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My small breed dog got into the hummus dip at a party last night and ate a couple of tablespoons — what should I watch for?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Hummus often contains garlic and lemon, which are toxic to dogs, so a couple of tablespoons is a concerning amount for a small breed. Watch for signs of garlic poisoning, which can be delayed up to a few days, including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and pale gums. Also monitor for any signs of an upset stomach from the high fat and tahini. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if your dog seems unusually tired or off their food, contact your vet promptly for an evaluation. Keep hummus and other seasoned dips well out of reach at future gatherings.

Hummus — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Chickpeas are fine but hummus brings garlic, lemon and tahini. Small taste only.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Hummus is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Why these cautions matter

Garlic and onion damage a pet's red blood cells and can bring on anaemia. Signs are often delayed for several days, so looking fine straight afterwards does not rule it out.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Hummus food facts page.

Open the full food page: Hummus food facts →