As a doggie parent, it can sometimes be hard to know for certain which people foods are safe for your dog and which are not. For instance, can dogs eat bell peppers? According to the American Kennel Club, the answer is yes. The bottom line is that they are in no way toxic to your dog, and in fact, they are actually healthy for them. As you know, there are many different types of peppers out there, so if you aren’t sure which peppers are bell peppers, don’t hesitate to ask a grocery store associate for help.
Does the Color of the Bell Pepper Matter?
Whether you select red, green, yellow or orange, you are choosing to give your dog a snack that is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. However, if you are looking for the healthiest variety, choose red bell peppers. They contain more antioxidants and vitamins than the other colors.
Health Benefits of Bell Peppers for Dogs
Vitamins A, E, B6, lutein, vitamin C, and beta carotene are all found within bell peppers. All of these antioxidant vitamins work together to help keep your dog’s immune system in check. Specifically, beta-carotene is helpful for dogs as it promotes healthy skin, coat, and eyes.
How Many Bell Peppers Should I Feed My Dog?
As with many things in life, moderation is key. You should introduce bell peppers into your dog’s diet slowly and only a little at first to make sure that your dog responds well to them. To begin, a large dog can eat ½ of a bell pepper and a small dog can eat ¼ of one at a time. Removing the seeds and stem is a good idea so that your dog doesn’t get indigestion.
Preparing Bell Peppers for Your Dog
When it comes to giving any type of vegetables to your dog, never add any type of seasoning. Don’t add any salt, but never prepare the bell peppers in onions or garlic, because they are toxic to dogs.
Also, be sure to pay attention to what type of peppers you are picking up at the grocery store. Never feed your dog spicy types of peppers, such as chili peppers or jalapenos.
If you like, you can steam the bell pepper so that you can remove its outer skin, which can be difficult for some dogs to chew.
Final Thought
Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, it is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian first.
