Can Dogs Eat Peas? Weird And Wonderful Veggie Facts For Dogs

Pisum Sativum is a plant that produces small green peas which are enclosed in pods.

The vegetables, peas, are part of the food group called legumes. The various plants in the legumes food group produce pods, often with seeds enclosed within the plant.

The Fabaceae (Leguminosae) is a wide family which consists of several beans, peas, or legume members. This family is one of the largest families of plants that produce flowers.

They have more than 20,000 species like green beans, garden peas, chickpeas, sugar snap peas, snow peas, and cowpeas. Legumes are filled with various nutrients and are a good source of potassium and vitamin, and improves skin as well.

Peas offer many benefits to humans, but can we say the same for our canine buddies? Even though peas are safe for dogs, pet parents have to keep certain things in mind. Let's discover how we can give peas to our pup!

Why are peas bad for dogs?

As we know that our canine kids have a different digestive system than ours, they need their greens but not in excess. Let's take a look!

Peas are packed with multiple nutrients like potassium, vitamin K, A, B1, B6, and C. They are not toxic to dogs. Thus the answer to can dogs eat peas is yes.

Peas are also high in an antioxidant called lutein.

Vitamins such as K significantly help in maintaining bone health. The antioxidant, Lutein improves cardiovascular health, skin health, and vision health as well.

When it comes to feeding peas to your fur kid, moderation is what every pet parent should focus on. As we all know, excess green veggies are bad for our dogs.

If your dogs are suffering from any nephrology issues (kidney problems), you should completely avoid giving them peas.

Peas contain purines, which is a chemical compound (produced naturally). Dogs with kidney problems should totally ignore peas as they have purines.

The liver converts purine into uric acid, which is then filtered by the kidneys and goes through your dog's pee. Uric acid is important for your dog, but too much of it can pose a health risk.

Peas, if not eaten in moderation, can cause your dog to have bloating and flatulence issues. Peas are hard to digest and may result in an upset stomach as well.

How do I make peas for my dog?

We can offer healthful peas to our dogs in a variety of ways. Pet parents only need to consider a few key points before giving their pets these nutritious and healthy treats!

You can include fresh snow peas, snap peas, and English peas in your dog's diet plan. As we are already aware that dogs do not need legumes to stay healthy, they only require them in small amounts.

Canned peas must be avoided at all costs as they contain high sodium content because of their preservation. Canned peas or vegetables are not suitable for your dogs as they often use salt for preservation.

Excess intake of salt can be bad for your dogs, and it is not healthy at all. Pet parents often get confused over what to implement, fresh or frozen peas! But the answer is quite clear, fresh garden peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas can be included in the dog's diet.

Peas have long been a popular culinary ingredient in cultures all across the world. Peas have been incorporated into people's diets in a variety of ways, but when it comes to our fur buddies, it is much better to give them plain and simple.

Peas are also used as a training treat as well. You can always consult your vet first before introducing peas to your pup. The pods (shells) are often removed.

Green peas, such as garden peas, and their shells must be removed first as the shell can cause a risk of choking for your pup. Snow and snap peas shells have a different shell texture, and some dogs may or may not like it.

Dogs can eat peas with carrots as well. Carrots are a good source of fiber and other nutrients. Carrots and peas can make great treats for your canine mates!

(All of the pups adore these tasty treats, which may also be used as a training tool!)

Are peas hard to digest for dogs?

Peas are packed with nutritional benefits, dogs eat peas, and it is one of the well-liked veggies that are also inculcated in various dog foods. Even though dogs can eat peas, they sometimes face issues as well!

Be it frozen peas or green peas; peas are infused with fiber, protein, and vitamins. The munchy snack can be very healthy for your fur buddies and a good inclusion in the diet. However, feeding peas to dogs can cause flatulence and upset stomachs as well!

If you are subjecting your dogs to canned peas, they might have indigestion, so it is always better to give your dogs fresh peas.

You can always start with a small number of peas. You can serve frozen peas to your dog thawed or cooked, and if your dog's not showing any changes and is not feeling bloated or gassy, only then it is alright to go forward with peas!

It is to be noted that you should stick to only a teaspoon of peas for small breeds of dogs and a tablespoon for larger breeds.

Do peas cause heart problems in dogs?

A study conducted by Tufts University (a private research university), claims that peas may cause DCM (canine dilated cardiomyopathy) in dogs. So let's check these points out!

DCM is a kind of heart disease that affects the heart muscles in dogs. Some dog breeds like Saint Bernard, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Newfoundland, and Doberman Pinschers are more inclined to develop this problem.

Dogs like Shih Tzu, Bulldog, Labrador, Whippets, and Golden Retrievers have also been linked to this disease. Small dogs and medium-sized dogs are much safer than the above dogs.

Dogs eat peas as it gives them a different taste. It depends on the amount and on the breed of your fur buddies. You can always make sure that you consult your vet before introducing healthy peas into your dog's diet.

Frozen green peas can also be sprinkled in various types of foods that your fur buddies consume. The key to the safe consumption of peas is to give it to them in a limited amount and according to the size and breed of your pup.