We love to season our foods to make them spicy and appetizing. Using different peppers in our meals is nothing new to us. Black pepper is a fairly popular flowering vine from the Piperaceae family. It has a lot of health benefits for human beings, but what about our little furry companions? Can dogs eat black pepper? Is it safe for them to consume?
Usually, we decide to feed our dogs table scrap or some takeout food we got from a drive-through. Considering what type of food it is, there is a chance it contains some spices, which may not be good for your dog. So, analyzing the meal before giving it to your pooch is always a good idea.
Can dogs eat black pepper?
Yes, dogs can eat black pepper but in very small amounts. However, the spice is not ideal for your pet dog as dogs usually don’t like spicy foods. Furthermore, black pepper has no positive effects on the dog’s health. So, it’s best not to include the spice in your pup’s diet.
There is a good chance your dog will refuse to eat black pepper. They despise the smell of it. If you still decide to give your dog edibles containing black pepper, make sure to offer them lots of water with it. Use in very little quantity and infrequently.
Effects of black pepper on dog’s health
Black pepper and dogs don’t go along very well. The spice has nothing good to offer to a dog’s health and well-being. However, the list of negative effects of the drupe is quite long. It can lead to some serious health issues in dogs.
Diarrhea
Consuming a large quantity of black pepper can mess with the dog’s digestive tract. It is because the base of black pepper is extremely strong. Irritation of the digestive tract can cause problems like vomiting and diarrhea. These complications can lead to dehydration which is very dangerous for the canine.
Respiratory Problems
Dogs don’t enjoy the smell of black pepper. Some people use it as a deterrent to stop their dogs from chewing on things. But, if a high amount of the spice is sniffed, it can cause harm to the lining of the lungs and lead to problems like hypoxia and asthma. In the worst-case scenario, it can completely deprive the lungs of oxygen, leading to the dog’s demise.
Hemorrhoids
Feeding your dog black pepper can lead to hemorrhoids. A disease in which the veins in the lower region of the rectum swell up. Hemorrhoids can cause extreme pain, discomfort, and even bleeding from the rectum. The disease is not very common in dogs, but the risk is not worth taking.
Stomach Burn
Stomach burn is one of the known side effects of ingesting a lot of black pepper. It can occur in both humans and dogs. Black pepper irritates the inner lining of the intestines and the stomach causing a burning sensation. The stomach burn causes major pain and distress.
What to do if your dog eats black pepper?
The harmful effects of black pepper on a dog’s health depend on the quantity it consumes. If your dog ate a small amount, it would most likely be fine.
If eaten in a large amount, black pepper can prove to be very dangerous for your pooch. Observe your dog for a couple of hours to see if it vomits or has diarrhea. If so, take it to the vet immediately.
Also, look out for symptoms like excessive sneezing, heavy breathing, stomach cramps, and indigestion.
What type of pepper can dogs eat?
Usually, peppers are not the most optimal ingredient for dogs. Almost all peppers have capsaicin present in them. The chemical can cause several health problems in dogs.
Bell pepper is the only pepper dogs can eat as it has no capsaicin. It is non-toxic for the pooch and packs good nutritional value. The dog will also enjoy eating it because it is not spicy.
Some peppers dogs should not be given include:
- Chili pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
Basically, any pepper having a fair amount of capsaicin content should be avoided in the case of dogs.
A tip to remember
Black pepper is not something to be included in the dog’s food chart. But, it happens very often that we feed our pooches table scraps or even cuisine meals. It’s not a bad thing to treat them occasionally. However, make sure that table scraps and other human foods account for only 10 percent of the dog’s total calorie allowance.
Related FAQs to black pepper and dogs!
What happens if a dog eats black pepper?
Eating a small amount will not cause significant harm. But, consumption of a large quantity of black pepper can lead to several health problems like diarrhea, hemorrhoids, respiratory problems, and stomach burn.
Will black pepper repel dogs?
Black pepper is a known dog repellent. Dogs hate its penetrating smell. It can be sprinkled on objects you don’t want your dog to chew upon. Pepper sprays are also used to protect humans from dog attacks.
Can dogs taste pepper?
Dogs have very little sensitivity towards spicy foods. They can’t really taste the spice; instead, they feel the heat coming from it. That’s the reason spicy foods are not great for dogs.
Will black pepper hurt a dog’s nose?
Dogs don’t like the smell of black pepper. It is also very harmful to them. If inhaled in a large quantity, black pepper can lead to several respiratory issues in the dog. Keep black pepper and other spices away from your dog’s reach.
Final thoughts on whether dogs can eat pepper!
People like to feed their dog snacks and human foods. Usually, they serve the food without knowing the ingredients, which is a crucial mistake. Black pepper is not something to regularly include in your dog’s meals.
There are no benefits of black pepper for dogs. It only harms the dog’s health. As a pet parent, you should actively make sure your dog is eating healthy and safe food.
