Can Dogs Eat Black Eyed Peas? Read This First

They contain a huge amount of vitamins and nutrients, but are they safe for dogs to eat?

A bunch of dry peas

Dog Eat Guide Summary

Yes, dogs can eat black eye peas, they contain many nutrients and are not harmful. They’re also known as cowpeas or field peas, can become a very significant part of your dog’s diet due to their high nutritional value.

Are black eyed peas healthy?

The pea is a hearty legume with a mild flavour that makes it highly adaptable to many different dishes and cuisines. It’s low in fat and high in protein 💪, making it an ideal choice for dogs who need to keep their weight under control 🐕.

First off, because black eyed peas are part of the legume family they contain high amounts of fiber which helps with digestion but also could cause stomach upset or bloating if fed in large quantities. They also contain beneficial vitamins such as C and A as well as iron.

This healthy legume contains several health benefits due to containing essential vitamins which can help boost your dog’s immune system and improve your dog’s overall health. The tasty beans contain substantial amounts of iron which can aid in the production of blood cells while increasing energy levels at the same time. Due to their low glycaemic index, they can help manage your dog’s blood sugar levels. Finally, they’re also rich in B, folate and fiber, we’ll discuss more about these below.

Alternative to black eye peas

There are several different types of beans that dogs can eat. These include garbanzo, kidney, pinto, green and others. These peas are a legume’s and they come from the same family so they’re quite safe to consume. This also means that they have similar nutritional profiles and there is a good chance that a dog could eat any peas without experiencing any negative effects.

A great alternative is green beans since they’re especially good for dogs, providing them with lots of potassium and vitamin K. They are also one of the best sources of dietary fibre so they will fill up your dog quickly and give him/her plenty of energy throughout the day.

spoonful of peas
black eyed peas waiting to be served

Are black eyed peas safe for dogs & puppies

Yes, they are safe for both dogs and your puppy to consume, however, the other ingredients in the peas could also cause dogs to experience some negative effects if they eat too many of them. The peas contain high levels of phosphorus and magnesium, which dogs can easily process and break down. However, dogs that have kidney problems may not be able to process the much higher amounts found in black eyed peas and this can lead to digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.

While dogs can typically eat these without much trouble, dogs that are allergic to rice, corn or legumes may also be allergic to black eye peas. Similarly, dogs that have an existing issue with gluten or grains should avoid this food as well. This is due to the similarities in the composition of these items.

Black eye pea allergies are also something to consider before feeding your dog. Different dogs react differently to different types of foods and can experience light skin redness or swelling around the face or paws, itching, ear infections, vomiting and coughing or sneezing. All these are potential signs of an allergic reaction.

Good for dogs 🐶

As mentioned above, these peas contain a good amount of vitamins and minerals. However, they also contain a fair amount of starch and carbohydrates. This makes them an optimal source of energy for dogs, but there is the potential for weight gain if dogs consume too many black eye peas on a regular basis.

Can dogs eat cooked black eyed peas?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked black eyed peas. Dogs typically do not need their food cooked for them, however many owners enjoy cooking their dog’s meals prior to serving it because it makes the food easier for them to chew and digest.

As mentioned above dogs should only enjoy a small amount of cooked black eyes peas on occasion as they contain high levels of starch and carbohydrates which dogs do not need in their diet. If dogs eat too many they will likely experience weight increase.

Nutritional value of black eyed peas?

The peas contain many vitamins and minerals dogs need to maintain a healthy diet. Black eyed peas are high in many important vitamins, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K which aids in healthy blood coagulation, Iron, Riboflavin and Thiamine. They are also very rich in Phosphorus which dogs need for strong bones and teeth.

The protein provided helps dogs develop muscle mass while giving their bodies energy for exercise or daily activities. It is also essential for dogs because it promotes healthy skin and coat by giving dogs the nutrients they need to develop new skin cells.

✅ High in fibre

Black-eyed peas are also very high in dietary fiber which dogs should receive about 30 grams of per day. Dietary fiber helps dogs remain regular 💩 while promoting a regulated digestive system. The fiber can help prevent constipation while reducing the risk for other health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis or colitis. It’s hard to find a better source of fiber without including products such as wheat.

✅ Protein

As they’re a part of the legume family, they have a good amount of protein that dogs can benefit from. Legumes are good plant-based sources of protein that dogs should consume every day. A cup of peas contains 12 grams of protein, which is just three grams less than an ounce of meat.

Loose peas on a countertop
Loose peas on a countertop

Can they be eaten raw

They need to be cooked before they are eaten. The outer shell contains chemicals that can potentially cause dogs to become ill if they eat it without cooking it first. It is not known why this occurs, but simply cooking the beans will neutralize any potentially harmful chemicals in the bean’s shell and make it safe for dogs to eat as long as you avoid giving dogs un-cooked versions on a regular basis.

We, therefore, don’t recommend feeding your dog raw beans as this may cause stomach upsets, many beans are much safer to eat after being boiled in some tap water for 2 minutes.

Preparing & serving for your dog

Due to their small size and mild flavour, it’s easy to add them to any recipe 👩‍🍳, just be mindful not to add ingredients that are toxic to dogs such as onion 🧅, garlic, pepper, or tomatoes 🍅.

When serving dogs cooked black eyes peas there is no need to remove the coat because it will naturally separate from the bean during cooking time. As stated above simply soak in a pot of water and boil for two minutes or bake in the oven for 30 minutes.

Final thoughts

It is safe to feed dogs black eyed peas as long as they are prepared and cooked. The coat of the bean contains chemicals that dogs can potentially become ill from if ingested, so it should be removed before giving dogs black-eyed peas which will be removed in the cooking process.

As with any new food you introduce to your dog you should consult with your vet first to make sure it’s okay for them to eat prior to giving them a small amount of the food. The only potential negative side effects dogs may experience when eating black eyes are an upset stomach or diarrhoea, but this typically occurs because dogs are eating foods that don’t agree

Just make sure not to give dogs large amounts on a regular basis because beans do have a lot of carbohydrates and sugar which dogs digest slowly, but could lead to diabetes issues if given in excessive amounts over time. Think of these as healthy occasional treats for your dog and you can’t go wrong 👏.

 

Amanda Brennan
Amanda Brennan

Animal enthusiasts, she works closely with animals that require rehabilitation across the US and writes for several pet websites. Her other interests are photography 📸 and training to run a marathon 🏃‍♀️.

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