Peas are a popular side dish for many families because these legumes contain many health benefits. But can Pugs eat peas, and are there any benefits to sharing it with our four-legged friends? If you’re looking to add more veggies to your Pug’s diet, the great news is Peas are safe for dogs and can be beneficial when fed in moderation. There are just a few caveats every pet owner should know.
Can Pugs Eat Peas?
Yes, Pugs can eat peas in any form as they are not toxic to pets. Stick with fresh, frozen, and unsalted variety. Peas are a sweet legume rich in antioxidants, vitamins such as Folate, Vitamins K, C, fiber, etc., that can be beneficial for your pup. Your pup will benefit most when it in moderation. Snacks such as peas, etc., should only consume 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
Pugs are not picky eaters, and they will gladly eat human food and then come begging for more. However, as pet parents, it’s essential to know which veggies safe and which you should avoid sharing with them.
Let’s take a closer look at why you should consider feeding your Pug snap peas, snow peas, or garden peas. If you’re in a hurry, then check out this page to find out which vegetables Pugs can eat.
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Peas To Pugs?
Peas are small veggies, making it easy to underestimate the value of adding them to your dog’s diet. They are a naturally sweet legume (your dog will love) and are rich in folate, vitamins, antioxidants, and other minerals your dog needs.
This veggie is often used in the production of commercial dog food due to its high fiber and protein content. That said, as long as your Pug is eating a high-quality diet, they don’t need to eat peas or any other human foods.
If you enjoy sharing food with your four-legged friend, don’t hesitate to share some with your dog. We’ll share some tips on how to get your dog to eat them below, so keep reading.
But first, let’s take a closer look at the nutrients found in just one serving.
Peas Nutritional Facts
10 ounces of green unsalted peas contains:
| Nutrient | Quantity |
| Choline | 69.6 mcg |
| Sugars | 11.8 grams |
| Vitamin A | 5312 IU |
| Vitamin C | 25.0 mg |
| Vitamin K | 60.7 mcg |
| Panthothenic Acid | 0.4 mg |
| Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 60.7 mg |
| Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 266 mg |
| Water | 201 grams |
| Potassium | 278 mg |
| Magnesium | 55.7 mg |
(source)
Are Peas Safe For Pugs?
If fed in moderation, these small legumes are entirely safe for your pup. However, too much of anything can lead to digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, obesity, and bloat.
Overfeeding your dog anything puts more demands on your dog’s digestive system, which reduces its efficiency. The most common symptom of overfeeding is when your dog’s stool becomes soft, or your dog gets a case of diarrhea.
Just like humans, pugs are prone to obesity. Obesity can diminish your dog’s health, and put your pet more at risk of developing heart problems, joint issues, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and so much more.
Warning About Peas
The biggest concern about feeding peas with dogs is the potential of kidney problems. Most vegetables contain low amounts of purines (about 50 milligrams every 100 grams); however, green peas contain (150 milligrams every 100 grams).
Purine produces uric acid that the kidneys are responsible for filtering. The production of too much purine can lead to kidney issues, including kidney stones. (source)
When sharing peas with your Pug, avoid overfeeding them, no matter how much they beg!
Can Pugs Eat Raw Peas?
Yes, but it’s best to feed your dog the fresh, organic variety. Whether you buy them from your supermarket or pick them right out of your garden, you can share them with your pup.
Frozen peas can make a great snack, especially on a hot summer day.
Your canine friend will love the taste of fresh peas eaten straight from the pod. Yes, they can even eat the pod, but it’s best to remove the peas from the tough pods.
The pods are not toxic for dogs but can be challenging for them to eat, especially for small dogs like Pugs. To begin with, they have small teeth, which makes it more challenging to chew the pods properly.
A younger pug may not have any issues, while an older Pug may not be able to chew the tough pods.
Can Pugs Eat Cooked Peas?
Yes, cooked peas are OK to share with your pup as long as you prepare your dog’s portion of peas without any seasons, such as salt, pepper, garlic, onions, etc.
Can Pugs Eat Canned Peas?
No, never feed your dog’s canned peas. Like many canned vegetables, canned peas are loaded with sodium, which is bad for both humans and pets.
Can Pugs Eat Snow Peas or Sugar Snap Peas?
Yes, sugar snap peas are high in Vitamins A, K, B, and other essential nutrients that are great for your pup. They are a good source of magnesium, potassium, iron, and zing, which are good for your dog’s nerves, digestion, and immune system.
How To Feed Your Dog Peas?
As long as they’re not canned, you can serve peas mashed, frozen, raw, and cooked. Cook them or wash a handful of some straight from your garden and mix them into your dog’s regular dog food as a meal topper.
You can even add it as a side dish and give it to them as a treat. If you’re the creative type and enjoy cooking for your dog, then try out this dog-friendly pea treat recipe!
Chicken & Peas Recipe
These are two foods that your pup is sure to enjoy, and all you need is:
- 4 pounds of chicken
- 1/4 cups spinach
- 1 cup plain white rice
- 2 cups peas
- 1 cup carrots
Boil the chicken until it is cooked thoroughly and has an internal temperature of 165℉. Be sure to remove the skin, as that’s the most fattening part and shouldn’t be fed to your pup.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice until it is soft.
Steam the spinach, peas, and carrots. Combine all the ingredients and let cool completely before feeding your dog.
Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container for later. Check out some of these other fresh-cooked meals for your Pug.
Alternatives To Peas For Pugs
If your pup loves the taste of peas and can’t seem to get enough, consider sharing some of these other powerhouse veggies with them.
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Peas
Many fruits and vegetables good for humans are good for dogs, and peas happen to be one of them. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that will benefit your dog’s immune system, digestive system, vision, heart, nerves, etc.
Like humans, dogs are prone to obesity, so moderation is the key. Peas also contain more purine than other vegetables, so it’s essential to keep that in mind as it can lead to kidney issues.
Start slowly and monitor your dog, especially if they’ve never eaten human food. If you notice any unusual behaviors or side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, or upset tummy, discontinue feeding immediately.
Always consult with your doctor, especially if your dog is on a special diet or has any health-related issues, before feeding them any veggies, fruits, or human foods of any kind.
If your Pug loves the taste of peas, then consider adding some to their regular dog food or hand-feed them as a snack.
Just make sure you’re adhering to the serving rules!