Black pepper is one of the most popular seasonings all over the world.
It is mainly used as an ingredient in Indian and Asian cuisines and adds flavor to the foods.
I like Asian and Indian foods and like to make some for myself at home.
I also like to sprinkle some black pepper onto my salads and omelets to add some flavor.
So, I tend to be a little cautious when my furry friend begs me to share some omelet with him.
As you know, some humans foods can be toxic to dogs. So, it is always safe to know and look up which foods your furry friend can or can’t eat.
In this article, I will answer the question, “Can dogs have black pepper?” in detail.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right in, shall we?
Let’s begin.
Can Dogs Have Black Pepper Without Any Problems?
Dogs can eat anything and everything—from trash to clothes and even paper!
So, it is your responsibility to make sure that they don’t eat something that’s inedible ot unsafe for them.
They are like babies in this matter.
So, is black pepper safe for your furry baby to consume?
The answer is that black pepper is not safe for dogs to have.
However, your dog can have small amounts of black pepper without having any aversive reactions or major problems.
If you’re using a very small amount of black pepper in a recipe, it is okay to give your dog some of the leftovers, as long as the pepper is diluted.
However, if you’ve seasoned your scrambled eggs with black pepper powder, it’s better to keep them away from your furry friend.
In case your dog has a large amount of this seasoning, you should call the doctor as soon as possible.
Why is Black Pepper Bad for Dogs?
Having too much black pepper can be harmful to dogs as well as for humans. The only thing with humans is that our threshold is larger than for dogs as we’re bigger.
Food seems bland unless we add some seasoning to it.
However, if you add too much of black pepper into your food (or give it to your dog), it may cause various problems including irritation of the digestive tracts.
Black pepper also contains a chemical called Capsaicin which can be harmful to humans and dogs.
A Little About Capsaicin
Capsaicin is another chemical found in different types pepper and chilies such as paprika, bell pepper, white pepper, chili powders and black pepper.
This chemical is responsible for irritating the lining of stomach for mammals.
Consuming too much of this chemical can cause the following:
Stomach ache
Vomiting
Other gastrointestinal issues
However, these effects occur only if a large enough dose of the chemical is in the animal’s system.
So, monitoring the amount of capsaicin or bell pepper you doggy friend consumes is a good idea.
If you don’t do so, your dog might have additional problems such as long-term gastrointestinal issues and dehydration.
Additional Information: Things You Should Know About Dogs and Black Pepper Consumption
Not only does too much black pepper cause gastrointestinal irritation, but it can also irritate the skin and eye in dogs.
Dogs eat anything and everything that’s put in front of them as they have strong survival instincts.
So, your furry friend won’t have any problems with eating something that has black pepper in it. But, he’ll feel the negative effects.
You should keep all the leftovers that have large amounts of black pepper or Capsaicin in them as far away from your dog’s reach as possible.
Store the food in durable cookware that has a tight cover.
Don’t leave it on the counter as your dog might get interested and want to have a bite or two.
Keep your hands away from your furry friend if you’ve been in contact with pepper as they can irritate your dog’s skin and eyes.
Final Words: Can Dogs Have Black Pepper?
No, your dog can’t have black pepper.
However, if your furry friend has had only a small amount, it won’t have any aversive health effects for your furry friend.
Black pepper contains a chemical called Capsaicin which is responsible for irritating the lining of stomach for mammals—including humans and dogs.
So, black pepper is dangerous for both, humans and our best friends.
The thing is, with humans, we need a large quantity of black pepper to observe the harmful effects.
Dogs are small than us in size and need smaller quantities to have the same effects.
Consuming too much of this chemical can cause the following:
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Other gastrointestinal issues
It is best to keep foods that contain a lot of bell pepper away from our doggy friends.
I hope this article is helpful in answering the question, can dogs have black pepper.