Can Dogs Eat Hummus? It’s Not Just Chickpeas

You may realize that store-bought human food is full of additives, but can dogs eat hummus made at home? Read the recipe you made it from. Is there onion, garlic and lemon juice? They’re the biggest threat to your dog’s health, which we’re going to break down below.

Chickpeas Are Safe For Your Dog, Unlike Other Ingredients in Hummus

In moderation, chickpeas are good for dogs. Loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins B and K, they can help keep your pup feeling full and energized. But while hummus may be healthy for you to eat, it’s not a safe snack choice for dogs.

That’s because hummus typically contains high levels of salt, oil, and seasonings such as garlic and onion. These ingredients can lead to gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. All parts of the onion and garlic plants are toxic to dogs because they contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells in dogs, leading to anemia.

Lemon juice in hummus is also a concern for canines – the acid in it can lead to gastrointestinal upset and can be toxic in high doses. So can dogs eat hummus? No. While chickpeas themselves are safe for dogs to eat, steer clear of hummus!

Can You Make a Dog-Friendly Version of Hummus?

We wouldn’t call it hummus anymore, but you can safely give your dog a paste made of plain cooked chickpeas. You can also mix in a bit of olive oil or water to make it more palatable for your pup. Without garlic, onion, salt or lemon juice, it’s unlikely to cause any issues besides a slightly bloated belly.

Avoid canned chickpeas, as those are often salted. Instead, buy them fresh and soak them overnight before boiling.

You could also make dog-friendly red pepper hummus by blending mashed chickpeas with boiled bell pepper. Anyway, if you want to feed your dog homemade hummus, make sure it’s made specially for them and not for humans.

What’s a Good Amount of Hummus for Dogs?

Even if you make your own hummus without ingredients toxic for dogs, such as onion and garlic, don’t overfeed it to your pet. You can add a small amount of plain hummus to your dog’s meal to improve its taste. Or, you could offer them a spoonful as a special treat after playing. Use your judgment and make sure your pooch eats all of their regular meals!

Are Hummus Chips Bad for Dogs, Too?

A whole different question is, can dogs eat hummus chips? They’re named after the paste, but they’re actually chips in which the main ingredient is chickpea flour. Other ingredients can include:

• rice,
• potato starch,
• corn starch,
• vegetable oil,
• salt,
• onions.

If the only seasoning is salt, which is safe for dogs to consume in small quantities, then a few hummus chips shouldn’t harm your pet. Still, it’s way healthier to stick to salt-free dog food and treats. And if the chips contain onions, that’s a no-go!

Here’s a recipe for healthy chickpea snacks you can make for your dog at home:

Any Alternatives to Hummus? Try Tahini!

Tahini is a paste or spread made from ground sesame. Unlike hummus, it doesn’t contain harmful additives – in fact, its only ingredient are sesame seeds. So it’s actually a good (yet high-calorie) snack choice for canines, with plenty of healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins B and E. Feel free to give your dog tahini as a regular treat unless they have a bad reaction to sesame.

Your Dog Accidentally Ate Hummus – What to Do?

When your furry friend gets a hold of hummus, it could be more than just messy – garlic and onion are seriously dangerous to them! If there are any signs of distress such as vomiting or diarrhea after snacking on the dip, don’t hesitate to dial the vet up right away. With quick intervention, there’s a good chance your pup will make a full recovery.

Summary: Can Dogs Eat Hummus?

Can dogs eat hummus, then, or is it a terrible idea? Don’t give them any! Hummus contains seasonings that are dangerous to dogs, like onions and garlic. If you really want to, you can make a dog-safe version at home or opt for a safe dip like tahini. Just keep any HUMMUS away from your pup!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens When a Dog Eats Hummus?

It all depends on the ingredients and how much was eaten. Some dogs will vomit and have diarrhea, while others develop more serious problems that require veterinary care.

How Much Hummus Can a Dog Eat?

There is no safe amount of hummus for dogs if it contains garlic and onions. But if it’s just mashed chickpeas and oil, aim for about 1 to 2 tablespoons as an occasional snack. Always watch for any negative symptoms and adjust your feeding as necessary.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Hummus?

Only if the hummus consists solely of chickpeas and pumpkin, devoid of seasonings like salt, garlic, and onion, is it suitable for dogs. To prepare a homemade dog-friendly hummus, use plain chickpeas and pumpkin. But otherwise, avoid feeding any hummus-based snacks to your pet.