We have previously discussed “Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?”. This legume is a great plant-based source of fiber and protein. They are readily available across the world and are a staple in many cuisines from Mediterranean to Northern African, and Southwest Asian.
Equally as popular is what you can make from chickpeas with the addition of a little olive oil, lemon, and tahini: hummus! And with a smooth texture it is very easy to consume, our dogs included. But do the same health benefits hold for hummus?
Can dogs eat hummus? Read below to find out if hummus is safe for dogs or not. In this article we’ll cover the common dip, hummus, and explore what kind of affect it can have on dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Hummus?
The short answer is no. Dogs should not eat hummus; it is not a dog friendly food.
Although chickpeas are healthy for dogs, hummus, particularly the store-bought kind, can be highly processed.
Why Hummus is Bad for Dogs
Hummus often comes with a high sodium content. We advise you to avoid feeding dogs salt at all costs as it can cause salt poisoning.
This dip also contains many seasonings. It is often topped with sumac, a zesty tasting Middle Eastern spice, and cayenne pepper. These in addition to spices like onion powder and garlic powder are harmful, if not toxic, to your dog.
The lemon juice that gives hummus its flavor is high in citric acid, which may cause severe stomach pain for dogs.
If your dog consumed a sizeable amount of hummus, watch out for these symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Drooling
Are There any Benefits of Hummus for Dogs?
However, hummus is not always unhealthy and toxic for dogs.
As has been mentioned, the hummus you find in stores often contains unsuitable ingredients for dogs.Yet, it retains the nutrients of chickpeas, as listed:
- Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is good for supporting amino acid metabolism as well as reinforcing bladder health. It also maintains a variety of functions for dogs. Vitamin B6 can improve the nerve function of dogs.
- Fiber helps in solving a dog’s digestive problems. Foods rich in fiber such as hummus can help against bowel movement problems.
- Manganese. Manganese is a mineral that promotes metabolic functioning and good bone health.
- Protein is an essential nutrient that can contribute to muscle development and tissue repair. Hummus is an excellent source of protein.
The benefits of hummus, however, do not outweigh its risks. In conclusion, it is not best to feed dogs hummus, unless you make it from scratch simply from chickpeas and a small quantity of oil.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
In the next article of the series, find out Can Dogs Eat Limes?
