Can Cats Eat Hummus? Nutritional Facts & Safety Guide
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Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern food enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. If you’re wondering if you can feed some hummus to your cat, you shouldn’t. Hummus is made of chickpeas and several spices, including tahini and garlic, that can cause your cat to get sick.
There’s quite a bit of garlic in most store-bought hummus, which is something your cat should never eat. Garlic, like onions, can lead to oxidative damage of red blood cell hemoglobin. This can lead to your cat becoming anemic as the red blood cells are destroyed by the body. Keep reading to learn more about why you should not feed your cat hummus.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats Hummus
You don’t have to do anything if your cat takes a small lick of hummus. However, if they eat a lot of it, you should call your vet right away for advice.
Your vet may ask you some questions regarding how much garlic was in the hummus, the weight of your cat, and how much of the hummus they ate. You’ll likely be told to keep a close eye on your cat to watch for signs of illness like vomiting or diarrhea or to bring your cat in for treatment.
Avoid Feeding Your Cat Chickpeas
Maybe you’re wondering if you can give your cat some chickpeas now and then. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, can be difficult for cats to digest. In general, no beans are good for cats because they’re simply not a part of any feline diet.
Other Foods Not to Feed Your Cat
There are many ‘people’ foods you should never feed your cat. If you think your cat has eaten any of the following foods, get in touch with your vet for some advice.
Be ready to answer a few questions posed by your vet, like the age and overall health of your cat and how much of the food they ate. All these foods are considered toxic to cats which means they can make your pet very sick.
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits
- Grapes and raisins
- Yeast bread dough
- Onion, garlic, and chives
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
Human Foods Your Cat Can Eat
If you’d like to share some of your food with your cat, that’s fine in moderation, as long as it’s something that won’t make your pet sick. Feel free to give your cat any of the following foods, in small amounts. Overfeeding your cat anything can lead to weight gain and health problems, just like overeating can make you fat and unhealthy!
- Cooked fish like salmon, cod, halibut, or perch
- Cooked eggs
- Cooked meat like beef, pork, or poultry
- Berries
- Rice
- Carrots
- Oatmeal
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
If you want to give your kitty any of the foods above, do so in moderation. These are foods that can be given as snacks now and then. Your cat should be eating quality cat food every day that meets their unique nutritional requirements.
Ways to Improve Your Cat’s Health Through Food
If you have a finicky cat that isn’t crazy about eating the foods you give him, you’re not alone! Many cats are picky eaters. We’ve put together the following methods you can use to improve your cat’s health through diet, even if your cat is a very picky eater!
Try Canned Food Over Dry Food or vice versa
As carnivores, cats need to eat meat to stay healthy. Many cats have strong preferences when it comes to the texture, flavor, temperature and smell of food. Try your cat with dried, tinned or semi-moist along with different flavors of food. Sooner or later, you’ll hit paydirt and find the perfect food your cat adores!
Read Cat Food Labels
Pet food that’s complete and balanced is marked with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) label. Simply ensure that the cat food you buy carries this label. Sure, it can be a hassle to read all the small print on cat food, but it’s a task worth doing! Once you get used to looking for the AAFCO label, it will become second nature to you.
Don’t Overdo It with People Food
Even if your cat loves eating the same foods you eat, take it easy with non-cat food. Your cat needs to eat a balanced diet that has all the vitamins and nutrients needed for good health.
The best cat foods on the market are formulated to meet a cat’s nutritional needs so don’t skimp! Buy the best cat food you can afford to ensure your cat is getting everything they need to live a long and healthy life.
Don’t Let Your Cat Get Fat
Obesity isn’t good for a cat just as it’s not good for people. Feline obesity is defined as a body weight that’s 20% or more above a cat’s normal weight. A fat cat is at a higher risk for developing all types of health problems including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
The best way to keep your cat slim and trim is to feed them a balanced diet and make sure they get adequate exercise. If your cat is not allowed to go outdoors, consider buying them a multi-level cat tree that allows them to do all the things they love, like jumping, climbing, and honing their hunting skills.
Now that you know what you can safely feed your cat, it’s just as important to find a bowl that supports their health and well-being. With whisker-friendly bowls and a wide tray to catch any spills, our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite option.
Conclusion
When you’re sharing your life with a cat, you certainly want what’s best for your feline companion. It’s fine to give your kitty a food treat now and then but don’t feed them hummus or other foods that can harm their health.
Follow the tips above and only feed your cat foods that benefit their health. When you use good sense at mealtimes, your kitty will thank you for it by staying happy and healthy!
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Featured Image Credit: Ajale, Pixabay
