Many people who cook at home use all kinds of spicy ingredients to spice up their food. If you’ve been wondering if Pugs can eat jalapeno peppers, you’re in the right place. We’re going to answer all your questions about this hot pepper.
Can Pugs Eat Jalapeno Peppers?
While jalapeños are not toxic to dogs, you should never feed your Pug any type of hot pepper, this includes Habanero peppers, Serrano peppers, Cayenne peppers, Poblano peppers and etc. Spicy foods can easily upset your dog’s stomach which can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Many pet owners tend to confuse jalapeños with bell peppers, which are known to make an excellent safe treat for Fido.
I know that many people love sharing human food with their four-legged friend. But jalapeños should NEVER be one of them.
Let’s look at why not.
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Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Jalapenos To Pugs?
No, they have no benefits for dogs but are packed full of benefits for both you and me.
Jalapeños are rich in vitamins A and C and potassium. They contain carotene which is an antioxidant that helps protect the cells in your body.
This low calorie food makes it a great addition to any food, without increasing the fat content.
One of the biggest benefits is that jalapeños contain capsaicin, which is a natural pain reliever for humans.
Even though jalapeños are not safe for your pooch, they are extremely beneficial for you to consume.
Watch this video to find out the positive effects of spicy food for humans.
Fun Jalapeno Pepper Facts
jalapeños belong to the species Capsicum annuum, which makes them a fruit. They are commonly consumed fresh but may be dried to be used as a spice.
They are a type of Mexican pepper, but is related to the family of Chili peppers. If left to fully ripen, it will turn yellow, red, or orange.
jalapeños were the very first peppers taken into space in 1982 on a NASA shuttle. They do not emit a strong odor in space.
They are a great source of vitamin C, but also help lower blood pressure and great for weight loss.
Nutritional Facts
One raw jalapeno contains:
- Manganese: 2% RDI (recommended daily Intake)
- Vitamin K: 2% RDI
- Calories: 4
- Vitamin C: 10% RDI
- Fiber: 0.4 grams
- Vitamin K: 2% RDI
- Vitamin B6: 4% RDI
- Folate: 2% RDI
Are Jalapeno Peppers Safe For Pugs?
While they are not toxic to dogs, they contain capsaicin, which is known to cause discomfort in dogs.
Dog’s don’t handle spicy foods the same way we do. When dogs are fed spicy foods, they may start sneezing, drooling, coughing, or foaming at the mouth.
Pharmacology studies have been conducted on the effects of capsaicin on canines, and found that it can lead to hypotension and bradycardia.
If you notice your dog has any jalapeños or any other spicy food, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Even if you don’t notice any negative effects from the accidental ingestion, you should consider adding canned pumpkin to their dog food to help soothe their digestive system.
What To Do If My Dog Ate Jalapenos?
Nothing is worse than finding out your Pug ate something they are not supposed to eat. You get a sinking feeling and start to panic because you’re not sure what to do.
While I couldn’t find anything on like whether or not a dog has ever died from eating jalapeños, it doesn’t mean that your dog won’t experience negative reactions.
If your pooch managed to eat a jalapeno, there are few things you can do, and the path you follow will depend on how much Fido consumed.
If your Pug ate a few small pieces, they may experience an upset tummy. Some dogs may even vomit or have a bout of diarrhea to help get rid of it from their system. Monitor your dog and make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water.
However, if your dog managed to eat several slices or a whole jalapeño, you will want to contact your veterinarian immediately.
If your Pug has allergies and managed to eat some jalapeños, contact your veterinarian. Dogs with allergies may have negative reactions to certain foods.
Can Pugs Eat Raw Jalapenos?
No, even when you remove the seeds and the membrane, it does not eliminate the heat. It is still too spicy for your pooch to eat.
Can Pugs Eat Cooked Jalapenos?
Some people believe that cooking jalapeños removes the heat. However, grilling or roasting peppers makes them hotter as you’re cooking the moisture out of them.
The cooking process increases the percentage of capsaicin, which makes them even hotter.
Are Jalapenos Too Spicy For Pugs?
Pugs have a great sense of smell, but not so great taste buds. On average canines have about 1,700 taste buds. While this may sound like a lot, that number is quite low.
When you consider that humans have 9,000 taste buds.
This means that dogs can’t distinguish the types of foods (sweet, bitter, spicy, sour, sweet) because of the limited amount of taste buds. When you put food in front of them, they will usually scarf it up and won’t realize they didn’t like the taste, until they’ve eaten it all.
Dog’s don’t react to spicy food as human do, Even a small amount of spice can cause your dog to feel a lot of pain. Like humans, dogs can feel spicy heat in the mouth, and throat and it may even lead to gastrointestinal problems.
Alternatives To Jalapeno Peppers For Pugs
As a pet parent, it’s important to know the types of foods that are safe for Pugs. If your Pug loves eating fruits and vegetables, opt for some that are not spicy.
Here are some that are much pet friendlier and shouldn’t upset your dog’s tummy.
- Apples
- Cantaloupe
- Cucumbers
- Cranberries
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Jalapenos
It’s best to avoid giving Fido jalapeños, regardless of how much they beg. Instead, Even though they are not toxic, they can cause your pooch gastrointestinal discomfort.
If your pooch has eaten a jalapeños or (serrano, habanero, banana, or chili) monitor them for any symptoms. Even if they don’t experience any symptoms, don’t forget to give them some canned pumpkin!
References And Further Reading
PubMed – Chanda S, Mould A, Esmail A, Bley K., Toxicity studies with pure trans-capsaicin delivered to dogs via intravenous administration