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Everyone know that peas are healthy, but what about for your pet dog?
Great news!
Whether you have canned green peas, Snow or Sugar Snap peas, they’re an excellent addition to your canine’s diet!
Virtually all varieties offer high fiber, protein and vitamins. The low calorie count is an outstanding attribute as well.
Dogs Can Eat Peas
Your furry friend can be included.
In fact, it’s a smart idea to occasionally mix peas in with regular dog food for a nutritional boost.
One Downside For Dogs?
Can peas ever be harmful for a hungry hound?
Here’s the deal:
Some dogs with kidney problems may not be able to process the purine compounds in peas. It depends on the level of uric acid in the blood.
Check with your vet or just play it safe by sticking to very small pea portions.
Plenty of Nutritional Value
Few foods offer the bang for your buck compared to peas.
Assuming your dog’s stomach agrees…
Adding peas could help to strengthen the immune system and reduce arthritic symptoms.
The anti-inflammatory properties are fantastic. Your dog may also have higher energy levels.
Peas have antioxidants (including alpha and beta-carotene and flavonoids) which could, in theory, slow down aging.
They prevent constipation and improve bowel health due to the fiber.
The Benefits Are Bountiful
It gets better!
The polyphenol in peas helps to ward off cancer. The vitamin K and B assist with strong bones, making osteoporosis less likely.
Did we mention the phosphorous, thiamin (vitamin B1) and potassium?
It’s a super food and peas contain natural sugar — not the artificial kind found in junk foods.
Everything In Moderation
While peas also offer nutritional benefits for dogs, their diet doesn’t require it. A good dog food will provide the essential nutrients.
Introducing humans foods is not necessary.
A consistent quality canine diet is more important than any one particular health food.
Which Peas are Healthiest?
There really isn’t a type of pea that stands out among the rest.
Fresh is obviously best because the natural sugars will turn into starch.
Shelled garden peas tend to have more calories than most others. They also pack more nutrients.
Snap Sugar Peas are easy for dogs to consume (including the edible pods).
What About Canned Peas?
Canned or frozen green peas are popular, cheap and convenient.
Unfortunately, this supermarket item has added sodium which isn’t great for dogs.
Again, it’s best to limit pea consumption to a small part of your dog’s diet. Besides, meat should be the primary source of nutrition.
Check out our info on chick peas!
Pea Pods And Precautions
Some pea pods can be consumed while others can’t be eaten.
Assume that your dog also shouldn’t have the same kinds of pods considered inedible for humans.
One example:
Garden peas! They need to be shelled prior to eating. Avoid any possibility of choking for your dog’s sake.
The Bottom Line
You can certainly feed your dog peas.
This is a low-calorie food with excellent protein, vitamins and nutrients.
The fresher the peas, the better!
Of course, there is usually some preparation involved. And certain pod types are not edible.
You can simply mix some in with regular chow or get a dog food recipe with peas listed in the ingredients.
I am glad dogs can eat peas.
My diabetic senior dog loves carrots, but they are harder to digest. His 2nd favorite would be a toss between frozen blueberries, frozen green beans, and apple slices. He also likes mango and strawberries.