Can Cats Eat Hummus? You may be surprised to learn that the answer is yes! Here’s what you need to know about feeding your cat this delicious treat.
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What is hummus?
Hummus is a Levantine dish of cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans, blended with tahini, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic and salt. It is popular in the Middle East and North Africa.
Is hummus safe for cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. However, cats are known to be rather curious creatures, and will often try to eat things that they’re not supposed to. So, can cats eat hummus?
The ingredients in hummus
Most commercial brands of hummus contain tahini, which is a paste made from toasted, ground sesame seeds, as well as garbanzo beans, olive oil, garlic, salt, lemon juice and cumin. While the bulk of these ingredients are not toxic or harmful to cats, there are a few that may pose a risk.
The dangers of feeding hummus to cats
Hummus is a dish made from cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. It’s popular as a dip or spread in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean.
While it’s safe for humans to eat hummus, it’s not necessarily safe for cats. The main concern with feeding hummus to cats is the risk of gastrointestinal upset. Chickpeas and other beans contain oligosaccharides, which are types of sugars that can’t be broken down by the enzymes in a cat’s digestive system. When these sugars aren’t digested properly, they can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea in cats.
In addition, some brands of hummus contain onion or garlic, both of which can be toxic to cats if consumed in large quantities. If you’re unsure about whether a particular brand of hummus is safe for your cat to eat, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding it to your pet altogether.
What are the benefits of feeding hummus to cats?
There are a few benefits to feeding hummus to cats. One is that it is a good source of protein. Another is that it is low in calories, which can be helpful for cats who are trying to lose weight. Additionally, hummus is a good source of fiber, which can help promote digestive health. Finally, hummus contains vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for cats’ overall health.
How can I make sure my cat is safe when eating hummus?
The best way to make sure your cat is safe when eating hummus is to monitor their intake and make sure they do not eat too much. Cats can eat hummus in moderation, but too much of it can lead to stomach problems. If you are unsure about how much hummus your cat should eat, talk to your veterinarian.
Conclusion
From all of the research we have done, it seems that the answer to can cats eat hummus is no. There are a few reasons for this. The first being that chickpeas, which are the main ingredient in hummus, can be harmful to cats. Chickpeas contain a compound called saponin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats.
In addition, many brands of hummus also contain garlic and onion, both of which are toxic to cats. Even if a brand of hummus does not contain garlic or onion, it is likely to contain other ingredients that may not be suitable for cats, such as lemon juice or tahini.
If you are looking for a safe and healthy treat for your cat, we recommend sticking to cat-safe foods like chicken or fish.
