Can Dogs Eat Peas?
Can Dogs Eat Peas? Love them or hate them, peas are a nutritious vegetable that find their way onto our soups, salads, and sides. They’re wonderfully beneficial to people, but what about the well-being of our canine friends? If your dog is craving a bite of this tasty little legume, you might be wondering if dogs can eat peas.
Actually, peas are a nutritious treat for dogs and provide them with a ton of nutritional goodness. Just take care not to overfeed your dog too many (particularly if they’ve never eaten peas before), and don’t put anything in the peas that will poison them.
Are Peas Good for Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Peas? Peas are a healthy and wholesome source of minerals and vitamins, and thus a great addition to your dog’s diet. Within that teeny tiny package, peas contain a whack of protein and fiber. They’re also packed with iron and other vitamins and minerals which can support your dog’s immune system, digest system, and overall health. Peas also contain antioxidants which can reduce inflammation and keep your dog healthy as they age.
Peas are such a nutritional powerhouse that they’re now being incorporated into commercial dog food as a regular ingredient. Just be sure to check with your vet beforehand, particularly if your dog is suffering from any health problems or allergies.
Can Dogs Eat Peas?
Can Dogs Eat Peas? Yes, dogs can have peas! Green peas are typically okay as snow peas, sugar snap peas, garden peas, and English peas. They may be a good low-calorie snack when fed sparingly, and many complete and balanced dog foods will even include them as well.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Peas?
Can Dogs Eat Peas? Frozen peas are okay for your dog provided they have already been cooked. Frozen vegetables tend to be the ready to cook type instead of the ready to eat type and, therefore, there could still be some bacteria present. These must be destroyed through cooking.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Peas?
Can Dogs Eat Peas? It’s better to avoid giving your dog canned peas, as they usually contain high amounts of sodium from added salt. Fresh or frozen peas are a much safer option.
Are Peas Good for Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Peas? Oh yes, peas are a great thing for dogs! Green peas contain vitamins such as A, K and C, minerals such as iron, manganese and phosphorus. They also have the added benefit of high protein and high fiber content. Peas contain lutein, an antioxidant which is beneficial to a dog’s skin, heart, and eyes.
But since we only suggest a few peas as an occasional treat, the rewards are also low. You can also be certain they’re getting everything they need to prosper from their whole and balanced dog food so supplementing with other vegetables is unnecessary. Can Dogs Eat Peas?
What Kind of Peas Are Safe for Dogs?
Though peas are certainly nutritious, not every type is safe for canines to consume.
The following peas are unsafe for dogs to consume:
- Canned peas, as they are filled with excess salt and preservatives
- Unshelled pea pods, as they pose a choking hazard and are difficult for dogs to digest
The following peas are safe for dogs:
- Green peas (fresh and frozen)
- Chickpeas (plain, cooked)
- Snap peas (plain, cooked, with the hard, stringy ends removed)
- Snow peas
- Black-eyed peas (plain, cooked)
“Green peas are the best and most widely consumed choice when choosing peas for your dog,” advises Dr. Apted. “They’re rich in nutrients, providing an excellent balance of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and easy on the digestive system when eaten in moderation.”
If you do want to have some peas to share with your dog, first do speak with your vet and find out if the food will be suitable for your pet—if your dog suffers from any type of illness or consumes prescription dog food.
Once you have a green light, the peas must be plain-cooked (i.e., no salt added, seasoning, or preservatives).
And don’t forget to begin small to see how your dog’s belly will get on with them, says Dr. Johnson. Can Dogs Eat Peas?
How To Safely Feed Peas to Your Dog
Need to give your doggy a little nutritional top-up? Dr. Apted explains how to prepare peas for your dog, including:
- Serve plain. Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs; and some oils give a dog’s stomach a burp.
- Crush ’em. Or chop into very tiny pieces. Don’t feed whole peas to little dogs, as they are a choking risk.
- Steamed ’em gently. It makes them easier to digest. Can Dogs Eat Peas?
The verdict: Can dogs eat peas?
In moderation, peas are a good snack for your dog. Peas are full of many health benefits and vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant protein. However, like all foods, these vegetables should be fed gradually to not cause stomach problems. Finally, since pea foods have been connected with heart disease, talk to your veterinarian before it becomes a regular part of their diet. Can Dogs Eat Peas?
Don’t forget, dogs will probably not like what they’re doing when they’re trying something new. And as their parent, it’s your responsibility to step in when they do. When the unforeseen happens, Pumpkin pet insurance plans can aid in supporting your dog as well as your wallet. Can Dogs Eat Peas?