We all love hummus, right? But is it a safe snack for our dogs? And what happens if they eat some?
Are Dogs OK to Eat Hummus?
Have you ever had a hankering for some hummus? And once you got out this delicious snack, your precious pooch seemed interested. Maybe you thought about sharing your snack with your dog. But wait… is hummus safe for dogs to eat? What about plain chickpeas? And what about legumes in general? Are they safe for dogs to eat?
Hummus is a tricky one. So let’s talk about the specific ingredients in hummus, whether or not it’s OK for dogs to eat, and what happens if your pup snags a little hummus when you’re not looking.
What is Hummus Made From?
Hummus is a creamy Middle Eastern dip that has skyrocketed in its popularity over the years. It’s known for being tasty, but also healthy. But what is it typically made out of?
“All the main ingredients are super foods in their own right. It's got chickpeas, sesame paste (tahini), garlic, and olive oil in most traditional versions… [And] chickpeas, hummus’s main ingredient, give you protein, good-for-you carbs, and fiber. Like other members of the legume family, they routinely top lists of the world’s healthiest foods.”
These ingredients are all super healthy for humans, but how do they affect dogs? Are chickpeas safe for our pups? And what about things like garlic? Or other bonus ingredients like onion and red peppers?
Are Chickpeas Poisonous to Dogs?
Thankfully, chickpeas are not poisonous to dogs. Also known as garbanzo beans, this type of bean and legume is completely safe for dogs to eat. “Garbanzo beans are often found in natural brands of dog food, and some homemade recipes of dog food call on the mighty chickpea.”
Chickpeas have lots of health benefits like protein, potassium, magnesium, folate, fiber, and vitamins A, B, and C. That’s quite a bit of goodness! Even though the fiber is great for your pup’s digestion, too many chickpeas can also lead to excessive gas. But in general, chickpeas are a very safe and healthy treat for your dog. As long as they are served cooked, plain, and only in moderation.
What Happens If a Dog Eats Hummus?
Even though chickpeas are a healthy and safe treat for your pup, the issue with hummus is the added ingredients. Garlic is almost always in hummus, and garlic is toxic to dogs.
Onions are sometimes added to hummus as well, and they happen to be a part of the same plant family as garlic called the Allium family. Which makes onions toxic to dogs too. On top of that, some versions of hummus contain spicy peppers which can hurt your dog’s gastrointestinal system.
Can Dogs Eat Store Bought Hummus?
No, dogs should not eat hummus bought from a store. Pretty much any hummus purchased at the store is going to contain at least one of the harmful ingredients listed above.
The only way to feed your dog safe hummus is by making your own at home from scratch. And by carefully avoiding any ingredient that may be poisonous or harmful to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Red Bell Pepper Hummus?
Red bell peppers are actually very safe and healthy for dogs. They contain antioxidants and vitamins A, B6, C, E, lutein, and beta-carotene. Antioxidants are great for your dog’s immune system. And beta-carotene specifically helps with skin and coat health, as well as eye health.
“Any color bell pepper contains the essential vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial to a dog’s health.” And red bell peppers are the most nutritious of them all because they contain the most vitamins and antioxidants.
But red bell pepper hummus is still hummus that is manufactured by someone else, and is almost certainly going to contain at least garlic, if not other potentially hazardous ingredients too. So no, dogs shouldn’t eat red bell pepper hummus either.
Can Dogs Eat Legumes?
Chickpeas fall into the legume category. And just like with all other types of food—some legumes are safe for dogs, and some aren’t. Thankfully, chickpeas are completely safe. In fact, all of the dog-safe legumes are “rich in protein—legumes contain about two to four times more protein than grains—beans are an excellent addition to a pet’s diet.”
The following are all dog-safe legumes:
- Pinto beans
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
- Soybeans
- Garbanzo beans (a.k.a. chickpeas)
- Green beans
- Butter beans
- Lima beans
- Lentils
And since there are more than enough dog-friendly foods to choose from, let’s avoid picking any from the store with unwanted ingredients. Instead, choose one of the dog-safe legumes listed above, and cook them plainly at home for your special pup.
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
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