Dogs love to eat scraps off our table. Almost every food we make has black pepper in it. But can dogs eat black pepper?
Yes! Black pepper is completely safe for dogs and can provide many health benefits if given in moderated amounts. The best way to take care of your pet is to check on what they are eating. Especially when it comes to human food, not everything is right for them.
Sometimes we eat different spices in our food for the taste that are harmful to pups.
Black pepper is a common spice and found in most foods. But what if dogs eat black pepper?
In this article, we will find the answer!
What Is Black Pepper?
The dried blackberries obtained from peppers are widely known as black pepper. Some use it as a whole spice, but sometimes people ground it to get its powder.
Black pepper is often referred to as the “king of spices.” It comes from the unripened, dried Indian plant “Piper nigrum.”
It is a great choice when it comes to spicing up food. If used in a large amount, it can cause health problems in humans. Apart from adding flavor to food, some people use black pepper as an antioxidant.
1) Should Dogs Eat Black Pepper?
Dogs can eat almost anything you place in front of them. This is why it is important to ensure their safety before offering any food to them.
Can dogs eat black pepper? Yes, they can. It is entirely safe for them in regulated amounts.
Dogs are man’s best friend. Most people around the world have them as pets due to their affectionate nature. Owners love to invest their care, love, and money in their health.
A little amount of black pepper is acceptable. But, have in mind that there is a fine line between a small amount and a colossal amount for pets. What food portion is fair for us may become toxic to dogs.
Our bodies work differently than animals. Dogs have much smaller organs than us. Plus, their digestion process is also slower.
If you cook dishes with black pepper, such as chicken pot pie, you can give a few pieces to your pup.
However, if the bottle of pepper spills on the ground and your pooch eats from it, this isn’t safe. It is vital to keep such ingredients away from your dog.
Moreover, if you enjoy a lot of black pepper in your food, it isn’t preferable to give to doges either.
4 Reasons Why Black Pepper Is Bad For Dogs
Excess of any food is bad for both humans and animals. But, the problematic amount is different for dogs and humans. Dogs don’t respond well to too much black pepper and is dangerous as well.
Too much black pepper can cause the following problems in canines:
1) Respiratory Issues:
While we expect that dogs can eat anything. In contrast, some owners say their pet hates the smell of pepper.
It is a common practice to sprinkle some pepper on things you don’t want them to touch.
Sprinkle will do just fine to keep them away from stuff. But, inhaling too much pepper can trigger both human and dog respiratory systems.
If your pooch inhales a large amount of black pepper, it can cause hypoxia. It also causes oxygen supply deprivation.
In severe cases, it obstructs the air canal and instantly causes death.
The lungs’ lining is quite delicate. Inhaling black pepper can irritate it. It can also result in asthma or any other serious problem.
2) Burning Sensation In Stomach:
Most people suffer from severe burning in the stomach after overeating pepper. This can happen to dogs too.
Some spices like cayenne pepper or black pepper are “spicy” because they are acidic. There are other spices like “ghost peppers” too. It is too acidic that it destroys the stomach lining.
Dogs who ingest a large amount of black pepper will have heartburn and will result in acidity. It is best to keep it away from pooch to avoid rupturing their stomach lining.
3) Hemorrhoids:
An excessive intake of black pepper causes hemorrhoids, not only in humans but dogs too. It irritates the rectal or colonic mucosa. Hemorrhoids cause the veins to swell up in the lower region of the anus and rectum.
Dogs need great care and kindness. This condition is excruciating. Hence, you should limit the usage of black pepper for your canine friend.
4) Bronchitis:
When the bronchial tubes get irritated and swollen, this condition is “bronchitis.” The bronchial tubes act as a passage for air to pass through the lungs. This condition is very painful for poor animals.
When dogs eat black pepper in large amounts, it causes bronchitis. It is important to notice the portion. Otherwise, it has alarming effects.
4 Health Benefits Of Black Pepper For Dogs
A moderate amount of black pepper may not harm your dog. In fact, it has potential health benefits stated as below:
1) Strengthens The Immune System:
Black pepper is rich in antioxidants and helps to boost immunity. It means that your canine is less likely to get sick. This is beneficial only when given in small amounts.
2) Regulates Blood Sugar Level:
If your dog is suffering from diabetes, a little pinch of black pepper can help him. Studies show that this spice can help to balance the sugar level of the body.
3) Cancer-Fighting Agents:
According to researches, black pepper has elements that prevent cancerous cells from developing. Adding a pinch of the spice will help your pooch to develop cancer-fighting cells.
4) Helps In Brain Function:
Dogs should have an active lifestyle & for that their brain must function fully. You must add such food to their diet, which supports a healthy nervous system.
There are specific properties in black pepper that help to improve brain function. This will help to make your dog more trainable.
3 Tips For Feeding Black Pepper To Dogs
Before you give this spice to dogs, there are a few things you must know. These tips will help you protect your pup from any potential adverse health effects.
1) Not More Than A Pinch:
If you want to give your pooch black pepper, stick with a pinch.
Animals have a different digestive system than ours. They cannot handle large quantities of spices all at once. The more you offer them, the more likely they will experience digestive upsets.
Your dog must not have any spice regularly, even if it’s black pepper. Ingredients like salt are also harmful to dogs in a large amount.
Thus, if you are enjoying a bag of Doritos with a can of soda, you must not feed them because sodas and Doritos aren’t good for them.
Salt and pepper in high amounts regularly increase the chances of adverse reactions. It will also have a long-term effect on their health as they might develop asthma.
It would help if you only gave black pepper as a special treat once in a while.
2) Keep A Check On Your Dog:
It is essential to keep a close eye on your pup after you have given them black pepper. This technique will help you assess if your pet is developing any negative symptoms.
If your pup has an allergic reaction, you need to act swiftly. Allergies are quite common among dogs, but you still need to stay vigilant.
3) Feed Them Yourself:
Dogs sniff their food before eating. If you give them black pepper and they smell it, it can go into their eyes or in their nose.
It is better that you feed them by hand. Putting it on the ground only increases the risk of sneezing. And, your pet might end up hating black pepper.
Can Dogs Eat Any Kind Of Pepper?
Can dogs eat black pepper? Yes, they can. But what about peppers in general?
Any type of pepper which has capsaicin content is harmful to dogs. It is present in various kinds of chilies and pepper-based spices.
These peppers include:
- Bell peppers
- Chili powder
- Fresh pepper
- Paprika
This element is harmful and can damage the lining of both animals and humans. Even though small amounts of pepper are safe, but it is best to avoid them.
Consuming in large quantity can cause:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach ache
Other than gastrointestinal issues, it can cause skin and eye irritation.
Everyone wants their pets to stay healthy. Hence, it would help if you avoided peppers with capsaicin content. Pay close heed to see if your pooch develops any negative signs after eating a small number of peppers.
If you suspect that your dog is sensitive to capsaicin, avoid giving peppers. In such conditions even in small amounts is harmful.
Things You Need To Take Care Of Before Feeding:
Typically, dogs don’t care what they eat. Being careful about their food, health, and other activities is a job of a responsible owner.
They will try anything you place in front of them. Be careful about leaving any leftovers around the house. It may contain pepper or any other spices.
Dogs can have black pepper, but they shouldn’t have the opportunity to eat whenever they want.
Keep the peppers and spicy foods in durable cookware with tight lids. Moreover, you should wash your hand after touching peppers. Because if you pet your dog with those peppery hands, it will cause irritation.
Can Dogs Eat Black Pepper? Conclusion:
So, can dogs eat black pepper? A small amount of this spice may not harm your pooch.
But, it is crucial to keep a check on the amount. Sprinkling a small pinch of pepper on food won’t have any side effects. It is beneficial for the immune system, blood sugar, and fighting off cancer.
If your dog ingests a whole bottle of black pepper, the results are worse. Check for the symptoms in the next few hours. The symptoms can look like digestive upsets.
If the vomiting gets worse after consuming pepper, contact the vet immediately. Your furry friend can’t speak up for themselves. It is you who need to ensure that they are appropriately taken care of.
Most vets prefer only dog food as it is solely made for them. However, a little hint of spice won’t harm as well.
