Peas are wonderful vegetables, packing a lot of nutrients inside their fragile yet reliable casing. We humans make use of them in many dishes because of their health benefits. But have your dogs ever given you those puppy eyes while you are munching on some peas? Mine did a couple of days ago, and I shared some with them, of course. Since I know everything about can dogs eat peas, I am here to share it all with you so you can. Let’s begin exploring and find out, “Can dogs eat peas?”
Are Peas Good For Dogs?
Yes! Dogs can have peas in moderation. Peas are low in calories but pack a lot of nutrients, making them an ideal addition to your dog’s food bowl. Green veggies are always associated with healthy and balanced diets. However, you should always keep the serving size moderate for your dogs and consult your vet in case you notice any unusual behavior in your dogs after they eat peas. Most vets recommend cooking the peas before feeding them to your dogs. Raw peas are not toxic and can be consumed, but they are harder for dogs to digest, which is why their cooked version is preferred.
Peas for Different Dog Sizes:
On average, experts recommend 15 grams of peas per day and nothing more. It can not replace regular dog food but can be included in it as a flavor and nutrient boost. Generally, this is the expert-recommended amount you can give to your dogs:
- Small dogs (~10 lbs): Can have 10 grams of peas, adding about 8 kcal to their daily intake.
- Medium dogs (~30 lbs): Can safely consume 15-20 grams of peas, contributing 12-16 kcal.
- Large dogs (~60 lbs): Can enjoy up to 25-30 grams of peas, providing about 20-24 kcal.
Nutrition of Peas (per 10g serving for dogs):
| Nutrient | Amount (per 10g) | Function for Dogs |
| Calories | 8 kcal | Low-calorie helps with weight control |
| Protein | 0.55g | Supports muscle development and repair |
| Fiber | 0.6g | Aids digestion and promotes healthy bowel movements |
| Carbohydrates | 1.5g | Provides energy |
| Vitamin A | 40 IU | Supports vision, skin, and immune system health |
| Vitamin C | 2.6 mg | Boosts the immune system and antioxidant properties |
| Vitamin K | 5 mcg | Aids in blood clotting and bone health |
| Potassium | 36 mg | Regulates fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerves |
| Magnesium | 3 mg | Supports nerve function, muscle contraction, and energy |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | Supports oxygen transport in the blood |
Can Dogs Eat Snap Peas
Dogs can consume all types of peas, whether green peas, sugar snap peas, garden peas, or snow peas. Peas are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients and can contribute a lot to your dog’s daily diet plan.
Can Peas Be Bad For Dogs?
Peas are one of the generally healthy treats for dogs but can be under certain cases harmful or problematic. Some of the cases are mentioned below:
1. Dogs with Kidney Issues
Dogs suffering from kidney-related complications have to avoid peas due to their rich purine content. Purines transform into uric acid, which can cause the formation of kidney stones and other complications in dogs suffering from such complications.
2. Overfeeding
Giving your dog too many peas can cause digestive tract inconveniences, such as gas, bloating, or even diarrhea. Peas contain fiber; if your dog ingests too much fiber, it will develop an upset tummy.
3. Choking Hazard
Feeding your dog peas in the pod or large portions of whole peas can be dangerous since it may cause choking hazards for small dogs. In regard to the peas, it should be noted that they need to be given to the dog or cat without the pod and must be given in the correct portion.
4. Allergies
Although this is a rare occurrence still, peas can cause unusual allergies in some dogs. Signs of an allergic reaction may include itchiness of the skin, skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and so on.
How To Feed Peas To Dogs?
To safely feed peas to your dog, first make sure to remove the pod and take all the peas out. The pod is hard to digest for dogs and can even cause gastrointestinal blockage. Some pods of peas, like sugar snap peas, are safe for consumption, but generally, it is best practice to remove them.
Make sure to cook the peas and avoid seasonings and fatty oils, as they can be detrimental to your dogs. You can also mash the peas to make them easier for your dogs to consume. You can either give them peas as a treat or mix them with your dog’s daily food. Always follow the 10% rule, according to which treats should not make more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, and make sure to consult your vet before introducing anything new to your dog’s plate.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Peas?
Vets do not recommend canned peas as they contain high sodium content due to the salt being used as a preservative. Most vets discourage the use of human canned food for dogs, except in some rare cases. So, it is always better to avoid canned treats meant for humans. But you can use canned dog food instead.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat peas? This is something many of us ask often since peas are very common in human food. Rest assured, peas are perfectly safe for dogs except in the cases mentioned above. Now you know everything, so grab some peas and share a delicious treat with your dogs today! But dont forget to consult your vet first just to be safe.
