As dog owners we want to share tasty foods with our furry friends. However some human foods can be unsafe and even toxic for dogs. Split pea soup is a classic comfort dish, but the ham and seasonings make it a questionable choice for canine consumption. Let’s dive into the details on whether dogs can eat split pea soup with ham.
Ingredients in Split Pea Soup with Ham
Traditional split pea soup recipes call for
- Split peas
- Ham or ham bone
- Onion and garlic
- Celery
- Carrots
- Chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt, pepper and other seasonings
Issues with Ham in Split Pea Soup for Dogs
The main concern with split pea soup that contains ham is the high sodium content. Ham is very high in sodium, which can lead to sodium ion poisoning in dogs if consumed in excess.
Symptoms of sodium ion poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
Sodium damages cells in the dog’s brain, causing fluid buildup and swelling. This results in the neurological symptoms. Sodium poisoning can be fatal if untreated.
Onions and Garlic Also Pose a Risk
In addition to ham, traditional split pea soup recipes call for onion and garlic. Both onions and garlic contain compounds that are toxic to dogs.
Garlic is more dangerous than onions for dogs. The effects of garlic poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Anemia
- Panting
- Increased heart rate
The extent of poisoning depends on the amount ingested. The symptoms may be delayed, showing up days after ingestion.
Other Ingredients to Watch For
Some other split pea soup ingredients that could pose issues for dogs include:
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Carrots: Only hazardous if large amounts are ingested since they are high in sugar. Better to avoid.
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Celery: Contains furanocoumarins that can cause photosensitivity. This makes dogs sunburn more easily.
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Chicken or vegetable stock: May be high in sodium. Check labels.
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Herbs and spices: Many seasonings like pepper, paprika, rosemary etc. can irritate dogs’ stomachs.
Can Dogs Have Split Pea Soup Without Ham?
A split pea soup without ham or onions/garlic may be safer for dogs. However, it still requires caution. Here are some tips if you want to share a small amount of pea soup without ham:
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Use low or no sodium vegetable or bone broth as the base
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Skip any onions, garlic, or carrot pieces
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Stick to dog-safe herbs like parsley or oregano in small amounts
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Cool the soup completely before serving
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Give tiny portions infrequently as an occasional treat
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Avoid making it a regular part of your dog’s diet
Monitor your dog closely for signs of digestive upset or allergies after introducing new foods. Overall, while split pea soup without ham may not be toxic, it doesn’t offer complete nutrition for dogs either.
Healthier Alternatives for Dogs
Rather than trying to modify split pea soup to make it dog-friendly, safer alternatives include:
- Plain boneless, skinless chicken or turkey
- Lean ground beef or lamb
- Canned sardines or salmon
- Plain scrambled eggs
- Cooked sweet potatoes or pumpkin
- Low-sodium bone broths
- Dog-safe fruits like blueberries, bananas
- Veggies like steamed broccoli, green beans
These whole food options provide balanced nutrition without risky seasoning or excessive fat and sodium. Homemade food tailored for dogs is always best.
The Bottom Line
Traditional split pea soup containing ham poses a high risk of sodium poisoning for dogs. Even without ham, the onion, garlic, veggies and seasonings can cause health issues. While a dog-friendly pea soup may be safer, it’s best reserved only as an occasional treat in tiny amounts. For their regular diet, provide dogs with foods specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Steer clear of salty, seasoned human foods, which can quickly put your dog’s health in jeopardy.
How to Make Pea Soup For Dogs!
FAQ
Can dogs have split peas soup?
Is ham ok for dogs to eat?
What soup is good for dogs that won’t eat?
What kind of peas can dogs eat?
Can dogs eat split pea soup?
A 1 cup serving of split pea soup contains almost 9 grams of protein. That’s fairly close to the recommended amount of protein that should be in a cup of dry dog food. What you might also find interesting is that too much protein is actually bad for dogs. Again, dogs are not true carnivores, so they don’t need as much protein as some might assume.
Can you put ham in a split pea soup?
Though I surely wouldn’t pass up the chance to throw in some leftover vegetables if they were lying around. For meat-eaters: If you aren’t looking for a vegetarian split pea soup, you can add some ham to this (and also use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth). Add chopped cooked ham for the last ½ hour of simmering.
Are peas good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Peas may also be a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. You might not think of peas when you think of protein, but they actually contain a good amount. A 1 cup serving of split pea soup contains almost 9 grams of protein. That’s fairly close to the recommended amount of protein that should be in a cup of dry dog food.
Can dogs eat peas?
It turns out that peas are great for dogs. They offer them many nutritional health benefits, and it seems that most dogs enjoy eating them – though a little seasoning may be required. Continue reading to learn more… While feeding your dog peas might sound weird, they are actually used in many dog foods. Many people often assume dogs are carnivores.
