Can dogs eat
Chickpeas?
In moderation
Yes, in small amounts. Plain, thoroughly cooked chickpeas are safe for dogs. Hummus is not, because it usually contains garlic, onion and other seasonings.
Why it’s fine in small amounts
Chickpeas are not toxic to dogs, and PetMD says they are safe when freshly prepared and cooked thoroughly. They are a common ingredient in dog foods and treats. They offer protein, fiber and low calories, plus folate, potassium, magnesium and several vitamins.
They should complement a balanced commercial food rather than replace anything, though, and a few spoonfuls is plenty. Eaten in large amounts, beans, including garbanzos, can cause gas and digestive upset in some dogs, as PetMD notes in its guide to beans.
Preparation decides whether chickpeas are safe or not. Dried chickpeas are a choking hazard and hard to digest, so cook them until they squash easily under a fork. Canned chickpeas are usually high in sodium, so choose a low-sodium can and rinse well. Hummus and other seasoned chickpea spreads are the real hazard: they often contain garlic and onion, which the ASPCA says can irritate the gut and damage red blood cells, causing anemia.
Benefits
- Good source of protein and fiber
- Provides folate, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A and B
- Low in fat and calories when cooked plain
- Easy to mash into kibble or spread on a lick mat
Risks
- Dried chickpeas are a choking hazard and hard to digest
- Canned chickpeas are usually high in sodium
- Hummus and seasoned spreads often contain garlic, onion and spices
- Large amounts can cause gas and digestive upset
How to serve it safely
Cook plain chickpeas until a fork squashes them easily, with no salt, oil or spices. If you use canned, pick a low-sodium kind and rinse well. Mash a spoonful into your dog's kibble, pack it into a food toy, or smear a little on a lick mat as a slow snack.
PetMD's guide is one portion two to three times a week: about a tablespoon (15 ml) for a dog under 20 lb (9 kg), up to around five tablespoons for a dog over 90 lb (41 kg). Treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories, and chickpeas should never replace meat or regular meals.
Related forms
| Food | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked plain chickpeas | In moderation | Mashed or soft; the safest way to serve them. |
| Canned chickpeas | With caution | High in sodium; choose low-sodium and rinse well. |
| Dried, uncooked chickpeas | No | A choking hazard and hard to digest; cook until soft. |
| Hummus | No | Often contains garlic, onion and other spices that are unsafe for dogs. |
If your dog already ate it
A dog that ate a few plain chickpeas will most likely have gas or a soft stool. Offer water and watch.
Call your vet if your dog ate dry, hard chickpeas and is gagging, vomiting or painful. If your dog ate hummus or any chickpea dish containing garlic or onion, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply). Do not make your dog vomit at home.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat hummus?
No. PetMD says hummus often contains garlic, onion and spices that are unsafe for dogs. Plain mashed cooked chickpeas are the safer choice.
Are canned chickpeas safe for dogs?
They can be, with care. PetMD says canned chickpeas are usually high in sodium, so pick a low-sodium variety and rinse them well.
Can dogs eat raw chickpeas?
No. Dried chickpeas are a choking hazard and harder to digest. Cook them until they are soft all the way through.
Are chickpeas good for dogs?
They offer protein, fiber and some vitamins and minerals, but they should complement a balanced dog food, not replace it.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy