Can Dogs Eat Black Pepper?

No, it is not recommended for dogs to eat black pepper.

Typically used as a spice to season dishes, black pepper packs some heat due to a substance called piperine. The spice comes from peppercorn, a plant that bears drupes which contain the pepper seeds. Because of its name, some people mistakenly associate black pepper with pepper fruits. However, the two belong to different families, with the former belonging to Piperaceae and the latter under Solanaceae. The pepper fruit can be spicy due to a different active component called capsaicin.

Whether served in ground or dried form, black pepper is a pungent-smelling spice that should not be given to your canine. Though it is safe for him to consume in small amounts, adding it to his food won’t provide him with any nutritional benefits. Plus, consuming large amounts can cause health problems ranging from gastrointestinal to respiratory issues.

What to do if your dog accidentally eats black pepper: Try to find out how much black pepper your dog ate. Observe him closely for the next 24 hours. Sneezing, coughing, and nasal burning sensation are common respiratory effects of eating black pepper. Stomach-related complications may also manifest such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Help alleviate the situation by offering your canine lots of water and inform your veterinarian about your dog’s condition.

If your dog ate table leftovers flavoured with black pepper, determine the other ingredients included in the dish. If it contains harmful spices such as salt, garlic, and onion, get in touch with your vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

In summary: Though black pepper contains vitamin K, iron, and manganese, the spice may cause more harm than good to your canine (as well as feline) pet. As such, it is best to keep the kitchen condiment away from your furry pet at all times. Most dogs actually dislike its strong smell, so they naturally steer clear from it.

Explore our “can dogs eat” category to discover which human foods your canine pet can safely consume.