Can Dogs Eat Hummus?

Hummus poses multiple threats to a dog's health due to its common ingredients: 1. Garlic Toxicity: Garlic is a primary ingredient in most hummus recipes and is highly toxic to dogs. It causes oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia, a serious and potentially fatal condition. Even small amounts can be harmful. 2. Lemon Juice/Citric Acid: Lemon juice is often used in hummus (as tahini contains it, and it's often added separately). While not as toxic as garlic, the high acidity can cause significant gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. 3. Excessive Salt: Hummus often contains a high amount of salt, which can lead to increased thirst, dehydration, and in severe cases, sodium ion poisoning. 4. Tahini (Sesame Paste): While plain tahini in very small amounts is generally safe, it is high in fat. In the quantities found in hummus, it can contribute to digestive upset or pancreatitis. 5. Other Spices: Many hummus varieties include other spices that can irritate a dog's digestive system.

If your dog has ingested hummus, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. The severity of the reaction will depend on the specific ingredients in the hummus, the amount consumed, and your dog's size.

Hummus is firmly on the "do not feed" list for dogs. The presence of highly toxic ingredients like garlic, combined with irritating lemon juice and excessive salt, makes it a dangerous and unnecessary risk. Always keep hummus and any foods containing it securely out of your dog's reach.