Black pepper is a pungent seasoning made from dried unripe berries (peppercorns) of Piper nigrum. It is sold ground, cracked, or whole in grinders and is used in everything from eggs and soups to meat rubs and marinades. It adds flavor but no meaningful nutritional value for pets.
The sharp taste comes from piperine, and black pepper is commonly mixed with salt or blended into seasoning mixes such as lemon pepper, steak seasoning, curry powders, and all-purpose spice blends. White and green peppercorns come from the same plant with different processing methods. Freshly cracked pepper is more aromatic and usually stronger than pre- ground powder. Coarse pepper crusts on meats may cling to drippings and scraps.
Peppered foods are often also high in sodium, fat, garlic, onion powder, or chili. Those combinations are less suitable than plain, unseasoned food. Pepper dust may irritate the nose, throat, or stomach when inhaled or eaten in larger amounts. Keep pet portions plain and add black pepper only after setting a separate serving aside.
