Hummus is enjoyed as a dip, dish, or spread. It comes in different varieties but the primary ingredient is chickpeas. People can either eat their homemade hummus or store-bought ones. Either way, hummus has become popular in households over the years.
Have you noticed your cat snooping around as you enjoy a plate of hummus and that has got you thinking if it is okay for them to have some? Is hummus safe for cats? Cats are obligate carnivores whereas the primary ingredient in hummus is a plant-based food. This tells you that hummus is not a food meant for cats. But can they have some sometimes? Keep reading to find out.
Can Cats Eat Hummus?
Cats can eat hummus because it is not toxic to them. But only a small quantity should be given to them and nothing more. Hummus may not be toxic to cats but neither is it beneficial to them. It is prepared from chickpeas and other ingredients that are mostly carbohydrates. Hummus may also contain garlic which is toxic to your cat. If you choose to feed hummus to your cat, make sure you only give a small amount and that it doesn't contain garlic or onion.
Is Hummus Bad For Cats?
Hummus is not considered bad for cats if they eat it in small amounts occasionally. However, if fed in excess, hummus can cause harm to your furry ball.
With chickpeas being the main ingredient, your cat will be exposed to a high carbohydrate content if they eat too much hummus. Cats require a hundred percent protein diet. This means that they do not need the carbs they will be getting from eating excess hummus. Also, they may suffer from digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea because their stomachs are not designed to digest all that heavy carbs.
There are also other ingredients in hummus that are not healthy for your cat that will do more harm than good when they eat it.
Cats can eat hummus but it should only be in small amounts.
Will Chickpeas Harm My Cat?
Chickpeas are the primary ingredients in hummus and while they are not considered toxic to cats, chickpeas do not offer much in terms of nutrition. It is known that chickpeas provide proteins that humans enjoy but it lacks many important amino acids like taurine that can only be found in animal protein. Your cat will develop a nutrient deficiency if they feed on chickpeas too much.
Also, chickpea is full of empty calories and can cause digestive issues for your cat because they may not be able to break them down easily.
Can Cats Eat Tahini?
Tahini is another ingredient found in hummus which is sesame seed paste. These sesame seeds are high in fat and oil. This fat content can upset your cat's digestive system and lead to diarrhea and vomiting. Sesame seeds can also increase your cat's body temperature.
Additionally, if your cat is pregnant, then hummus is a no-no because of the sesame seeds.
Can Cats Eat Garlic?
Garlic is another common ingredient found in hummus. Garlic, even in a small amount, is dangerous to cats. Like onions, garlic contains disulfides and thiosulphates which makes them extremely toxic to cats. If your cat eats garlic, it can damage their red blood cells, making it hard for the cells to carry oxygen, thus leading to extreme breathlessness.
Is Lemon Juice Bad For Cats?
Some variety of hummus contains lemon juice. Citrus fruits and their juices are somewhat harmful to cats. They contain psoralens and essential oils that lead to vomiting and diarrhea. If your homemade or store-bought hummus contains lemon juice, you might want to ensure you keep your cat away from it.
Can Cats Eat Salt?
Cats require salt but only in small amounts. Salt is one of the ingredients in hummus and if consumed in an excessive amount, it can be very toxic to cats. Sodium poisoning can cause water retention and excessive thirst.
Other seasonings that are found in hummus include parsley, cumin, paprika, and sumac. If your cat eats hummus in large quantities, these ingredients can upset your cat's stomach or in the case of parsley, cause photosensitivity. But if your cat only gets a small lick at your plate of hummus, they should be fine.
Do Cats Love Hummus?
Cats cannot decide on the foods they would like or not like to eat because they don't know any better. It is up to you as the parent to decide what's best for them.
So, do cats love hummus? Maybe. Cats are known to be curious and may take an interest in hummus because they see you eating some. Even though your cat may seem to enjoy eating hummus, you must not indulge them. The ingredients found in hummus can be toxic to your cat if consumed in large amounts so it is best to only permit an occasional small amount for your cat.
How Can I Feed Hummus To My Cat?
Hummus is not recommended for cats, however, if you choose to feed hummus to your cat, make sure it is homemade rather than store-bought so that you control the number of ingredients like garlic and lemon juice in it.
Be sure to feed only a small amount of hummus to your cat. If your cat shows any symptoms of allergy after eating hummus, take them to your vet as soon as possible.
Can Kittens Eat Hummus?
Kittens are smaller than the average adult cat and their system is still delicate and developing. While a tiny amount of hummus won't harm your kitten, it is not advisable to feed hummus to them because it lacks the necessary ingredients they need to grow.
Final Words
Hummus is not toxic to cats and they can eat it if they want. However, watch out for signs that may indicate a negative reaction to hummus.
To discover other healthier snacking choices for your cat, you can consult with your vet.
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