Remember the good ‘ol days as a child when we have to eat our peas or vegetables for dinner before leaving the table?
Peas are filled with nutrients that are great for our human bodies. Some of these nutrients also help our beloved pet cats get big and strong.
Cats are the kind that would require a lot of meat or protein-based food in their diet, but are the vegetable group essential for them too?
If so, can cats eat peas? Here are 4 things you need to know!
Can cats eat peas?
Pet owners often worry about what types of human foods that are considered food for cats. It's important to know what foods are non-toxic and digestible before sharing some of your favorites with your kitty. Fortunately, peas are not only non-toxic to cats, but they can also be beneficial to feline health.
First things first, cats are mostly carnivorous. So they will require a substantial amount of meat as their main source of sustenance in their day to day.
If you are thinking about the safety of your cat on eating certain vegetables, then it’s a resounding yes!
It is safe for cats to eat other foods such as vegetables. So this means that peas are one of the vegetables that cats can safely eat and enjoy!
What are the benefits of eating peas?
Peas are vegetables that are an excellent source of all vitamins B1, C, and K. This kind of vegetable also contain dietary fiber and minerals such as manganese, copper, potassium, and iron.
Peas contain the necessary healthy nutrients that are great for your cat's health and can support your cat's gastrointestinal health.
Peas are starchy food that is high in fiber. So, this makes peas a good choice of vegetable that can help cats going through moments of constipation. Peas are often added to many cat foods for this very reason.
What are the types of peas?
With peas as a low-calorie treat, it becomes great for cats with a little more meat in their bodies. This can be used as a beneficial tool in getting your cat used to and adapt to healthier foods while still providing them with an interesting treat.
In case you are curious, cats can eat fresh, frozen, and even cooked green peas. To keep meals safe, just make sure those frozen peas become warm and soft enough for your cat to chew, which helps them avoid the possibility of choking.
Meanwhile, for more sensitive tummies, your best choice would be unsalted the unsalted one. The plainer the vegetable, the less likely it would do anything to upset your furry friend’s tummy.
The three different kinds you need to know about this vegetable are the common green peas, snow peas, and snap peas. Just note that when it’s properly prepared and given in moderation, all three of these types become safe for your cats to consume with cat food.
Always make sure the peas are not seasoned! Seasonings such as onions and garlic are toxic to cats and must always be avoided.
How should I serve peas to my cat?
Including just a small amount of peas in cat food makes it enjoyable for cats and humans to have as a small meal or a simple snack a couple of times per week.
Giving them at least tablespoons of which sits well for most cats while giving them large amounts of peas can come with some undesirable side effects in their gut health. Keep in mind that taking in too much might lead them to cases of vomiting or even diarrhea.
If ever peas are the new treat in town for your cat's diet, make sure to introduce it slowly. Increments of small amounts through sprinkling a few peas on top of their food for starters would do the trick for your cat to get to know them!
However, monitor your cats for any negative reactions after that like you would with all new foods.
If you start to notice vomiting, diarrhea, or other gut health problems, you may halt on feeding peas to your cat while consulting your veterinarian as soon as you can!
Although this vegetable is just fine for your cat to indulge, it should never completely replace a balanced, meat-based diet. If your cat isn’t naturally dependent on a food group, it’s a sure sign to only provide this as a treat, given in moderation.
Final thoughts
Now we know that your cat can safely consume this treat without worry! When served in moderation, they won’t have many gastrointestinal complications.
Peas are filled with fiber, vitamins, and nutrients that make an appropriate food addition to your cat's meat-based diet but not as a staple meal.
While it is fine to feed your cat frozen peas, we are encouraged to lean onto feeding them fresh peas that have not been seasoned or salted.
Fresh peas given in moderation is only used as a healthy and safe treat. So, it looks like all cat owners planning on giving their furry friends peas will finally take off!
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”Are peas toxic to cats?” answer-0=”Plants that are toxic for your cat include: Mistletoe, holly, ivy and poinsettia. Cyclamen, wisteria and rhododendron. Sweet peas, love apple and lilies.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h2″ question-1=”Why are peas bad for cats?” answer-1=”So what is the main problem with your pet consuming too many dried peas? The lectins in the peas! “Lectins are sugar-binding proteins that act as natural insecticides and fungicides to protect plants from predators.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h2″ question-2=”Are green peas OK for cats?” answer-2=”There is no regulation that establishes a maximum percentage of grains or peas/legumes in a cat food or dog food. Regulations don't care how much grains or peas/legumes are in a pet food. And regulations of pet food don't care about the health risks to pets consuming a 25% grain diet or 25% pea/legume diet.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h2″ question-3=”Can cats eat cooked peas?” answer-3=”Cats can eat fresh, frozen or cooked peas. Just make sure that if the peas are frozen, they are still soft enough for your cat to chew to avoid choking. Your best bet will be fresh, bland, unsalted peas. Seasonings such as onions and garlic are toxic to cats and must always be avoided.” image-3=”” count=”4″ html=”true” css_class=””]
