Black eyed peas are medium-sized legumes enjoyed in cuisines around the world, but can dogs eat black eyed peas? And if so, what are the benefits of beans for dogs?
If you’re enjoying a meal of black eyed peas and your dog seems interested in trying them out, you might be tempted to give him or her some, only to be pushed back by the fear that it might be toxic for them.
So, can dogs eat black eye peas or should you keep them out of your dog’s reach? In this article, we’ll walk you through a brief guide that answers that question. Let’s jump right in!
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Black Eyed Peas?
Black eye peas are regarded as beans, despite being called “peas”. Like most other types of beans, black eye peas are perfectly safe for dogs’ consumption and can be used as an occasional treat or as a supplement to the main dog’s meal.
Despite that, you should keep in mind that black eyed peas can only act as a top-up ingredient or a secondary meal and shouldn’t be served as a primary meal on a regular basis or as a replacement for animal protein.
This is because animal protein is a superior source of protein that is critical for the dogs’ health, and shouldn’t be replaced with plant-based ones.
Can Dogs Eat Other Types of Beans and Peas?
Most beans are suitable food for dogs’ diets because they contain complex fibers and proteins as long as they’re consumed as supplements or treats.
In addition to black eye pea, your dog may also enjoy:
- Green beans
- Kidney beans
- Butter beans
- Pinto beans
- Black beans
What about bean sprouts?
Bean sprouts are dog-safe as well when served in moderation.
How Much Black-Eyed Peas Can A Dog Eat Per Day?
As long as you’re limiting black eyed peas to occasional treats or sprinkle them on top of the primary meal as an additional source of carbs and protein, you shouldn’t worry about the amount of black eyed peas served per day. (Keep in mind, extra treats and foods should never exceed 10% of your dogs diet by calories).
Avoid serving your dog too much black eye peas or other types of beans because they’re generally more difficult to digest than other types of animal-based protein.
Feeding your pooch too much protein might end up causing them bowel issues, such as gassiness and diarrhea. As a rule of thumb, the black eyed peas as well as all other types of beans should never take more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Black Eyed Peas for Dogs?
As previously mentioned, the main nutritional value of black eye peas is in their richness of protein and carbohydrates.
In addition to macronutrients, black eyed peas are also rich in several minerals and vitamins, including:
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin B (especially folates)
- Vitamin A
- Zinc
What is the Ideal Way to Serve Black Eyed Peas to Dogs?
To make it easier for your dog to digest black eyed peas, you should soak the peas overnight, then boil them until they’re soft and easy to chew.
Wrap Up
There you have it! A brief guide that shows you whether your dog is allowed to eat black eyes peas.
As you can see, they’re perfectly safe for dogs and you can rely on them as an occasional alternative source of carbohydrates and protein.