I have a 6 month old Labrador Retriever who’s trying to get all his puppy teeth in, and I know that sometimes puppies need something to chew on. That is why my dad suggested I give him frozen peas because they are good for his teeth. The question that pops up in my brain is “Can Dogs Eat Frozen Peas?”
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat frozen peas. However, there are some things you should keep in mind when feeding your dog anything new or different from what he normally eats. Things you should remember when deciding whether to feed your pooch this particular type of pea include the size of the pea pod, the quality of the peas themselves, how well cooked they are, and what other foods might be mixed in with them.
Read on to find out about the benefits and what you should take note of when feeding your dog peas.
Quick Navigation
Are Frozen Peas Safe For Dogs?
When you buy frozen peas for your pooch, make sure all of the ingredients are safe for him. Stay away from those that contain sugars or foods with a high starch content like potatoes and corn, as these can be bad for his overall health if he eats too many of them at once.
If you do decide to give him peas that have been cooked, it’s important to remove any salt that might have been added during the cooking process and then freeze them in smaller portions so that they defrost slowly instead.
What Are The Benefits Of Frozen Peas For Dogs?
Peas are rich in the antioxidants alpha and beta carotene. They contain the minerals potassium, thiamine, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. They are rich in vitamins A, B, and K. They have zeaxanthin and lutein. They are an excellent source of protein.
These nutrients protect capillary walls, membrane tissue and red blood cells – and thus keep the heart strong and healthy. They promote healthy liver function. They prevent poor eyesight.
Frozen peas are a good source of fiber for your dog. They help with digestion and can prevent intestinal upset which helps to curb my dog’s appetite. They help to sustain a sense of fullness so that my dog does not mooch around for food soon after he has eaten. This prevents overeating and controls weight.
Here are some other benefits of frozen peas for your dogs
- Promotes good health
- Keep the immune system strong
- Anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent arthritis
- Boost energy
- Aids digestion and prevent constipation
Peas are a relatively healthy addition to a dog’s diet, and if you choose the right kind, they will provide several vital nutrients for your pup. Don’t feed your pet peas from those little baby food jars or cans though, as those have been cooked twice already, which means most of the nutritional value has been lost in processing.
In addition to that, there may be spices or other ingredients added that shouldn’t be given to dogs.
[Related Article: What Dried Fruits Can Dogs Eat To Avoid Any Health Issues?]
Can Peas Upset A Dog’s Stomach?
While peas are safe for your dog to eat, anything else that they eat alongside them is up for debate. The main concern with giving your pet something like peas is the possible problems it could cause if he eats too many carbs all at once.
As long as he gets enough protein throughout the day, you shouldn’t have any issues with adding veggies into his diet plan. However, if you feed him lots of carbohydrates in one sitting, it can upset his digestive system and cause an allergic reaction.
If you decide to give your dog cooked frozen peas to chew on or simply want to serve them raw, make sure they aren’t mixed up with high sugar foods like fruit because these will be bad for his dental hygiene over time.
Peas are also not good for dogs with kidney problems.
Peas have purines, naturally occurring organic compounds found in plant and animal cells. When the body breaks down purines, it creates uric acid. Uric acid is filtered in the kidneys, then exits the body in urine.
When uric acid levels are too high, some of the acid stays in the body, forming urate or uric acid crystals that build up in the joints and soft tissues resulting in the painful condition called gout, a form of arthritis. The crystals can also build up in the kidneys, leading to the formation of kidney stones.
Increased levels of uric acid may result in serious damage in the joints, tissues, and bone. It can also lead to heart disease and kidney disease.
If your dog is prone to kidney problems, it is prudent not to include peas in his diet because of the vegetable’s purine content. The accumulation of purines and the resulting high levels of uric acid in your dog’s body are likely to aggravate the problem. They are also likely to lead to painful symptoms of inflammatory arthritis or gout.
I don’t want my dog to suffer from the troubles that are a result of high levels of uric acid. I make it a point not to overfeed him peas. I give peas once in a while as a luxury – always in moderation.
What Type Of Pea Pod Is Best For My Dog?
Make sure the pea pods you feed your pooch are young and small if they are not already cooked. If they are too large or mature, you run the risk of accidentally cutting their mouth or gums on a sharp edge instead of helping them to eat it naturally like they would an unaltered food source.
If you live in an area where these aren’t available in the frozen section, look for them in the produce aisle instead. You can also cook your own peas and add them to your dog’s food once they’ve cooled.
Are Boiled Or Steamed Peas Better?
If you are going to feed your dog peas that have been cooked, it is safest to boil them unless you know for certain that no salt has been added.
This will remove any possibility of contamination by bacteria, which could make him sick if he eats enough of it even if there is no more than a trace amount. As with anything else you give him, make sure not to overdo it because too much salt will be harmful to him.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Vegetables?
Frozen vegetables like peas can last about a month in the freezer before they start to ice over and spoil. This is long enough for most dogs’ digestive systems to handle without causing problems but not long enough to allow bacteria to grow on them.
Can My Dog Eat Frozen Broccoli?
If your pooch doesn’t like the taste of peas or you don’t want to eat cooked ones, there are other options that will provide him with the nutrients he needs. Broccoli is another good source of fiber and does not have any added sugars or carbohydrates in it, making it healthy for him even if he eats a whole bunch of it at once.
[Related Article: Why Freeze Dried Dog Food Backpacking When Going Hiking]
Wrap Up
All in all, peas are nutritious and healthy. They help keep the heart, immune system, skin, vision, nerves, and digestion healthy and strong.
They promote a sense of fullness that reins in the appetite. They promote enjoyment and satisfaction in eating. It is not surprising to see why many commercial dog food products include peas in their formulation.
