When it comes to eating chili, it’s a matter of opinion. Some people love it hot and sweat-inducing, while others are just not that into the spicy stuff. The same goes for dogs. While some canines have no problem with capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers) others are much more sensitive to heat. While most dogs can handle small amounts of chili with no ill effects, there is some concern among vets about the potential negative impact on dogs who eat it frequently. Read on to learn more and help your dog make the right choice.
Can Dogs Have Chili?
Dogs can have chili. It is a myth that dogs should not eat spicy foods. Chili is actually very good for dogs, but it is important to make sure that the chili does not contain any ingredients which can make your dog sick or cause an allergic reaction. Chili made from beans is especially good for dogs because beans are high in protein, which makes them very good for your dog’s coat and skin. Your dog will likely enjoy the taste of this type of chili as well.
What’s In Chili?
There are many types of chili including red chili, green chili, ground chili, and even chili soup. But what’s in chili? Take a look at the basic ingredients of chili: Tomato, peppers, onions, garlic, oregano, salt, cumin, and occasionally meat. Ground chili is comprised of meat, peppers, and spices. Red chili is made from dried, red peppers. Green chili is made from green peppers. The differences are in the preparation, taste, and color. While each type of chili has its own unique qualities, they all have one thing in common – they’re spicy! Chili peppers are members of the capsicum family and are often used as a spice. They are typically red or green in color.
Why Is Chili Bad For Dogs?
- Chili peppers are toxic to dogs and can cause red, irritated skin and ulcers on the lips and mouth.
- Chili powder contains a substance called capsaicin that causes extreme pain if it touches your dog’s skin.
- Chili powder can irritate your dog’s digestive tract causing vomiting, diarrhea, or even blood in the stool.
- Onions can be toxic to dogs and cause anemia in large amounts or if eaten consistently over time.
- Chili powder is difficult for dogs to digest, so eating chili could result in an upset stomach or diarrhea for your dog.
- The natural oil found in chilis called capsaicinoids can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat of both humans and dogs causing severe discomfort, inflammation, and temporary blindness if it gets into their eyes!
- Like onions, garlic is also toxic to dogs because it contains a toxin that destroys red blood cells which are needed for carrying oxygen throughout the body (anemia).
- The high-fat content in chili can cause your dog to gain weight, which can lead to other health problems as well.
- Chili is a common food for humans, but it is not necessarily a natural diet for dogs. If you decide to feed your dog chili, do so in moderation because eating too much of it can be harmful to your dog’s health.
- Chili is very high in salt and contains no nutritional value for dogs, so don’t feed it to your dog on a regular basis or you risk adding extra pounds!
- Spicy foods such as chilis and hot sauce can cause stomach problems such as vomiting or diarrhea in dogs due to the spiciness of the food and the fact that they are not used to eating spicy foods on a regular basis (especially if they are used to eating bland commercial dog food).
- Chili peppers can also cause heartburn or an upset stomach for your dog, so be careful if you decide to share your chili with your dog!
- Be sure that your dog’s food is stored in a safe place where he will not have access to it and make sure that he does not eat any of the chili powder left on the counter after you prepare meals with it.
- If you do decide to feed your dog chili, make sure it is a small amount and feed him plain cooked rice or plain cooked white bread afterward as these foods are bland and will help neutralize the spicy chili taste in his mouth (don’t give him milk because this can cause diarrhea).
- If you decide to feed your dog chili, be sure to monitor him closely for any signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive panting. If you notice any of these symptoms after giving him his meal with the chili in it, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Which Types Of Chili Are Safe For Dogs To Eat?
1. Red Chili
Red chili is not appropriate for dogs. The ingredients in red chili are specifically designed to be spicy and hot, which can make your dog sick. The spiciness of the pepper can cause irritation to the stomach lining, which can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
2. Green Chili
Green chili is made from green peppers and does not contain any spices, so it is safe for dogs as long as you do not add any other ingredients. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule: If you add any type of meat to it, it will be too spicy for your dog because the meat is high in protein. If you add beans to the green chili (which is also high in protein), it will be too spicy for your dog as well. Beans are fine on their own but should not be combined with meat or other ingredients that have high protein levels.
3. Meat Chili
Ground meat contains high levels of protein and should also not be given to dogs.
4. Chili Soup
Chili soup is made using chili peppers, which are spicy and hot, so it is not recommended for dogs. However, if you would like to give your dog a small amount of chili soup, you can use the following steps: Only give your dog a small amount of soup from the bowl, never from the spoon. If your dog eats too much chili, contact your vet immediately because it can cause stomach issues such as vomiting or diarrhea.
5. Chili Powder
Chili powder is made up of different types of peppers including red or green chilies and cayenne pepper. It is best to avoid giving your dog chili powder as well because it contains high levels of capsicum which can irritate their stomach lining and cause vomiting or diarrhea.
6. Salsa
Salsa is made up of tomatoes and onions, both of which are safe for dogs to eat. However, it also contains high levels of capsicum so it should not be given to dogs.
7. Szechuan Peppers
Szechuan peppers are a type of chili pepper that can be found in Chinese food. They have a hot and spicy taste but the good news is they are not harmful to dogs as long as they do not eat too much of them. The bad news is that they will cause stomach issues such as vomiting or diarrhea if your dog ingests too much of them.
8. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is made from cayenne peppers, which are hot and spicy, so it should not be given to dogs either. Cayenne pepper can also cause stomach issues such as vomiting or diarrhea if your dog eats too much of it, so it’s best to keep this spice out of reach at all times!
Final Words
The short answer is yes, chili is bad for dogs. While most dogs can eat chili in small amounts, feeding it regularly can cause gastrointestinal upset and even pancreatitis. If you want to feed your dog chili, give him a small amount occasionally, but don’t make it a regular part of his diet.
