Last Updated on August 21, 2021 by Marco
Do you want to know the answer to – can dogs have sugar snap peas? If yes, our guide has all the info you need and much more!
There’s a lot more to doggie nutrition and care than you might think. But, if you’re concerned about whether dogs can eat peas, in particular – we can help you out. Our comprehensive guide contains all you need to know about canines and sugar snap peas, including a nutritional profile plus pros and cons. So, grab a comfy seat and allow us to tell you what you need to know.
What Are Sugar Snap Peas & Can Dogs Eat Them?
The latest health trend centers around one member of the pea family in particular – the sugar snap variety. The trend may have started from can dogs eat peas, but it’s gone much beyond just peas now. But, before we jump into are snap peas good for dogs, let’s take a moment to discuss what snap peas are.
Sugar snap peas (aka snap peas) are kind of a cross between garden and snow peas. Sound confusing? Think of it like this, snap peas have traits from both types of peas. They have a super-crunchy texture and are eaten whole – the pod and all. Like garden peas, snap peas have a sweet and mild flavor and are also available in stringless varieties. Plus, they can be consumed cooked or raw.
Now, let’s tackle the main question. Dogs can absolutely have snap peas. In fact, they’re pretty good for your furball because jam-packed with nutrients and minerals, like Vitamins K, B, A, zinc, manganese, etc. These can benefit your canine in numerous ways, but to learn that, you’ll need to scroll down to our next heading.
Learn more about: Can Dogs Eat Without Teeth? Looking After Your Toothless Canine
Why Are Snap Peas Good For Dogs?
Here’s that nutritional profile we promised you. Approximately 83 grams of sugar snap peas will contain the following nutritional values:
- 2 grams of protein
- 1.9 grams of fiber
- 7 grams of carbs
- 3 grams of sugar
- 40 calories
Aside from that, snap peas also contain Vitamin C, Folate, Potassium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus. Don’t worry if you’re not about how these nutrients will benefit your doggo. Instead, just go through the following list.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is the stuff that carrots are famous for. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin and can promote growth, cell function, eye function, and immunity in canines.
Vitamin B
The B group of vitamins can be especially beneficial for canines. They include Riboflavin which is excellent for enzyme function. There’s also Folic acid which helps in amino acid and nucleotide metabolism (related to DNA replication and repair). Vitamin B6 is particularly good for dogs because it aids in the nervous system and red blood cell function, along with glucose generation and hormone regulation.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is another fat-soluble vitamin and helps your canine’s blood with the ability to clot. That may sound bad, but it’s actually a necessary function that wards off excess blood loss in case of injuries or trauma. It’s also why it’s exceedingly important to keep your dog away from all types of rat or mouse poisons because some can meddle with the way your dog’s ability to utilize Vitamin K, which can lead to hemorrhaging and even death.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is renowned as a powerful antioxidant. It can help target and eliminate free radicals within your furbaby’s body, leading to a reduction in oxidation, inflammation, and aging. Unlike humans, dogs can synthesize Vitamin C in their livers, but sometimes a supplemental source can help.
Iron
Iron is necessary when it comes to function like red blood cells carrying oxygen to different parts throughout a canine’s body. This, in turn, helps a dog’s cells produce energy.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte and aids in the functioning of nerves, muscles, and the heart by promoting the function of electrical charges. An electrolyte imbalance can lead to dogs feeling sluggish or tired all the time. Sometimes, inappetence is also a symptom of an electrolyte imbalance.
Zinc
Zinc can contribute to a number of functions when it comes to canines. It promotes healthy fur and skin. It also aids in immunity and regulates thyroid function.
Disadvantages Of Snap Peas For Dogs
Most doggos will do just fine with eating sugar snap peas because it’s low-calorie and makes for a nutritious treat. However, pet parents should give snap peas a miss if their canines suffer from any type of kidney condition.
You see, snap peas include purines (a chemical compound) that produce uric acid when metabolized. When the blood’s filtered through the kidneys, large deposits of uric acid can form urate crystals – which can damage or scar your pet’s kidneys. For a canine that’s already suffering through kidney problems – that’s definitely something you want to avoid. Plus, high levels of uric acid can also increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
Dogs that suffer from diabetes shouldn’t be fed too many snap peas because of their high sugar content. So, if your pooch has diabetes or belongs to a breed that is susceptible to the condition, limit the number of snap peas you feed your canine.
Also, remember that even though dogs can ingest some fruits and vegetables – they can’t eat the exact quantities humans can. The primary component of dog food needs to be protein. In the wild, canines survive on a diet that consists mainly of meat, and that rule doesn’t necessarily change for domesticated or house pets.
As a rule, your canine’s treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of its daily caloric intake. That’s why it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep the treats (natural or otherwise) to a minimum.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of our snap peas feature and hope that you’ve found the answers you were searching for. As to the question – are peas good for dogs – the answer’s yes – in moderation. Your furry pal will undoubtedly appreciate a change in treats every once in a while, but that doesn’t mean peas can become a staple in your pet’s diet. Also, take care when feeding your pet any kind of peas because they’re all high in purines and aren’t at all suitable for dogs with kidney issues.
