Are Peas Okay for Dogs? 6 Warnings!

My husband eats a ton of those canned peas (usually wasabi flavored). While I wouldn’t give wasabi to my dog Joe, I wondered are peas okay for dogs? After all, they are pretty good snack for us humans (especially wasabi flavored), so it’s only natural that they could be shared with him. Yes, peas are generally okay for dogs to eat. These little green legumes pack a punch when it comes to essential nutrients that can keep your furry friend feeling their best.

Are Peas Okay for Dogs?

My husband eats a ton of those canned peas (usually wasabi flavored). While I wouldn't give wasabi to my dog Joe, I wondered are peas okay for dogs? After all, they are pretty good snack for us humans (especially wasabi flavored), so it's only natural that they could be shared with him. Yes, peas are generally okay for dogs to eat. These little green legumes pack a punch when it comes to essential nutrients that can keep your furry friend feeling their best.

Nutritional Value of Peas for Dogs

So why are peas super good for doggos? Well, they have lots of protein, which helps your pup’s muscles grow strong. And if your dog has a tummy that doesn’t like some kinds of meat, peas can be a tasty alternative. One cup of cooked peas has almost 10 grams of protein!

Peas are also really helpful for a pup’s poops. They have lots of fiber, which helps your dog’s digestive system work smoothly. No more stinky, yucky poop piles! Plus, fiber can help prevent a dog from getting constipated. One cup of cooked peas has about 8 grams of fiber.

But peas aren’t just good for protein and fiber. They also have lots of vitamins and minerals that are good for your dog. Vitamin A helps with a dog’s eyesight, vitamin C keeps their skin and fur healthy, potassium helps their heart work well, and iron helps them make red blood cells.

Peas are also full of good stuff called antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Antioxidants protect your dog’s body from bad things called free radicals, and anti-inflammatory stuff can help reduce swelling and make your dog feel better when they’re hurt. So basically, peas are like little health power-ups for your furry friend!

Things to Keep In Mind When Serving Peas to Your Dog

So far, so good. But before you go ahead and serve up a bowl of peas to your furry friend, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Portion size: Like with any new food, it’s important to introduce peas to your dog’s diet slowly and in small amounts. Start with a few peas and see how your dog reacts. If they seem to tolerate them well, you can gradually increase the amount over time. Keep in mind that peas should not make up a significant portion of your dog’s diet, as they are not a complete source of nutrition.
  2. Preparation: Peas should be cooked or canned, rather than eaten raw. Raw peas can be hard for dogs to digest and may cause stomach upset. If you’re using canned peas, make sure to rinse them well to remove any added salt or other seasonings. Frozen peas are also a good option, as long as they are thawed before feeding.
  3. Pesticides: As with any vegetable, it’s important to choose organic peas whenever possible to minimize the risk of pesticide exposure. Pesticides can be harmful to dogs, so opting for organic peas is a safer choice.
  4. Potential allergies: Like humans, dogs can also be allergic to certain foods, including peas. Symptoms of a food allergy in dogs may include vomiting, diarrhea, itchy skin, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs after feeding your dog peas, stop giving them peas immediately and consult your veterinarian.
  5. Other potential concerns: There are a few other things to consider when it comes to feeding peas to your dog. For example, if your dog has kidney or bladder stones, they may be at risk for developing more stones if they consume a lot of peas.
  6. Lectin: Additionally, peas contain a compound called lectin, which can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. However, the amount of lectin in peas is generally low and not a cause for concern when fed in normal amounts as part of a balanced diet.

Pea-tastic Dog Treats

Here’s a recipe for homemade dog treats made with peas that are sure to make your furry friend wag their tail with joy. And don’t worry, these treats are not only tasty, but they’re also good for your dog’s health! If you don’t want to go through the trouble, grab some Jiminy’s Cricket Treats made with sweet potatoes and peas.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine the peas, oats, egg, and peanut butter until well mixed and the mixture forms a dough.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  4. Use a cookie cutter (or a glass if you don’t have one) to cut the dough into desired shapes.
  5. Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly golden.
  7. Let the treats cool completely before serving to your pup.

And that’s it! These pea-tastic treats are sure to be a hit with your furry friend. Just make sure to keep an eye on them while they munch on their treats and always provide plenty of water.

Conclusion

Peas are a tasty treat for dogs, as long as you don’t give them too many and you prepare them right. Always try to get organic peas if you can, and keep an eye out for any allergies or tummy trouble.

And now you’re an expert on whether peas are okay for dogs or not! Go ahead and give your furry friend a few peas, but don’t forget to watch how much you give them.

Be sure to check out the list of fruits and veggies you can feed your doggo!

What do you think? Are peas okay for dogs? Let me know in the comments!

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