Can dogs eat bell peppers?

Updated 19/04/2024

While it's safe for dogs to eat many of the fruits and vegetables we humans enjoy (with a few caveats, naturally), you might be wondering - can dogs eat bell peppers safely, or are they one to remove from canine consumption altogether? Well you'll be pleased to hear that nutrient-packed, vibrant bell peppers are safe for dogs, and they can be enjoyed as a healthy snack every now and then. Below we'll explore some of the most common questions pet parents have on the topic of feeding dogs bell peppers, as well as a few things to consider when serving up the snack to your pup. 

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Are bell peppers good for dogs?

And can dogs eat bell peppers and get any health benefits like we humans can? Certainly - dogs need a balance of nutrients from both plants and animals (they're omnivores, just like us), so a vegetable like the bell pepper is a healthy snack for dogs. But, as you'll probably already know, the dog food you choose for your pooch will be formulated to be completely balanced both in nutritional composition and with the supplementation of vitamins and minerals needed for good canine health. This means that additional snacks and sides aren't really necessary, so feed bell peppers to your pup as a treat, not as a nutritional supplement. 

Can dogs eat green peppers?

Green bell peppers are perfectly safe for dogs (unlike green chili peppers), but they aren't as nutrient-rich as red bell peppers.

Can dogs eat red peppers?

Red bell peppers are the most nutrient-rich of all the colors and are perfectly safe for dogs, but red chili peppers can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs due to the molecule capsaicin, which makes the peppers spicy.

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Health benefits of eating bell peppers for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs have bell peppers - let's take a look at some of the nutrients your pup could be benefitting from if bell peppers are a vegetable you choose to share with them. 

• Vitamins A, B6, C, E and K1.
• Potassium.
• Folate.

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Feeding your dog bell peppers

When it comes to sharing the vegetable with your furry friend, you might be wondering - can dogs eat bell peppers straight off your plate, or do they need to be prepared in a special way to make them safe for canine consumption? We advise preparing your pup's snacks separately from your own. Why? Well, so many ingredients we regularly use in our human cooking are likely to irritate your dog's stomach - or worse, cause toxicity. It's always safer to cut and cook your dog's bell peppers away from the 'people food'. To prepare the bell pepper for your pup, make sure it's washed, remove the leaves, stalk, and seeds. Then, chop into bite-size pieces and steam if you think your pup might struggle with chewing through the skin. Serve as an every-now-and-then treat, as opposed to something you supplement your pup with.  

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Other bell pepper products

And can dogs eat bell peppers if they're stuffed? And what about stews and curries? Can dogs have bell peppers if they're cooked into some of our favorite dishes? Well sadly not - ingredients like garlic and onions are toxic to dogs, and many other ingredients and seasonings common in our recipes will either irritate your dog's stomach, causing vomiting and diarrhea, pose a choking hazard, or add too much salt and fat into their diet leading to health concerns over time. So, when feeding your dog bell peppers, be sure to keep it simple.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

Now that you're officially a clued-up pet parent on the question - can dogs eat bell peppers - you might be wondering what other foods dogs can eat. Take a look below to get started on what's fit for canine consumption.

• Turkey
• Popcorn
• Cantaloupe

Related article: Can dogs eat cranberries?

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.