Can Dogs Eat Peas?

Some dogs seem to like peas more than others do. It not only varies with the dog, but with the kind of peas. And there are lots of different kinds of peas.

Are Peas Good or Bad for Dogs?

Peas can be good for dogs, depending on the kind of peas. There are garden peas, snow peas, snap peas, split peas, black-eyed peas, and others. If you add peas to your dog’s meals, some dogs will eat around them or pick them out while others will gobble them down. It just depends on the dog. In moderation, peas are okay for most dogs to eat if your dog likes them. If you cook for your dog, you can add them to his meals.

Are there any health benefits?

Peas tend to be high in protein compared to other fruits and vegetables. Split peas, for example, are about 25 percent protein. They are also high in potassium and magnesium, and contain calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin K, and other good things. They are also a very good source of dietary fiber. For these reasons, dog food companies have lately begun using peas as a source of protein, fiber, and carbs in dog food, especially in grain free dog foods. Many dogs can eat dog food that uses peas without a problem, but dog food that relies heavily on peas can cause gastrointestinal problems for some dogs, especially if it contains a lot of fiber. The protein from peas is a plant-based protein and not as good for your dog as meat-based proteins.

However, if you are simply interested in adding a few peas to your dog’s regular diet, there is no harm in it.

Pea Dog Treats

These green dog treats were originally devised with St. Patrick’s Day in mind, though they aren’t very green.  They use peas from baby food jars, though you could probably use mashed fresh peas if you preferred. They are low in calories and high in protein. We are using the version with peas instead of green beans

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