Can dogs or cats eat peas?

August 24, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat peas?

Feeding peas to your dog is not only safe, it can have a number of health benefits. Peas are packed with vital nutrients that contribute towards overall wellness; they can be a healthy component of a dog's diet.

Peas contain an array of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and K. These play integral roles in supporting your dog's immune system, eye health, and blood clotting. Peas are also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation.

Dogs may also benefit from the protein content in peas. Proteins are essential building blocks for maintaining muscle mass and repairing tissues — crucial for active pups!

Remember, the peas should be unseasoned. Canned versions may contain added salt or other preservatives, which can be harmful to your dog.

Though peas do contain some sugar, these natural sugars can be perfectly safe in moderate quantities. (Refined sugar, on the other hand, is very unhealthy, and an artificial sweetener like xylitol is downright toxic.)

You will need to confirm the right portion size with your vet — it's definitely possible to feed your dog too much of a good thing. In fact, you should always consult your vet before you introduce a new food item into your dog's diet. If your dog eats peas (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat peas?

Peas are harmless for cats, and even carry some nutritional benefits. Peas are packed with an array of essential vitamins and minerals that can contribute to a cat's overall health.

Peas contain vitamin A, which is vital for maintaining optimal visual health; vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system; B-vitamins, which support the metabolic process; and even fiber for aiding digestion.

It is also worth noting that the peas should be unseasoned. Canned versions may contain added salt or other preservatives, which can be harmful to cats.

It's important to remember that while peas are safe for cats to eat, they should be given as part of a balanced diet and never replace meat entirely. Cats are carnivorous by nature; including small amounts of vegetables like peas in their diet can provide them with additional nutrients, but these vegetables should play a supplementary role rather than serving as the main dish. Cats need meat protein!

You should always consult your vet before you introduce a new food item into your cat's diet. If your cat eats peas (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet