Vegetable
Can cats eat bell peppers?
A small piece of bell pepper is safe for cats, but cats are carnivores and don’t need it.
Why Capsaicin in hot chilli varieties
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- 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.
Signs to watch for
- Gas after eating a lot
- With chillies: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and diarrhoea
How much, how often
A small piece.
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.
Can dogs eat bell peppers?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.
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.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat bell peppers?
A small piece of bell pepper is safe for cats, but cats are carnivores and don’t need it.
How much bell peppers can a cat have?
A small piece.
What makes bell peppers risky for cats?
Capsaicin in hot chilli varieties.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
gas after eating a lot, with chillies: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and diarrhoea.
What should I do if my cat 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 dogs too?
Yes. Sweet bell peppers — red, yellow or green — are a crunchy, vitamin-rich treat for dogs. Hot chilli peppers are not.
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
