Can dogs eat paprika? You may be asking this because you know that some spices are toxic to dogs, and you’re wondering if paprika is one of them. Humans can eat paprika, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is no, paprika is not good for dogs to eat. Paprika is a spice that contains a kick, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in your doggo.
If your dog has eaten paprika, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance. Here’s why paprika isn’t good for dogs.
Why Is Paprika Bad For Dogs?
Paprika is a spicy powder that is made from various peppers. The level of spice in paprika can vary, but it usually contains enough of a kick to be too much for your dog to handle.
The peppers that are dried and ground to make paprika contain a compound called capsaicin, which gives them their bite. This can linger on the lips and cheeks for a while after the paprika is consumed, leaving your dog feeling the pain for longer than just a moment.
It’s best to keep this spice out of your dog’s diet.
What Should I Dog If My Dog Ate Paprika?
Paprika is not technically toxic for dogs, but they may exhibit signs of digestive trouble or general stomach upset. They may vomit, have diarrhea or constipation, and be very thirsty.
If your dog has eaten paprika, keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t exhibit more worrying symptoms, such as an allergic reaction to the spice. This might present as a rash or as labored breathing. If your dog exhibits these signs, take them to your vet as soon as possible.
If you want to give your pup some bell pepper, which is an ingredient in most paprika, you are absolutely fine to do so. Bell pepper is completely safe for dogs to eat and contains a high amount of vitamin C, which helps boost your pup’s immune system.
The difference between bell pepper and other types of peppers is that the former contains little to no capsaicin.
Has your dog ever accidentally eaten paprika? Did they have a reaction? Let us know in the comments below.
