Can Cats Eat Chickpeas?

Cats can eat a tiny bite of plain, cooked chickpea, but they do not need it. Cats need meat. Never give hummus. It is usually made with garlic, and garlic can harm cats. The sources we read do not list plain chickpeas as poisonous to cats.

Are chickpeas safe for cats?

Plain chickpeas are not on the ASPCA’s list of people foods to avoid. That list does not mention chickpeas at all, so it can’t tell us they are safe. The sources we read do not cover chickpeas for cats in detail. So treat them as a “maybe a nibble” food, not a healthy one.

The ASPCA also says eating any plant can sometimes upset a cat’s stomach. If your cat tries a bite, watch for throwing up or loose stool.

Why do cats need meat more than beans?

Cats are different from dogs in what they must eat. The Merck Veterinary Manual says cats need taurine, an amino acid. Plant protein does not have it. So cats need some animal-based protein, or taurine added to their food. Too little taurine can lead to heart disease and eye damage.

Merck also says cats cannot turn plant color pigments into vitamin A the way many animals can. They need vitamin A already made, from foods like liver or fish oil.

Chickpeas are mostly plant starch and plant protein. Merck says cats do not need carbs in their food. A bite will not hurt, but it also does nothing for your cat.

Why is hummus a problem for cats?

Hummus is the real danger. Most recipes use garlic. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline both say garlic and onion can damage red blood cells and may lead to anemia, which means too few healthy red blood cells. Both say cats are more sensitive to these foods than dogs.

Pet Poison Helpline says how risky it is depends on how much was eaten and the size of your animal. We did not find a safe amount for cats, so do not guess. Call your vet.

The same goes for falafel, curry, and other chickpea dishes. They often have garlic or onion in them. Salt is another worry. The ASPCA says too much salt can cause thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and in bad cases tremors and seizures.

How can I serve chickpeas to my cat?

If you want to share, keep it very simple:

• Use plain chickpeas cooked in plain water, with no salt, oil, garlic, onion or spices.
• If you use canned chickpeas, check the label for garlic or onion, and rinse them well.
• Offer one or two, mashed, and see how your cat does.
• Stop if your cat throws up or has loose stool.

What about chickpeas in cat food?

You may see chickpeas, peas and lentils on a cat food label. The FDA looked into reports of heart disease in pets that ate foods high in peas, lentils, and other legume seeds. Chickpeas are part of that group. Most of the reports were in dogs. The FDA says it has not proven that the food causes the disease. It calls the issue complex, and its last public update was in December 2022.

If you are unsure about your cat’s food, ask your vet. Do not change your cat’s diet because of one article.

What can I give my cat instead?

Cats do best on a complete cat food. For a treat, pick one made for cats, or a small piece of plain cooked meat. Treats of any kind should stay under about 10% of your cat’s daily calories.

For a longer list, see our guide to foods that are toxic to cats. You can also read whether cats can eat peas or garlic.