{"product_id":"freeze-dried-peas","title":"Freeze-Dried Garden Peas — Natural Plant Protein for Isopods, Millipedes \u0026 Detritivores","description":"\u003cp\u003e100% natural freeze-dried garden peas — a single-ingredient, plant-based protein and fibre source that's quietly become one of the most popular treats among isopod keepers worldwide. Freeze-dried (not just dehydrated) to preserve the full nutritional profile, with no chemicals, preservatives, or additives. Just whole garden peas, frozen and dried.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes them special is the response: most isopod species absolutely love them. Drop a few peas into an enclosure and you'll often see your colony swarm within minutes. They're light enough for adult isopods to drag back to their hides, and you'll regularly catch isopods on their backs, rotating a pea as they munch through it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Freeze-Dried Peas?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFreeze-dried peas have become a staple in serious isopod keeping for several reasons:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh plant-based protein.\u003c\/strong\u003e Around 23% protein content — significant for a vegetable. For isopods, regular protein supplementation is essential. Some species (particularly large \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/porcellio-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio\u003c\/a\u003e) will resort to cannibalism if they don't get enough protein in their diet, eating their own newly-moulted soft individuals before the new exoskeleton hardens. Plant-based protein from peas helps prevent this without the issues that animal-based proteins can cause in humid enclosures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh fibre content.\u003c\/strong\u003e Detritivores need significant fibre, and peas deliver it in a form that's appealing to invertebrate feeding behaviour. The combination of protein and fibre makes peas a more rounded supplementary food than pure protein supplements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVitamins and minerals.\u003c\/strong\u003e Garden peas naturally contain Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, manganese, and a range of B vitamins. Freeze-drying preserves these far better than heat-based dehydration methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo preservatives or additives.\u003c\/strong\u003e Just peas. Single ingredient, fully natural. For keepers who prefer minimally processed foods, this is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight and easy to handle for isopods.\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike heavy fresh vegetables, freeze-dried peas are light enough for adult isopods to physically move around the enclosure. This encourages natural foraging behaviour — animals will drag peas back to their preferred hides and feed in groups, which mimics how they'd handle food in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLong shelf life.\u003c\/strong\u003e Sealed and stored properly, freeze-dried peas can last 25 years (this is genuinely accurate for properly freeze-dried products). Realistically, your bag will last 6+ months for a typical hobby setup, even with regular feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLess spoilage risk than fresh peas.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh peas in a humid enclosure mould within 24 hours. Freeze-dried peas hold up much longer before spoilage becomes an issue, giving you more flexibility on feeding schedules.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich Invertebrates Benefit?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsopods.\u003c\/strong\u003e The primary audience. Almost every isopod species we stock will eagerly consume freeze-dried peas. Particularly notable responses from:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cubaris-isopods\"\u003eCubaris\u003c\/a\u003e species — peas are widely reported as a favourite among Cubaris keepers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ardentiella-isopods\"\u003eArdentiella (ex-Merulanella)\u003c\/a\u003e — including \u003ca href=\"\/products\/batman-isopods\"\u003eBatman\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lava-isopods-ardentiella-sp\"\u003eLava\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/yellow-phoenix-isopods-ardentiella-sp\"\u003eYellow Phoenix\u003c\/a\u003e, and other premium morphs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/porcellio-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio\u003c\/a\u003e species — particularly important for protein supplementation, as Porcellio are prone to cannibalism without enough protein\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/armadillidium-isopods\"\u003eArmadillidium\u003c\/a\u003e species — another reliable favourite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeginner colonies of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/porcellio-scaber-mix-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/giant-orange-isopods\"\u003eGiant Orange (P. laevis)\u003c\/a\u003e — peas are an inexpensive way to dramatically improve their diet variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMillipedes.\u003c\/strong\u003e Larger species in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003emillipede collection\u003c\/a\u003e will accept crushed peas as supplementary food. Most millipedes prefer leaf litter and rotting wood as primary diet, but the variety from peas is welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSnails.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rodatzi-giant-african-land-snails\"\u003eRodatzi GALS\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pink-lipped-giant-african-land-snails-lissachatina-immaculata-panthera\"\u003ePink Lipped Panthera\u003c\/a\u003e, and standard \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lissachatina-fulicia-giant-snails\"\u003eLissachatina fulica\u003c\/a\u003e will all eat freeze-dried peas, particularly when crushed or when the peas have rehydrated slightly from enclosure humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCockroaches.\u003c\/strong\u003e Species in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroach collection\u003c\/a\u003e are highly responsive to peas. A useful supplementary food for ornamental cockroach colonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpringtails.\u003c\/strong\u003e Crushed peas added to \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003espringtail cultures\u003c\/a\u003e boost population growth significantly. The fine \"pea dust\" from crushing whole peas works particularly well for tiny springtails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Feed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe crushing approach.\u003c\/strong\u003e The most effective method, recommended by experienced isopod keepers worldwide: crush 1–2 peas between your fingers and sprinkle the resulting \"pea dust\" on the dry side of the enclosure. The fine particles maximise surface area for grazing, and isopods will swarm to it quickly. This works for almost all isopod species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhole pea approach.\u003c\/strong\u003e Place 1–2 whole peas directly on the substrate. Larger isopods will physically move them around, while smaller individuals will graze at the surface. Watching isopods on their backs rotating a pea as they chew through it is one of the more entertaining behaviours in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMisted approach.\u003c\/strong\u003e Some keepers mist the peas lightly to soften them before placing in the enclosure. This makes them easier for smaller species and snails to consume. Not necessary for most isopods but can help with very small species or snails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding frequency.\u003c\/strong\u003e Once or twice per week as a supplementary food. Don't overfeed — even freeze-dried peas can mould eventually in humid enclosures, and excessive protein attracts mites and fruit flies. If peas remain uneaten after 48 hours, you've offered too much.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peas are a supplement, not a primary food. Your invertebrates still need their staple diet of dried leaf litter (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003emagnolia leaves\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bamboo-leaf-litter\"\u003ebamboo leaf litter\u003c\/a\u003e) and rotting wood. Peas add variety and protein on top of that foundation, not in place of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Garden Peas Specifically?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGarden peas have a few specific advantages over other vegetable options:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigher protein than most other vegetables.\u003c\/strong\u003e Far more protein-dense than carrots, courgettes, or sweet potato.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact and easy to handle.\u003c\/strong\u003e A whole pea is roughly the right size for a single isopod to manage. Larger vegetables need to be cut into pieces; peas are pre-portioned by nature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUniversal acceptance.\u003c\/strong\u003e Almost every detritivorous invertebrate readily eats peas. Some isopod species are surprisingly fussy about fresh vegetables, but peas seem to be a near-universal favourite.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStable and predictable.\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike fresh vegetables that vary by ripeness, freshness, and variety, freeze-dried peas have consistent nutritional profile from bag to bag.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStorage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStore the bag sealed and in a cool, dry place. Freeze-dried foods are highly hygroscopic — they absorb moisture from humid air, which can lead to clumping, softening, or eventual mould development. Keep the bag tightly sealed between uses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a typical small invertebrate collection, the standard bag size will last 6+ months minimum. Peas are offered in tiny quantities — a single crushed pea per feeding session for a colony of 20–30 isopods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePeas vs Other Protein Supplements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you have several protein\/supplementary options, here's where peas fit in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFreeze-dried peas:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant-based protein (~23%), high fibre, single ingredient. Best for variety, plant-protein supplementation, and as a natural treat that most species respond strongly to. 1–2x weekly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dried-daphnia-100g\"\u003eDried Daphnia\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Whole-organism animal protein (50%), high chitin. Best for chitin variety and natural feeding response. 1–2x weekly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dried-silkworm-pupae-100g\"\u003eDried Silkworm Pupae\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-fat whole organism (27% fat). Best for breeding conditioning. Once weekly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ultra-tropical-fish-flakes-100g\"\u003eUltra Tropical Fish Flakes\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Formulated insect-based protein (46%). Best for complete daily nutrition. 1–2x weekly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-morning-wood\"\u003eRepashy Morning Wood\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant-based detritivore gel premix with calcium fortification. Best as a regular calcium-fortified supplement. 2–3x weekly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-bug-burger\"\u003eRepashy Bug Burger\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Calcium-fortified gel for feeder insects and detritivores. Best for cockroach colonies and all-purpose use. As needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most effective approach is rotation — using several supplements across the week rather than relying on any single source. Peas slot in particularly well as the \"plant protein\" component of a varied diet, complementing the animal proteins from daphnia, silkworm pupae, and fish flakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a complete invertebrate diet:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dried-daphnia-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDried Daphnia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — animal-based protein alternative\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dried-silkworm-pupae-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDried Silkworm Pupae\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — high-fat treat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ultra-tropical-fish-flakes-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUltra Tropical Fish Flakes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — formulated insect protein\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-morning-wood\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRepashy Morning Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — calcium-fortified gel premix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-bug-burger\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRepashy Bug Burger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — feeder insect and all-purpose gel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCuttlebone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — essential calcium for moulting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/malawi-light-limestone-for-isopods\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalawi Limestone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — passive calcium source\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/flake-soil-1l\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlake Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — fermented hardwood substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagnolia Leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — primary leaf litter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bamboo-leaf-litter\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBamboo Leaf Litter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — structural leaf cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more on invertebrate feeding strategies, read our blog post on \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-isopods-freeze-dried-fruit-and-vegetables\"\u003efeeding isopods freeze-dried fruit and vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e, or see our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/setting-up-selecting-your-first-isopods\"\u003esetting up guide\u003c\/a\u003e for full enclosure walkthroughs. Browse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for everything else needed to keep your invertebrates thriving.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"50g","offer_id":57362103107966,"sku":null,"price":2.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"100g","offer_id":57362103140734,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/freeze-dried-peas","provider":"Isopods For Sale UK | PostPods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}