Yes, they can! And not only can dogs eat peas, but also peas are good for dogs. Most types of peas are perfectly safe for your dog to eat and pack a nutritious punch in addition to being a yummy, low-calorie treat.
To get the full dish on peas, we spoke with Dr. Amanda Williams, Chief Veterinarian and Medical Director of Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch, to learn more about what kind of peas dogs can eat, how much, and how often.
Benefits of Peas for Dogs
- Contain vitamins A, B, C, and K, as well as iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, folate, thiamin, and manganese.
- Helpful for vision, skin, digestion, immune system, nerves, heart, and more.
- Great source of fiber (which is why many dog food brands include peas as an ingredient).
- Low in calories and readily available year round.
- Additional hydration, especially on a hot summer day.
Warnings About Feeding Peas to Your Dog
- If your dog has kidney problems, avoid feeding them peas. Peas contain purines, a chemical compound that produces uric acid. Properly functioning kidneys can filter uric acid, but if your dog has kidney problems, an exorbitant amount of uric acid can cause kidney stones and other conditions.
- Potential choking hazard. Some dogs can eat sugar snap peas and snow peas whole in the pod, but for others, the pea pods can be a choking hazard. To be safe, only feed your dog shelled, little round peas, which are easier to swallow.
How to Feed Peas to Your Dog
Because peas have a sweet flavor, your dog is likely to gobble them up. And they’re low-calorie, too, which means you don’t have to feel guilty sprinkling them on top of your pup’s kibble.
- Add fresh, steamed, or thawed frozen peas to your dog’s daily chow. Avoid canned peas, which likely contain preservatives and a lot of sodium — even if the can says “no salt added.” Most frozen peas have zero sodium content (read the label to be sure).
- Cook and puree peas and offer a spoonful or two as a once-in-a-while treat or as a topper for regular food.
- Cook into a stew like this Hot Pot recipe.
- Feed one by one as a training treat or just because.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Can dogs eat green peas?
A:Green peas are a great choice, especially as a training treat since they’re not only small, but low-calorie.
Q:Can dogs eat snow peas?
A:Yes, but with a warning. Dogs can eat snow peas, but it’s best to shell them to avoid a potential choking hazard.
Q:Can dogs eat chickpeas?
A:Yes, dogs can eat cooked or canned, unsalted chickpeas. They’re a great source of fiber, protein, and several other vitamins and minerals, and can help pups with high blood pressure, diabetes, liver problems, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions, constipation, and obesity. However, if your dog tends to be gassy, feeding them chickpeas could make it worse.
Q:Can dogs eat hummus?
A:No. Made from chickpeas, hummus contains lots of garlic and other spices that are off-the-menu for your dog.
Q:Can dogs eat sweet peas?
A:No, dogs should never eat sweet peas. They actually come from a flowering perennial vining legume plant that contains the toxin beta-aminoproprionitrite. If a dog eats sweet peas — even just one bite — they can experience neurological and musculoskeletal problems such as weakness, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and pacing. If you think your dog may have eaten sweet peas, call your vet immediately.
Top Dog Food & Treats with Peas
Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food
If your pup is a kibble fan, try this dry dog food with peas that has chicken as the number one ingredient and is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to support a healthy coat and skin.
Purina Beyond Chicken, Carrot & Pea Recipe Ground Entrée Grain-Free Canned Dog Food, 13-oz, case of 12
The peas and carrots in this wet dog food offer your pup a wholesome serving of veggies as part of a complete and balanced meal. And as an added benefit, each can contains natural prebiotic fiber to support your dog’s digestive health.
Purina Beneful Baked Delights Snackers with Apples, Carrots, Peas & Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Crunch on the outside and soft on the inside, these treats are baked to perfect and made to appeal to doggy taste buds. They’re a savory combination of peanut butter and cheese, plus peas, carrots, and apples in fun fruit and veggie shapes.
Merrick Oven Baked Grammy's Pot Pie w/ Real Chicken, Carrots & Peas Dog Treats, 11-oz bag
There’s nothing like a warm, savory chicken pot pie — and now your pup can enjoy that one-of-a-kind flavor, too! These biscuits are inspired by a homemade recipe using ingredients from your own kitchen, including peas.
Before incorporating any new foods into your dog’s diet, always consult with your veterinarian to make sure it’s a safe addition to your pet’s diet given their health, diet needs, and current medications. Your vet will tell you if your dog can eat peas and the appropriate serving size. If you suspect your pet is sick, please call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your regular veterinarian when possible as they can make the best recommendations for your pet. (If you need help finding a vet near you use this link.)
Expert input provided by Dr. Amanda Williams, Chief Veterinarian and Medical Director, Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch in Jupiter, Florida.
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