Is Hummus Safe for Cats? Benefits, Risks and Healthier Alternatives

Is Hummus Bad For Cats?

Hummus has become a popular snack for humans thanks to its creamy, nutty flavor and stellar nutritional profile. But is this chickpea-based dip safe and healthy for cats to eat too? Or should hummus be kept off the menu for feline friends?

Hummus is made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning. Traditional hummus has a smooth, spreadable texture not unlike peanut butter. It provides a hefty dose of plant-based protein, healthy fats, dietary fiber and key vitamins and minerals.

These nutrients make hummus an excellent snack choice for humans. But the verdict is a little more complicated when it comes to cats and hummus.

Is Hummus Toxic to Cats?

Hummus is not toxic to cats in moderation. The main ingredients - chickpeas, olive oil, sesame seeds and lemon juice are all feline-friendly. However, hummus may cause digestive upset in cats if fed incorrectly or in large amounts.

Some key considerations regarding cats and hummus include:

• High fat content - The olive oil makes hummus very high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis in cats if consumed excessively.
• Garlic and onions - Some hummus contains garlic or onion powder which are toxic to cats.
• Choking hazard - The thick, sticky texture poses a choking risk, especially if gobbed directly from the tub.
• Digestive issues - Chickpeas contain oligosaccharides that may cause gas or bloating in some cats.

Benefits of Hummus for Cats

In small amounts, hummus can provide some nutritional perks for cats, including:

• Protein - Chickpeas supply plant-based protein to support muscle growth and maintenance.
• Dietary fiber - The fiber in chickpeas promotes healthy digestion and aids hairball control.
• Vitamins & minerals - Hummus contains iron, magnesium, folate and other vitamins and minerals cats need.
• Healthy fats - The olive oil provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
• Antioxidants - Tahini offers antioxidant compounds that boost immunity.

So hummus can make a tasty, nutritious occasional treat for cats in small portions. But it shouldn't become a regular part of your cat's daily diet.

Can Cats Eat Hummus Safely?

Cats can eat hummus safely provided it is introduced gradually and fed properly. Here are some tips for serving hummus to cats:

Choose plain, garlic-free hummus

Avoid flavored hummus or any containing garlic, onions or chives which are toxic to cats. Plain hummus has a milder flavor cats tend to accept more readily too.

Serve hummus thinned out

Dilute a spoonful of hummus with a few tablespoons of water to create a thinner consistency. Thick hummus poses a choking hazard and cats may reject it.

Limit portion size

Feed cats just 1-2 teaspoons of thinned hummus at first, gradually increasing to 1 tablespoon max per 4 lbs body weight. This prevents GI issues.

Mix with cat food

Stir a dollop of thinned hummus into your cat's wet food to introduce the flavor safely and slow down eating.

Supervise snack time

Directly oversee snack sessions to ensure your cat swallows hummus instead of potentially inhaling it.

Discard uneaten hummus

Don't leave hummus sitting out. Bacteria from your cat's mouth can contaminate leftovers raising the risk of food poisoning.

Risks of Feeding Hummus to Cats

While hummus isn't necessarily dangerous for cats, there are some potential risks with improper feeding. These include:

Pancreatitis

Excessive fat intake can trigger this painful inflammation of the pancreas. Feed hummus sparingly and discontinue use if your cat vomits or appears unwell after eating it.

Choking or aspiration

The thick texture and stickiness of hummus poses a choking hazard if cats inhale it into their airways. Always mix hummus with water before feeding.

Allergic reaction

Some cats may be allergic to chickpeas or sesame seeds. Look for hives, itching, swelling or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Nutritional imbalance

Too much hummus can lead to an unbalanced diet low in animal-based protein. Hummus should just be an occasional treat, not a dietary staple.

Food poisoning

Eating contaminated, spoiled hummus can cause vomiting or diarrhea. Discard any uneaten hummus immediately after serving.

Healthier Hummus Options for Cats

To make hummus more feline-friendly, opt for healthier versions or tweak recipes to reduce risks. Some better options include:

1. Veggie-Based Hummus

Substitute chickpeas with veggies your cat already tolerates like pumpkin, sweet potato or zucchini. Roast until soft then blend with olive oil, seasoning and water to reach a hummus-like consistency.

2. Egg White Hummus

Blend hard-boiled egg whites with a little olive oil and water for a protein-packed, low-fat hummus alternative. Egg yolks tend to be too rich for cats.

3. Beef or Chicken Hummus

For a meaty hummus, use cooked ground beef, turkey or chicken breast instead of chickpeas. Process with olive oil, broth and seasoning in a blender or food processor.

4. Low-Fat Hummus

To lower the fat content, try using vegetable broth instead of oil to blend your hummus. Or limit oil to just 1 teaspoon per 3 oz chickpeas.

5. Extra Hydrated Hummus

Blend hummus with more water or unsalted vegetable broth to create a thinner, more pourable consistency easier for cats to lap up.

Signs Your Cat Shouldn't Eat Hummus

While many cats tolerate hummus just fine, others may show signs of intolerance or adverse reactions. Stop feeding hummus if your cat experiences:

• Vomiting or regurgitation after eating hummus
• Diarrhea or abnormal stools
• Excessive flatulence or abdominal bloating
• Dehydration from GI upset
• Itchy skin, hives, swelling or other allergic symptoms
• Inappetence or refusal to eat hummus
• Weight loss from GI irritation
• Pancreatitis symptoms like lethargy, belly pain and vomiting

See your veterinarian promptly if your cat has any abnormal reaction after eating hummus. For cats with sensitivities, it's best to avoid hummus and try alternative healthy treats instead.

Best Hummus Alternatives for Cats

If your cat doesn't take well to hummus, you can try substituting with some other protein-packed snack options, like:

Canned fish

Go for unseasoned options like tuna, salmon or sardines packed in water. Offer a small spoonful on its own or mixed into food.

Hard-boiled or scrambled eggs

A bite of cooked egg makes a tasty, nourishing treat. Egg whites tend to be better tolerated than fatty yolks.

Plain yogurt

Look for unsweetened yogurt containing live active cultures. A dollop provides protein and probiotics.

Chicken or beef broth

Low-sodium varieties provide a savory, hydrating snack cats love. Choose unseasoned bone or meat broths.

Thinned peanut butter

Stir a teaspoon of all-natural peanut butter into hot water to temper the thickness. Look for brands without added sugar.

Low-sodium deli meat

A shredded piece of boiled ham, turkey or chicken offers a novel texture and taste.

The Verdict on Cats and Hummus

So can cats eat hummus? In moderation, yes - hummus can make an occasional healthy treat for cats. Its nutritious chickpea base provides protein, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

However, the dense texture and high fat content means hummus should only be fed diluted and in very small portions. Avoid flavored hummus or any containing onions or garlic. And discontinue use if your cat shows any signs of stomach upset or allergic reaction.

With proper precautions, a teaspoon of plain hummus blended with water can be a safe snack. But for cats that don't tolerate hummus well, stick with more traditional cat-friendly treats instead.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.