Can Dogs Eat Hummus?

No, dogs should not eat hummus. It’s important to remember that while chickpeas are safe for dogs, hummus is made with garlic, lemon juice, and spices, which can be harmful to dogs. As a responsible dog owner, it’s best to keep hummus away from your dog’s reach. If you want to give your dog a taste of chickpeas, make sure they are plain and cooked without any added seasonings.

bowl of hummus with spices and garlic and dog that can’t eat it

We love making homemade hummus. It’s a staple of our diet because it’s super easy to make, healthy, and nutritious. We love it! Since we use a lot of tahini, garlic, and spices like cumin, our dog doesn’t want to smell it, but if you have an omnivore that accidentally eats some, here’s what you should know.

What happens if my dog eats hummus?

First of all, hummus can’t be made without garlic, and you probably know that garlic is toxic for dogs. But here’s the catch – while it’s toxic, garlic is deadly for dogs only in large amounts. It’s true that garlic is toxic, and you should avoid it at all costs, but just for the sake of your sanity, know that it’s only dangerous in large amounts.

Here’s what Dr. Michael Salkin, a registered vet, says about garlic toxicity. Onions and garlic, which are part of the Allium family, can cause anemia in dogs a few days after eating them. Still, it usually takes a significant amount to do so—more than what’s typically found in hummus. Eating something unusual like this might cause temporary stomach issues, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, but your dog won’t be poisoned. They should feel better on their own within 72 hours.

It takes a significant amount of garlic to reach toxicity levels for dogs

It takes much more garlic than typically found in hummus to be toxic to dogs. So, if your dog has some, don’t worry too much, but please be careful and monitor their behavior and health.

So, while garlic is toxic and tricky, I asked many vets while attending seminars, and none told me that I should worry about hummus. However, if your dog eats a whole packet of hummus, here’s what you can expect:

Gastrointestinal distress: Your dog might experience stomach issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Garlic and onion toxicity: Hummus contains garlic and sometimes onion, and both have toxic substances that are not safe for dogs. If consumed in large amounts, these ingredients can potentially cause anemia, though the small quantities in hummus won’t cause severe problems.
Lemon juice acidity: Some hummus recipes include lemon juice, which can be too acidic for a dog’s stomach, leading to further gastrointestinal upset.
Monitor your dog: Check up on your dog and watch for any signs of pain or unusual behavior. Symptoms should improve within 24-48 hours.
Call your vet: If symptoms don’t go away or they worsen (especially if they poop blood and eat a lot of hummus), contact your veterinarian for advice and possible treatment.

Are there any homemade hummus varieties for dogs?

Funny enough, there’s a way to make dog-friendly hummus! Both chickpeas and tahini are okay for dogs. If you’re looking for something different to spread on their lickimat besides peanut butter, you can make a homemade version with blended cooked chickpeas, tahini, and some water.

While regular hummus isn’t safe for dogs due to ingredients like garlic and lemon juice, you can make a dog-friendly version at home using chickpeas, tahini, and water. This way, your pup can enjoy a tasty and safe treat. Don’t worry too much about garlic toxicity from a small amount, but please be careful and avoid it when making treats for your dog. Always monitor your dog for any adverse reactions when introducing new foods.

Love, life, and fur forever.

FAQs

These are the most popular FAQs. If you have more questions, please leave a comment!

Are chickpeas healthy for dogs?

Yes, chickpeas are healthy and safe for dogs to eat. They are a good source of protein and fiber. Just make sure they are cooked and plain without any added seasonings.

Can dogs eat tahini?

Yes, dogs can eat tahini in small amounts. It is made from sesame seeds, which are safe for dogs. However, tahini is high in fat, so watch out for those extra calories and high-fat content!

Can dogs eat hummus dip?

No, dogs should not eat regular hummus dip. It often contains ingredients like garlic, onion, and lemon juice, which are harmful to dogs.

Can dogs eat plain hummus?

No, even plain hummus is not recommended for dogs because it might still contain ingredients that are not safe for them. Instead, make a dog-friendly version using chickpeas, tahini, and water.

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