Is your dog a fan of table scraps and human snacks, but you’re not sure if the seasonings are okay for your pup? I’m a veterinarian, and I explore whether black pepper, salt, and other types of pepper are safe to feed your dog.
We pet parents often consider our furry friends part of our family, which may mean them joining in at mealtimes. A lot of people also give their pups “human food” snacks. Salt and pepper are everyday seasonings used in a lot of human food. Some foods that are healthy for people are not safe for dogs, but can dogs eat black pepper? Dogs can eat a tiny amount of black pepper without any effects. But it’s not beneficial for them, and it can cause sickness when they eat too much of it. Ultimately, it’s best to avoid giving your dog pepper. So, before sneaking your furry friend a sly treat, learning more about dogs and black pepper is a good idea.
Is Black Pepper Safe For Dogs?
It’s important to know that when we treat our canine companions, we’re not harming them. A small amount of black pepper is generally considered safe for dogs. However, it’s not beneficial, and larger quantities can cause stomach upset.
Black pepper is spicy, a flavor most dogs don’t enjoy. It’s also a seasoning not usually part of your dog’s diet, so they may not like the taste. Many dogs refuse food with a strong, peppery taste if used in large amounts. If you’re cooking for your dog, avoid seasonings like salt and pepper and concentrate on using fresh, whole food.
We all want our canine companions to be part of our lives for as long as possible. One of the most important ways to care for your dog is to regulate what they eat, especially human food. Many dogs will eat almost anything you put in front of them, so it’s essential to know which human foods are safe or toxic for dogs.
What Happens If Dogs Eat Black Pepper?
It’s a good idea not to feed your pup table scraps and foods seasoned with salt and pepper. Many human foods are high in fat and can lead to weight gain in dogs. Regularly feeding table scraps can also encourage unwanted behavior in dogs, such as begging at the dinner table or stealing food.
Lightly seasoned food shouldn’t be a problem for your dog. However, larger quantities of black pepper can irritate the inner lining of the stomach and intestines. On top of upsetting your dog’s digestive system, if your dog ingests too much black pepper, you may notice some of these additional symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Gurgling guts (also known as borborygmus)
If your dog inhales too much pepper, for example, if you spill it on the floor, it may cause an unpleasant sensation in his nose, leading to a bout of excessive sneezing. In severe cases, it could irritate the lining of the airways and lungs, leading to breathing problems. You may notice their breathing become noisier or see them making more effort than usual when breathing.
When To See A Vet
If you’re concerned about your dog’s digestive system, or they are vomiting or have diarrhea or abdominal discomfort, it’s best to seek veterinary advice or contact America’s Poison Center. Any change to your dog’s breathing is considered an emergency, and you should seek veterinary advice immediately.
Did You Know?
If your dog eats something and becomes sick, vet bills can be breathtakingly expensive. Be proactive and consider pet insurance. We compare top pet insurance companies to help with unexpected medical emergencies.
Does Black Pepper Offer Any Health Benefits For Dogs?
Black pepper is mainly used in human food as a seasoning to enhance the taste. Black pepper contains piperine, which is responsible for the pungency of the spice, but it is less of an irritant than capsaicin. Contrary to popular belief, black pepper doesn’t contain capsaicin, which is responsible for the hotness of chili peppers. Piperine also has some anecdotal benefits for people, including increased metabolism, improved digestion, antioxidant properties, and anti-inflammatory effects. While black pepper, including piperine, isn’t toxic to dogs in small quantities, it doesn’t offer any real health benefits for dogs, either. Because of the potentially harmful effects of ingesting too much black pepper, it’s best to avoid it when possible.
Can Dogs Have Salt And Pepper?
Dogs can tolerate salt in small quantities. However, moderate to large amounts of salt and pepper can be dangerous to dogs. If your dog eats a lot of salt, it can cause them to vomit and become very thirsty. In extreme cases, excess salt ingestion can alter the normal salt levels in your dog’s blood, leading to an increase in blood pressure and kidney problems. Salt poisoning isn’t likely with the amounts of salt used in seasonings, but it’s essential to be aware of the risk.
Use your best judgment if you want to share some of your own food with your dog that contains salt and pepper. Meat or vegetables seasoned with a small amount of salt and pepper should be safe in small quantities, but it is best to avoid heavily seasoned foods.
What About Other Types Of Pepper?
Black pepper is one of many types of pepper found in human foods. If you cook with other types of pepper, you should know if the following seasonings are okay for your dog’s digestive system.
Can Dogs Have Green, Pink, Or White Peppercorns?
Black peppercorns from vines are dried and usually ground before being used to season food. Other varieties, such as green, pink, or white peppercorns, have similar properties and contain piperine; they’re just processed differently or picked at an earlier, unripe stage. They’re not toxic to dogs but, like black pepper, should only be fed in very small quantities. They offer little nutritional benefit to our canine friends.
Can Dogs Eat Cayenne Pepper?
You should avoid giving your pup Sichuan and cayenne pepper. These tend to be very spicy and create a feeling of numbness in the tongue caused by capsaicin, which can be an uncomfortable irritant for your dog. Dogs don’t tolerate spicy food, and even small quantities can lead to stomach upset.
Can Dogs Have Hot Pepper?
Hot peppers are not good for dogs and their digestive systems and are an irritant. Dogs don’t enjoy the spicy flavor caused by capsaicin, and they have no health benefits. It’s best to prevent your dog from eating all forms of hot peppers, including jalapeños.
Can Dogs Eat Peppercorn Sauce?
You should also avoid peppercorn sauce. Most varieties contain additives and other ingredients like salt, garlic, onions, and even alcohol, which are all toxic to dogs. These additives could cause more severe health problems in dogs. So, if you want to spoil your dog with steak, avoid the sauces.
Can Dogs Eat Lemon Pepper?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat lemon pepper. Lemon pepper is a spice mix containing several ingredients, some of which can be an irritant and toxic ingredient for dogs. If your dog gets into a small amount of lemon pepper, it’s probably okay, but monitor them closely. If you have a small breed dog or dog that eats a large amount, it’s time to call the vet.
Alternatives To Black Pepper For Dogs
Alternative treats could include fresh vegetables such as carrots or broccoli, small amounts of unseasoned, cooked chicken, or doggy treats. Treats and table scraps should make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie allowance to ensure they receive all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy and maintain an optimum weight. Extra treats add extra calories that can lead to weight gain and obesity. Good-quality commercial dog foods provide all your dog’s nutrients for the day, as does high-quality fresh dog food.
How To Take Care Of Your Dog When They Eat Something They Shouldn’t
Accidents happen, whether that’s feeding Fido something you shouldn’t or finding scraps on their walkies. So, it’s crucial to know what to do and be prepared when your dog’s digestive system isn’t happy. We have a guide on what to give a dog for an upset stomach to help settle their tummies if they eat something they shouldn’t or an irritant. We also review Dr. Cuddles ReadyRESCUE, a detox first aid treatment that could be a lifesaver for a dog who has eaten a toxic ingredient.
Has your dog eaten black pepper? Perhaps they’ve found another type of spicy irritant on the floor that’s caused problems with their digestive system? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Katherine has many years of experience as a dog owner and qualified veterinarian in the United Kingdom. She has seen many dogs eating large amounts of food they shouldn’t, like pepper and other spices. Katherine spent seven years working in a busy, 24-hour small animal hospital, providing routine and emergency care. She is passionate about client education and empowering pet owners with the knowledge to improve patient welfare and access to veterinary services.