So there you are, making a quick dinner, crack open a can of peas, and boom, your dog magically appears out of nowhere like they just heard the word “steak.”
You’re standing there wondering, Can dogs even eat canned peas? And if so, how many peas are too many? Or is this just another one of those “only on Tuesdays and only if you do a dance” kind of dog food rules?
Let’s break it down. Because as simple as canned peas sound, there’s a bit more to it than just calories.
First Things First: What’s Actually In Canned Peas?
On average, one-half cup of plain canned peas contains about 60 to 70 calories. Not outrageous, but not nothing either, especially for small dogs where every bite counts. But calories aren’t the whole picture.
Canned peas also come packed with fiber, plant protein, vitamins like A, C, and K, and minerals like iron and potassium. Not bad for such a small veggie.
The thing is, most of that nutrition only matters if the peas are served the right way.
Canned peas often have added salt or preservatives, and that’s where things can go sideways fast. Too much sodium? Bad news for your pup’s kidneys, heart, and overall hydration.
If you’re thinking about tossing a few peas your dog’s way, check the label first. You want “no salt added” and no weird extras like sugar or onion flavoring (yep, that’s a thing in some brands, why?!).
Why Some Dogs Do Well With Peas
If done right, peas can actually be a solid little snack for dogs. They’re low in fat, have some decent fiber, and can help bulk up meals without adding loads of extra calories.
That’s especially helpful if your dog is on the fluffier side and you’re watching their waistline.
Peas also give them a bit of that “crunch” factor (if not overcooked), and some dogs genuinely love the taste.
It’s kind of like popcorn, but greener. Bonus points if your dog likes playing with their food, some pups will paw at peas before eating them, which adds a bit of fun and enrichment.
One of my neighbors started giving her diabetic dog a few rinsed canned peas as part of his meals.
The vet was totally fine with it as long as it stayed in moderation. It gave him a little texture and made his boring prescription food a bit more exciting.
The Flip Side: Not All Dogs Should Be Eating Peas
Here’s where we slow down for a second. Peas are part of the legume family, and in some dogs, especially those with sensitive digestion or kidney issues, they can cause bloating or stomach upset.
Peas also contain compounds called oxalates. In large amounts, oxalates can contribute to kidney stones, so if your dog has a history of urinary problems, steer clear or run it by your vet first. No guessing games when it comes to kidneys.
And again, the salt. A can of regular peas can pack in over 300 milligrams of sodium. For reference, some small dogs shouldn’t have more than 200 to 300 milligrams a day total.
That means one bowl of salty peas could blow their whole day’s allowance.
Don’t Just Dump The Can In The Bowl
If you’ve got a can of peas and want to share the green love, give them a proper rinse first. Drain out all the liquid, then run cold water over the peas in a colander for 30 seconds or so. This helps get rid of some of that sneaky salt.
After rinsing, you can serve a few plain peas on top of their meal, mash them up and mix it in, or offer them chilled as a little treat.
Just don’t cook them with butter or seasoning like you would for yourself. Dogs don’t need all that, and it can mess with their tummy.
Oh, and always skip the ones with added sauces, spices, or anything that sounds remotely gourmet. Your dog doesn’t need “herbed lemon peas” no matter how fancy it sounds on the label.
How Many Peas Is “Safe”?
Small dogs? Think five to ten peas max. Medium dogs can handle about a tablespoon or so, and large dogs could go up to a quarter cup. But don’t go overboard. Even healthy food in big portions becomes… well, not so healthy.
And peas should never take over the plate. They’re a side dish, not the star of the show. They should make up less than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
A little goes a long way, especially if your dog has dietary restrictions. If you’re using peas as a treat or part of a training reward, just count them into the total calories for the day and adjust meals if needed.
Fresh, Frozen, Or Canned: Which Is Best?
Frozen peas are usually the top pick. They’re picked and frozen fast, so they keep more nutrients and typically don’t have any added junk. Just thaw and serve. Easy peasy.
Fresh peas are awesome, too, but let’s be honest, most of us don’t have time to shell peas every day. If you do, hats off to you.
Canned peas are fine if they’re the no-salt, no-sugar, no-fancy-stuff kind. And they still need that rinse.
If your dog’s already into veggies, you can switch between types to keep things interesting. Some folks even blend peas with carrots or green beans and freeze little veggie cubes as summer snacks.
When Peas Just Don’t Work
Not every dog is built for peas. Some just don’t digest them well, or they turn their nose up and walk away like you offered them broccoli instead of a steak. That’s totally okay.
Other times, health conditions like kidney disease, pancreatitis, or severe allergies mean you need to avoid legumes altogether.
Always check with your vet if you’re unsure, especially if your dog is on a prescription diet or has a sensitive gut.
And if your dog starts having gas explosions or loose stools after eating peas? That’s your sign. No peas for that pupper.
Final Thoughts: Green Light, With a Few Yellow Flags
Canned peas can be a nice little treat or meal booster when used right. They’re not a miracle food, but they’re not junk either. Just rinse them, keep the portion small, and don’t rely on them to carry your dog’s whole diet.
As with most things in dog nutrition, balance is the name of the game. A few peas here and there? Totally fine for most dogs. A full bowl of salty, canned mush? Not so much.
So next time your dog gives you the big eyes while you’re spooning peas into your own bowl, you’ll know exactly what to do.
Are canned peas going to make it onto your dog’s dinner plate tonight, or are you sticking with the classics?