Can dogs eat hummus?

Garlic belongs to the allium family and can damage a dog's red blood cells. Most hummus recipes include one or more cloves of raw garlic, and some brands use garlic powder. The effect depends on how much a dog eats relative to its body weight and can take a few days to show.

Roasted garlic, caramelized onion, and chive hummus contain even more alliums.

Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, and olive oil make hummus rich, at around 250 to 300 calories per 100 g. It is also seasoned with salt and lemon juice. Large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.

Low-fat versions still usually contain garlic.

Hummus is often served with pita, crackers, carrot sticks, and olives, sometimes alongside tzatziki (which contains garlic) and other dips. Dogs at parties can work through a whole bowl. Keep dips on a table rather than a coffee table.

Plastic tubs and lids can be chewed and swallowed.

Plain cooked chickpeas, rinsed and mashed without salt, garlic, or oil, are safe for most dogs in small amounts. A teaspoon mixed into food is enough. They can cause gas, so offer only a little at first. Canned chickpeas should be drained and rinsed well to remove the salty liquid. Chickpea flour used in homemade dog biscuits is another way to include them safely, as long as no garlic or salt is added.