty big no, but the truth is giving your dog bell peppers may actually have some hidden benefits.

And if this is the case, what other veggies are safe for your dog?

If you’re wondering which veggies are safe and which to stay away from when it comes to sharing food with your four-legged family member, you’ve come to the right place.

But Before We Dive In, Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers?

Dogs can eat bell peppers and, in fact, bell papers are even healthy for dogs!

Many dogs are notorious for counter surfing and snatching human foods they probably shouldn’t be snatching. Did your dog just get a hold of bell pepper or two?

Don’t worry – the answer to can dogs eat bell peppers is a nice, big YES! In fact, not only can dogs eat bell peppers, but bell peppers are actually good for dogs.

But just what is bell pepper, and what is the difference between a bell pepper and other types of peppers?

This is a great question, and it’s super important you know the answer since most other types of peppers are not good for dogs.

What Are Bell Peppers?

Many people think of bell peppers as a vegetable, and while we are listing it here in this article amongst other veggies you can share with your dog, bell peppers are actually considered a fruit. These peppers grow from a flowering plant in the Grossum cultivar group.

Bell peppers are unique from other peppers like jalapeno peppers, cayenne peppers, or even banana peppers because instead of being spicy they are sweet. Different colors of bell peppers even have different sweetness levels, with many experts agreeing red bell peppers are the sweetest.

Other colors of bell peppers include green, yellow and, orange.

Bell peppers are loaded with nutrients and they can be eaten by your dog raw or cooked. You can also add them to your dog’s diet by mixing them in with his dog food or by freezing them into fun, chewy treats! We will talk more about how to make homemade dog treats using bell peppers further down, but for now, let’s take a quick look at the types of peppers your dog should stay away from.

Which Peppers Should Your Dog Stay Away From?

While the answer to can dogs eat bell peppers is a strong yes, there are other peppers that your dog should definitely stay away from.

These peppers include those listed below:

• Chilli Peppers
• Cayan Peppers
• Banana Peppers
• Jalapeno Peppers
• Or Any Pepper With A Spicy Kick

Spicy peppers like those listed above contain Capsaicin, which is a component common in different types of plants belonging to the Capsicum genus. While some people enjoy spicy foods and spicy peppers, this component is actually considered a chemical irritant to animals, and that includes humans.

Capsaicin actually mimics a burning sensation and, in some cases, it can actually lead to burns or irritation of the skin or tissue.

In dogs, Capsaicin is especially irritating and can be harmful to their digestive system. Not only will spicy peppers be painful for dogs to eat, but they can also lead to serious digestive issues.

Luckily, sweet peppers like bell peppers do exist, and not only can dogs eat bell peppers, but bell peppers are pretty darn good for them to consume in moderation. Keep reading to learn more!

What Are The Health Benefits Of Bell Peppers For Dogs?

There are many benefits of bell peppers for dogs.

Bell peppers are sweet, crunchy, juicy, and delicious! It’s no wonder you would want to find out the answer to “can dogs eat bell peppers”!

And since we now know the answer to this question is yes, it’s time to take a deeper dive into why you actually SHOULD share these delightful fruits with your furry friend.

Let’s take a look at the nutritional stats of bell peppers:

Calories: 30

Dietary Fiber: 2.5 Grams

Net Carbs: 4 Grams

Protein: 1.3 Grams

Vitamin C: 8 Milligrams

pH Level: 4.8 to 5.2

Glycemic Index: 15

And now let’s move on to the health benefits!

Bell Peppers Are Low In Calories and High In Fiber

Bell peppers are safe and healthy treats for any dog trying to watch his figure. Bell peppers are low in calories and high in fiber, so they can help aid in digestion and ease stomach upset.

They Are Rich In Vitamine C And Can Help Improve Metabolism

While bell peppers don’t contain as much Capsaicin as hot peppers do, they still contain enough to help boost metabolism and encourage healthy eating habits and digestive functions.

Bell Peppers Contain A Good Source Of Beta-Carotene

Beta-Carotene is the compound needed to give fruits and veggies their bright red, orange, or yellow colors. Your dog’s body will convert this beta-carotene into vitamin A, which in turn helps promote a number of healthy functions throughout your dog’s body.

Beta-Carotene, once converted into vitamin A, can help promote healthy organs like your dog’s lung, heart, and kidneys. It can also help support skin and coat health, as well as eye health.

Bell Peppers Can Help Boost Your Dog’s Immune System

If you’re wondering can dogs eat bell peppers, you’ll be happy to know that bell peppers can help boost your dog’s immune system due to the fact they are so rich in antioxidants. Vitamin C is one such antioxidant that can help prevent infections, aid in wound healing, and even create antibodies to continue fighting the good fight inside your dog’s body.

Bell peppers Can Help Reduce Inflammation In Your Dog’s Body

Inflammation can lead to worsened bone and joint issues in your dog, which can in turn lead to painful arthritis. When considering can dogs eat bell peppers, you’ll be happy to know that bell peppers are especially good for senior dogs. They can help reduce inflammation in the bones and joints and ease arthritis pain.

What You Should Know Before Giving Your Dog Bell Peppers

While we do know the answer to can dogs eat bell peppers is yes, it’s still important to remember that overindulgence in bell peppers can cause digestive upset.

Remember, these peppers are rich in fiber, and too much fiber in your dog’s diet can lead to stomach issues like diarrhea and loose stool. It’s best to only give your dog bell peppers in moderation and to ensure you are not giving your dog the core, seeds, or stem of the bell pepper.

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers – DIY Recipes You Can Make At Home

It’s simple to make treats for your dog out of bell peppers.

Since you now know bell peppers are so good for our four-legged friends, it’s no surprise you might consider adding them to your dog’s diet from here on out.

There are several ways you can go about preparing bell peppers for your dog, and we have listed some of our favorite recipes for can dogs to eat bell peppers below.

How To Make Dehydrated Bell Peppers

Making dehydrated foods for dogs is a fun and easy way to make healthy treats. Now that you know the answer to can dogs eat bell peppers is a yes, you might want to give this fun trick a try.

It’s easiest to make dehydrated bell pepper treats for your dog when you have a dehydrator. If you’re looking for a good one, we recommend the OSTBA Food Dehydrator listed below.

OSTBA Food Dehydrator

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A food dehydrator is not as costly as you might think, and it’s a super versatile addition to any kitchen. The above food dehydrator can be used for a variety of snacks and treats for both you and your dog.

It’s super easy to use this product to make dehydrated bell peppers to offer Fido that is healthy, full of nutrients, and mess-free.

The dehydrator is BPA-free and includes five trays that are all dishwasher safe. It also includes a recipe book!

Steamed Bell Peppers

Smaller dogs or senior dogs with dental issues may have a more difficult time chewing the tough outer skin of bell peppers. You can combat this by simply steaming bell peppers until they are soft.

Wash the bell peppers and remove the seeds and white inside flesh. Then slice them into long slices. Steam them as you normally would and then allow them to cool before serving them to your dog.

Pureeing Bell Peppers

Can dogs eat bell peppers? Yes! Can dogs eat bell peppers pureed? Yes! Pureeing bell peppers for your dog provides you with an easy way to add this superfood into your dog’s diet. You can mix it with kibble or stir it in with your dog’s raw dog food.

When you are pureeing bell peppers, remember that it is easier to accidentally give your dog more bell peppers than you typically would.

Be vigilant as to how many bell peppers you are offering your dog in one sitting, as too many bell peppers could lead to stomach upset.

Raw Bell Peppers

Can dogs eat bell peppers raw?

While some veggies and fruits should be cooked before you offer them to your dog, in the case of the nutritious bell pepper, you can certainly give them to your dog raw!

Of course, it’s important to remove the stem and seeds and to offer your dog raw bell peppers in moderation.

Other Veggies That Are Healthy For Dogs To Eat

While bell peppers are not considered vegetables, many people confuse them for veggies.

Bell peppers are not technically vegetables, but that hasn’t stopped many of us from referring to them as such.

But what about other fruits and veggies for dogs? Are there vegetables that you can include in your dog’s diet that pack as much of a nutritional punch as bell peppers?

There sure are! Take a look at some of the best veggies you can share with your dog when looking into can dogs eat bell peppers!

Carrots

One of the great things about asking can dog eat bell peppers is you find out that bell peppers contain beta-carotene, which as we know is prevalent in brightly colored veggies. Carrots also contain beta-carotene, as well as vitamin K, biotin, Vitamin B6, and potassium.

Broccoli

Many children aren’t fans of broccoli, but most dogs we know love this nutritious vegetable! Broccoli is chock-full of vitamins and nutrients your dog needs to thrive including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. All of these nutrients can help decrease chances of developing the disease later in life, and can also improve bone and heart health.

Green Beans

Green beans are also packed full of vitamins and nutrients that are healthy for your dog. When giving your dog green beans, we recommend steaming them or cooking them so they are soft. Be sure to wash them first as well so they are clean.

Kale And Spinach

We know that kale and spinach are superfoods for us humans, but amazingly they are also incredibly beneficial for our four-legged family members. Kale contains a good amount of Vitamine A and K, which can help boost bone health as well as increase energy, boost metabolism, and help boost the immune system.

Spinach is rich in vitamins B6, B9 and E. It’s also rich in potassium and magnesium, iron, carotenoids, and folic acid.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a wonderful addition to your dog’s daily diet, and they are easy to include in meals or even as treats. Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B6, beta-carotene, and antioxidants.

Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash can provide your dog with a unique combination of vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B6, and C. These minerals and vitamins can help enhance heart health, boost your dog’s immune system, and promote his eye health.

Beets

If you want to help boost your dog’s immune system and offer him digestive support, we recommend adding beets to his daily diet. Beets are full of vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium, and magnesium.

Celery

Celery is rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants that can help combat disease and keep your dog feeling his best.

Cucumber

Cucumbers may be mostly water, but they also contain an incredible amount of antioxidants and can provide your dog with anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help ease arthritis in aging dogs, help boost your dog’s immune system, and even prevent disease.

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? The Do’s And Don’ts Of Fruits and Veggies For Your Dog

While many vegetables are healthy for your dog, some are not.

When it comes to answering can dogs eat bell peppers, we should also discuss how to cook fruits and veggies for Fido.

While bell peppers can be eaten both raw and cooked, some fruits and vegetables are safest when prepared a certain way.

Some of the most common ways to prepare fruits and vegetables for your dog are listed below.

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? How To Cook Fruits and Veggies for Fido

 

• Freezing

• • Freezing dog-safe fruits and veggies is a great way to not only store these foods but also lock in the nutrients they provide your dog. Many dogs will also enjoy chewing on a frozen treat, especially during a warm day. Frozen fruits and veggies can also help ease discomfort for teething puppies.

 

• Dehydrating

• • We talked a bit about how to dehydrate bell peppers above, but you can really dehydrate almost any type of fruit or vegetable. Dehydrating foods can have benefits, although this process can also reduce or even destroy some essential nutrients. This is especially true for vitamins A and C, so this should be considered.

 

• Steaming

• • Fruits don’t typically need to be steamed, but bell peppers are one such fruit you can steam. You can also steam many other veggies. This process of cooking foods for your dog helps to sanitize the food while also capturing most of the nutrients and flavor.

 

• Pureeing

• • Pureeing fruits and veggies is one of the easiest ways to ensure your dog is getting the full benefits of eating these types of superfoods. Not only does pureeing not remove any of the nutrients, but it also helps with digestion and ensures your dog’s body absorbs all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in the food.

 

• Blanching

• • Blanching your dog’s fruit or vegetable treats is a safe way to sanitize the foods without having to cook them, which can remove some nutrients. Balnching involves dunking the foods in boiling water and then quickly removing them and replacing them in cold water.

 

• Eating Raw

• • Last but not least, eating fruits and veggies raw, if possible and safe, is often the best way to provide the most nutrients to your dog when giving him these types of superfoods.

Fruits and Veggies You Should Keep Your Dog Away From

When we answered can dogs eat bell peppers, we also mentioned that just because fruits and veggies are good for humans doesn’t mean they are good for our dogs. But which fruits and vegetables are especially dangerous to our four-legged friends?

Take a look.

 

• Aromatics (Onions, Chives, Garlic, Etc)

• • Garlic, onions, chives, and other aromatics can be toxic to dogs. They can cause low iron in their blood, damage their blood cells, and even damage their kidneys.

 

• Peaches, Apricots, Cherries, Plums, and Persimmons

• • The pits and seeds in cherries, peaches, apricots, plums, and persimmons can be deadly to dogs as they contain cyanide. If you do want to share these fruits with your dog, it’s best to give them slices of the meat only.

 

• Grapes, Raisins, and Currants

• • Grapes, raisins, and currants are some of the most deadly fruits you can offer your dog as they can cause serious kidney damage.

 

• Rhubarb

• • When not properly cooked, rhubarb can be toxic to people. But even when cooked properly it can be very dangerous for your dog. Rhubarb contains a component of a plant known as oxalates, which can wreak havoc on your dog’s nervous system, kidneys, and digestive tract.

 

• Wild Mushrooms

• • Although dogs can eat store-bought mushrooms, wild mushrooms can be deadly to dogs just as they can be deadly to humans. Refrain from allowing your dog to eat wild mushrooms, even if you believe them to be safe.

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers – Veggie Treats And Products You Can Buy For Fido

If you don’t have time to make your own dog treats using vegetables, you can always buy some.

Making homemade dog treats for your dog when it comes to can dogs eat bell peppers can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t have all the kitchen utensils needed to make these treats at home.

Furthermore, some dogs are pickier than others, and not all dogs are as keen to eat raw vegetables and fruits as others. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to implement the nutrients from not only bell peppers but also any of the other fruits or vegetables on our list, you can always purchase treats specifically designed for dogs.

Not sure which treats would be best for your pooch? Take a look at some of our fan favorites below.

Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Dog Treats

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If you’re not interested in dehydrating treats yourself, you can always try offering your dog pre-packaged dehydrated sweet potato chews. These sweet potato treats for dogs are made with 100% natural sweet potato slices, and they are full of vitamins and minerals to help aid in healthy digestion.

These treats are free of any artificial ingredients, dyes, preservatives, or other additives that your dog doesn’t need. They are also rich in nutrients that help aid in digestion, skin health, coat health, and eye health.

Mind Your Peas Dog Treats

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We love this adorably named package of dog treats by the PetKnowledgy store because they offer real veggie treats made with all-natural ingredients. These treats are freeze-dried to help preserve nutrients, and they are safe for dogs in all their life changes.

The treats come with a medley of freeze-dried veggies including green beans, potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and peas.

Zuke’s Z-Bone Dental Chew With Carrots

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When looking into can dogs eat bell peppers, you might also consider looking into how veggies can help aid in dental health for Fido. While bell peppers are not high on the list for helping aid in dental health, carrots can help promote a healthy mouth.

Fort his reason, we have listed Zuke’s Z-Bone Dental Chews. These dental chews are made with quality ingredients that are healthy for your dog to consume, and one of those ingredients includes vitamin and nutrient-rich carrots.

You can order these dental chews in different size variations depending on your dog’s size. We also like that they are made with natural ingredients that you can feel good about feeding your dog.

So, Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? Let’s Sum It Up!

Dogs can eat Bell Peppers, but it’s still important to only give them in moderation.

Can dogs eat bell peppers? You bet they can! Not only are bell peppers loaded with nutrients for your dog but they are also sweet, tasty, juicy, and easy to come by.

Bell peppers come in a variety of colors but remember it’s important not to accidentally give your dog chili peppers that could cause your dog serious digestive upset.

We also want to remind you that, while dogs can eat bell peppers and maybe even should eat bell peppers now and again, too many bell peppers can cause your dog to become sick.

It’s important to consider that your dog may have unique allergies or sensitivities to bell peppers. If your dog is especially sensitive to certain foods or if your dog has unique allergies, it is best to speak with your veterinarian before offering your dog bell peppers.

It’s also a good idea to begin slowly with your dog when introducing bell peppers. Allow your dog a small bite or two before allowing him to eat an entire slice of bell pepper, and ensure bell peppers mesh well with his digestive tract before introducing them into his diet.

We hope this has been a helpful guide on can dogs eat bell peppers! Are you inspired to make some creative and tasty bell pepper treats for your furry family member?

Tell us what you think in the comment section below.