Diets for Life President Jim Miller recently conducted informal, non-clinical testing on its hummus for canines. The results are fascinating, if not downright enlightening, to say the least. Here’s the scoop on our homemade canine hummus.
Mode of testing: Non-clinical
Time frame: May 2015 to September 2015
Number of dogs tested: 71 (with both flavors)
Object: Tested for tolerance, palatability, overall appeal.
Flavors: (2) - Blueberry Splash & Strawberry Coconut Cluster
Mode of testing: Non-clinical
Time frame: May 2015 to September 2015
Number of dogs tested: 71 (with both flavors)
Object: Tested for tolerance, palatability, overall appeal.
Flavors: (2) - Blueberry Splash & Strawberry Coconut Cluster
 Blueberry Splash Hummus |  Strawberry Coconut Cluster Hummus |
When I set out to produce our very own, proprietary canine hummus, it was paramount that the ingredients would have to be of the finest quality. I think we have achieved just that. DFL hummus is non-GMO, preservative-free and devoid of citrus and garlic – unlike many of the commercially prepared store-bought brands. In addition, we are researching the possibility of using home-grown fruit (blueberries & strawberries grown right in my own back-yard) as opposed to buying frozen blueberries & strawberries that have been transported many miles by truck and may end up sitting in storage for long periods of time. For the purposes of our non-clinical testing, we used organic fruit grown right here in the Garden State. The olive oil used was always 1st cold pressed, extra virgin. I personally taste tested several different brands to see which one, or ones, would deliver a strong after-taste bite. In other words, if you get a little burn in your throat after downing a small spoonful of oil olive, it usually means that you’ve picked a winner. The coconuts used in our strawberry hummus were never pre-packaged or bottled foodstuffs. We only use the “coconut meat” right from the newly halved sections. Before breaking open the coconut, I would poke (3) small holes in the little eyelets at the top and pour the fresh milk right into my dog’s bowl for a little treat.. Our tahini paste is a nutritional powerhouse of vitamins (high in the B vitamin: folate) and minerals (a good source of: calcium) that adds consistency to our hummus. Since we don’t use commercially prepared fillers and bulking agents (like tapioca starch), DFL’s tahini (crushed sesame seeds) gives our product a very creamy texture and smoothness, all the while eschewing non-nutritive, laboratory-concocted chemicals. The chick peas we use are carefully soaked overnight and lightly cooked to help preserve the nutritional integrity of this fiber and protein rich legume.
The Actual Testing
Our customers were given 8 ounce containers filled with our hummus and instructed to “mix it right in with their” dog’s regular food. Since this is non-clinical food testing there were no placebos, control groups or long-term analysis. The whole idea was to determine, generally within a 24 hour period, whether or not their dog was able to digest and assimilate our hummus without any digestive difficulties, loose stools or other GI tract issues. Of the (71) dogs we tested, (66) voraciously consumed it without any problems. (5) test dogs didn’t like it for one reason or another. Additionally, we had (6) dog owners (not counted as part of the original recipients) who declined our offer of some “free food” citing that their dog(s) had “recurring GI tract problems” and “didn’t want to give them anything that might cause distress.” Of the (6) owners who declined, one reaction in particular really stood out in our mind. The owner actually showed our hummus to their vet for approval. The vet immediately dismissed it (I am paraphrasing here) “as something you shouldn’t give your dog in lieu of her past history of GI tract problems”. I find that answer somewhat disconcerting on so many different levels, in that most vets sell “Science Diet” in their offices. SD is generally regarded (by anyone who knows a thing or two about nutrition) as one of the leading causative agents in promoting GI tract problems over the long haul. In other words, it’s a heavily processed, non-nutritive, carbohydrate laden amalgam of cheap grains, by-products, fillers and synthetic chemicals that keeps your dog in a “vicious cycle” of never truly satisfying their protein requirements all the while promoting all kinds of digestive disorders over the long haul. The 1st five ingredients listed are either grain or carbohydrate derivatives.
One of the surprising results in our testing is that none of the owners reported that their dog’s had loose stools. I thought for sure that due to the “high fiber” content of the chick peas there would be at least a few experiencing “softened feces.” That wasn’t the case at all. All owners that we queried reported that their dogs “had no issues with loose stools” – even after consuming the entire 8 ounces. Stool colors, as per our respondents, remained a “healthy brown to dark brown in all cases. Equally intriguing is that there were no reports of “stomach upsets” or “reactions with vet-prescribed meds” We didn’t think that our hummus would be inflammatory in any way (even with dogs that take medications) and that was most certainly confirmed unanimously. Another consideration that we had was blood sugar spiking due to the fruit (blueberries & strawberries). While organic blueberries and strawberries are low on the glycemic index, it is worth noting that many dogs on a commercially prepared diet are prone to glucose problems to varying degrees. While it is not known from our respondents whether or not their dogs are especially sensitive to blood sugar spiking (a blood fasting glucose test from your vet can determine this), the consensus was that our hummus did not pose an “inflammatory threat” of any proportions. Moreover, of the test dogs that were “diabetic”, none of the owners reported having to adjust insulin levels (either up or down).
As far as taste preference goes, not all of our test dogs received both Blueberry Splash and Strawberry Coconut Cluster hummus. Depending on when I would rendezvous with the dog’s owners and what I had available at the time dictated what they received. It was made known to all that both flavors would be accessible if they wanted it. We did, however, manage to test (71) dogs with both flavors by expanding our testing pool during the last phase. Responses ranged from “my dog absolutely loved it” to “my dog sniffed it for a while before he ate it” to “my dogs ate around their other food to get to it.” There were no reports of dogs eating it and then regurgitating their stomach contents. Of the (5) test dogs who weren’t impressed, it is worth noting that they (according to the owners) are typically “picky” eaters much of the time anyway. So, our hummus was just another in a long line of foods that they won’t eat. Overall, we are pleased with the results. So much so, that we are already planning additional hummus flavors, including our DFL Berry Berry Good brand.
It now seems conclusive that our DFL hummus is safe for canine consumption. We do emphasize that our product is intended as an adjunct to an otherwise healthy eating regiment – not as a main course. Since chick peas (along with white beans, lentils, fava beans, et al) are incomplete protein sources due to the lack of certain amino acids, discretion should be used when mapping out a diet plan for your dog. Combining our hummus with a DFL instructed raw, home-cooked, Mediterranean or combo plan can go a long way in helping your dog stay healthy throughout all life stages.
The Actual Testing
Our customers were given 8 ounce containers filled with our hummus and instructed to “mix it right in with their” dog’s regular food. Since this is non-clinical food testing there were no placebos, control groups or long-term analysis. The whole idea was to determine, generally within a 24 hour period, whether or not their dog was able to digest and assimilate our hummus without any digestive difficulties, loose stools or other GI tract issues. Of the (71) dogs we tested, (66) voraciously consumed it without any problems. (5) test dogs didn’t like it for one reason or another. Additionally, we had (6) dog owners (not counted as part of the original recipients) who declined our offer of some “free food” citing that their dog(s) had “recurring GI tract problems” and “didn’t want to give them anything that might cause distress.” Of the (6) owners who declined, one reaction in particular really stood out in our mind. The owner actually showed our hummus to their vet for approval. The vet immediately dismissed it (I am paraphrasing here) “as something you shouldn’t give your dog in lieu of her past history of GI tract problems”. I find that answer somewhat disconcerting on so many different levels, in that most vets sell “Science Diet” in their offices. SD is generally regarded (by anyone who knows a thing or two about nutrition) as one of the leading causative agents in promoting GI tract problems over the long haul. In other words, it’s a heavily processed, non-nutritive, carbohydrate laden amalgam of cheap grains, by-products, fillers and synthetic chemicals that keeps your dog in a “vicious cycle” of never truly satisfying their protein requirements all the while promoting all kinds of digestive disorders over the long haul. The 1st five ingredients listed are either grain or carbohydrate derivatives.
One of the surprising results in our testing is that none of the owners reported that their dog’s had loose stools. I thought for sure that due to the “high fiber” content of the chick peas there would be at least a few experiencing “softened feces.” That wasn’t the case at all. All owners that we queried reported that their dogs “had no issues with loose stools” – even after consuming the entire 8 ounces. Stool colors, as per our respondents, remained a “healthy brown to dark brown in all cases. Equally intriguing is that there were no reports of “stomach upsets” or “reactions with vet-prescribed meds” We didn’t think that our hummus would be inflammatory in any way (even with dogs that take medications) and that was most certainly confirmed unanimously. Another consideration that we had was blood sugar spiking due to the fruit (blueberries & strawberries). While organic blueberries and strawberries are low on the glycemic index, it is worth noting that many dogs on a commercially prepared diet are prone to glucose problems to varying degrees. While it is not known from our respondents whether or not their dogs are especially sensitive to blood sugar spiking (a blood fasting glucose test from your vet can determine this), the consensus was that our hummus did not pose an “inflammatory threat” of any proportions. Moreover, of the test dogs that were “diabetic”, none of the owners reported having to adjust insulin levels (either up or down).
As far as taste preference goes, not all of our test dogs received both Blueberry Splash and Strawberry Coconut Cluster hummus. Depending on when I would rendezvous with the dog’s owners and what I had available at the time dictated what they received. It was made known to all that both flavors would be accessible if they wanted it. We did, however, manage to test (71) dogs with both flavors by expanding our testing pool during the last phase. Responses ranged from “my dog absolutely loved it” to “my dog sniffed it for a while before he ate it” to “my dogs ate around their other food to get to it.” There were no reports of dogs eating it and then regurgitating their stomach contents. Of the (5) test dogs who weren’t impressed, it is worth noting that they (according to the owners) are typically “picky” eaters much of the time anyway. So, our hummus was just another in a long line of foods that they won’t eat. Overall, we are pleased with the results. So much so, that we are already planning additional hummus flavors, including our DFL Berry Berry Good brand.
It now seems conclusive that our DFL hummus is safe for canine consumption. We do emphasize that our product is intended as an adjunct to an otherwise healthy eating regiment – not as a main course. Since chick peas (along with white beans, lentils, fava beans, et al) are incomplete protein sources due to the lack of certain amino acids, discretion should be used when mapping out a diet plan for your dog. Combining our hummus with a DFL instructed raw, home-cooked, Mediterranean or combo plan can go a long way in helping your dog stay healthy throughout all life stages.
Additional testing data
Age range of dogs – Between (2) and (17)
Puppies tested – None < than (2) years old were tested
Palatability/overall appeal success rate : 93 % (5)
dogs out of a pool of (71) did not like it. (66) dogs liked it.
Tolerance success rate : 100%
Reports of gastrointestinal upset or distress – None
Serving sizes issued – (8) oz. containers
Glycemic Index rating - 12 (low). The inclusion of organic fruit raises the GI
number. Foods with a GI index of < 50 are considered to be perfectly safe.
Age range of dogs – Between (2) and (17)
Puppies tested – None < than (2) years old were tested
Palatability/overall appeal success rate : 93 % (5)
dogs out of a pool of (71) did not like it. (66) dogs liked it.
Tolerance success rate : 100%
Reports of gastrointestinal upset or distress – None
Serving sizes issued – (8) oz. containers
Glycemic Index rating - 12 (low). The inclusion of organic fruit raises the GI
number. Foods with a GI index of < 50 are considered to be perfectly safe.
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