Vegetable
Can dogs eat bell peppers?
Sweet bell peppers — red, yellow or green — are a crunchy, vitamin-rich treat for dogs. Hot chilli peppers are not.
By Maya HartHow much, how often
A few strips for a medium dog.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Remove the stem and seeds
- Slice into strips
- Plain only — no stuffed peppers with onion or cheese
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs Safe
Yes. Sweet bell peppers — red, yellow or green — are a crunchy, vitamin-rich treat for dogs. Hot chilli peppers are not.
How much: A few strips for a medium dog.
Cats In moderation
A small piece of bell pepper is safe for cats, but cats are carnivores and don’t need it.
How much: A small piece.
Can cats eat bell peppers?The details
Red peppers are among the richest vegetable sources of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Dogs make their own vitamin C, so they don’t need it, but peppers make a crunchy, low-calorie alternative to biscuits. Some dogs find the skin hard to digest; lightly steamed peppers are gentler.
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat bell peppers?
Yes. Sweet bell peppers — red, yellow or green — are a crunchy, vitamin-rich treat for dogs. Hot chilli peppers are not.
How much bell peppers can a dog have?
A few strips for a medium dog.
What should I do if my dog ate bell peppers?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is bell peppers safe for cats too?
A small piece of bell pepper is safe for cats, but cats are carnivores and don’t need it.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for dogs
Cucumber
Sweet potato
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Pumpkin
Tomatoes
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation