Can My Dog Eat Peas?

Can my dog eat peas? Yes, they can. Peas are safe for dogs to eat and are loaded with various health benefits. As always, make sure you consult your vet before you share any food with your pet, including peas. Here’s what you should know about dogs and peas.

Are Peas Safe for My Dog?

Wondering what vegetables can dogs eat? The good news is that peas aren’t poisonous to dogs. What’s more, they comprise a range of health benefits.

Peas are good for dogs and contain vitamins C, B3, B9, beta-carotene, zinc, iron, dietary fibers, and proteins.

They are known to be an excellent source of fiber for dogs. The consumption of peas has many benefits for dogs. Peas are packed with the antioxidant lutein which aids your canine’s eye, skin, and heart’s well-being.

The type of peas which are safe for dogs are snow peas or garden peas.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Peas?

You can give your dog frozen, fresh, or thawed peas, but don’t give them canned peas. Like many canned vegetables, you’ll find that canned peas contain salt, which has harmful effects on dogs.

No. Canned peas can upset your dog’s stomach. 

Excess salt in your dog’s food could even lead to increased blood pressure, dehydration, or sodium poisoning. If you want to treat your dog to a couple of peas, make sure they aren’t salted.

Can Dogs Eat Frozen peas?

Can dogs eat frozen peas? They can consume them provided they’re of a green variety. Frozen peas act as a cool snack on a hot day for dogs.

Due to their size, frozen peas don’t pose the same choking risk as ice as long as they aren’t all frozen together into a lump. Make sure you thaw them before feeding.

You must wash and soak in water first to eliminate any added salt. Frozen peas offer a convenient and affordable means of feeding your pet. You can even cook them if you like.

Can Dogs Eat Garden Peas?

Dogs can consume garden peas. They are simply another pea variety that’s safe for them to eat. Just make sure you feed your pet in moderation.

As long as your dog doesn’t eat the pod it’s fine. The pod is inedible and can become lodged in your dog’s throat and cause him/her to choke.

Remember, garden peas must be shelled first.

How to Feed Peas to My Dog?

How many peas can a dog eat? For any dog, a handful of peas is a lot. You should stick to a teaspoon for small breeds and a tablespoon for larger ones.

If it’s your dog’s first time to eat peas, give him one or two to see how he/she responds. If your canine seems to enjoy eating peas without exhibiting any reaction, you can increase the quantity gradually.

Although you don’t have to worry much about feeding your dogs peas, you must beware of these guidelines:

Without Seasoning

Peas might be tastier with some seasoning and butter. However, when it comes to feeding your dog,  you should avoid flavoring, particularly butter and salt, which could upset your dog’s stomach.

In Moderation

Feeding your pet in moderation is crucial. Keep in mind that eating excess peas could cause your pet to experience stomach distress and gas, so feed sparingly and avoid handing it out by the handful.

Minus the Shell

You must shell the garden or sweet peas before feeding your pet. Snap and snow pea shells are fine for dog consumption, but some might dislike the fibrous texture.

Not for Dogs with Kidney Diseases

Peas comprise purines, which are typically harmless but could be dangerous for dogs with kidney disease. If your dog suffers from kidney problems, you might want to give alternative healthy treats that are low in purines, for instance, carrots.

Fresh Peas

Peas comprise natural sugars and by consuming fresh peas, you make sure that the sugars become converted into starch. Sugar snap peas are perhaps the easiest for your pet to digest.

Although raw peas are okay, they’ll be harder to digest, so your dog might miss some of the associated benefits. If you’re offering peas from your meal, ensure there’s no garlic or onion because it could be poisonous.

Benefits of Peas for Dog

Peas can help add dietary nutrition to your dog while providing these benefits:

Vitamins

Peas are vitamin-packed and promote healthy nerves, eyes, and skin. They comprise a range of vitamins, including A, B6, K, and C. Vitamin C, which add a boost to your dog’s immune system.

Fiber and Carbohydrates

High-fiber foods help lower cholesterol, sustain a healthy weight, and boost the digestive system. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, offer energy and are essential for your dog’s health and well-being.

Peas Recipes for Dog

Can dogs have cooked peas? Yes. Mentioned below are some cooked peas recipes exclusively for canines.

Green Pea Cookies

This simple recipe doesn’t feature many ingredients and only takes 15-20 minutes. You’ll have to combine all ingredients into a processor before you roll them into dough balls and bake them in an oven. Your dog will love the treat recipe.

Snowball Treat

The prep time for this recipe is 10 minutes and its cooking time is 45 minutes.  Ingredients include rice, fresh peas, and egg white. Just make sure you consult your vet before feeding treats.

Peas are available in numerous varieties and offer nutritional benefits to your dog. You’ll also notice that peas are a popular ingredient in several dog foods.

While they’re generally healthy, feeding them in recommended quantities is essential.

Check out this article on can dogs eat honey.