Key Takeaways
- No, dogs can’t eat hummus. Traditional hummus contains seasonings that are dangerous for dogs (onions and garlic) ❌
- You can make a dog-safe version of hummus at home by boiling and mashing chickpeas with just a little oil ✔️
- Tahini is another safe alternative to hummus, but feed it to your dog in moderation ⚠️
You may realize that store-bought human food is full of additives, but can dogs eat hummus made at home? Read the recipe you made it from. Is there onion, garlic and lemon juice? They’re the biggest threat to your dog’s health, which we’re going to break down below.
Chickpeas Are Safe For Your Dog, Unlike Other Ingredients in Hummus
In moderation, chickpeas are good for dogs. Loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins B and K, they can help keep your pup feeling full and energized. But while hummus may be healthy for you to eat, it’s not a safe snack choice for dogs.

That’s because hummus typically contains high levels of salt, oil, and seasonings such as garlic and onion. These ingredients can lead to gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. All parts of the onion and garlic plants are toxic to dogs because they contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells in dogs, leading to anemia.
Lemon juice in hummus is also a concern for canines – the acid in it can lead to gastrointestinal upset and can be toxic in high doses. So can dogs eat hummus? No. While chickpeas themselves are safe for dogs to eat, steer clear of hummus!
Can You Make a Dog-Friendly Version of Hummus?
We wouldn’t call it hummus anymore, but you can safely give your dog a paste made of plain cooked chickpeas. You can also mix in a bit of olive oil or water to make it more palatable for your pup. Without garlic, onion, salt or lemon juice, it’s unlikely to cause any issues besides a slightly bloated belly.
Avoid canned chickpeas, as those are often salted. Instead, buy them fresh and soak them overnight before boiling.
You could also make dog-friendly red pepper hummus by blending mashed chickpeas with boiled bell pepper. Anyway, if you want to feed your dog homemade hummus, make sure it’s made specially for them and not for humans.
What’s a Good Amount of Hummus for Dogs?
Even if you make your own hummus without ingredients toxic for dogs, such as onion and garlic, don’t overfeed it to your pet. You can add a small amount of plain hummus to your dog’s meal to improve its taste. Or, you could offer them a spoonful as a special treat after playing. Use your judgment and make sure your pooch eats all of their regular meals!
Are Hummus Chips Bad for Dogs, Too?
A whole different question is, can dogs eat hummus chips? They’re named after the paste, but they’re actually chips in which the main ingredient is chickpea flour. Other ingredients can include:
- rice,
- potato starch,
- corn starch,
- vegetable oil,
- salt,
- onions.
If the only seasoning is salt, which is safe for dogs to consume in small quantities, then a few hummus chips shouldn’t harm your pet. Still, it’s way healthier to stick to salt-free dog food and treats. And if the chips contain onions, that’s a no-go!
Here’s a recipe for healthy chickpea snacks you can make for your dog at home:
Any Alternatives to Hummus? Try Tahini!
Tahini is a paste or spread made from ground sesame seeds. It’s often used in Middle Eastern cuisine and can be found in grocery stores worldwide. Unlike hummus, tahini doesn’t typically contain any ingredients that are harmful to dogs. In fact, its only ingredient are sesame seeds.
For this reason, tahini can be considered a healthy, high-calorie snack choice for canines. Sesame is loaded with healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins B and E. Just like any other new food you introduce to your pup, make sure to start with a small amount and watch for any adverse reactions. If all goes well, feel free to give tahini as a regular treat.
Your Dog Accidentally Ate Hummus – What to Do?
If your dog ate hummus and is having any negative symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea, call your veterinarian right away. With quick intervention, there’s a good chance your pup will make a full recovery. But without treatment, the toxins in garlic and onion can cause more serious problems.
In some cases, dogs that have eaten large quantities of hummus can experience liver failure. So if you think your dog may have eaten a lot of the dip, keep an eye out for any signs of trouble and call your vet immediately.

Summary: Can Dogs Eat Hummus?
In conclusion, can dogs eat hummus? The answer is no – at least not in its traditional form. Hummus contains high levels of salt, oil, and seasonings that are highly dangerous to dogs. However, you can make a dog-safe version of hummus at home or opt for a different type of dip like tahini. Just be sure to keep any HUMMUS away from your pup!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens When a Dog Eats Hummus?
It all depends on the ingredients in the hummus and how much was eaten. Some dogs will experience vomiting, diarrhea, or other mild symptoms, while others develop more serious problems that require veterinary care. If you suspect your dog ate some hummus, call your vet right away.
How Much Hummus Can a Dog Eat?
There is no safe amount of hummus for dogs if it contains garlic and onions. But if it’s just mashed chickpeas and oil, aim for about 1 to 2 tablespoons as an occasional snack. Always watch for any negative symptoms and adjust your feeding as necessary.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Hummus?
Only if it’s made from chickpeas and pumpkin alone, without seasonings like salt, garlic, and onion. If you’re making your own dog-friendly hummus at home, stick to plain chickpeas and pumpkin. But otherwise, avoid feeding any hummus-based snacks to your pet. There are plenty of other healthy treats you can give them instead!
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