Can Dogs Eat Peas and Carrots?
Peas and carrots are affordable vegetables and we often wonder whether should dogs eat them or not. For example, peas are often used in grain-free dog food kibble as a substitute for corn.
A couple of months ago I answered a similar inquiry, can dogs eat potatoes? Read that post to find out the answer!
Can Dogs Eat Raw Peas and Carrots?
Yes, dogs can eat raw peas and carrots. Raw carrots are root vegetables and therefore carrots take longer to digest in a dog’s digestive system. Carrots are full of soluble fiber and can cause constipation if given too much. Unlike potatoes, raw carrots do not contain any toxic compounds.
A good tip is to give carrots either cooked, grated, or finely chopped, especially for small dogs. Remember to peel carrots before giving them to your dog.
- Peas are a source of vitamin B, phosphorus, and potassium. Peas are made of 30% plant protein which is great but should not be a substitute for animal protein.
- Carrots are a source of vitamins A, B6, and K. Vitamin A helps support your dog’s vision and vitamin B6 helps carbohydrates and fat convert into energy. Carrots also contain nutrients like potassium, calcium, and selenium.
Are Cooked Peas and Carrots Good for Dogs?
I almost always recommend cooking vegetables before giving them to dogs. Cooking carrots, like other vegetables, makes them more easily digestible. A good option is to use frozen vegetables from a grocery store. Frozen vegetables, like peas and carrots, have been blanched in hot water for a few minutes before they’ve been frozen.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Peas and Carrots?
Canned vegetables are often preserved in brine or other salty liquid. Salt a.k.a. sodium is not good for dogs and therefore it’s best to not offer canned peas and carrots to your dog.
Canned vegetables can easily contain 2-4 times more salt than a medium-sized dog needs. Too much salt can lead to thirst, vomiting, or diarrhea. In more serious cases a dog can get hypernatremia or salt poisoning.
Can Dogs Eat Peas and Carrots Every Day?
Dogs can eat peas and carrots every day in moderation. Don’t make them the only source of food. A dog needs a balanced diet containing animal protein and fats as well. If you feed your dog peas and carrots every day, I recommend cooking the carrots first for easier and quicker digestion.
Conclusion
Peas and carrots are full of vitamins and nutrients. Peas have plant protein and carrots are full of fiber. These vegetables are a great addition to your dog’s diet but can’t be the core nutrition. A dog needs mostly fats and protein. Dogs can eat peas and carrots raw or cooked, but not canned due to high sodium. Frozen peas and carrots are a good easy option.
This is a great resource for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Thank you for sharing this informative article!