Can Dogs Eat Hummus? If you’re a dog lover, you’ve probably wondered at some point whether your furry friend can share in your love of hummus. After all, hummus is a healthy snack that’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins—so surely it must be good for dogs, too, right?
Wrong. Unfortunately, hummus is not a good snack for dogs. Here’s why:
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Eat Hummus?
Hummus Contains Garbanzo Beans
Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, are a common ingredient in hummus. While garbanzo beans are safe for humans to eat, they can be dangerous for dogs. Chickpeas contain a compound called saponin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Symptoms of saponin poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Saponin poisoning is a serious condition that, in severe cases, can lead to death by dehydration.
Hummus Contains Garlic and Onion
Another common ingredient in hummus is garlic. Garlic is part of the onion family, and like onions, it can be poisonous to dogs. When ingested in large quantities, garlic can cause Heinz body anemia in dogs. Symptoms of Heinz’s body anemia include weakness, pale gums, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. If your dog ingests a large amount of garlic, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Hummus Contains Tahini
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s often used as a base for hummus or as a condiment on its own. Tahini contains high levels of oxalates, which can cause kidney damage in dogs if consumed in large quantities. Symptoms of oxalate poisoning in dogs include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and difficulty urinating. If you think your dog has eaten tahini, contact your veterinarian right away.
What is hummus and where does it come from?
Hummus is a food dip or spread made from mashed chickpeas, beans, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. It is frequently eaten in the Middle East (including Turkey) as well as North Africa (especially Morocco). In recent years it has become popular around the world in Middle Eastern cuisine.
What are the ingredients in hummus?
The main ingredients in hummus are cooked, mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Other common ingredients include salt, cumin, and paprika.
Is hummus bad for dogs?
In short, yes. Hummus is bad for dogs because it contains garbanzo beans, garlic, onion, and tahini—all of which can be poisonous to dogs. If your dog ingests any of these ingredients, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately.
3 Types of Nutrients in Dog-Friendly Hummus
While hummus may not be a good snack for dogs, there are a few dog-friendly alternatives that provide the same nutritional benefits. Here are three types of nutrients found in dog-friendly hummus:
Protein: Dogs need protein for energy, muscle growth, and repair. Good sources of protein for dogs include cooked chicken, beef, and fish.
Fiber: Fiber helps keep dogs’ digestive systems healthy and can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Vitamins: Dogs need vitamins for a variety of reasons, including maintaining a healthy coat and skin. Good sources of vitamins for dogs include carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens.
3 Health Risks of Feeding Hummus to Dogs
In addition to the four ingredients mentioned above, there are a few other health risks associated with feeding hummus to dogs. These include:
Choking Hazard: Garbanzo beans, garlic, and onion can all pose a choking hazard to dogs. Be sure to chop these ingredients into small pieces before adding them to dog-friendly hummus.
Allergic Reaction: Some dogs may be allergic to sesame seeds, garbanzo beans, or other ingredients in hummus. If your dog is allergic to any of these ingredients, it’s important to avoid feeding him or her hummus.
Intestinal Obstruction: Garbanzo beans, garlic, onion, and tahini can all cause intestinal obstruction if consumed in large quantities. Intestinal obstruction is a serious condition that can be life-threatening.
Is Hummus Good For Dogs?
The short answer is no, hummus is not good for dogs. Hummus contains ingredients that can be poisonous to dogs, including garbanzo beans, garlic, onion, and tahini. If your dog ingests any of these ingredients, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Is Hummus Healthy For Dogs?
While hummus is not good for dogs, there are a few dog-friendly alternatives that provide the same nutritional benefits. Dog-friendly alternatives to hummus include cooked chicken, beef, and fish. These foods are high in protein, which is essential for dogs’ energy, muscle growth, and repair. Fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are also good for dogs’ digestive health. And finally, vitamins are important for maintaining a dog’s healthy coat and skin. Good sources of vitamins for dogs include carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens.
Is Hummus Safe For Dogs?
Hummus is not safe for dogs because it contains ingredients that can be poisonous to them. If your dog ingests any of these ingredients, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. Some of the most dangerous ingredients in hummus for dogs include garbanzo beans, garlic, onion, and tahini.
What happens if a dog eats hummus?
If a dog eats hummus, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. Hummus contains ingredients that can be poisonous to dogs, including garbanzo beans, garlic, onion, and tahini. These ingredients can cause vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty urinating, and more. In some cases, they can even be life-threatening.
Can dogs eat garlic hummus?
No, dogs should not eat garlic hummus. Garlic is an ingredient in hummus that can be poisonous to dogs. If your dog ingests any of these ingredients, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. Some of the most dangerous symptoms of garlic poisoning in dogs include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and difficulty urinating. In some cases, garlic poisoning can be life-threatening.
Can dogs eat hummus chips?
No, dogs should not eat hummus chips.
Can dogs eat Sabra hummus?
No, dogs should not eat Sabra hummus. Sabra hummus contains ingredients that can be poisonous to dogs.
Can dogs eat plain hummus?
No, dogs should not eat plain hummus. Plain hummus contains ingredients that can be poisonous to dogs.
Conclusion:
So there you have it—three good reasons why you shouldn’t share your hummus with your dog. If your furry friend does manage to get his paws on some hummus (or any other food he shouldn’t eat), it’s important to watch for signs of illness and contact your vet right away if anything seems amiss.
