One day, I got back home only to find Ruby – one of my dogs – gulping water from her bowl. I looked around and saw a few spicy chips that had spilled from the bag in the pantry. She must have wandered into the kitchen and eaten some, not knowing what they were.

Ruby didn’t look too happy. Later that day, I took her on a walk, and she made a mess that was hard to clean up. It turns out, spicy food and dogs don’t mix very well! Here’s what you should know about it:

Key Takeaways

  • No, dogs shouldn’t eat spicy food ❌
  • Eating something spicy can cause a dog’s colon to contract, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms like bellyache and diarrhea ❌
  • There are herbs like parsley and mint that can help keep your dog healthy while they enjoy some extra flavor ✔️
  • Be sure to consult with your vet before adding any spices and seasonings to your dog’s diet ✔️
In this article you will read about
1 Can Dogs Eat Spicy Food? About Capsaicin
2 What Happens If a Dog Tastes Spicy Food?
3 Do Dogs Like Spicy Food?
4 Can Spiciness Kill Dogs?
5 Conclusion: Spicy Food Is Bad for Dogs

Can Dogs Eat Spicy Food? About Capsaicin

What makes peppers spicy is a compound called capsaicin. It causes a burning sensation by activating the receptors that read heat as painful – it tricks your mouth into thinking that it’s touching something hot. Capsaicin is also a strong irritant, and it can cause skin problems if it’s not washed off properly. The question remains: can dogs eat spicy food without any negative consequences?

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Can Dogs Eat Spicy Food? About Capsaicin

Dogs have over 5 times fewer taste buds compared to humans. This means that their taste can be dulled by the presence of other chemicals, including capsaicin. On the other hand, their sense of smell is very sensitive and they can pick up on flavors easily. So, since their perception of spicy food is slightly different from ours, can dogs eat spicy food safely?

Most dogs wouldn’t enjoy the taste of spicy food and are unwilling to eat it. There is really no need to add spicy products to a dogs’ diet. Spicy food is not a part of their well-balanced diet. Large quantities of spicy meals can be harmful for your dog’s health.

What Happens If a Dog Tastes Spicy Food?

Some dogs can tolerate the spicy side effect of capsaicin better than others can. Can dogs eat spicy food if it doesn’t seem to harm them? Generally, dogs shouldn’t eat hot human food in any quantity. Spicy food makes a dog’s colon contract, which can result in an unpleasant diarrhea. If your dog eats something spicy, make sure they have access to fresh water to help with the unpleasant sensations. 

If they show symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, it means that their digestive system is too sensitive for spicy food, and you should consult the vet immediately. Also do it if they have other health issues such as heart, liver or kidney problems and have eaten something spicy.

Tip

If you want to give your dog a special treat, consider bell peppers. Unlike jalapeños, cayenne, hot sauce, chili, and other hot peppers, they’re mild and even healthy for your pup!

Do Dogs Like Spicy Food?

Most dogs don’t like spicy flavors. However, there are some other herbs or spices that can be consumed by dogs safely. If you’re adamant about adding spice to your dog’s meals, make sure your dog can digest it well before including it in their diet. Some seasonings and herbs that you can add to dog food include:

  • Basil – It can help with stomach problems;
  • Parsley – It can reduce gas and bloating, and even improve kidney function.
  • Mint – It can increase the flow of bile from the liver, which can aid digestion.
  • Rosemary – It can help improve the function of the circulatory system and can be calming for an anxious or hyperactive dog.
  • Coriander – It can reduce flatulence and calm digestive problems such as stomach cramps and diarrhea.
  • Turmeric – It can be used to relieve stomach ulcers, boost your dog’s liver function and improve gallbladder function.
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All of the above seasonings can be added in moderate amounts to your dog’s meal and they aren’t toxic to dogs. Keep in mind, however, that not every dog is the same. Some dogs may still experience side effects of these seasonings in their diet. If you have doubts, it’s best to consult the vet before you feed your dog with any of the spices.

Do Dogs Like Spicy Food?

Can Spiciness Kill Dogs?

Now, can dogs eat spicy food and be OK? Or is it so dangerous that it can be lethal? Don’t worry if your pup got into some spicy food – the likelihood that this will result in serious consequences is small. No dish contains the lethal amount of capsaicin for dogs – it would take a pure extract of capsaicin to harm your pet.

The short answer is that spicy foods can make your dog very uncomfortable, but won’t kill them. To be on the safe side, it’s best to consult with your vet every time you catch your dog eating spicy food. Still, their sense of taste won’t let them eat a dangerous amount of hot peppers.

Conclusion: Spicy Food Is Bad for Dogs

In conclusion, can dogs eat spicy food? No, they should not. Spicy food can harm your dog’s digestive system and it isn’t healthy for them to eat hot human food. If your dog does get into something spicy, keep an eye on their behavior and if they show any symptoms, contact your vet right away. 

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