People have asked me about why the Barfworld diet contains cayenne (capsicum spp.). Cayenne pepper has many therapeutic benefits for dogs. It is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries. Cayenne also helps the body’s to utilize other herbs when used in an herbal combination. The tiny amount of cayenne in the Barfworld dog food is enough to provide its positive effects. The dosing must be correct though. I personally do not add any cayenne to my dogs’ food. It is already in the Barfworld recipes.
To read more about the raw Barfworld diet (which uses cayenne in their recipes), read What I Have Fed My Own Dogs.
Circulation: Cayenne expands the blood vessels which increases circulation of the blood to the extremities. This provides warmth and healing for the entire body.
Heart: Dr. Karen Becker recommends cayenne to treat dogs suffering from heart pathology.
Joint Relief: Dr. Karen Becker explains that cayenne increases blood circulation to the connective tissues, muscles, tendons and joints. Cayenne is high in capsaicin which adds the additional benefit of temporarily relieving the joints. There are topicals that contain capsaicin that help relieve joint pain as well.
Nutrients: Cayenne peppers provide a great source of vitamins A, C, B-complex, calcium, and potassium.
Decongestant: Cayenne aids in breaking up congestion and moving mucus.
Digestion: Cayenne is a digestive aid. It stimulates the digestive tract, increasing the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices. As it enhances digestive processes, it enables the body to metabolize food (and toxins) with great efficiency. Cayenne aids with intestinal gas and bloating by stimulating the intestinal tract to enable the body in the healthy elimination of waste.
Fats: Cayenne balances LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Fighting Illness: Cayenne has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Cautions:
*Cayenne is used as a supplement in the Barfworld diet. They use a minuscule amount. It is NOT meant to be added as an addition to your dog’s food on your own.
* Do not feed to dogs with kidney or urinary problems, sensitive stomachs or those with inflammatory digestive conditions.
* Avoid the eye and nose area: cayenne is a strong irritant to those sensitive areas.
Sources:
| Becker, Karen. “Signs of Heart Disease in Dogs.” Mercola.com, Mercola – HealthyPets, 21 July 2011, healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/07/21/what-your-vet-looks-for-when-listening-to-your-dogs-heart.aspx.
“Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper for Dogs & Cats.” Raw To The Bones. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2014. Henriques, Julia. “Top 10 Herbs For Natural Pain Relief.” Dogs Naturally, Dogs Naturally Magazine, 29 Apr. 2021, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/top-10-herbs-for-natural-pain-relief/. Puotinen, C. J. The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats Pub., 1998. 132, 387.”Signs of Heart Disease in Dogs.” Mercola.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2014. Scott, Dana. “Nutritional Herbs Your Dog Shouldn’t Be Without.” Dogs Naturally, Dogs Naturally Magazine, 14 Apr. 2021, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/nutritional-herbs-your-dog/.
Wulff, Mary L., and Greg L. Tilford. Herbs for Pets the Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life. New York: BowTie Inc., 2011. 74. |
Essentiallydogs.com is an educational resource, and all information herein is strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure disease, nor is it meant to replace the (prescribed) veterinary treatment. Always inform your veterinarian or healthcare provider of any products that your pet is taking, including herbal remedies and supplements. Please do plenty of research so that you may equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to be an effective advocate for your dog’s well-being.
12 thoughts on “Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper”
my 8yr springer has blood in urine, used huanbaiyau, it is expencie, will cayenne work the same. what dose should be given
Hi Bill-
I am so sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. I would suggest STRONGLY to go to a holistic vet and have it checked out. That symptom is common in many issues. A vet would need to examine and maybe administer some tests to diagnose what the issue is.
Please keep me posted. I hope things get better.
Janie
Why are there so many websites that say dogs should NOT eat cayenne pepper as it dangerous to their health. It may cause vomiting or diarrhea. While you website say pretty much that it’s ok but does sort of say not to make it a part of their diet? Which is it?
Hi Will-
Thank you for stopping by and visiting my website. Your question is a good one and it all comes down to education. Unfortunately, conventional vets have no training in biologically appropriate diet as such training would be a conflict because programs are typically supported by commercial and pharmaceutical manufacturers which are big business. Holistic vets receive additional training that focuses on getting to the root of the problem as opposed to covering it up with a bandaid. With that being said, the commercial veterinary practices do not know how to safely use herbs or food to heal.
Garlic is another herb that is not understood by conventional vets. Garlic is an excellent antioxidant and it repels ticks and fleas. I have and internal powder that is added to the diet that repels ticks and fleas that I describe in an article of mine.
It is critical to be aware of the dosing of any herb that you use. It’s best to work with a holistic vet who is properly trained. You can read further about the use of cayenne in the articles in my sources. Dogs Naturally Magazine is an EXCELLENT source for everything holistic.
Warmly,
Janie
I’m wondering how many mg I can give my dog that weighs 55lbs. Thanks so much
Hi Morgan-
Thank you so much for visiting my website and for your question. I cayenne is rarely used as a supplement in dog foods. Barfworld (BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) contains a minuscule amount. I have also seen it in supplements. It is NOT recommended that you give it to your dog on your own. PLEASE DO NOT feed it to your dog on your own. A holistic vet can guide you with supplements, but the Barfworld diet has just the right amount.
Warmly,
Janie
Helo Janie,
My dog coughs and gags. The vet has told me he has an enlarged heart. Is there any natural remedy that can be used instead of medication? Thank you.
Hi Sylvia-
Thank you for your question. Being that I am not of that and that I am not permitted to diagnose or treat, I cannot make any suggestions. I don’t know, but it sounds like your dog might be retaining water which is affecting his respiration.
The best thing to do is to find a holistic vet who is well-versed in using herbs. There are products for dogs to help coughing made with honey and other ingredients that are soothing, but you want to get to the root of the problem and not simply put a bandaid over the symptom. Holistic vets seek the root of the issue before turning to drugs.
Make sure the vet is very well-versed in feeding raw and does not carry those toxic “prescription diets” because when vets carry such products it means that they are I’ll informed as their education was supported by those companies – a bit of a conflict of interest. Make sure you call first to verify that they understand biologically appropriate feeding and don’t rely on those diets. Well-versed holistic vets treat such issues through diet and dietary supplements.
I have a lot of information about food.
Check out the following website to locate a holistic vet: https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/
I’m sorry I can’t be of more help. I hope you can find a good vet.
Warmly,
Janie
Hello Janie,
I appreciate your feedback greatly:) This is of great help! Thank you.
Silvia
Hi Sylvia-
I wish I could be of more help to you. Please stay in touch and let me know how things go. You can email me anytime.
Warmly,
Janie
I have used cayenne pepper topically in an emergency to coagulate the blood( stop the bleeding and it’s an antiseptic) he healed beautifully.
Hi Patti Jo-
Thanks for visiting my blog and providing such a great suggestion. That’s something I’ve never heard before!
Please check out my other health and nutrition articles.
Warmly,
Janie