Can dogs eat hummus, the beloved Middle Eastern dip that features chickpeas as its primary ingredient? Unfortunately, this tasty treat contains other components which make it unsuitable for pets.
Dogs can eat a small amount of hummus, but it is best to avoid this snack as it is not healthy for dogs. While you can give chickpeas to your dog, hummus is processed and often contains spices, seasonings, and oil which may be harmful to your furry friend. Homemade hummus is safe for dogs if you make it using safe and natural ingredients. It is best to stick with bland chickpeas if you want to feed hummus to your dog.
Hummus is typically made with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic; all of which can be safely enjoyed by dogs in moderation; however, if your pup has any food sensitivity, it’s best to steer clear of hummus altogether.
What Is Hummus?
Hummus is a smooth and creamy dip made with chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), olive oil, lemon juice, and tahini (ground sesame seed paste) that has been enjoyed for centuries in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and North African regions.
It can be enjoyed as a spread for bread or crackers, or you can make it into an easy 5-minute lunch or dinner with warm pita wedges. For something different, serve hummus with crisp veggies like cucumber slices or carrot spears for added crunch.
Hummus contains protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit your overall well-being. Chickpeas, for example, provide B vitamins, phosphorus, folate, and plant-based iron while decreasing chronic inflammation – a major cause of disease.
Is Hummus Safe For Dogs?
It may be tempting to let your pup have a spoonful of this delectable dip, but it’s not recommended. Allium ingredients such as garlic are toxic to dogs and can lead to hemolytic anemia – a condition that leads to blood cell destruction and internal organ damage in dogs.
Hummus is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. However, if your pup consumed more than a teaspoon worth, it’s important to monitor them and consult with a veterinarian.
Garlic poisoning in dogs can manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse. Many brands of hummus also contain lemon juice, which isn’t suitable for dogs to eat due to its acidity. Citric acid makes it too acidic for canines’ stomachs.
Hummus typically contains olive or rapeseed oil, which is safe for dogs in moderation. Unfortunately, these oils contain high amounts of fat and calories, which may lead to excessive weight gain as well as other health issues in pups.
However, there is dog-friendly hummus available that is made with natural chickpeas. It doesn’t contain any spices and seasonings and is safe for dogs to eat. You can also make dog-friendly hummus at home using bland chickpeas.
3 Health Risks of Feeding Hummus to Dogs
Hummus is a widely beloved food in the Middle East. Unfortunately, this dip contains ingredients that may be hazardous for dogs.
- Garlic Poisoning
Garlic and other members of the Allium family (such as onions, chives, and leeks) contain thiosulfate, which is toxic to dogs. It can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, which in turn leads to anemia, among other symptoms.
Hummus contains garlic, and if your dog consumes it in large quantities, it can lead to garlic poisoning. Garlic poisoning in dogs typically manifests over a period of one to five days, beginning with vomiting and diarrhea.
They may also experience pale gums, lack of energy levels, and weak, rapid heart rates. Fortunately, most cases of garlic poisoning in dogs are mild and recover with proper treatment.
- Gastrointestinal Upset
Gastrointestinal upset is a fairly common issue for dogs. This could be caused by various factors, such as food itself, underlying health issues, or even stress. Hummus can be particularly hazardous for dogs due to its ingredients, such as garlic and onion, which are toxic to them.
These foods can damage your pup’s digestive system. Another potential risk is lemon juice, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs due to its citric acid content. Make sure your pet avoids this citrus treat for their well-being.
- Pancreatitis
Your pup could become seriously ill if they consume an excessive amount of hummus. A small amount may not cause harm, but if there’s been a recent increase in consumption, it can lead to health issues. Furthermore, other spices in hummus can be toxic for your pup.
Spices may cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to pancreatitis. To avoid hummus in your dog’s food, opt for boiled chickpeas instead.
Benefits of Chickpeas for Dogs
Chickpeas not only taste delicious, but they can provide several health advantages to your pup as well.
Packed with protein, fiber, and minerals essential for their development and well-being, chickpeas make an excellent addition to any pup’s food intake.
- Diabetes
Chickpeas not only make an excellent addition to your dog’s food, but they can also help regulate blood sugar levels. This is because chickpeas have low glycemic content – meaning that they won’t cause large spikes in glucose levels.
Chickpeas are also rich in fiber, which can be particularly beneficial for dogs suffering from constipation. Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and nurtures beneficial bacteria within the digestive tract.
- High Blood Pressure and Heart Issues
Chickpeas are one of the world’s most nutrient-rich foods and can benefit several ailments in dogs, such as high blood pressure and heart issues, plus obesity. However, they should only be fed in moderation. One pound of chickpeas per week for small dogs; larger breeds can have two tablespoons per day.
- Cancer
Chickpeas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These vital nutrients support heart health, bone health, cell function, and healthy tissue throughout the body. Furthermore, chickpeas contain lysine, which benefits skin and coat health. These beans are an excellent source of antioxidants that may protect against cancer.
- Inflammatory Conditions
Chickpeas are an excellent source of fiber which can reduce inflammation in the body and promote good heart health. Furthermore, chickpeas possess antioxidant properties that may prevent chronic illnesses like cancer. When adding chickpeas to your pup’s diet, the best way to do it is to cook the beans and mash them into a paste or mix them into their regular food.
- Constipation
Chickpeas are an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion and bowel health. It also helps with digestion and prevents constipation in dogs. Furthermore, chickpeas increase satiety levels, so your pup feels fuller for longer periods of time.
- Obesity
Chickpeas are a nutrient-rich food that can make your dog feel full and satisfied. This helps prevent overeating and obesity in the long run, as well as satisfying any pet’s cravings. Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that make them a nutritious addition to any diet.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Hummus?
While it may be tempting to let a bit of leftover hummus sit on your countertop, it’s essential that you ensure your pup doesn’t consume an excessive amount. Consuming too much can cause stomach issues for pets; thus, keeping hummus away from them is best.
Hummus in moderation should not cause any major health concerns for your dog, but if they consume an excessive amount, serious issues could arise. Common signs of overconsumption include vomiting, drooling, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
Hummus contains lemon juice, garlic, and salt, which can be hazardous for dogs. These ingredients have the potential to damage red blood cells and lead to short-term symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
If your dog consumes an excessive amount of hummus, it may experience symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. In this case, it is best to take your dog to a vet. Your vet can give them either an over-the-counter medication or prescription medicine to help alleviate these discomforts.
Your dog’s veterinarian may administer a stomach flush to rid your pup of the toxic effects caused by eating hummus. This can be accomplished using activated charcoal or saline solution.
Can Dogs Eat Onion Hummus?
No, onion hummus is not safe for dogs. Hummus contains onion, which can be highly toxic to dogs. In severe cases, it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal problems for your pup.
Onions can be highly toxic to dogs, and overfeeding them could result in poisoning due to the sulfate compounds found in onions that attack red blood cells and reduce oxygen availability for your pup.
Hummus contains other potentially hazardous ingredients like lemon juice, salt, and olive oil, which are all highly unhealthy and may lead to health issues in your pup, such as weight gain and obesity.
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate Hummus?
Chocolate hummus is an indulgent yet healthy dip that’s simple to make. Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, chocolate hummus offers plenty of nutrition.
This delicious snack is made with garbanzo beans, tahini, cocoa powder, and sugar – naturally vegan and gluten-free for added nutritional benefits. A perfect addition to any healthy diet.
However, chocolate hummus is not safe for dogs. It contains processed chocolate which is toxic to dogs and can lead to various gastrointestinal problems.
Can Dogs Eat Carrots and Hummus?
The short answer is yes – as long as the hummus does not contain too much garlic. Most hummus is made with chickpeas which are considered safe by veterinarians and provide your pup with protein and fiber in small amounts.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. Not only do they have low calories and taste great too, but carrots may help with weight management as well as improve your pup’s dental health.
Conclusion
While bland chickpeas are safe for dogs, hummus is not an ideal treat. It contains various spices and seasonings that are harmful.
Hummus often contains garlic, which is hazardous for dogs. Even small amounts of garlic can lead to gastrointestinal issues, anemia, and other health complications in pups.
Hummus also contains olive oil, which, while safe in limited amounts for your pup, may contribute to weight gain and obesity.
If you want your pup to enjoy the taste of hummus, but you’re concerned about their health, it is best to go with dog-friendly or homemade bland hummus.
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