Vegetable
Can cats eat peas?
A few peas are safe for cats and appear in many commercial cat foods. Cats are carnivores, so peas add little beyond fibre.
By Maya HartHow much, how often
Two or three peas, now and then.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Fresh or frozen peas, plain
- Avoid tinned peas with added salt
- Mash for small or senior pets
- Pea pods are fine for dogs if chopped; skip them for cats
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs Safe
Yes. Green peas — fresh, frozen or thawed — are a healthy, low-calorie treat for dogs and a source of fibre and vitamins.
How much: A small handful for a medium dog; a few peas for a small dog.
Can dogs eat peas?Cats Safe
Yes, a few peas are safe for cats and appear in many commercial cat foods. Cats are carnivores, so peas add little beyond fibre.
How much: Two or three peas, now and then.
The details
Frozen peas straight from the bag make a popular summer treat for dogs, and they are small enough to use as training rewards. The only caution is with diets rather than treats: the US Food and Drug Administration has investigated a possible link between dog foods high in peas and lentils and a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. The research is ongoing and does not apply to a few peas as a treat, but if your dog eats a grain-free, legume-heavy diet, it is worth discussing with your vet.
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat peas?
Yes, a few peas are safe for cats and appear in many commercial cat foods. Cats are carnivores, so peas add little beyond fibre.
How much peas can a cat have?
Two or three peas, now and then.
What should I do if my cat ate peas?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is peas safe for dogs too?
Yes. Green peas — fresh, frozen or thawed — are a healthy, low-calorie treat for dogs and a source of fibre and vitamins.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
