Can dogs eat bell peppers?

Yes — plain and deseeded

Yes. Sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, green) are safe and healthy for dogs. Remove seeds and stem first.

The full picture

Sweet bell peppers are a great dog treat — crunchy, sweet, low-calorie, and packed with vitamins A and C plus beta-carotene. Red peppers are the most nutritious (ripest), but yellow, orange, and green are all fine. Remove the stem and seeds first — they're not toxic but harder to digest. Slice into dog-appropriate pieces. Skip chilli peppers, jalapeños, and any spicy peppers — capsaicin irritates dogs' mouths and stomachs. Stuffed peppers from human meals usually contain onion, garlic, and cheese.

Risks to watch for

  • Stem and seeds harder to digest
  • Spicy peppers (chilli, jalapeño) irritate
  • Stuffed pepper fillings toxic

Potential benefits

  • Vitamin A, C, E
  • Beta-carotene
  • Low calorie
  • Crunchy texture

Safe portion size

A few strips for a small dog, a small handful for a large dog.

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Related foods

Tomatoes caution Cucumber yes Carrots yes
Written and reviewed by
The Can My Dog Eat editorial team

Every food page is cross-checked against UK veterinary sources including the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), the Animal PoisonLine, PDSA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual before publication. We do not accept paid placements from brands. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know — we take errors seriously and correct them quickly.

Spot an error? Report it

Checked against UK veterinary guidance — see our editorial standards and source list. If your dog has eaten something and you need urgent advice, call a vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000.

Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 in the UK.