Lentils and peas in dogs diet?

[SheriS]

@Dr. Christina @Dr. Jean Hofve @Dr. Jeff,

Our vet informed us that there could be danger in feeding Cooper any peas or lentils.
She said there was a dog or dogs that had terrible reactions and we should not take our chances.
Is this an overreaction perhaps?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

danger in feeding Cooper any peas or lentils.
She said there was a dog or dogs that had terrible reactions

Hmm. Not that I ever heard.

I feed them all the time.

However, at one point some vets were trying to associate lentils, peas and other pulses/legumes with heart dis-ease in dogs.

Often these were found in the "evil" grain free dog foods.

Our good friend Nicci has quite a bit to say about this:

Grain-Free Dog Food and Heart Disease: How the Narrative Was Built (Part One)

A deep dive into the grain-free dog food and DCM controversy, the FDA investigation, reporting bias, and the lawsuit reshaping the debate.

www.northpointpets.com

I bet that Dr. Jean has some further insight into lentils and peas.

 

[NancyK]

Legumes are very high in phytoestrogens and are high in glysophate if not organic. A small amount as a side is likely fine, however some dog foods use excessive amounts because they are high protein and cheaper than animal protein. I would be concerned if they are one of the top five ingredients in a dog food. Phytoestrogens impact the endocrine system. Someone I know is a breeder and never feeds legumes to her breeding dogs. They are also very high carb. Dogs can handle some carbs but excessive carbs are not good. I personally feel it is better to avoid carbs. Dogs have zero need for carbs. So the dosage may make the difference.

Nancy

 

[SheriS]

Legumes are very high in phytoestrogens and are high in glysophate if not organic. A small amount as a side is likely fine, however some dog foods use excessive amounts because they are high protein and cheaper than animal protein. I would be concerned if they are one of the top five ingredients in a dog food. Phytoestrogens impact the endocrine system. Someone I know is a breeder and never feeds legumes to her breeding dogs. They are also very high carb. Dogs can handle some carbs but excessive carbs are not good. I personally feel it is better to avoid carbs. Dogs have zero need for carbs. So the dosage may make the difference.

Nancy

@NancyK thank you so much for your insights on this!