Can Dogs Eat Peas?

Yes, dogs can eat peas. Plain green peas that are fresh, frozen, or thawed are fine as a small, once-in-a-while treat. Avoid canned peas, which usually have a lot of added salt. Peas are not something your dog needs, so keep the amount small.

Are peas good for dogs?

The AKC says green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden (English) peas are all OK for dogs to eat now and then. Peas have vitamins and minerals, and they are rich in protein and fiber.

Dogs do not need vegetables to be healthy, though. Think of peas as an occasional treat, not a meal.

How to serve peas safely

• Choose fresh or frozen. Thawed frozen peas work well.
• Keep them plain. No butter, salt, onion, garlic, or sauce.
• Skip canned peas. The AKC warns that canned peas often have lots of added sodium (salt).
• Shell garden peas. Take them out of the pod first.
• Start small. Offer a few peas and see how your dog does.

Other kinds of peas

Can dogs eat raw peas?

Yes. The AKC lists fresh and frozen peas as fine for dogs, and fresh peas are not cooked. Shell garden peas and keep them plain.

Can dogs eat cooked peas?

Plain is best. The AKC does not give rules for home-cooked peas. It does say to avoid canned peas because of the added salt, so keep salt, butter, and sauces out of any peas you cook.

Can dogs eat snow peas and sugar snap peas?

Yes, on occasion. The AKC lists both as OK for dogs. Their pods are edible for people, so they are generally fine, but pods can be a choking risk. Cut them into small pieces and watch your dog while they eat.

Can dogs eat chickpeas and black-eyed peas?

Chickpeas and black-eyed peas are not the same as green peas. They belong to a group of plants called pulses, along with lentils and dry beans. We did not find guidance on feeding these as a treat from the veterinary sources we use, so we can’t give a serving rule. If you want to share them, ask your vet first.

Do peas in dog food cause heart disease?

This is a question vets are still studying. In 2018, the FDA began looking into reports of a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In DCM, the heart muscle gets weak and the heart becomes enlarged. Many of the reported cases were in dogs eating grain-free foods with lots of peas or lentils.

The FDA says this is a complex issue and that the reports do not prove a cause. It stopped giving public updates in December 2022 until there is meaningful new science. The AKC says peas and other pulses are not harmful by themselves, and the reason for the link is still unknown.

This is about foods where peas are a main ingredient, not a few peas as a treat. The AKC article quotes a veterinary nutrition expert, who suggests avoiding foods that list pulses among the first ten ingredients or that have several pulses. It also suggests choosing a food labeled “complete and balanced.”

If your dog has a cough, low energy, or trouble breathing, call your vet right away. Talk to your vet before you change your dog’s food. The FDA suggests asking your vet, who may involve a veterinary nutritionist.

How many peas can a dog eat?

The AKC does not give a set number. It says to treat peas as an occasional treat. Treats of all kinds should stay under about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For a small dog, a few peas is plenty.

Safer ways to add variety

Other plain fruits and vegetables can work as treats too. See our guide on can dogs eat apples or can dogs eat bananas. For foods to keep away from your dog, read our list of foods that are toxic to dogs.