Don't season pet food with cayenne. Capsaicin irritates the mouth, nose, throat, and GI tract; pets may drool, cough, or vomit after exposure. Clean spice spills promptly.
Cayenne pepper is a bright red chili powder from dried cayenne pods. Its heat comes from capsaicin. It's used in hot sauces, dry rubs, marinades, jerky seasonings, and spicy snack coatings.
Cayenne is a common seasoning in spicy foods, barbecue rubs, and chili. Powder can also irritate eyes and airways if inhaled during sniffing.
Cayenne is blended with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and vinegar in commercial spice mixes. Spicy snack chips, jerky rubs, and seasoning blends are common exposure sources.
