Can dogs or cats eat hummus?

October 9, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat hummus?

Is it safe for your dog to nibble on hummus? Hummm, nope, probably not.

Hummus is typically made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. While some of these ingredients are harmless to dogs in small amounts, such as chickpeas or olive oil, others prove toxic, notably garlic. Garlic consumption in dogs can lead to conditions like red blood cell damage and anemia, which could be fatal if left untreated.

In addition, while hummus itself isn’t high in fat content when compared with other foods humans eat daily, its caloric density might not compliment the dietary needs of our four-legged friends. Steer clear.

If your dog eats hummus and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat hummus?

Is your cat hoping for some hummus? Avoid sharing. Hummus is primarily made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and other seasonings, many of which are not suitable for feline consumption.

Garlic is one ingredient in hummus that can pose severe risks to your cat's wellbeing. Garlic contains substances like thiosulfate, which are toxic to cats.

Additionally, the base ingredient of hummus, chickpeas, may also cause stomach upset in some cats when consumed in large quantities. Although they aren't necessarily harmful on their own, chickpeas are high in fiber, which domesticated cats' digestive systems aren't equipped to handle efficiently, potentially leading to bloating and flatulence.

If your cat eats hummus and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet