Dogs are lovable, loyal, and rambunctious companions. They also have a tendency to get into everything and especially any food you leave out. Are you wondering if it’s safe for your dog to eat that onion hummus you just pulled out for yourself?
It’s not safe for dogs to eat onion hummus or any type of hummus. The chickpeas used to make hummus are often blended with a variety of spices and herbs that are harmful to your dog’s health. Onion and garlic, in particular, are very toxic for dogs and will cause serious health problems if ingested.
We’re going to take a deeper look at why humus isn’t safe for your furry friend in the rest of this article. You may be surprised by what you learn!
Table of Contents
- Why Can’t Dogs Eat Onion Hummus?
- Can Dogs Eat Any Hummus?
- Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
- How Much Hummus Is Toxic for Dogs?
- What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Hummus?
- Final Thoughts
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Onion Hummus?
This yummy spread is generally made up of chickpeas, herbs, and other spices blended together. While humans can enjoy hummus and its potent flavors, our furry friends shouldn’t be eating it.
Many of the ingredients in hummus are toxic to dogs. Not every hummus spread is the same, but some of the most common ingredients found in this spread that can be harmful to dogs are:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Lemon Juice
- Salt
Onion hummus is very dangerous for dogs to consume because onions contain a compound known as N-propyl disulfide. This compound breaks down red blood cells and can cause anemia in pets.
Garlic contains a similar compound and will cause the same issues. The lemon juice found in hummus can cause serious stomach pain and other gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Can Dogs Eat Any Hummus?
Most store-bought hummus is going to contain some ingredients that aren’t good for dogs. Most dog-lovers are very cautious about what they feed their pets, and for good reason!
If you want your dog to stay healthy and happy, then it’s best to avoid pre-made and store-bought hummus entirely. Your best bet would be to make your own version of hummus made up of canine safe ingredients.
A very basic canine-friendly hummus should only contain blended up chickpeas, oil, water, and a few veggies, like carrots and cucumbers. These ingredients will help you create delicious hummus that’s healthy and safe for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
Chickpeas are safe for dogs to eat, but like all things, it should be consumed in moderation. These legumes are considered a healthy food for people and canines because they’re high in protein and soluble fiber.
You should give your dogs fresh chickpeas, but it’s alright to give them canned chickpeas occasionally. If you decide to use canned chickpeas, make sure you rinse them thoroughly before giving them to your dog.
Canned chickpeas are very high in salt, which can be detrimental to your pet’s health. Rinsing off the salt will help prevent them from becoming dehydrated and succumbing to other health problems like high blood pressure.
How Much Hummus Is Toxic for Dogs?
There’s no magic number for how much hummus your dog can safely consume. The ingredients in hummus are toxic for dogs and can have negative health consequences, even when only small quantities are consumed.
Not only are the garlic, onion, lemon juice, and salt concerning ingredients, but there are also high levels of oil and fat in hummus as well. This can lead to issues regardless of the other dangerous ingredients.
To keep your canine companion safe and happy, you should never leave hummus around them unattended. Most dogs will jump at the opportunity to snag a treat without their owner looking, and while this behavior can be very cute and make an adorable TikTok video, it can also be incredibly dangerous.
Keep your hummus under lock and key whenever your pup is around. Don’t let it out of your sight. Seal it tightly when you’re done, and make sure your dog can’t get to it once it’s in the fridge! Your dog may give you those pleading puppy eyes, but it’s for their own safety.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Hummus?
Dogs can be mischievous and very clever pets. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, they may get into something they should have- like hummus. The important thing here is not to panic and note how much they’ve eaten.
Write down when you noticed the empty (or destroyed) hummus contain, how much your dog ingested, and what type of hummus it was. This is all very important information that can help your vet later on if you need to seek treatment for your pet.
The next step, unfortunately, is to wait. It’s probably tempting to rush your dog straight to the vet after they get into food that you know can be harmful to them, but take a breath first.
Even though most of the ingredients in hummus are toxic to dogs, they may not experience symptoms if they only ate a small amount. Bigger dogs might be able to handle a few tablespoons of hummus without much of a problem.
If your dog experiences any of the following symptoms, then it’s probably time for a trip to the vet:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Bloody stools
Final Thoughts
It can be tempting to share food with your dog, especially when they’re pleading at you with such cute puppy eyes! However, you should never let your dog eat onion hummus. Most of its ingredients are toxic and can be harmful to your pet.
Most store-bought and pre-made hummus is going to contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, so if you really want to share some hummus with your canine friend, try making some yourself!
If your dog manages to scarf down some onion hummus, try not to panic. Record when it happened and any symptoms they have afterward. They’re probably fine if they only ate a small amount, but bring your dog straight to the vet if you have any concerns or they start acting like they’re in discomfort or sick.
