A lot of people in the United States love hummus because it’s a tasty Middle Eastern dip. If you enjoy hummus in your home, whether as a dip, a dish, or a spread, you may have wondered if your cat would enjoy it.
No, to put it briefly. Please read on as I explain why cats can’t maintain a diet of hummus.
Is Hummus Bad for My Cat?
Because of its carnivorous nature, your cat does best on a diet rich in animal proteins and low in carbohydrates, like that found in teat.
Chick Peas
Chickpeas are the main component of hummus. While chickpeas do contain some protein, it’s lacking in several essential amino acids found only in animal products, such as taurine.
Vegetable protein is unhealthy for cats because they lack essential nutrients.
Chickpeas are another source of unnecessary calories that can lead to obesity in your cat.
Little nutritional value is added, and your cat’s digestive system may have trouble breaking it down, which can lead to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
Tahini
Ground sesame seeds, or tahini, are another component of hummus. The high levels of fat and oil in these seeds can cause digestive upset in your cat, manifesting as diarrhea and vomiting.
Do not feed sesame seeds to a pregnant cat because they can cause a rise in body temperature.
Garlic
Garlic is another common ingredient that can be harmful to cats. It is related to onions, chives, and leeks and is classified as an Allium.
Consuming an excessive amount of garlic can lead to a condition in which the blood is unable to process the toxins found in garlic.
Cats are more vulnerable to the side effects of garlic because of their smaller size compared to dogs.
Hot Sauce
Many brands of hummus include hot sauce, which is toxic to cats. Your pet’s blood pressure may fluctuate, more blood may flow to his or her lungs, and fewer contractions in his or her intestines may cause diarrhea.
Sodium
Salt is another common component of hummus recipes. This ingredient isn’t as bad as some of the others on the list, but it can still make your cat sick if it has heart disease and cause it to retain water.
It could also make your pet drink more water and have more bathroom breaks.
Is Hummus Good for My Cat?
Chickpeas
Chickpeas have a small amount of fiber that can help relieve the symptoms of constipation by adding bulk to the stool and fluid to the intestines, and they also provide protein, even if the protein is incomplete.
Tahini
Tahini contains a high concentration of healthy omega-6 fats in the form of its fats and oils. Your cat’s immune system can get a boost from the protein and antioxidants in this.
How Can I Feed My Cat Hummus?
Small, infrequent servings of hummus are fine if your cat enjoys the spread. They should eat only a small portion, even of milder recipes that don’t call for hot sauce or garlic.
Chickpeas aren’t terrible for you, but eating too many of them at once can give you stomach pain and make you sick to your stomach.
Feeding your cat premium dry cat food with chicken or turkey as the first ingredient is ideal.
Complete and balanced nutrition is best provided by dry, crunchy food, which will help keep your cat healthy and free from digestive issues. Plaque and tartar, which can cause cavities, are also removed.
Healthy cat treats abound, and they can supply your pet with the protein it needs and the flavor it craves without adding extra pounds or causing other health problems.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats Hummus
A single lick of hummus by your cat won’t require any action on your part. But if they eat a lot of it, you should get in touch with your vet immediately.
Your veterinarian may inquire as to the quantity of garlic in the hummus, your cat’s weight, and the amount of hummus consumed.
If your cat exhibits symptoms of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea, you may be instructed to keep a close eye on it or to bring it in for treatment.
So, can cats eat hummus?
Making hummus at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, so you can safely give your cat a small amount if you leave out the garlic and reduce the amount of lemon juice.
Before letting your cat snack on your store-bought hummus, read the label to make sure it’s safe for consumption.