Split Peas
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Split Peas Split peas are field peas that have been dried, peeled, and split in half, commonly used as a plant-based protein and carbohydrate source in pet foods.
What It Is
Split peas are mature, dried field peas (Pisum sativum) that have been split along the natural seam, providing protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates in dog food. Yellow and green split peas are most common. Dried split peas contain approximately 8-10% moisture, 60-62% carbohydrates (including 16-17% fiber), 24-25% protein (incomplete for dogs), and 1-2% fat. Split peas are essentially dried, mature versions of fresh green peas—higher in protein and fiber concentration. They provide B vitamins (folate, thiamine), minerals (iron, zinc, manganese, potassium), and have low-to-moderate glycemic index (32-38), lower than green peas. Split peas became common during grain-free trend. However, like other legumes, split peas have been investigated for potential DCM connection in legume-heavy diets and contain anti-nutritional factors.
Compare to Similar Ingredients
- vs. peas: Split peas are mature, dried versions of field peas; green peas are fresh, immature peas. Split peas have more concentrated protein (24-25% vs 21-23% dried green peas) and fiber (16-17% vs ~14%). Split peas have lower glycemic index (32-38 vs 40-50). Both are legumes with similar concerns. Split peas are slightly more nutritious; green peas are more common in dog food.
- vs. lentils: Split peas and lentils are similar legumes with comparable nutrition. Lentils have slightly more protein (24-26% vs 24-25%) and similar fiber. Both have low glycemic index (split peas 32-38, lentils 30-35). Lentils have fewer anti-nutritional factors. Both are quality legumes—lentils slightly superior, split peas economical alternative.
Why It's Used in Dog Products
Split peas appear in dog food for plant protein (24-25%), high fiber (16-17%), low glycemic carbohydrates (32-38), and grain-free positioning. They provide more concentrated nutrition than fresh green peas. Split peas are less expensive than lentils or chickpeas while offering similar protein and fiber. Rich in B vitamins and minerals. However, split peas are primarily used for economical protein boost rather than optimal nutrition. Moderate amounts acceptable; excessive legume content concerning.
Nutritional Profile
Macronutrients
- Protein: 24-25g per 100g (incomplete for dogs)
- Fat: 1-2g
- Moisture: 8-10%
Key Micronutrients
- Folate: Excellent source
- Thiamine: Good source (vitamin B1)
- Iron: Moderate (non-heme)
- Zinc: Present
- Manganese: Good source
- Potassium: Good source
Quality Considerations
Split peas are acceptable economical legume but signal lower quality than lentils. Split peas in positions 5-9 after animal proteins indicate grain-free formulation. Split peas in top 3 positions signal inadequate meat protein—concerning. Multiple legume forms (split peas + green peas + pea protein + pea fiber) is major red flag for protein manipulation and legume overload. Split peas acceptable in moderation with adequate meat.
Red Flags
- Split peas in top 3 positions without sufficient meat
- Multiple legume/pea forms (split peas + green peas + pea protein = manipulation)
- Split peas as primary protein source
Green Flags
- Split peas in positions 6-10 after quality meat proteins
- Single legume form without protein isolates
- Split peas combined with whole grains for variety
Split peas are essentially processed field peas with the outer skin removed and split for faster cooking. They provide moderate protein (around 25g per 100g dry) and significant fiber. However, like all legumes, they contain lectins and phytic acid which can interfere with mineral absorption. The protein is incomplete for canine nutrition and less digestible than animal proteins.
Potential Concerns
Split peas share concerns with other legumes: anti-nutritional factors (lectins, phytic acid) binding minerals, and incomplete plant protein. Legume-heavy diets investigated for potential DCM connection—particularly when legumes replace meat protein. Split peas in moderate amounts with adequate animal protein are safe. Excessive legume content (multiple forms, legumes as primary ingredient) is concerning. Some dogs develop legume sensitivities causing digestive upset.
Contraindications
- Dogs with legume sensitivities should avoid
- Formulas with excessive legume content may risk nutritional deficiencies—choose meat-first formulas
- Dogs with digestive sensitivities may not tolerate high-legume diets
Life Stage Considerations: Appropriate for all life stages when paired with adequate animal protein. Puppies and pregnant dogs need high-quality meat protein—split peas cannot provide sufficient nutrition alone.
Scientific Evidence
Split peas provide digestible plant protein, fiber, and low glycemic carbohydrates. FDA investigated legume diets for DCM connection (inconclusive). Split peas safe in moderation with adequate meat protein.
Evidence Level: Strong regarding nutritional content. Moderate regarding DCM concerns (ongoing research).
Split peas can be part of a balanced dog food but should never be the primary protein source. They're often used in grain-free foods as a carbohydrate base. While they're not inherently bad, we prefer whole food ingredients and animal proteins. If split peas are in the top 5 ingredients along with other pea derivatives, it's a red flag that plant proteins are being overused as cheap fillers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are split peas good for dogs?
Yes, split peas are beneficial for dogs in moderation when paired with adequate meat protein. Split peas provide plant protein (24-25%), high fiber (16-17%), low glycemic carbohydrates (32-38), and B vitamins. However, split peas provide incomplete protein and contain anti-nutritional factors. The FDA investigated legume-heavy diets for potential DCM connection—concern is inadequate meat protein, not split peas specifically. In moderate amounts (positions 6-10) with named meat as first ingredient, split peas are safe and nutritious. Avoid formulas with multiple legume forms (split peas + pea protein + green peas) signaling protein manipulation. Choose meat-first formulas with split peas as supplementary ingredient.
Are split peas better than green peas for dogs?
Split peas are slightly more nutritious than green peas. Split peas are mature, dried field peas with more concentrated protein (24-25% vs 21-23%) and fiber (16-17% vs ~14%), plus lower glycemic index (32-38 vs 40-50). Both are legumes with similar concerns about incomplete protein and legume content in grain-free diets. Neither is dramatically superior—split peas provide marginally better nutrition, green peas are more common in dog food. Both are acceptable in moderation with adequate meat protein. Choose based on overall formula quality rather than split peas vs green peas specifically. Either works well as supplementary legume in meat-first formulas.
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