Humans like hummus. In recent years, as more and more people try to eat more healthily, or add more vegetable protein to their diet, the popularity of hummus has risen sharply. Whenever we eat carrots and hummus, our dogs pray with eager eyes, but can dogs eat hummus? Let’s take a look at the experts’ suggestions
What is Hummus?
Hummus is a Middle Eastern-style dip or spread made by mixing cooked chickpea puree with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It is often flavored with spices such as cumin and paprika.
In the Middle East, it is typically served with pita bread as a snack or appetizer. In the West, it is often served as a condiment or appetizer and is a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Hummus is a healthy and tasty option for vegetarians and vegans and can be served with many accompaniments like pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.
Standard side dishes in the Middle East include olive oil, a few chickpeas, parsley, and chili powder, but these are not typically served with hummus.
What Kinds of Hummus Are There?
There are many different types of hummus that vary in flavor and ingredients. Some common variations of hummus include:
- Classic hummus: made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil
- Roasted red pepper hummus: made with chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil
- Black bean hummus: made with black beans, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil
- Edamame hummus: made with edamame (young soybeans), tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil
- Beet hummus: made with chickpeas, roasted beets, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil
- Caramelized onion hummus: made with chickpeas, caramelized onions, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil
- Sun-dried tomato hummus: made with chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil
- Spinach and artichoke hummus: made with chickpeas, spinach, artichokes, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil
These are just a few examples, and there are many other variations of hummus that can be made by adding different herbs, spices, and other ingredients.
Can Dogs Eat Hummus?
It is generally not recommended to feed dogs hummus as it is primarily made from chickpeas, which can be difficult for dogs to digest.
Additionally, hummus often contains other ingredients such as oil, tahini, concentrated lemon juice, garlic, and salt, which are harmful to dogs in large amounts.
Even a large dog should not have more than a teaspoon of oil per day, as it is rich in fat and can disturb the stomach of young dogs, leading to gastrointestinal diseases or more serious conditions such as pancreatitis.
Tahini, a paste made of roasted sesame and ground sesame, is generally safe for dogs, but the oil used to make it, often olive oil or rapeseed oil, should be given to dogs in appropriate amounts.
Lemon juice, garlic, and salt can cause gastrointestinal irritation, dehydration, and even poisoning in dogs and should be avoided.
It is important to consider your dog’s size and any existing health conditions when deciding whether or not to give them hummus, and it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog’s diet.
Small dogs are more sensitive to harmful ingredients and even a small amount of hummus can make them sick. If you do choose to give your dog a small amount of hummus as a treat, make sure it does not contain any ingredients that could be harmful, such as garlic or onion.
What Are the Best Alternatives Foods for Hummus?
There are many alternative foods that you can give your dog as treats or as part of their regular diet. Some options include:
- Cooked, lean meats: Chicken, turkey, and beef are all good choices for dogs. Be sure to remove any bones and cook the meat thoroughly to reduce the risk of choking or other injuries.
- Fruits and vegetables: Many dogs enjoy fruits and vegetables as treats. Some options include apples, bananas, carrots, and green beans. Be sure to remove any seeds or pits and cut the food into small pieces to prevent choking.
- Cooked, plain grains: Rice, oats, and quinoa are all good choices for dogs. Be sure to cook the grains thoroughly and avoid adding any seasonings or spices.
- Commercial dog treats: There are many high-quality commercial dog treats available that are specifically formulated for dogs. These can be a convenient and healthy option for treating your dog.
It is important to remember that treats should only make up a small portion of your dog’s diet.
Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of treats for your dog based on its size and needs.
Can Dogs Have Hummus Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not a good idea to feed your dog hummus as it is primarily made from chickpeas, which can be difficult for them to digest.
Additionally, hummus often contains other ingredients such as garlic, onion, and lemon juice, which can be harmful to dogs in large amounts.
If you do choose to give your dog a small amount of hummus as a treat, it is important to ensure that it does not contain any ingredients that could be harmful to your dog and to consult with a veterinarian before feeding your dog any new foods.
There are many alternative foods that you can give your dog as treats or as part of their regular diet, including cooked, lean meats, fruits and vegetables, cooked, plain grains, and commercial dog treats. It is important to remember that treats should only make up a small portion of your dog’s diet.