Peas are rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins C, and E, plus they are a good source of carbohydrates which helps to keep the body functioning well and energetic. Well, some of the nutrients are also beneficiary for your feline pal.
Now, the question arises, can cats eat peas? Is it safe to feed them? Right?
Well, we have done some research and then tried experiments, eventually, we came across facts which would like to share with you.
Let’s dig in and explore what we have concluded through our research and observation. This surely will help you out and will get in-depth knowledge.
Can Cats Have Peas?
The short answer is yes, cats can safely eat peas in small proportions. In fact, it’s non-toxic, so it won’t harm them to have a bit as a treat or mixed in their meal, but you shouldn’t give too much as most of the kitty’s food already has peas as part of the ingredient.
If your kitty has never eaten peas before, and her commercial meal pack doesn’t include then it’s better to consult the vet. Accordingly, feed her a small amount and closely monitor her, if any negative reaction is there simply avoid it.
Are Peas Good for Cats?
Yes, peas are good for your kitty, it is highly rich in fiber and protein which helps in easy digestion. Fiber works as a weight-loss factor for felines suffering from digestion issues.
In addition, it also includes vitamin C and E which is a great antioxidant element for healthy body function.
Furthermore, peas are starchy food which goes well for felines suffering from constipation issues, this is one of the reasons it is often added to a kitty’s regular meal pack.
Also Read: Do Cats Eat Pumpkin?
How Many Peas Is Too Much?
Peas are highly rich in fiber, it also works as a weight-loss factor for those felines suffering from digestion issues. You can safely feed her in small quantities as a treat and not food staple, make sure it should be twice a week.
Variant types of peas are available you can also feed those to give different tastes to your feline.
You must have an idea, most of your kitty’s regular meal includes peas. So before making a habit as a treat check the proportion and according to that occasionally feed her.
Ways to Feed Peas to Your Cat!
After knowing peas are safe for your feline and the minimal quantity you can serve her. Now, the question arises, What can be the easy way to feed your kitty?
Relax! We have some easy techniques through which you can safely feed peas to your kitty.
- Firstly, wash them well and remove the pods.
- Check the softness and then you can feed her five to six pieces of peas as a treat.
- If you want to treat her with frozen peas then make sure that they are at room temperature or mildly frozen, so that she can easily chew them.
- You can also feed your kitty mash peas without adding any salt, or seasoning. Simply cooked peas are better for your feline pal.
Avoid feeding your kitty peas pods, she can chew them, but it’s better not to offer pods. It might lead to choking issues.
Also Read: Are Fruits Good for Cats
Can I Feed My Feline Cooked Peas?
You can treat your feline pal with fresh peas, it is absolutely safe. Your kitty can have mildly frozen or canned peas, it will give like a crispy treat for her. But, do you know she can have cooked peas also.
All you need to do is take some frozen or room temperature peas to cook them well, mash them and serve your kitty, she will surely enjoy her healthy snack. Make sure no extra seasoning, salt, or spices are added because that will create health issues for her.
You can even add these mash-cooked peas to her regular meal to give a different taste.
Seasoning such as garlic and onions should be avoided it is harmful to her digestive system.
Are Sweet Peas Safe for Cats?
The everlasting pea plant is also known as “sweet peas”, and it belongs to the Fabaceae family which is highly toxic to your feline pal. It includes the toxin aminopropionitrile, which directly damages the muscular, skeletal system, and neurological systems.
If you suspect that your furry pal has ingested sweet peas, even in small proportion. We recommend you immediately take her to the vet and don’t wait for any symptoms. This is because it might lead to severe underlying health issues if not cured on time.
Scroll down to have knowledge about the symptoms. If in your absence she ingests sweet peas, you will be aware of the symptoms and will be able to take her to the vet without wasting time.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weakness and feeling lethargic
- Seizures
- Excessive pacing
It is advisable to use caution and consult the vet without wasting any time.
The Different Variants of Peas!
As you know peas are non-toxic for your feline, you can safely feed her. Here, we have jotted down different variants of peas that are also safe for your kitty.
Have a look!
Green Peas:
Green peas include protein and carbohydrates, which is good for your kitty’s health. In fact, most of the cat’s grain food includes peas in it to provide the essential nutrients their body needs. So yes you can safely feed peas to your feline pal.
However, if your kitty’s food already includes peas in large quantities then you should not feed her extra peas, it will affect her digestive system.
And if you are feeding her for the first time then do it slowly and in moderation. You can even mix peas into your feline’s food and closely monitor her after eating the peas.
Snap Peas:
You can feed your kitty snap peas it will not harm her body system. Snap peas are available in the pods and include essential nutrients. Most cats can easily eat snap peas with pods they don’t have any problem in chewing them. But, pods should be removed while feeding your feline pal because it might lead to a negative reaction in her body.
You can feed raw as well as cooked snap peas to your feline but remember do not add salt because too much sodium is bad for your feline’s health.
A small proportion of snap peas is perfectly fine for your feline pal, don’t overfeed her, mix it in her meal or feed her as a treat.
Can Kittens Have Peas?
Weekend evening planning to treat yourself to some delicious home-cooked food.
For instance, Mexican rice along with fresh creamy pea soup also. You are busy preparing evening dinner meanwhile your little munchkin comes into the kitchen and keeps peeping her eyes on the fresh mashed pea bowl.
After some time you notice your little munchkin trying to lick the mashed pea bowl.
Now you are in dilemma whether you should give her a spoonful of mash pea or not?
Well, yes my friend you can feed peas to your little munchkin, it won’t harm her digestive system. It includes various nutrients like vitamins B1, K, and C, as well as rich in fiber and copper which help your kitten’s digestive system to break down food for easy digestion.
Moreover, these vitamins give an effective impact on your little munchkin’s gastrointestinal tract.
FAQs
Can cats eat mushy peas?
Well, it solely depends on what else is added to the dish. Any human canned food or frozen one is not fit for your feline because it is highly rich in salt. However, if you want to feed your cat mushy peas, make sure that you just boil or steam them and then mash them finely before serving her. No need to add seasoning or other veggies.
Can felines have pea soup?
Generally, pea soup includes herbs, spices, and other seasonings, you cannot feed your feline standard pea soup because it will lead to digestive issues. However, you can do one thing serve your kitty steam plain pea soup or else add it to her chicken soup for better taste. In this way, you can give her pea flavor and won’t harm her health.
Can cats eat frozen peas?
Peas are safe for your feline, you can freely feed her different types of peas such as green pea, snap pea, and snow pea, as long they are not creating any health consequences. In fact, you can even feed your kitty frozen peas it will not harm her digestive system and will give a crispy treat.
Well, That’s a Wrap!
Here, we would like to conclude our blog on, can cats have peas. Confidently, we were able to serve you related pieces of information.
Peas are a healthy snack for your kitty and include all the essential nutrients which can help your feline pal’s body to function well. Furthermore, it is low in calories which is good for felines suffering from weight gain issues.
Plus, we have also discussed overconsumption of peas might lead to diarrhea, vomiting, lethargic feeling, etc. So if you notice any such negative reaction consult the vet immediately.
Felines are obligate carnivores, they require protein in their diet and meat-based items as primary ingredients. Make sure peas should not be replaced with her regular diet.
Also Read: Are Strawberries Safe for Cats?
References:
- How to get your cat to eat vegetables…and lose weight – PetMD
- People Foods Cats Can Eat – Pet WebMD
- Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy– Approaches to understanding disease mechanisms – TICA
- Research Update: New insight into grain-free cat diets – Clinical Nutrition Service