Can dogs eat peas?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Green peas, including snow peas, sugar snap peas and garden peas, are not toxic to dogs. Give them fresh or frozen, but not canned, because canned peas usually contain a lot of added sodium.
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Why
Peas are not toxic or poisonous to dogs, but fruit and vegetables are not necessary in a dog's diet and should be thought of as an occasional treat. Canned peas typically have a lot of added sodium, which is harmful to dogs. Pods can get stuck in a dog's throat and cause choking.
What to do
As with any new food, watch your dog for reactions such as diarrhoea or vomiting.
How to give it
Fresh, frozen or thawed peas only, never canned. Always shell garden peas, and be careful with pods, which can cause choking.
Questions and answers
Can dogs eat pea pods?
If people can eat the pod, so can your dog, but be careful: pods can get stuck in the throat and cause choking. Garden peas must always be shelled.
Are peas in dog food a problem?
Research is ongoing into whether peas play a role in heart disease in dogs. If your dog has eaten a food with peas as a main ingredient, you may want to talk to your vet.
Related foods
All foods: What can dogs eat?Sources
- Can Dogs Eat Peas? — American Kennel Club, Harriet Meyers (updated 2026-03-12)
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic dog: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.