Can Dogs Eat Paprika? 5 Genuine Answers to Clear All Uncertainty!

Some dogs out there will eat just about anything they can get their paws on, right? So, a question comes into mind for the topic of this day: can dogs eat paprika?

Most common types of foods that dog owners are “suspicious” about are spices. Canines aren`t that different than us humans!

One of those things we tend to share with our canine companions is the love for anything that tastes good and smell nice.

Is paprika safe for canines? If yes, what amount of this spice can be given to your little pal. Are there any health concerns to consider when this type of food is involved with your dog`s diet?

There are some essential questions in relation to canine consumption of paprika to be answered and we`ll make our best to answer most of them in our today`s article!

What Is Paprika?

Paprika represents a spice that is made of dried red peppers with thinner, milder flesh than actual chilli peppers.

In lots of languages, besides English, paprika usually refers to the fruit and actual plant from which this particular spice is in fact made. – More like this!

The peppers from which paprika is made have their origins in North America, particularly Central Mexico, where they started to be cultivated centuries ago.

This spice`s flavor generally varies from one country to another, ranging between smoked, sweet and other hot varieties. It also comes in a large range of colors like yellow, red or orange.

Can Dogs Have Paprika?

Paprika isn`t dangerous for our furry friends in the sense that it`s not toxic. However, this still isn`t an ingredient you should consider adding to your pooch`s diet.

Although the consumption of this spice isn`t going to be fatal, it may lead to serious health issues with your little pal.

If you catch your dog by surprise and you already see it eating it, there isn`t reason for concern just yet – nothing terrible has happened. Still, paprika can sometimes lead to stomach upset or even diarrhea.

What If My Dog Ate Paprika?

Like already mentioned, this food ingredient might lead to otherwise serious symptoms like vomiting or even diarrhea.

If it should for your dog to be rather naughty and consume this a bit too often, these symptoms may even worsen, leading to gastritis.

Consumption of paprika won`t be fatal for your canine. Even if you may notice your little fella` taking your jar of spices by surprise, you still won`t need to get a hold of your veterinarian just yet.

Paprika can still lead to temporary pain or at least some kind of discomfort to your pooch`s stomach. Still, this is rarely a very serious issue.

Note: If you might notice your canine experiencing prolonged vomiting, it`s recommended to get in touch with your vet.

What Nutritional Values Does Paprika Have?

First of all, you should keep one thought in mind – like most hefty spices, this one too might make things worse than good!

So, maybe it`s best to just skip it all together! Or, at least just don`t offer it to your canine on a regular basis.

Other than that, paprika always has been complimented for its content of compounds and micronutrients. One single tablespoon (6.8 g) offers:

• Calories: 19
• Protein: < 1g
• Vitamin A: 19%
• Vitamin B6: 9%
• Vitamin E: 13%
• Fat: < 1g
• Fiber: 2g
•  Iron: 8%
• Carbohydrates: 4g

What should be noted is the fact that even such a small amount of paprika can boast up to 20% of the daily need of vitamin A.

Paprika also contains a large range of antioxidants that fight against cell damage which may be the result of reactive molecules known as free radicals.

What Health Benefits Does This Spice Offer?

Being so rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, paprika can provide lots of health benefits.

Pain Relief

Capsaicin represents an active element of chilli peppers in general, and this has been known to cause analgesic effects, being even used therapeutically to manage pain.

Some topical treatments for pain management even include capsaicin.

Treats Skin Issues

This spice is full of antibacterial properties that make it efficient against strong skin issues linked to bacterial infection, which include acne.

However, be certain not to be too aventurous, as this might lead to increased heat as well.

Might Promote Healthy Vision

Paprika includes a few nutrients which might boost your dog`s eye health, which might include vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene. – More info!

Actually, latest data have associated an increased dietary intake of a few of this type of nutrients to a reduced risk of cataracts and AMD (age-related macular degeneration).

Specifically, zeaxanthin and lutein might prevent eye damage, acting as antioxidants.

Healthy Weight

Again, the capsaicin in this spice might include appetite-repressing and anti-obesity properties.

Research has shown that this compound improves fat metabolism, particularly the abdominal fat`s oxidation.

When incorporated as a component of a proper diet, this ingredient might decrease caloric intake and appetite as well.

Other elements in this spice known as xanthophylls also manifest the potential to decrease BMI and abdominal fat.

Might Improve Levels of Cholesterol

This particular spice might benefit your canine`s levels of cholesterol.

Specifically, capsanthin, a carotenoid in paprika, might increase HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol), which is linked with decreased risk of heart illness.

One 2-week research proved that rats fed with this specific spice shown increased levels of HDL cholesterol when compared with rats that followed a control diet.

The carotenoids in this spice might also aid reduce not only total cholesterol, but even LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)!

Supports Healthy Digestion

This might sound surprising, but this amazing spice might even promote healthy digestion as it may increase stomach acids and saliva. In turn, this may break down your dog`s food, making more nutrients available for your canine`s much needed energy.

Still, don`t overdo it by adding to much paprika, as moderation is the main key.

Cancel Prevention

Latest research outlines the capsaicin`s anti-cancer effects. Adding paprika to your dog`s diet might offer increased protection against different types of cancers.

Might Reduce Inflammation

Specific types of paprika, particular hot paprika varieties, contain capsaicin.

It`s believed that this compound can bind the receptors in your canine`s nerve cells to decrease pain and inflammation.

Thus, it might even protect a large range of autoimmune and inflammatory and medical conditions, which include digestive problems, nerve damage and arthritis.

A few researchers proved that topical creams that included capsaicin aid decrease pain resulted from nerve damage or arthritis. However, studies on capsaicin tablets are somehow limited.

Damage of free radicals has been known to be related to chronic diseases, which include cancer or heart illness. Essentially, consumption of foods rich in antioxidants might help prevent such medical conditions.

Most of the antioxidants in this spice are members of the carotenoid family and contain beta carotene, lutein, capsanthin and zeaxanthin.

Wrapping Up

So, can dogs eat paprika? Yes, they can! Is anything bad going to happen to your dog if you allow it intentionally? It might?

Is it worth the risk? You`ll be judge of that! However, we don`t really recommend taking chances with your little friend`s health.