Updated: August 8, 2022 by Kristen Chapple
Hummus is one of the most popular dishes coming out of the Middle East since it is really delicious, healthy and it goes well with so many things. You can serve it as a main course, as a dip or as a spread and there are several varieties of flavors that you can choose from but the main ingredients are always focusing on the chickpea flavor. It is quite a tasty and nutritious food for us but can cats eat hummus? This is definitely not a part of their natural menu but let us find out if there are any harmful elements in it for your pet!
Nutritional Value
Chickpeas are gluten-free and hummus is thus a favorite for vegetarians everywhere as these beans are very rich in nutrients. Proteins and healthy fats are present in garbanzo beans and thus these can improve the skin, muscles, ligaments, and other connective tissues of your cat. The fats they have reduce the risk of heart disease but this isn’t a very high threat for cats unless they are obese as cats don’t usually have cholesterol problems.
Among the micronutrients found in chickpeas lecithin, magnesium, copper, folate, and vitamins B and A are important for your cat to help with their muscles, skin and nerves. The high content of fiber will treat constipation and diarrhea but all of these benefits are much less helpful for cats compared to us. Their digestive system is used to assimilate meat and vegetables or beans pose problems for them. That being said, a simply prepared hummus can be good as an occasional treat.
Problems
The recipes we usually buy or make for hummus aren’t very simple though and they contain quite a few other ingredients that your cat can have serious problems with. The classic recipe for hummus contains olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and optional herbs and spices. Garlic is especially problematic as it is dangerous to cats even in small quantities.
The added oil can also increase your cat’s calorie intake to a dangerous amount so your cat will have an increased risk of obesity and these won’t offer any health benefits in exchange. There are also some studies that see a connection between chickpeas and conditions such as gout, arthritis or other inflammatory problems in cats. Apparently male cats are affected more but more research is required to have clear idea.
Salt is also quite abundant in dishes made for us humans and cats will have problems digesting it, so to make things simpler remember that human food should be kept for us and cats should have their own menu.
Short Answer:
It doesn’t provide many health benefits and there are some ingredients in it which are very dangerous so it is better to prepare something specifically for your cat instead of giving them a bit of what you are eating.