Can Dogs Eat Peas? Yes, Cooked and Unsalted

What it gives your dog

Peas are a tender legume: about 80 kcal per 100 g, with about 5 g of plant protein, fiber, vitamin K and B vitamins, and potassium. Cooked, they are easy to digest and many dogs eat them as if they were treats.

You may have read that the US FDA investigated a possible link between grain-free dog foods high in peas, lentils and potatoes and a heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). That investigation did not prove a cause and it concerned foods in which legumes were a main ingredient, not a few peas now and then. It is worth knowing that peas contain purines, so for dogs with urate stones (common in Dalmatians) it is better to limit them.

How to serve it

Boiled for 3-5 minutes or steamed
Fresh or frozen, with no salt
Canned, only with no salt added and rinsed
Whole as a treat or mashed into their food
Never sautéed with ham, bacon or onion

How much can they eat?

Small dog (under 10 kg / 22 lb): 1 tablespoon (15 g) a day; medium dog (10-25 kg / 22-55 lb): 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 g); large dog (over 25 kg / 55 lb): 3-4 tablespoons (45-60 g).

Risks

Gas if given in large amounts
Canned peas with salt
Purines: best limited in dogs with urate stones
Peas with ham, onion or sauces

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat canned peas?

Only if the label says no salt added, and even then it is worth rinsing them under the tap. Regular canned peas have salt in the liquid, and sometimes sugar. Frozen peas are the best option: nothing is added, they cook in a few minutes and you can take out of the freezer only what you need.

Do peas cause heart problems in dogs?

There is no evidence that they do. The US FDA investigated cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs eating grain-free foods high in legumes, but it did not find a cause-and-effect relationship. The investigation concerned diets in which peas were the base. A few spoonfuls now and then, as part of a varied diet, are no cause for concern.

Can dogs eat snow peas or pea pods?

Snow peas and sugar snap peas, which are eaten pod and all, are safe cooked and chopped. The pods of regular garden peas are very fibrous: they are not toxic, but they are hard to digest and can be a choking hazard for small dogs, so it is better to give only the shelled peas. Start with a small amount, because both can cause gas.