Bell peppers are a delicious and crunchy additive to salads, and they are also awesome in stir-fries, pizzas, and more. But did you know that dogs love bell peppers almost as much as humans do? If you are wondering if dogs can eat bell peppers, the answer is a resounding yes. Dogs can eat all types of bell peppers including green peppers, red peppers, yellow peppers and orange ones.
In fact, they are considered one of the dog friendly vegetables and are good for dogs. Sweet peppers are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are given to them in moderation. Let’s take a look at the benefits your dog can have from eating bell peppers of all colors.
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Health Benefits of Peppers For Dogs
It’s a good thing that bell peppers are so good for dogs, because they love them, and will even try to steal them from your garden when you aren’t looking. Although they are healthy for dogs, it is important to not let your dog eat too much bell pepper because it can cause an upset stomach.
If you are giving your dogs green, red, yellow or orange peppers for the first time, only give them a couple of nibbles, and then monitor them to see if there are any side effects, such as diarrhea or an upset stomach.
If your dog doesn’t have a negative reaction to eating a pepper, you really should consider adding them to your dog’s diet on a regular-basis. A whole-food diet is great for dogs, and sweet peppers can be a healthy part of this type of diet. Bell peppers contain many nutrients that dogs need in order to be healthy and strong including:
- Vitamins A, C, E, K, and several of the B vitamins
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Capsaicin
Dogs can eat raw bell peppers but the best way to serve them is pureed or lightly cooked to break down the cell walls for easier digestion.
Give Your Dog Ripe Bell Peppers
Dogs can eat bell peppers no matter how developed they are but they get the most nutrients from ripe vegetables. The riper the peppers are, the higher the vitamin C content. They also taste a lot better when they are at their ripest. However, you have nothing to worry about if your dog eats unripe peppers. They are still loaded with nutrients and they will not make your dog sick.
How Much Bell Pepper Can Dogs Eat?
The first thing you need to figure out is if your dog actually likes bell peppers. Most dogs do but that doesn’t mean all dogs will like them. Give your dogs a few bites to try and then watch for any digestive issues.
If they like it, and there are no issues, you can give them a little bit once in a while. No more than a quarter of a cup is recommended about once a week. Or you can give them a couple of small pieces as a reward during training.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Bell Peppers in Moderation
As long as they are given in moderation, bell peppers, green, yellow, or red, can make a great treat for dogs, and most tend to really love it. Remember, the riper the peppers are, the more nutrients they contain. Bell peppers are an ideal addition to a whole food diet for dogs, so feel free to pass a little on to your pup if you are eating some.