Should peas be avoided in dog food?
Peas are a common ingredient in many dog foods, and are often included to add fiber, plant-based protein, and carbohydrate content. But for some dogs, peas—especially concentrated forms like pea protein—can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions.
How do I know if my dog is allergic to peas?
Signs of a pea allergy or sensitivity in dogs can show up as excessive itchiness or paw licking, chronic ear infections, digestive issues (like gas or loose stools), and general discomfort after eating.
Does eating peas cause side effects for dogs?
Not for all dogs, but dogs with a sensitivity to peas might experience bloating, soft stools, lethargy, or other changes in behavior or appetite when peas don’t sit well in their system.
Can peas cause yeast in dogs?
Peas are starchy, and there is some data that suggests a high-starch diet can contribute to yeast overgrowth in some dogs. For dogs prone to yeast infections, avoiding ingredients like peas may help manage symptoms such as chronic ear infections and rust-colored fur on their paws and muzzle. Of course, always consult your veterinarian when there’s a concern or potential health issue.
Is pea protein problematic in dog food?
Pea protein is a concentrated plant protein used to boost protein content in some kibble recipes (but not in Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red or Superblends!). Some dog parents prefer to avoid it, especially when they notice their dog thrives better on animal-sourced protein (or has signs of pea sensitivities).
What exactly does pea-free mean in dog food?
Pea-free dog food excludes all forms of peas. This includes whole peas, pea protein, pea flour, and pea fiber. This is important for dogs with pea allergies or sensitivities.
Dog Food Without Peas, Grains, Legumes, Potatoes or Soy
Many dog parents who choose to avoid feeding their furry friends peas also steer clear of other ingredients that may contribute to sensitivities or don't align with their feeding plan. Here's how these combinations break down:
- Grain-free and pea-free - These dog foods exclude all grains and peas, making them a popular choice for dogs with multiple food sensitivities or those on an ancestral-style diet.
- Pea- and legume-free - Peas are technically a legume, so legume-free foods are also pea-free. But since “pea-free” is often called out separately on labels, it’s worth checking both to be sure.
- Pea- and potato-free - Some dogs don’t tolerate starchy fillers like peas or potatoes well. Dog foods without peas or potatoes focus on animal proteins (and sometimes include nutrient-rich, low-starch vegetables such as kale, broccoli, or bell peppers).
- Pea- and soy-free - Peas and soy aren’t the same, but they’re both part of the legume family. Some dog parents choose to avoid both due to concerns about plant-based proteins or food sensitivities. If you’re looking for dog food free from all legumes, including soy and peas, double-check ingredient labels for common forms like pea protein or soybean meal.
For dog parents who want to avoid most or all of these ingredients, Stella & Chewy’s offers a variety of dry, wet, and raw dog food options that make it easy to find a food your pup will love:
- Frozen raw and freeze-dried raw diets for dogs provide complete and balanced nutrition with 85-95% animal muscle meat, organs and bone. All of Stella & Chewy’s raw dog foods are made without any peas, legumes, potatoes or grain. Plus, many of these recipes are also limited-ingredient, single-source novel protein diets, making them ideal for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
- Wild Red grain-free dry dog foods are pea-free, legume-free and grain-free! These protein-rich kibbles get 86-93% of their protein from responsibly-sourced animal meat. We offer both Raw Coated and Raw Blend Wild Red recipes, all of them boosted with the flavor and nutrition of real, freeze-dried raw meat from America’s #1 Freeze-Dried Pet Food Brand.
- Our Wet dog food meals and toppers are pea-free, legume-free, potato-free and grain-free— simply crafted with limited, natural ingredients for a deliciously hydrating and nutritious meal.
No matter your dog’s unique dietary needs and preferences, we make it easy to find high-quality, pea-free dog food to support their overall wellness and boost mealtime excitement!
