Hummus is a yummy Middle Eastern dip that has become quite popular in the U.S. due to its delicious taste, as well as its many health benefits. With ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, hummus is a superfood that’s great to eat for weight loss or just to maintain a healthy diet.
If the benefits to humans are so great, you might find yourself asking the question “Can dogs eat hummus?” Let’s find out!
Dogs can eat hummus. Chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil, the main ingredients in hummus, are safe for dogs to eat. Hummus can contain other ingredients, like garlic, that must be avoided due to its toxicity. Hummus can also contain acidic ingredients like lemon juice that may cause stomach pain.
So the short answer is, yes, technically they can. But there are definitely some things you need to consider before sharing your favorite brand of hummus with your furry friend.
Is Hummus Safe for Dogs?
The main ingredient in hummus is chickpeas. Dogs can eat chickpeas. They’re very healthy for dogs as well as humans. From there it can get a bit tricky though. In addition to chickpeas, most hummus also contains olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. And several of those are problematic.
For starters, garlic is toxic to dogs and can cause damage to their red blood cells. Dogs cannot eat garlic and it should not be consumed by dogs in any quantity. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can cause your dog to have severe stomach pain. In fact, it’s best not to give dogs any acidic foods since their tummies can be much more sensitive than ours.
Warning Signs to Look For
If your dog has accidentally consumed hummus, don’t panic. A little bit may not be enough to cause any severe side effects. But here are some things to look for:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Nauseated behavior
If your dog displays any of these symptoms, it’s best to give your vet a call. In fact, go ahead and let your vet know anyway as some symptoms of toxicity may not show up until months or even years down the road.
Which Hummus Ingredients are Safe?
The main ingredients to look for when considering whether a particular brand of hummus can be given to your dog are garlic, lemon juice, and anything else that’s acidic. The only problem is that hummus made without those might not be something you’d even enjoy eating.
One alternative that can be used instead of garlic is roasted beets, which add a whole other layer of flavor to traditional hummus. Other ingredients that work well are cumin and paprika.
Can dogs eat tahini?
The answer is yes, dogs can eat tahini. Tahini is made from sesame seeds which are non-toxic to dogs. Sesame seeds contain a number of healthy components including calcium, manganese, phosphorous, and selenium. Be mindful that tahini packs a lot of calories so as with most things moderation is the key.
Health Benefits of Hummus for Dogs
Not only are chickpeas beneficial for your furry friend, but they’re also cheap and convenient. Their high fiber content helps prevent constipation, although eating too much could cause gas. They’re high in lecithin, potassium, and vitamins A, B, and C which can help with learning and memory, metabolism, heart, kidneys, and the digestive tract.
Hummus Recipe for Dogs
Since your favorite hummus likely contains ingredients that aren’t safe for your pup, it’s best to make your own with safer options.
- Start with a whole can of chickpeas, keeping a little of the juice to help with the consistency.
- Add 4 tablespoons of tahini (sesame paste)
- Add half a tablespoon of olive oil
- Two tablespoons of cold water, and whatever spices you prefer.
- Blend to your desired consistency.
Give your buddy a taste and see what they think. Keep an eye on them for a while to make sure they don’t have any adverse reaction, which is a good idea any time you’re giving them something new.
How to Serve Hummus to Your Dog
Hummus is a great way to add a bit more protein to your dog’s diet. Just make sure you’re carefully checking labels. You can feed it to them on carrot sticks or even mix it in with their regular food. A little extra wag of the tail will show you how much they appreciate it.