When we look for fun snacks for our dogs to try, one may be a jalapeno. Now if you want to feed your dogs jalapenos, there are a few things to consider.
First, are the jalapenos safe or toxic for dogs to eat? What to do if your pup had some? Keep reading to find out all that and much more.
Can Dogs Eat Jalapenos?
Physically, yes dogs can eat jalapenos. Now whether or not jalapenos are good for your dog is a completely different category.
Dogs are historically carnivores, but to a more recent date have been recognized as omnivores.
Grains and vegetables can make up to 75% of their diets nowadays, and it is up to us to figure out which of these foods are good or bad for our dogs.
Jalapenos are considered one of the least spicy peppers in the world, but for some people who can’t handle a kick, they are quite spicy enough.
Dogs tend to lack the same taste palette that humans do, so they may not register the spicy as fast as our bodies would.
Jalapenos feature a collection of minerals and vitamins that are considered for humans and dogs alike. Unlike dogs, however, humans can process the jalapeno with little to no discomfort or irregular issues.
While your dog may not feel the initial toxicity of a jalapeno, it’s their gastrointestinal tract that is going to suffer for them eating it.
The spices and compounds in jalapenos attack your dog’s stomach and cause issues that can lead to long-term illnesses.
The health benefits that this spicy pepper has does not equate to the negative effects that your dog will feel after eating it.
There are many substitutes for jalapenos that are healthier for your dog.
Dogs can not naturally pass jalapenos, which is why it may lead to their stomachs setting off alarms and vomiting or having diarrhea.
Are Jalapenos Bad For Dogs?
Jalapenos are considered bad for dogs. The spice content in the jalapenos can harm your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and cause issues that may arise later in life.
Ingestion of jalapenos can cause bloating, diarrhea, foul-smelling gas, stomach aches, and/or intense thirst. If you notice any of these symptoms, monitor your dog and contact your vet.
Studies have shown that feeding your dog jalapenos for a prolonged series of times can cause ulcers in their stomach. Symptoms of ulcers can include
- Lack of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in urine or stool
- Vomiting with or without blood
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your local vet immediately to get them checked out.
Ulcers are a degenerative issue and can be resolved with immediate care and prolonged medication and changes in their routine.
Can Dogs Have Jalapenos FAQ
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Jalapenos
If your dog happens to eat a jalapeno, here are a few things to make sure you do alongside contacting your local veterinarian.
After eating a jalapeno, your dog may start to throw up. If this is the case, you may want to find a safe and easy area for them to rest in while the jalapeno works its way through their system.
On top of this, they may start to have uncontrollable diarrhea. Finding a comfortable area for them to rest in is a great idea, to make for an easier cleanup and better handling of the situation.
Some vets recommend a small amount of white rice and boiled chicken to feed your dog to help them pass the jalapeno and settle their stomachs.
If you have never fed your dog either of these things make sure to check with a vet to see if it is a good idea first.
Are Jalapenos Good For Dogs?
Jalapenos are not good for dogs. It is never recommended to give your dog jalapenos. If you are looking for a pepper to feed your pupper as a treat, consider giving them bell peppers.
They are much sweeter than jalapenos and without the spice content, your dog can get all the recommended vitamins and minerals from the vegetable without the issues afterward.
As with every human or out of the ordinary food, please talk to your vet first to see if the food in question is a healthy option for your dog.
Final Words About Can Dogs Eat Jalapenos
As a general rule of thumb, you should not feed your dog jalapenos under any circumstance. The lasting detriment to their health is not worth the small number of benefits that the pepper gives.
Always contact your veterinarian before making any large changes to your dog’s diet, and be vigilant to issues that may arise.
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