Can Dogs Eat Peas? Everything You Need to Know

Yes, dogs can eat green peas in moderation. They are abundant in vitamin A, vitamin K, and several B vitamins, making them a healthful treat for your dog. In addition, fiber, iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium are all found in peas. These vitamins and minerals are useful to your dog’s eyesight, skin, digestion, immune system, nerves, and heart. 

Can Dogs Eat Peas?

What Are Peas?

The pea is a tiny spherical seed or pod fruit Pisum sativum. Each pod includes several green or yellow peas. Pea pods are botanically classified as fruit since they have seeds and emerge from the ovaries of a flower. 

Are Peas Safe for Dogs to Eat?

Yes, peas are safe for dogs to eat in moderation as they are packed with nutrition. However, you should avoid giving:

• Canned peas: You should not give your dog canned peas as they are high in sodium. Excess salt can lead to bloating, excessive thirst, seizures, and other health issues. Canned peas may also contain preservatives and toxic chemicals for your dogs.
• Seasoned peas: Seasoned peas are dangerous for dogs to consume as they contain various spices, which can be hazardous. Some ingredients like butter, garlic, and onions can be toxic to dogs.
• Stem: Dogs should not consume the stem of the peas as they might cause a choking hazard to them. 

Why Are Peas Good for Dogs?

Peas are packed with various minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that benefit your dog significantly. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps to keep a dog’s eyesight healthy. It aids in bone growth and reproduction. In addition, it supports the dog’s cellular formation and immune system.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B complex functions as a coenzyme, boosting metabolic activities that convert carbs into glucose, supplying energy to the body. It is necessary for a dog’s diet for protein and fat absorption. Since these vitamins are water-soluble, they pass through the body in 4 to 8 hours.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. Canines require vitamin K to generate proteins necessary for blood clotting. Vitamin K1, or phylloquinone, is the primary dietary source since it is generated in plants and obtained from food or supplements.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral found in numerous things in the dog’s body, including enzymes, proteins, and hormones. Zinc is also necessary for the immune system and thyroid function. Therefore, zinc insufficiency can cause various issues in dogs, including incapability of infection protection. 

Potassium

Potassium is an electrolyte vital for your dog’s health. Potassium aids electrical charges in the heart, nerves, and muscles to work correctly. If your dog lacks this essential mineral, you may notice that they are constantly fatigued and have no appetite.

Magnesium

If your pet’s blood work indicates low magnesium levels, adding natural magnesium forms to their food can help prevent a deficit. Magnesium supplements can also help pets recover from constipation and urinary problems.

Protein

Protein is well recognized for providing amino acids to produce hair, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. In addition, it aids in the synthesis of hormones.

Fiber

Fiber is an excellent source of nutrition for a dog’s digestive tract. Fiber is frequently digested into fatty acids by beneficial bacteria present naturally in your dog’s gut. This fatty acid then aids in preventing bacterial overgrowth and the recovery of the colon following damage.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and Zeaxanthin protect the eyes from blue light, improve night vision, and increase the capacity to perceive fine detail.

Anti-oxidants

Peas are a great source of antioxidants. This helps protect your canine’s immune system.

Low Sugar

Pea is low in sugar which makes them an excellent food choice for dogs with obesity since obesity causes several health issues like diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease.

Anti-Cancer properties

A polyphenol known as coumestrol helps fight different types of cancer, specifically stomach cancer.

Thiamin

Beneficial for carbohydrate metabolism required for the proper functioning of the brain and other high-energy organs.

Why Are Peas Bad for Dogs?

Although peas are packed with nutrients, it also has their downsides which must be kept in mind:

Purines

Peas have purines in them, which can cause difficulties for dogs with kidney issues. This chemical compound synthesizes uric acid, which filters through the kidney. Excessive uric acid can cause kidney stones and various other kidney issues.

Peapods

Peapods can cause a choking hazard in dogs and may get lodged in the esophagus tract. Hence, a dog should consume peapods under proper supervision.

Leishmaniasis

A single-cell organism called “Leishmania” causes an infection called canine leishmaniasis. These organisms are found in parklands, gardens, woodlands, and houses in rural areas. If your dog accidentally eats a pea fallen from trees, then you should consult your vet immediately.

How Many Peas to Feed Your Dog?

Dogs can consume peas occasionally. Consult your veterinarian before introducing peas to your dog. However, after you introduce peas to your dog, it is best not to make it his staple kibble. 

How to Serve Peas to Dogs?

Remove the peas from the pod first. You can serve peas to your dog in the following ways:

• Boil the peas and do it without seasoning. 
• Serve it as a frozen treat.

Or, you can also make a dog-friendly recipe for your dog:

Green Peas Dog Cookie

• Takes 1.4 cups of garden peas
• Take 1.4 cups of oats.
• Take 1 banana.
• Take half a teaspoon of honey.
• Take half a teaspoon of cinnamon.
• A pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 350 ° F. In a food processor, combine all ingredients. Place on a baking tray coated with a silicone baking mat and roll into cookie dough balls—Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for at least 15 minutes on the baking sheet. You can keep the cookies in the fridge for up to three days.

What If My Dog Ate Peas?

If your dog has accidentally consumed one or two peas, kindly do not panic. Instead, the concern will be if the peas have caused any choking hazard or not. If your dog shows these symptoms, it is best to visit the veterinarian to solve the issue immediately.

If your dog consumed seasoned peas, provide enough water to make his stomach feel good. Also, wait for symptoms like:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdomen pain
• Gas

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat snow peas?

Yes, dogs can eat snow peas in moderation. They have vitamins and minerals which are suitable for your dog. However, remember to avoid canned peas, as they can be hazardous to dogs. 

Can dogs eat sugar snap peas?

Yes, dogs can eat sugar snap peas in moderation. This is because they, too, have essential nutrients suitable for dogs in various ways. 

Can dogs eat English peas?

Yes, dogs can eat English peas (after shelling) as an occasional treat. They possess essential nutrients for dogs and can aid in various issues. 

Final Thoughts

Summing up whether dogs can eat peas, we can comprehend that peas are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which aid dogs in various ways. However, it would help if you remembered that canned and seasoned peas are harmful to dogs. Dogs with any kidney issues should not be given peas.