Can Dogs Have Sugar Snap Peas?

Smart people are always looking into healthy eating habits and changing their diets around if they need to lose a few extra pounds. Or they may be advised to do so by their doctor in case there are some underlying wellness issues. Hence, you care about what you eat, but do you care about what your pooch eats? For instance, if you can’t live without sugar snap peas, were you asking yourself: “Can Dogs Have Sugar Snap Peas?” We are going to answer that later on in the article. Overall, if you are a truly responsible pet parent, you will make sure this furry family member is getting the best nutrients possible to stay in tip-top shape. 

Some owners don’t think twice about giving their dogs table food that they enjoy themselves. But is that a smart move? Do people think that their hound can eat everything they are consuming? Logically thinking: dogs are mammals too, just like humans. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they can guzzle the same things the two-legged indulge in. 

A few products might be toxic for furry creatures and cause all sorts of health complications. In some serious cases lethal outcomes. If you have always wanted to give your four-legged friend snap peas to try cos you personally love them so much, perk up your ears. Can dogs have sugar snap peas? Let’s get to it! But first, to be properly informed and to care for your pooch the right way, let’s mention some foods that the four-legged can and cannot eat in general. 

can dogs have sugar snap peas
Can Dogs Have Sugar Snap Peas?

Foods Dogs Are Allowed To Eat and Toxic Foods

Safe Foods

  • Veggies: dogs love the crunchy texture of some veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumbers. Not only they are fun to eat, but they also contain a lot of good-for-your-dog nutrients like vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Just make sure not to make them an everyday food option. You know what they say: too much good stuff can have an adverse effect. Veggies can only be an occasional supplemental option, not a substitute for a regular meal.
  • Fruits: apples, bananas, blueberries, and cantaloupe are all great sources of vitamins A, and C, fiber, potassium, and biotin. Therefore poses as a great snack option for a growing pooch or a senior citizen hound. A pet parent can try to freeze his/her dog’s favorite fruits and give them out like a frozen treat on those scorching hot summer days. 
  • Meats: chicken, turkey, and beef are all great sources of lean protein. Hence can fill your pooch up before an active playtime session. Again, just make sure you don’t make those types of meat a part of your mutt’s everyday meal. Instead, just add some shredded pieces and mix them up with a pooch’s dry food.  
  • Fish: salmon, shrimp, and tuna are all excellent sources of Omega-3, and healthy fats,  which are all great for a strong vision, shiny coat, and sturdy skeletal mass. One thing though: fish has to be fully cooked. Giving out raw seafood can cause canine mercury poisoning or an upset stomach.
  • Dairy: not all dairy products are suitable for dogs. Some mutts may even be allergic to a lot of milk-based products or be lactose intolerant. Give a little bit as a sample, and see how your dog reacts. No reaction ahead and give it a few pieces of cheese, let’s say. Don’t know why, but dogs are always ready to say “cheese” for a little piece of their favorite “Fromage.”  And now let’s cover the most toxic foods you should never feed your furry companion.

Toxic Foods

  • Garlic: it is in the same family as the onion, shallots, and leek. They are all extremely toxic to dogs! In case your hound gobbled a piece by accident, you might want to take it to the nearest animal urgent care center immediately.  
  • Chocolate: any chocolate fans out there? I’m sure many would raise their “paws.” However, this is not the case with canine companions. It might taste good to them, but it is poisonous to their system. Hence, hide that box of sweets somewhere in a hard-to-reach place.  
  • Grapes: some components in this fruit can cause kidney failure in pooches! Pay attention to pieces not falling on the floor and a mutt snatching it in curiosity.
  • Spices: are also very toxic for canines, as they can cause dizziness, stomach issues, and diarrhea. Therefore, if you are a fan of some good Asian cuisine, beware of your pooch trying to steal some of it while you are not looking. This mischievousness can be costly in the long run. 

And what about sugar snap peas? If you are a fan, can dogs have sugar snap peas also? Let’s discuss it by starting with what snap peas are. 

What Are Snap Peas?

Snap peas are a cross between a regular garden pea and a snow pea. Garden pea is also known as the English pea. It is very sweet and has a firm shell. You might want to discard your pods and eat what’s inside. They can be eaten either cooked or raw, whatever suits your tastebuds more. 

The snow peas are the Asian version of a European garden pea. You can spot this kind in a lot of Chinese meals (like the stir-fry, for example). The whole pod can be consumed, together with the teeny-tiny peas inside. Can be eaten raw, steamed, sauteed, etc. 

Sugar snap pea got its name because of the very sweet taste, pleasing to a lot who have a little bit of a “sweet tooth” situation going on. Peas have that irresistible “crunchiness” about them, and we have mentioned before that hounds love crunchy stuff. 

Can Dogs Have Sugar Snap Peas? Health Benefits 

The answer is yes, they can! But, as with any other type of “allowed” dog snacks we’ve discussed above, the pea consumption has to be in moderation. Sure, the sweetness and the crunchy texture might be very appealing to our four-legged pals! However, there have been some speculations in the vet world that indulging in any type of legume culture could potentially lead to heart disease in pooches. Although it hasn’t been confirmed for sure, it is best to give out peas only as an occasional treat. And please, don’t give your dog canned peas, since they may contain unnecessary preservatives and other additives that might cause allergies.

The snap pea’s health benefits are enormous! They are packed with vitamins K, B-group ones, and vitamin A, as well as minerals, fiber, and protein. Talking about a vitamin powerhouse! You may notice that some dry dog foods contain pea extract to add nutritional value to a canine meal.

can dogs eat sugar snap peas
Can Dogs Eat Sugar Snap Peas?

Curl-Up

Here we’ve answered the question “Can Dogs Eat Sugar Snap Peas?” To sum it all up, we have to say that anything your pooch is allowed to have has to be given out occasionally, and not as a meal substitute. Peas are a great healthy snack, filled with lots of nutrients, and are so much fun to eat for any furry pal. 

As a precaution: make sure to remove the pods although they are edible. The reason is that they can get stuck in your hound’s throat and inflict choking. 

Wishing your furry friend to always be healthy and happy!

Read more about: How Much Should a Puggle Weigh?

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.