- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Peas are a healthy food many humans enjoy as a snack or part of a bigger meal. But are they safe for our pups? Yes, dogs can eat peas! These little green legumes are packed with nutrients that can benefit your canine’s health, such as B vitamins, zinc, and fibre.
However, you shouldn’t feed your dog certain types of peas, like coated peas. Additionally, like other human foods, feeding dogs too many peas may lead to digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Read on to discover how to feed this ingredient to your dog easy peas-ily!
What Type of Peas Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs can eat all kinds of peas, from garden peas to sugar snap peas to snow peas. Dr Jeff Feinman, a veterinarian and educator, says fresh or frozen peas are best (just like any veggie).
“Avoid feeding canned peas, as they typically have high sodium levels,” he explains. Too much sodium can be harmful to dogs with heart or kidney diseases.
While most peas are safe to eat, Dr Feinman says any peas with added ingredients, including wasabi peas and coated peas (such as BBQ-flavoured), are a no-go for dogs. These types of peas often contain spices, salt, and artificial flavourings that can affect a dog’s digestive system and may even be toxic.
How Many Peas Can Dogs Eat?
While dogs can technically eat peas every day, they shouldn’t be the main ingredient in their diet. Instead, peas are a great treat or can be mixed into a bowl with other food.
The recommended serving size for peas varies between dogs. Dr Feinman suggests starting with a small amount, such as ⅛ of a cup or two tablespoons, and slowly adding to this depending on the dog’s size and their enjoyment and tolerance of peas.
What Are the Health Benefits of Peas?
Peas are small but mighty. This veggie contains numerous beneficial vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s health. Some of the primary nutrients include:
- vitamin A
- vitamin K
- B vitamins
- fibre
- iron
- zinc
- protein
- magnesium
- potassium
- antioxidants
- phytonutrients
- lutein
These benefit and support your dog’s immune system, nerves, heart, vision, skin, muscles, metabolism, brain, blood, and more.
Lastly, Dr Feinman says peas’ high fibre and protein content make them a great addition to a dog weight loss plan.
What Are The Risks of Dogs Eating Peas?
While peas are a superfood for humans and dogs, there are several potential concerns associated with feeding peas. These include:
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- choking (especially with large peas or when feeding whole pods)
- glucose imbalances
- worsening heart or kidney problems
Should I avoid dog food with peas?
There has been some debate around the safety of grain-free dog foods, which are often high in pulses (including peas). A Tufts University study suggested that dog food containing high amounts of peas may be associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, a type of heart disease) in canines.
However, research is ongoing, and many factors can contribute to DCM. Plus, a recent study found that feeding healthy canines dog food comprising up to 45% pulse content (as part of a balanced diet) had no impact on heart function related to DCM.
Speak to a vet before making any diet or mealtime changes, especially if your dog has existing health concerns.
What Other Fruits & Veggies Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?
With a high vitamin and mineral content, Dr Feinman says many fruits and veggies are a welcome addition to a dog’s diet. Additionally, to increase the benefits and bioavailability of vegetables, finely chop, lightly steam, or juice them.
Some of the best fruits and vegetables to feed your dog include:
Be aware that fruit is high in sugar, so it should be given sparingly. Certain fruits and vegetables that dog parents should never feed their canines include grapes, garlic, onions, avocado, raisins, and unripe tomatoes.
