It can be annoying having to check and recheck everything that your cat eats, on the off chance that this might be the food that could cause serious harm- but it’s necessary for our furry friends.
The last thing you want is to have fed them something that upsets their tummy, or worse, all because you forgot to do a quick google search.
We’re here to make that process even easier by answering the question you’re dying for. Can cats eat peas? Peas are a staple in any human’s diet, they do a lot of good for us. But is it the same for cats?
Can Cats Eat Peas?
Peas are a legume that is very popular among cats as well as dogs. They can be fed in many different ways, but the most common way for cats to eat peas is by offering them cooked.
Some people prefer to feed their cat peas in this manner because they believe it helps prevent urinary tract problems. We wouldn’t recommend giving your cat raw peas as this can present as a choking hazard.
Others like to give their cat peas when they have an upset tummy (diarrhea) so that the peas help settle the stomach. Many people also offer their cat pea pods that they’ve picked from the garden.
Peas are high in fiber, and while some cats love eating them, others will find them too fibrous. It also depends on how much your cat likes them; some cats like them as an occasional treat, whereas others won’t touch them at all.
So if your cat isn’t keen on peas, then there’s no point in giving them to him/her.
The Benefits Of Eating Peas For Your Cat
There are a number of benefits to feeding your cat peas. One of these is that it provides your cat with fiber which keeps his digestive system working properly.
This means that he’ll pass less gas, and it should keep him regular. Another benefit is that peas are rich in protein, making them a great source of energy for your cat.
Finally, peas contain vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. These nutrients provide your cat with essential minerals and vitamins that he needs to stay healthy.
How To Feed Peas To Your Cat
If you want to try feeding your cat peas, then there are two main methods that you can use. You can either cook them yourself or buy canned peas.
Both options work equally well. However, cooking peas takes longer than buying them canned.
Cooking Peas Yourself
You can prepare fresh peas by boiling them until tender. Once cooked, drain them and let them cool before serving.
Alternatively, you can freeze them first and defrost them just before serving. Giving your cat raw peas may be a choking hazard as the pea is still hard and presents a risk to your cat.
Canned Peas
If you don’t feel confident about preparing fresh peas, then you can always opt for canned peas instead. There are several brands available, and you can choose whichever one you think best suits your cat’s taste buds.
When using canned peas, you need to follow the instructions on the label carefully. Make sure that the peas aren’t overly salty and that they’re free from additives such as sugar, salt, preservatives, and artificial colors.
As long as you follow these guidelines, then you shouldn’t have any issues.
How Many Portions Of Peas Can My Cat Eat?
Peas are very nutritious for your cat. They have a lot of health benefits. It’s great for your cat’s health to have a diet that includes peas.
But as with everything, this should be in moderation. Too many peas in their diet will cause gastrointestinal problems.
Some of the problems your cat may encounter from eating too many peas are:
Stomach Upset – If your cat eats too many peas, then he may experience a stomach upset. The reason why this happens is that the peas fill up his stomach, causing him to become bloated. This makes it difficult for him to digest food properly.
Diarrhea – Diarrhea is another problem that can arise if your cat eats too many of your peas. This occurs when the amount of water in your cat’s body becomes excessive. When this happens, the excess liquid causes diarrhea.
Constipation – Constipation is yet another common side effect of having too many peas in your cat’s diet. This is caused by the fact that the peas increase the bulk of your cat’s stool. Because of this, your cat has trouble passing the stool.
So we would recommend giving your cat peas every few days or every so often when they are having tummy issues.
In small doses, peas can actually help to alleviate stomach issues in cats. However, do not feed your cat peas every day, and especially do not feed them raw peas.
Final Thoughts
Feeding peas to your cat is a fun way to get your feline friend to enjoy something new. However, make sure that you only give him/her cooked peas, as raw ones could pose a choking hazard.
If you decide to give your cat peas, then we’d suggest starting small and gradually increasing the amount over time.
Although there are no known huge dangers associated with feeding your cat peas, it’s important to note that they contain a high concentration of protein and fat.
These nutrients can lead to obesity, kidney damage, and even death. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding your cat too many peas. Every few days and in moderate portions is okay; every day is not.
Because of the benefits of peas to cats, it’s the human equivalent to eating mint for your stomach. A little bit is fine, but too much will cause serious stomach issues.
We hope this article helped you figure out whether your cat can eat peas. Always remember to check the label first and consult with a vet for anything you are unsure about.
I’m Courtney Trent and I hope that I can answer some burning questions that you have about cats, as well as some questions that you’d never have thought to ask before.
I am aiming to shed new light on these amazing pets and hopefully change some people’s opinions on them. Also, let’s talk about wild cats - they’re just as awesome as domestic cats!
So, stay a while and learn more about domestic and wild cats from Windhaven Ocicats.
