Can Parrots Eat Hummus?

Yummmmmus….oops, I mean – Hummus. I absolutely love hummus. Hummus on crackers. Hummus on bread. Hummus on veggies. I just love hummus. And while we have talked a lot about different foods that parrots can or cannot have, we haven’t talked much about dips. So today I want to do just that – and we’re talking about hummus. Can parrots have hummus? Or is it, like some foods, toxic? And are there different kinds of hummus that parrots can have?

The answer to this question is yes, parrots can eat hummus. With that being said, not all hummus is created equally. Regular hummus is made out of chickpeas and oil – and it’s completely safe for parrots to have in moderation.

There are many other types of hummus too – garlic hummus, red pepper hummus, avocado hummus, sweet potato hummus – the list goes on and on. Which ones are safe for our parrots and which ones are not?

Today we will talk about all about hummus, learning which types are parrot safe and which types to avoid. We will also talk about the health benefits of hummus, any health risks associated with hummus, and how to serve hummus to your bird. So let’s not waste another minute!

Can Parrots have hummus?

When we’re talking about basic hummus, the answer is yes. Parrots can have hummus. The most basic of hummus is simply made up of chickpeas, tahini, and oil, and each are completely safe for your parrot to have in moderation. In fact, the chickpeas in hummus hold some nutritional value for parrots.

Chickpeas contain:

Protein

Protein helps to prevent fatty liver disease, aides in growth and development, and promotes feather health. Protein also helps parrots to maintain warmth during molting season, so more protein content is required during this time.

Iron

Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, and helps to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron deficiencies can result in anemia.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus aids in bone development and helps to regulate the metabolism.

Copper

Copper promotes healthy blood vessels, bones, and connective tissues.

Manganese

Manganese which is essential for healthy bone growth and reproduction.

Are there any health risks to eating regular hummus?

Yes. Though hummus is safe for parrots in moderation, it does contain oil which has a high fat content. Just as too much fat content is not good for humans, it’s also not good for our birds. While some fat is okay, too much can lead to a variety of negative health consequences including obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and over time, premature death.

In addition, some store bought hummus packs can contain added salt. While parrots can digest small amounts of salt without difficulty, they do not excrete salt the same way that humans do. For this reason, large portions of salt can be dangerous for a parrot. In return, you should always check the ingredient list when buying hummus if you plan on sharing with your parrot. Hummus with no added salt is always the best choice.

How much hummus is okay? As we just mentioned, hummus is fine, but only in moderation. In other words, it’s okay to share a bite or two of your hummus snack with your parrot, but it should not be considered a regular part of their diet.

Hummus – Homemade vs. Store bought

If you can find salt free hummus at the store, it’s fine to share with your bird. With that being said, the best hummus is always homemade hummus. Why? Because when you make your own hummus you control exactly what goes in it. And the good news is that hummus is super easy to make. Here’s a little homemade hummus recipe that you can whip up in just a few minutes:

What you will need:

  • 16 oz can of chickpeas
  • ⅓ cup of almond butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Steps:

  • Gather all ingredients and place them in a food processor.
  • Blend until you have a smooth, creamy consistency
  • If too thick, add a small amount of water or chickpea liquid.

It’s that simple! And you can serve it up to your parrot on a cracker, a piece of bread, pita bread, or some fresh vegetables.

Can Parrots Eat Hummus?

Can my parrot have Garlic Hummus?

No. Garlic may add some flavor to your dish, but it’s not safe for your parrot to eat. Garlic contains a chemical known as allicin which, in birds, can cause weakness and anemia. While your parrot will probably be okay if they get a hold of a small amount of garlic, it shouldn’t be intentionally fed to them.

Can my parrot have Roasted Red Pepper Hummus?

Yes! Parrots can have roasted red pepper hummus. Aside from the same ingredients as basic hummus, the only additional ingredient in roasted red pepper hummus is – you guessed it – red peppers. And red peppers are on the safe list of foods for your parrot to eat.

Can my parrot have Avocado Hummus?

No. When it comes to foods that are toxic to parrots, avocados top the list. Avocados contain a toxin called “persin” which can be deadly for birds. While the pit and the skin of the avocado are the most deadly portions for parrots, the flesh can also pose a large risk. In return, you should never give your parrot avocado hummus even if it is homemade.

Can my parrot have Sweet Potato Hummus?

Yes. Parrots can have sweet potato hummus. Sweet potatoes contain a variety of beneficial nutrients including Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Potassium, and Manganese. Just be careful when buying sweet potato hummus – always make sure to look at the ingredient list. Some sweet potato hummus can be “spicy” in which case it probably isn’t the best choice for your parrot. When it comes to hummus, basic is best.

Can my parrot have Black Bean Hummus?

Yes and no. Parrots can have black bean hummus, but it’s advised that you make it at home. Black bean hummus can be prepared in several different ways. Sometimes the beans are cooked before they are added, and sometimes they are not.

Black bean hummus should only be fed to your parrot if the beans are cooked first. While cooked beans are a great snack for birds, uncooked beans contain hemagglutinin which is poisonous to parrots. In return, you should only feed them black bean hummus if you are certain that the beans were cooked before being mixed in. The best way to ensure this is by making your own.

Can my parrot have Pumpkin Hummus?

Yes. Pumpkin is completely safe for parrots to eat. In fact, pumpkin contains a high amount of Vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as Calcium and Magnesium, all of which are beneficial to your parrots diet.

What about other types of hummus?

When it comes to different types of hummus, the list goes on and on. If you aren’t sure whether your parrot can have a certain type or not, just look at the ingredient list. If they can have all of the ingredients on the list, then it is safe for your parrot. If there is an ingredient on the list that is toxic, then it’s best to avoid feeding it to your parrot.

In conclusion, there are some types of hummus that your parrot can have and some types that they should avoid. The best type of hummus for your parrot is basic hummus that consists of chickpeas, tahini, and oil. And while parrots can have store bought hummus, the best hummus for your parrot is always homemade – that way you know exactly what goes into it!

But remember, while hummus is safe for your parrot in moderation, it should not be a regular part of their diet. Hummus is high in fat content and can lead to obesity and other issues when eaten in excess. Stick to hummus as a snack and your parrot will be just fine!


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