Every dog parent wants to see them cheerful and active, with strong immunity and a good appetite. Everyone knows that a dog needs vitamins in addition to basic food. Of course, it will be better if you give them natural ones together with plant-based food instead of buying synthetic vitamins. Not all vegetables are equally beneficial for the animal, and some can cause bloating and stomach upset. Down below, we’ll talk about bell peppers.
Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers?
Veterinarians advise plant food in the diet, and bell peppers are one of them. Quality dog food manufacturers add green bell peppers, either red bell peppers or yellow, to meat stews and pâtés. Due to its rich vitamins, this vegetable should appear in the pet’s bowl 1-2 times a week. For dogs, eating bell peppers raw, stewed, or baked with meat doesn’t matter, as its beneficial properties do not disappear during heat treatment. Just ensure you don’t add salt, sugar, or spices! However, boiled and baked bell peppers are better absorbed by the body. Bell pepper is bad for dogs only in excessive consumption, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and stomach upset. Can dogs have bell peppers from cans? That’s a NO, as its preparation uses a lot of table salt and vinegar, irritating the stomach’s mucous membrane. Also, what to remember is if you’re giving bell pepper to your dog, the first thing you should do is extract the seeds from it; they contain many essential oils to which the pet may be allergic.
If you have to choose from all the bell pepper colors, choose red, as red has the highest concentration of vitamins.
Bell pepper – benefits for dogs.
Bell peppers, especially red ones, are among the leaders among vegetables high in vitamin C. They also contain vitamins A, E, B6, and K. It is very good for the heart, nervous system, and blood vessels. Vitamin E helps keep your dog’s skin and his coat thick and healthy. These veggies contain potassium and sodium, which improve the condition of the dog. By giving your pet a piece or two of bell pepper a couple of times per week, you can protect your dog from diseases and keep him healthy.
Bell pepper – harm.
Despite the benefit that the vegetable can bring to the dog, it can still cause harm. If the dog has digestive problems, often has colitis or has developed an ulcer disease, it is better not to give the vegetable to the animal to avoid deterioration of health. Often, in chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, after consuming sweet pepper, the dog begins to experience flatulence and bloating of the stomach, which is accompanied by painful sensations. With increased stomach acidity, bell peppers should not be included in the animal’s diet. With sick kidneys and liver, it is also worth refraining from using Bell pepper.