Peas are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins, which made me wonder: Can cats eat sugar snap peas?
Cats need a good amount of antioxidants to help minimize cell damage in their bodies, and an extra dose of vitamins has never done any harm! You can feed your cat protein like Cod, Salmon, or Tilapia to boost their antioxidant levels, but you should consider peas if you want to include some greens in their diet.
IMPORTANT: At stuffaboutcats.com, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. However, the information found on stuffaboutcats.com should not be viewed as veterinary advice. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance.
In this article, I’ll tell you more about the benefits of sugar snap peas, how to feed them to your cat and why my cats love it.
Can Cats Eat Sugar Snap Peas?
Just like cats, not all peas are the same. Sugar snap peas are enclosed in a thick pod, have a sweet flavor and tender yet crisp texture.
Sugar snap peas might end up being your cat’s favorite green, and they are perfectly safe for felines to consume.
The Benefits Of Sugar Snap Peas For Cats
Cats need about 10% greens in their diet to balance their protein intake. Sugar snap peas are a great source of many vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that will boost your cat’s immune system and up their carb intake. Here’s more reason to include sugar snap peas in your cats’ diet:
High in vitamins
Sugar snap peas are packed with beneficial vitamins, like:
- Vitamin A – improves eyesight, prevents cell damage, improves heart health, and keeps the urinary and reproductive tract healthy.
- Vitamin B1 – improves the development, growth, and function of cells.
- Vitamin C – encourages bone growth and repair, improves gum and teeth health, contributes to healthy skin and glowing hair, and helps wounds heal more quickly.
- Vitamin K – helps prevent bone fractures and improves blood clotting for faster healing.
Good amounts of minerals
Sugar snap peas also contain minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals help improve neurological function, prevent tooth decay and skeletal problems, encourage healthy growth, and improve blood acidity.
High fiber food
If your cat has digestive problems, peas will be a valuable addition to its diet. Sugar snap peas are high in dietary fiber, which is an excellent prebiotic in your cats’ digestive system. It also helps to bulk up stool which can relieve constipation.
How To Prepare Sugar Snap Peas For Your Cat?
Giving peas to your cat in the right way is vital to safely include it into their diet. I’ve done lots of research and experimented with different serving methods, and this is what I found:
- It’s best to give your cat fresh or frozen peas. You should avoid canned peas because they contain a lot of sodium.
- Do not feed peas in a pod to your cats. Some cats can digest the pod well, but your cat may have trouble, and the pods can also be a choking hazard.
- Serve raw peas when you can. In this form, it preserves most of its nutrients.
- Serve sugar snap peas as a snack instead of a meal. Because they’re so sweet, you can use them as a kitty treat or give your cat a tablespoon of them as a dessert.
- If you want to cook the peas, cook them without salt or additional spices.
- For kittens or elderly cats, you can mash the peas. Once they are boiled, they will easily mash. You can also add mashed peas to wet cat food.
You should introduce sugar snap peas to your cat very slowly. This green will be strange for their bodies, and if they overeat it on the first go, they may end up with diarrhea or vomit.
Start with a few peas that they can play with and eat if they’d like. Keep them in your sight to see if they experience any negative reactions. If they don’t, you can give them a teaspoon of sugar snap peas and then proceed to a tablespoon.
Why Cats Like Sugar Snap Peas
While cats in the wild like to chew vegetation every now and then, it’s not common for them to find sugar snap peas in nature. Luckily, if it’s something you’d like to introduce to their diet, you’ll find that most cats love it!
My cats instantly gobbled them up on the first serve, and when they see me getting ready to give them some, their meows echo through the house!
Sugar snap peas are sweeter than other peas, and cats typically like the sugary taste. After eating them for a while, your cat will also start to notice that it helps them with common digestive issues like constipation. They’ll want to eat it when they know they’ve been struggling to go for a few days.
To String It Together!
Sugar snap peas are filled with fiber, vitamins, and nutrients! While they shouldn’t replace a meal, they make a great midday snack or behavioral treat.
Because they’re challenging to digest, it’s best to cook them for your cat. If your cat typically digests plant fiber quickly, you can serve it to them raw and even frozen on warm days.
You now know that cats can eat sugar snap peas, but if you have any other questions, please ask them in the comments!
Read more about Can Cats Eat Meatballs? The Truth Will Shock You!
FAQs
Are snap pea plants toxic to cats?
No, snap pea plants are non-toxic to cats, and they can safely eat them in moderation.
Can cats eat pea shoots?
Yes, cats can eat pea shoots. In fact, it's a great addition to their diet because shoots are packed with flavor and nutrients!
Can cats be allergic to peas?
Your cat might be allergic to peas. If you're giving them peas for the first time, you should watch for any signs of an allergic reaction.
Can cats eat split pea soup?
Cats can eat split pea soup, but only in moderation. Ham contains a lot of salt, and when your cat consumes too much of it, it can be poisonous to them.
Can cats digest pea protein?
Yes, cats can efficiently digest pea protein.