Fajitas, salads, there are plenty of places where bell peppers belong. They really pack a punch when it comes to flavour and they are also loaded with nutritious goodness. But when you slip your dog a crunchy bell pepper slice, is it really safe for them to eat?
Dogs can eat bell peppers, and they are seriously good for them too. They are full of good vitamins, antioxidants, and are great for their immune system as well. Skin, eyes, and joints all benefit from this tasty snack, so go ahead and give them a slice.
That’s not where it ends though….read further in our detailed guide to the world of bell peppers and how they can benefit your canine companion? You’re sure to be surprised.
Health Benefits to Your Dog Eating Bell Peppers
Peppers are rich in several fantastic vitamins. This includes vitamins A, C, E, and B6. These help to boost their immune system as well as promote healthy joints, eyes, bones, and muscles. It also keeps their coats shiny and skin healthy (who doesn’t love a soft puppy?).
Bell peppers also contain beta-carotene, another great source of nutrition for their immune systems as well as eye health. They also have lutein, and this is a fantastic antioxidant, combining with the other ingredients to form part of a healthy and balanced diet.Â
Red, Green, Yellow, Orange – Which Colour is Best?
Interestingly, the colour DOES actually matter. While all bell peppers are going to contain the same nutrients, it’s the red ones that have the most concentrated amount. They have the highest levels of antioxidants and vitamins.
The red ones are also nine times richer in beta-carotene than the other colours, but other than that they are all fairly similar. You should also try feeding your dog a slice of each colour – they may have one that they prefer over the others.
Read Here: Can Dogs Eat Hummus?
How Many Bell Peppers are Safe for Your Dog to Eat?
Something you are likely getting used to us saying is the 10% rule. For those of you who are new, the 10% rule is where you should only have 10% of your dog’s diet contain treats each day. Bell peppers and other fruit and veg count as a tasty treat.
Remember to introduce them to this new snack gradually as well, too much and you will wind up with a dog that has a very upset stomach. Now, the amount that your dog can eat really depends on their size.
A small dog should have no more than a quarter of bell pepper in a day, or you can translate that to 2-3 medium slices. A large dog should not have more than half of one in a day.
You should also remove the seeds and the core before serving it to them.
How to Prepare a Bell Pepper for a Dog
The bell peppers should always be PLAIN. Those that have been seasoned in any way, or mixed with things like onion, garlic, and oil, should never be fed to your dog as they are toxic. Your pup should also never have spicy peppers as these will lead to vomiting and diarrhoea.
You can feed them to your dog raw, but the outer skin can be tough to chew. While some dogs quite like it, older pups might struggle with the toughness of the skin. In cases like this, it is best to steam or puree them so that they are easier to chew and digest.
Read Here: Can I Mix Vegetables With Dog Food
Final Thoughts
Bell peppers, what a surprising little fruit these turned out to be. They are great for your dog’s health, helping them to build a strong immune system and maintain a shiny coat. Not to mention all those vitamins and minerals they are loaded with. Just remember – moderation is key.
Enjoying learning more about what your dog can eat and why it is beneficial? Our canine care guides are a fantastic series of information pieces on diet, behaviour, and the why behind each statement. Check them out, you’re sure to learn a lot.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.