Black-Eyed Peas are healthy and safe as a dog’s diet, but they may also cause issues and side effects. To gain their benefits, we have to feed them in the proper way, in the proper portions. It may prove beneficial for your dogs because of the nutrients like proteins, fibers, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals it contains that help to maintain your dog’s entire health and fulfill its nutritional needs. This article contains everything you need to know while feeding black-eyed peas to your dogs and a brief description of black-eyed peas.
What are black-eyed peas?
Black-eyed peas are also known as Vigna Unguiculata. They belong to the family leguminosae used in different dishes in South Africa and Asia. Black-eyed peas are round or kidney-shaped beans that have a white color and a black spot on the side. Black-eyed peas are a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Nutrients
The nutrients present in black-eyed peas include plant-based proteins, a high content of fiber that help in digestion and maintaining bowel movements, and Vitamins A, B6 and C, which are important for cell growth and immune regulation.
In addition, these black-eyed peas also contain some minerals, which include iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Due to all these nutrients and their benefits, black-eyed peas have proved healthy for human health.
Can dogs eat black-eyed peas?
Yes, dogs can eat black-eyed peas. Black-eyed peas are totally safe for dogs. They can also be given to dogs as treats or added to their daily foods. But despite being non-toxic to dogs, black-eyed peas are not dog food. Dogs may have issues with the digestion of black-eyed peas. So, we need to understand that humans’ and dogs’ nutritional needs are different.
What you need to know
Before adding black-eyed peas to your dog’s diet, you need to know the health benefits of black-eyed peas for your dogs, which include important sources of protein (plant-based protein). It is good for your dogs as compared to (animal-based protein). If your dogs have protein sensitivity or allergies to animal-based protein, Black Eyed Peas also play a vital role in maintaining your dog’s digestive health by regulating bowel movement and avoiding constipation due to the high fiber content it contains.
Also, Black Eyed Peas maintain your dog’s bone and skin health due to the presence of vitamins and minerals in it
Potential risks for dogs
Black-eyed peas are safe for dogs, but these also have some potential issues and side effects on dogs eating them.
These issues include gas and bloating caused by oligosaccharide present in black-eyed peas that are difficult to digest and result in GI discomforts, loose stools or bloating caused by a high content of fiber, allergic issues such as itching, swelling, nausea and vomiting.
How to safely feed black-eyed peas
To avoid the harmful side effects of black-eyed peas in your dogs, it’s important to follow some steps.
Thorough Cooking
Raw black-eyed peas contain harmful substances which are harmful to your dogs and can cause health issues. To avoid those issues, it’s important to cook peas till they become soft by boiling or steaming thoroughly without butter, oil or other seasoning.
Portion control
Black-eyed peas contain a high content of fiber. So large amounts may lead to digestion issues. You must be given small portions to avoid these issues. Only a few tablespoons are enough for medium-sized dogs. Reduce the portion further for smaller dogs
Monitor for Digestive Issues
While giving black-eyed peas to your dogs for the very first time, start slowly with small amounts and monitor your dogs for signs or symptoms or any other discomfort. In case of symptoms, discontinue it and consult the veterinarian.
When to avoid black-eyed peas
In some conditions, it’s best to avoid black-eyed peas for your dogs.
These conditions include pre-existing health conditions such as kidney diseases, obesity, specific dietary restrictions, allergies to peas or legumes, food allergies, sensitivity, and digestive issues. In all the above-mentioned conditions, it’s best to avoid black-eyed peas and, if any of these conditions appear, it’s best to quit peas and consult your veterinarian.
