It may seem like a strange question, but if you’ve ever wondered if your dog can eat black-eyed peas, the surprising answer is yes.
Just as these nutrient-rich peas are delicious and healthy for human beings, they’re equally so for dogs.
But wait, aren’t dogs carnivorous animals, meaning that they only eat meat?
Yes, dogs are carnivores, but the fact is black-eyed peas are an excellent source of protein and fiber for your dog.
Let’s go in-depth on black-eyed peas in your dog’s diet.
Benefits of Black-Eyed Peas in Your Dog’s Diet
Because black-eyed peas are rich in fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, they are an excellent supplement to your dog’s regular diet.
Moreover, these delicious little peas offer a wide range of benefits for canines.
Peas are an excellent fiber source, with a handful carrying approximately 11 grams of fiber.
Fiber helps your dog have healthier bowel movements and absorb water.
This helps your dog’s stool to move more smoothly through his digestive system.
Also, fiber helps your dog feel fuller after eating, which is beneficial for dogs who are obese.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Because they’re an amazing source of carbohydrates and protein, black-eyed peas can help to regulate your dog’s blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, black-eyed peas contain vitamin K, which helps to increase your dog’s protein metabolization and supports his healthy blood coagulation.
Black-eyed peas are good for your dog’s heart health because they’re rich in potassium.
Moreover, they contribute to healthy blood pressure and reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Protection Against Anemia
Since they’re rich in iron, black-eyed peas also help protect your dog against anemia.
Iron helps produce red blood cells, which serve to carry oxygen to all of your dog’s vital bodily organs.
When a dog lacks sufficient iron, he will also have fewer red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
Symptoms of anemia are:
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
Skin and Coat Health
Black-eyed peas are rich in vitamin A, which is necessary for forming the skin’s soft tissue.
Because of this nutritious benefit, black-eyed peas can help your dog have a healthier coat and skin.
Great Protein Source
One mere handful of black-eyed peas has approximately 13 grams of protein.
That’s a powerful punch of the protein that dogs need in their daily diet.
If for any reason you need to stop feeding your dog animal protein, black-eyed peas can be a good protein substitute.
However, before making impactful changes in your dog’s diet, be sure to discuss it with his veterinarian.
Healthy Weight Maintenance
For dogs who are overweight or obese, supplementing their diet with black-eyed peas can be effective at helping them to maintain a healthy weight.
How to Prepare Black-Eyed Peas for Your Dog
To prepare black-eyed peas for your dog, following these instructions.
- Soak dry black-eyed peas overnight in water.
- Drain and rinse the black-eyed peas well before cooking them. This helps to reduce the gassiness caused by peas and beans.
- Cook them without seasoning, as plainly as possible.
- Boil until they become soft.
Quick Soak for Black-Eyed Peas
If you don’t have time to do an overnight soak of the peas, you can do the “quick soak” method.
To do this, follow these instructions.
- Put your dried black-eyed peas in a pot of water and bring to a boil.
- Allow the peas to boil for just two minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to sit and soak for at least an hour or until they become soft.
- Cook as you normally would.
The great news is that you can cook your dog’s black-eyed peas in advance.
They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
However, you can also cook a big batch and freeze them in one to two cup portions.
Then, just remove them from the freezer as needed.
How to Serve Black-Eyed Peas to Your Dog
The best way to serve black-eyed peas to your dog depends on your dog.
You can serve them as a special treat or top off their regular food with a cup of black-eyed peas.
If you make homemade dog food, you can include black-eyed peas in your recipe.
How Much Black-Eyed Peas Can My Dog Eat?
Supplementing your dog’s diet with black-eyed peas is meant to be just that: a supplement.
You should never completely change your dog’s diet without talking to your veterinarian first.
For most dogs, a handful of dried black-eyed peas is enough as a dietary supplement.
This will result in about one to two cups of cooked black-eyed peas.
Black-Eyed Peas and Gassiness in Dogs
One disadvantage of serving your dog black-eyed peas is that the peas can make them gassy, just as they do in humans.
The best way to reduce the gassiness caused by peas and beans is to soak them overnight and rinse them well (an important step) before cooking them.
Can Dogs Eat Black-Eyed Peas? Yes!
Some people ask whether or not black-eyed peas contain sure.
They do not, so you can feed black-eyed peas to your dog safely.
Keep in mind that some dogs are allergic to beans and peas, so if you notice any atypical symptoms after feeding black-eyed peas to your dog, get him to the veterinarian immediately.
Here’s a video for more information about this topic.