Can dogs eat chili? Maybe you’ve thought about sharing some with your pooch while tending to a big batch of chili as part of a relaxing weekend cooking project. If humans can eat chili, can dogs safely eat it too?
The short answer is no, dogs can’t eat chili safely. The main problem with chili is that it will almost certainly contain spices and ingredients, like garlic, onions, and chili peppers, that can be harmful or even toxic to your dog.
So even if your dog seems to show an interest in sampling some of your special chili recipe, it’s one to avoid.
If your dog manages to eat a lot of chili, you should call your veterinarian for advice. Here’s what you need to know about chili and dogs.
Why Is Chili Bad For Dogs?
The main meat or bean protein in chili might not be toxic for dogs, but the way it is embellished with spices and seasonings almost certainly poses a health hazard to your dog. Some of the most common additions include onions, garlic and chili peppers — all of which should be avoided.
Serving your dog foods that are too spicy risks a whole host of issues, including vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pains.
Additionally, due to the way that dogs have fewer taste buds than humans, there is speculation that they might not actually be able to taste much in the way of spice. Which means that serving your dog chili might mean they don’t get to enjoy the taste benefits anyway.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Chili?
First of all, if you notice that your dog eats only a small amount of chili, there’s a chance they will be fine. Just keep an eye out for any adverse reactions such as diarrhea, vomiting, gas or stomach pains.
Depending on how much chili your dog has consumed, you might want to consult with your vet. They will likely need to know what sort of harmful ingredients were in the chili along with what sort of symptoms your dog is showing, and will advise accordingly.
In general, it’s best to just keep chili well out of reach of your dog, even if they seem to show an inquisitive interest in sampling some.
Have you adopted a dog who always wants to try and eat chili? How do you successfully keep chili away from your dog? Let us know in the comments below!
