Are Peas Safe For Dogs?

green round fruits in close up photography

Key points

  • Peas are safe for dogs, but only in a fresh, thawed, or frozen state. They are a great source of protein, vitamins A, B, and K, and many minerals.
  • Don’t give peas to dogs that suffer from kidney problems, as this can worsen their condition.
  • Avoid giving your pet canned peas as they may contain additional seasonings, such as garlic and onions, which are incredibly harmful to all dogs.

Enriching your dog’s diet with fruits and vegetables is necessary for keeping your canine healthy. However, dogs don’t need a lot of vegetables in their diet to thrive, as they’re carnivorous in the wild. And it’s your responsibility to know what products are healthy for your pet and which ones are toxic. Luckily, peas don’t pose any danger to dogs, and in fact, they are commonly used in commercial dog food. As for now, the FDA is looking for a link between consuming peas and developing heart disease.

Can Dogs Have Green Peas

Yes, you can give your dog snow peas, sugar snap peas, and English peas. It’s better to feed them fresh, thawed, or frozen, but don’t give your dog canned peas because they contain a lot of sodium which may be harmful to dogs, especially if consumed in large amounts. Consumption of a large amount of sodium can result in canine poisoning. Canned peas are also sometimes seasoned with added garlic or onion, which are highly toxic to dogs.

green peas in macro lens

Remember to shell garden peas and be careful with pods, as they can easily cause choking as well as an intestinal blockage in smaller breeds. It’s better to chop peas into small pieces if you’re not sure whether your dog can swallow them. Just like with any new food you introduce to your pet, you should watch for any reactions such as vomiting or diarrhea.

If you are not sure how many peas to feed your dog, start with as little as four to five at a time once a week.

Benefits Of Feeding Peas To Dogs

green and white medication pill in clear glass jarPeas are an excellent source of minerals such as iron, potassium, zinc, and magnesium, as well as vitamins A, B, and K. It’s not a secret that peas are prized for their high protein and fiber content. But remember that your dog still should have a high protein diet, and peas should instead be given as a healthy snack option or addition to a meal. Peas also contain lutein, a natural antioxidant good for skin, eye, and heart health.

Risks Of Peas For Dogs

However, as with any food, there are some precautions you need to take. For example, peas are not recommended for dogs with kidney problems because they contain purine, a naturally occurring compound that produces uric acid. Too much of it can cause different kidney conditions, including kidney stones, and increase your pet’s risk of developing diabetes.

Avoid giving your pet leftover sugar snap peas if they have been cooked with any seasoning that contains pepper, salt, lemon juice, onion, or garlic salt. This can cause extreme discomfort and easily upset your dog’s stomach.red round fruits on yellow plastic container

Remember that generally, vegetables should make up no more than 10-20% of your pet’s diet, so don’t overdo it with any vegetables, including peas.

FAQ

Is it safe for dogs to eat peas?

Yes, it is safe for dogs to eat peas, including snow peas, green peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas.

How many peas can I give my dog?

It’s recommended to give no more than a teaspoon of peas for small breeds and a tablespoon for larger breeds.

Can peas upset a dog’s stomach?

Yes, if your dog eats too much of them or has a sensitive stomach.

Are peas easily digestible for dogs?

Peas are not easy for dogs to digest in a raw state because of lectins, so it’s recommended to cook peas before feeding them to your dog.

Why are peas bad for dogs?

If your dog has any kidney problems, don’t give it peas, as they contain purine. Purine produces uric acid, and too much of this acid can cause kidney stones.