Can dogs eat peas? Peas are a good source of antioxidants, fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals; they offer many health benefits to dogs. Good digestive health and strong resilience against diseases are some of them.
However, it is also important to know the potential health hazards of feeding peas to dogs before adding them to your dog’s diet.
Are peas good for dogs?
Peas are nutritious legumes that are safe for dogs to eat. They do not contain toxins, unlike some fruits and vegetables. Peas are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
This veggie is a good source of vitamins A, B, C, and K. It is also loaded with iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Antioxidants including flavonoids, lutein, and alpha and beta-carotene are also found in peas.
Feeding peas to your dog will let him enjoy the following health perks:
- Healthy skin and coat
- Strengthened immune system
- Stronger and sturdier bones
- Lower vulnerability to developing cancer
- Improved digestive health
- Less likely to experience constipation
- Reduced inflammation in the body
- Facilitate weight loss
Can dogs have peas? Are there any risks?
Now that you know the good side of peas, it is time to learn this legume’s drawbacks.
Some prevalent problems peas may cause dogs if they are carelessly fed and excessively consumed are the possible development of kidney issues, heart disease, and thyroid issues.
Let us take a deeper look at how these health risks.
Peas contain purines.
Dogs with kidney problems are better off without peas in their diet. A chemical substance called purine, naturally found in food and drinks, is also produced in peas.
What makes it dangerous to dogs is that purine can cause the production of uric acid and the formation of kidney stones in high amounts.
It would be best to consult the vet to find an alternative healthy treat for your dog if he suffers from renal issues.
If your furry companion is free from kidney problems, it is OK to feed him peas. However, it is crucial to set limits, or else he will be at risk of developing kidney problems.
Peas are linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
You may have heard the news about how grain-free commercial dog food, which contains high levels of peas, lentils, and other legumes, is linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
DCM is a cardiovascular disease that causes the heart to decrease its ability to pump blood properly.
This disease is a serious and often fatal condition as it can cause congestive heart failure (CHF) in severe cases. Research has pointed out that a grain-free diet was thought to lower taurine levels, which causes the development of DCM.
However, some experts observed that the condition is also present in dogs that are not on a grain-free diet. Several dogs with DCM did not show a taurine deficiency.
Needless to say, more study needs to be done to get a definitive answer. To be on the safer side, it is best to feed your dog peas in moderation.
Peas produce lectins.
Peas belong to the legume family, which contains a substance called lectin. Large amounts of lectins are dangerous to dogs. It can induce a leaky gut, which can be destructive to your pooch’s digestive lining.
This can lead his body’s immune system to attack itself and make him highly susceptible to autoimmune diseases. Lectins also cause overproduction of thyroid hormones. This makes it unsuitable for dogs with thyroid problems.
To prepare peas safely for your dog, they should be cooked. The cooking process can significantly lessen the lectin levels in legumes. Soaking and rinsing them in water also helps reduce the presence of lectin.
How much peas should dogs eat?
Peas should be fed as an occasional treat for dogs and must not make up most of your dog’s meals. Small breeds can do away with eating a teaspoon of peas at most. A tablespoon is the maximum amount for larger breeds.
Since the veggie is high in fiber, you are courting trouble if you feed your dog excessive amounts of peas.
Overeating this veggie may lead to issues in their digestive systems. These include constipation, flatulence, upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Can dogs have pea pods?
Leave pea pods out when serving peas to your dog. The pea pod has a tough exterior, making it a choking hazard. If ingested, it can cause stomach upset and, in severe cases, intestinal blockage.
Can dogs have raw peas?
Raw peas can be used as dog treats. Fresh, frozen, and thawed peas are fine for them as well. Make sure to wash them thoroughly before serving them to your dog. This will eliminate bacteria, dirt, lectins, and other harmful substances.
It is best to mash or puree raw peas to make them easy to digest by your dog. Raw peas are also tough to chew and may accidentally get stuck in his air pipe.
Breaking the raw peas into smaller pieces prevents him from accidentally choking on them.
Can dogs eat canned peas?
No, canned peas are unhealthy for dogs. These usually contain added sodium and preservatives, making them harmful to dogs.
Plain-cooked peas are a healthier option for your furry pal. Just avoid including other ingredients such as oil, butter, spices, and seasoning. Garlic, chives, and onion should be excluded as well as these are toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat snap peas?
Snap peas or sugar snap peas are fine for dogs to snack on. These green beans are full of essential nutrients that are beneficial to them. The same goes for snow peas and English peas.
Keep in mind that these should be only served as occasional treats. Avoid overfeeding these to your dog to prevent digestive issues from occurring.
Can dogs eat black-eyed peas?
Yes, black-eyed peas are tasty treats for dogs. They are high in carbohydrates, protein, and fiber.
Similar to most legumes, black-eyed peas aid overweight dogs in shedding the extra pounds. But if a dog eats too many peas, it may result in serious consequences, so always limit your dog’s consumption.
Can dogs eat green peas?
Green peas are also healthy veggies for your dog. Green peas offer very similar health benefits and the same health risks as other peas. As always, make sure to serve green peas in small amounts.
Can dogs eat peas and corn?
If you got the peas and corn from a restaurant, do not share them with your pet. Store-bought human food often contains dangerous ingredients for dogs, such as:
Therefore, you need to resist the temptation of feeding any of them to him. Home-made meals specifically made for your dog are better options as you get to choose the ingredients and know what is added to the food.
Can dogs eat sweet peas?
Sweet peas are flowering plants, but their seeds closely resemble that of green peas. Beware of them as they are extremely dangerous to dogs.
Sweet peas can cause poisoning to pets. Their toxins can damage your dog’s brain and musculoskeletal system.
If you have this flowering plant in your garden, ensure it is properly fenced. Lethargy, fatigue, shivering, and seizure are the most common signs of sweet pea poisoning. Bring your dog to the vet immediately if he is showing these symptoms.
What are the best veggies for dogs?
Each of our furry friends has different nutritional needs. Therefore, the best vegetables for dogs vary from canine to canine. With the vet, you can work out the best vegetables that will benefit your dog.
Here is a list of common veggies for dogs:
