No, dogs cannot eat hummus because it is toxic for them. Hummus contains salt, garlic, lemon juice, and sesame seed, all strictly prohibited for dogs to eat. As a responsible pet owner, you must refrain your dog from eating hummus.
Table of Contents
What is Hummus?
A popular dish from the Middle East cuisine, hummus is a thick creamy flavored dip or spread made from cooked and mashed chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, garlic, salt, sesame seed and lemon juice, available with customizations. We get the word ‘hummus’ from the Arabic word ‘Chickpeas’. Hummus is mentioned in the Bible, and nations such as Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, and Syria have tried to claim it as their own. In any case, it’s a distinctly Middle Eastern dish that has spread throughout the world and been popularized in America by the brand Sabra.
Is Hummus Safe for Dogs?
Hummus is toxic for dogs. Ingredients like garlic, onion, salt, sesame seed, and lemon juice are poisonous for your dog. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding hummus to your dog.
Why is Hummus Bad for Dogs?
Hummus is toxic for the ingredient it contains. So let us first look at what are the ingredients used:
- Tahini: Tahini is not harmful to your dogs. The nutrient content in tahini helps control the blood pressure level of your dog, maintaining proper body health.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon Juice is harmful to your dogs. Lemon juice contains psoralen compounds that can upset your dog’s stomach. It also contains aromatic oils, which are toxic for dogs. As lemon juice is acidic, it can weaken the dog causing diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal disturbances.
- Garlic and Onion: It is the most harmful ingredient used in hummus. Garlic and onion is a member of the Allium family, which has thiosulfate. Hemolytic anemia is one of the most common diseases which a dog undergoes if he consumes both. It also damages the red blood cells, causing death in severe cases. Symptoms of Hemolytic Anemia are:
- Dark-colored urine
- Jaundice
- Lethargy
- weakness
- Pale gums
- Pale mucous membranes
- Excessive salivation
- Rapid breathing
- Lack of muscle coordination
- Internal organ damage
- Organ failure
- Salt: Salt is harmful to dogs to consume in a large amount. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and dehydration.
- Sesame Seed: Sesame seeds in moderation are fine. However, a dog might be allergic to it. It might even cause diarrhea, vomiting, and bowel irritation.
How Much Hummus to Feed Your Dog
Hummus is toxic to dogs. Therefore, it is best to avoid any circumstances feeding your dog hummus. The ingredients present in them can be fatal. Bulldogs suffer from extreme gas if they consume hummus.
If the hummus is made a dog-friendly procedure then,
- A large dog can consume 3 tablespoons of Hummus once a week.
- A medium dog can consume 2 tablespoons of Hummus once a week.
- A small dog can consume 1 tablespoon of Hummus once a week.
What if My Dog Ate Hummus?
If your dog ate hummus, the symptoms he would show after are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hyperactivity
- Excessive salivation
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Drool
- Bloating
The best you can do is, visit the veterinarian immediately. Immediate treatment can avoid extreme health emergencies.
Treatments If Your Dog Ate Hummus
The doctor will examine your dog, and perform lab tests to determine your dog’s blood pressure. The vet may inquire about your dog’s medical history and diet and will carry out a series of tests to determine the degree of toxicity in your dog’s body. The therapy for Hummus poisoning is to purge the toxin from your dog’s system. If your dog just ingested hummus, the vet may induce vomiting by activating charcoal. This will put an end to the toxins in your dog’s digestive system. If this approach fails, the dog’s digestive tract will be cleansed with a saline solution to eliminate the toxicity of hummus.
Alternatives to Hummus
The other options for hummus are:
- Chickpeas: Chickpeas are not harmful to your dogs. They can consume chickpeas as it is dense with nutrients. The fiber content makes your dog feel fuller for a longer time. Chickpeas contain Vitamin A, B, and C. Vitamin keeps a dog’s heart, kidneys, and digestive tract healthy. It also has Lecithin, which stimulates the dog’s memory. It helps in controlling weight. It also aids overall health improvement.
Cooked chickpeas can be mashed and added to your dog’s food as a healthy protein supplement. Also, they can be mashed and served with other dog-safe vegetables like carrots, celery, green peas, cauliflower, and beets.
- Boiled Broccoli and Squash: Another alternative for preparing a nutritious supper for your dog is to cook veggies such as broccoli and squash. They should be washed, boiled, and blended to form a paste. Don’t serve the dish while it’s hot. Instead, make sure the cooked broccoli and squash have cooled before giving them to your dog.
- Brown Rice and Sweet Potatoes: Dogs love freshly cooked brown rice and sweet potatoes. Make two servings, one of each in a bowl, and serve at an average temperature. This dinner is not only satisfying, but it is also nutritious.
- Dog-friendly Hummus: You can prepare hummus for your dog without the toxic elements. The procedure is:
- Take a can of chickpeas.
- Take 3 tablespoons of tahini.
- Take 1 tablespoon of cumin powder.
- Take a pinch of paprika (optional).
- Take 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Take 2 tablespoons of cold water.
- Mash them together, and your homemade, dog-friendly hummus is ready.
You must feed this homemade hummus in a safe proportion to your dog as a treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Eat Red Pepper Hummus?
No, dogs cannot eat red pepper hummus. Pepper is not safe for dogs to eat.
Can Dogs Eat Garlic Hummus?
No, dogs cannot eat garlic hummus as garlic itself is toxic.
Can Dogs Eat Roasted Pine Nut Hummus?
No, you should not feed dogs with roasted pine nut hummus as it is high in fat and phosphorus content.
Can Dogs Eat Sabra Hummus?
No, Sabra Hummus contains artificial flavors which are toxic for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Hummus Chips?
No, dogs cannot eat hummus chips as it has high sodium content. Hummus chips also contain garlic and onions, which are strictly prohibited for dogs.
Can Dogs Have Olive Oil?
Yes, 1 to 2 drops of olive oil per meal is safe for dogs.
Can Dogs Have Canned Chickpeas?
No, dogs cannot have canned chickpeas as it contains preservatives, added flavors, and spices.
Can Dogs Have Seasoned Chickpeas?
No, dogs cannot have seasoned chickpeas. Bland, spiceless chickpeas are best for dogs.
Conclusion
From the article, we learn that hummus contains garlic, onions, lemon juice, and salt. These ingredients are toxic and can be fatal to dogs. They cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, hyperactivity, excessive salivation, and abdominal pain. If your dog accidentally consumes hummus, visit the vet immediately to avoid extended circumstances. It is best to rely on chickpeas alone or homemade hummus without salt, garlic, onions, and lemon juice. Dog-friendly food is the key to good health!
