Do you enjoy hummus every once in a while? Many people enjoy this dip on bread and it’s considered a healthy dish for us pet parents. However, it may not be so good for dogs.
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Is hummus toxic for dogs?
What is Hummus?
Just in case you’re not familiar with this dish, hummus is a Middle Eastern dish that’s made from tahini, mashed chickpeas, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s a dish that’s been around for centuries, where it’s most often used as a dip for bread.
This yummy spread first became popular in the US in the 60s and 70s, when there was a strong Arabic influence on culture. These days, you can buy hummus already prepared in most local grocery stores, or make it at home!
Hummus contains these ingredients:
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- Chickpeas
- Tahini
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Garlic
While the ingredients seem pretty simple and healthy for us, there are a couple of them that can make dogs sick.
Hummus & Dogs
Can dogs eat hummus? The answer is no, because it contains lemon juice and garlic. Garlic is a known toxin in dogs. As part of the allium family (which includes onions), garlic contains a substance called thiosulfate. This is toxic to dogs (but not us).
The problem with thiosulfate is that it can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, which can lead to hemolytic anemia, which is a serious medical condition in dogs.
Lemons can also make dogs sick; however, they are not toxic to dogs. The problem with lemons is that they care very acidic. The acid in lemons can lead to digestive issues in dogs.
For these reasons, dogs should not be allowed to eat hummus.
Your dog may show these symptoms if he’s eaten hummus:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
While this is not a life-threatening illness, it’s a good idea to call your vet if your dog’s eaten a large amount of hummus. They know your dog and his health. The vet will have the best insight on how to treat any symptoms in your dog.
The good news is that hummus is not toxic to your dog, though if he ate a lot of it, he might not feel too well. So, it’s best not to let your dog have hummus. Be sure to keep this food where your fur baby can’t get at it and help himself. And if hummus should fall on the floor, be sure to clean it up right away, before your dog can eat it!
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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