Can Dogs Eat Black-Eyed Peas?
When feeding your furry friend, you want to be sure that you are giving them tasty, but still healthy, treats. You may turn to some of the foods that you already have on hand in your kitchen and wonder if, since they are fit for humans, if they are fit for pets as well! In the case of black-eyed peas, yes, your dog can eat these, too.
However, like any food, you will want to ensure that your pet does not have any allergies to it and should check with your vet before making this a regular part of Fido’s diet.
In addition, you should still only feed your dog black-eyed peas in moderation.
What Are Black-Eyed Peas?
Black-eyed peas are part of the legumes family, and are the edible seeds that grow inside a pod.
They are different from normal peas, which dogs can also eat.
Black-eyed peas taste earthy and look like smaller, darker green peas. They can be eaten either raw, right from the garden and the pod, or can be eaten cooked. When cooking, they can be eaten on their own or can be cooked alongside other foods or vegetables as a garnish to a meal or an assorted veggie dish, for example.
They are a snack not limited to humans– your dog can eat them, too!
Also Read – Can Dogs Eat Birdseed?
Benefits of Black-Eyed Peas
Feeding your dog black-eyed peas can in fact be good for him or her! Black-eyed peas are a healthy part of a diet, containing boosters such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Read further to learn more about how black-eyed peas, in moderation, might help your pet.
Antioxidants
Black-eyed peas contain antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that, in the body, prevent the production of free radicals and reactions that may damage cells. The antioxidants in black-eyed peas can help to fight against aging, as well as to prevent cancer, cholesterol build-up, and cardiovascular disease!
Vitamins and Minerals
Black-eyed peas contain vitamins such as Vitamins A, C, and K, which promote good health. They are also a great source of folate, iron, and calcium.
Calcium is important in your dog’s diet, as it can prevent bone arthritis later on in life. These vitamins and minerals are crucial to your pet’s continued health and make black-eyed peas a great option as a snack or treat, rather than having your pet consume empty calories.
Additional Benefits
Black-eyed peas are also a source of fibre, and are a great option to increase your dog’s fibre intake if your pet has allergies to other high-fiber options, or has a sensitive stomach. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Eating black-eyed peas can help with skin allergies or other inflammatory conditions that your dog may be experiencing.
Risks of Black-Eyed Peas
However, it is important to feed your dog black-eyed peas in moderation, and it is also wise to consult your dog’s vet on this. They should not be used as a meal substitute or anything of the sort, as too many black-eyed peas could actually be harmful to your dog.
Digestive Issues
One of the things that can be caused by too many black-eyed peas is digestive issues. As these are high in fiber, they may make your dog more regular. However, too many black-eyed peas could have the opposite effect and could make your dog constipated.
A dog who has an allergy or intolerance to black-eyed peas may also suffer from diarrhea or vomiting. All of these symptoms are why it is important to start out slow with any new foods and to try to feed your dog these treats in small doses first to ensure they will not have a bad reaction.
Kidney Issues
Peas, including black-eyed peas, contain purines, which then produce uric acid. The uric acid is then processed through the kidneys. Unhealthy kidneys are not able to filter the uric acid properly.
Too much uric acid can lead to kidney issues– like kidney stones– or even kidney diseases. For this reason, you should avoid black-eyed peas if your pet has pre-existing kidney issues.
Tips for Feeding Your Dog Black-Eyed Peas
So, now that you know that you can feed your dog black-eyed peas, how should you do so? Dogs should not be given black-eyed peas every day. Save this for an occasional treat, no more than two or three times a week.
You do not want to over-do it and cause constipation or kidney issues in your pet. If you notice any changes in your dog’s digestion– shown by constipation or loose stools– be sure to lessen the amount and frequency of black-eyed peas. You should also avoid giving your dog the cooking water that may come in a can of black-eyed peas, as it contains laxative properties.
When administering black-eyed peas to your dog, you should stick to a tablespoon or less per day. Depending on the size of your dog, you can tweak this amount accordingly.
Also Read – Can Dogs Eat Basil?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are peas bad for dogs?
Peas contain purines, which produce uric acid. Uric acid is filtered through the kidneys, and too much of it can lead to kidney stones and other kidney issues. For this reason, you should not feed peas to dogs with any pre-existing kidney problems.
Are peas poisonous to dogs?
Peas are not poisonous or toxic to dogs. However, they are not a good food choice for dogs who have kidney issues, as they contain uric acid and could exacerbate kidney problems in your pet.
Are canned black-eyed peas ready to eat?
Canned black-eyed peas are pre-cooked, so they are ready to eat straight from the can. They can be eaten on their own or added to other meals as a garnish or special treat.
Will cooked peas hurt dogs?
Peas are not toxic to dogs, so they can be eaten both raw, from the pod, or can also be eaten cooked. They can also be eaten frozen for a refreshing, crunchy texture! However, you should be sure to avoid canned peas with added sodium, as too much sodium is unhealthy for your pet and its diet.