Carbohydrate
Peas
A pulse that supplies starch, protein and fibre, common in grain-free foods.
Peas supply starch, fibre and some protein, and they often replace grains in grain-free foods. Their protein is low in the sulfur amino acids methionine and cysteine, so recipes need balancing.
They’re also at the centre of an open question. The FDA investigated reports of heart disease (DCM) in dogs eating diets with a high share of peas, lentils or potatoes, and says the reports don’t establish a cause. One 28-day trial found early heart changes on a diet based on wrinkled peas, but not on one based on lentils. If your dog has a heart condition or is an at-risk breed, ask your veterinarian.
Also written as: Green Peas, Whole Peas, Dried Peas, Organic Peas, Yellow Peas, Split Peas, Dried Green Peas.
Sources
- FDA, Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Quilliam, Reis, Ren, Ai, Weber: Effects of a 28-day feeding trial of grain-containing versus pulse-based diets on cardia
- McCauley et al.: Review of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the wake of diet-associated concerns. J Anim Sci (2020)
Updated November 2, 2026. General information, not veterinary advice.