Can Dogs Eat Sesame Seeds? A Comprehensive Guide for Owners

I love sesame seeds. For something so small, they add so much flavor to all kinds of food including burger buns, flatbreads, granola, and sushi. But can dogs eat sesame seeds? Do they have the same nutritional benefits as they do for humans? And how many sesame seeds can dogs have?

Let’s find out all the answers so you know how to keep your pooch safe.

In Short: Can Dogs Eat Sesame Seeds?

Yes, dogs can safely eat sesame seeds. These little, yummy seeds are nutrient-rich and can be a good and healthy addition to your dog’s diet. But, as with any new food you add to their diet, check with your vet first and only feed them sesame seeds in moderation.

Benefits of Feeding Dogs Sesame Seeds

There are some health benefits to feeding sesame seeds to your pup. Here are the most important ones for you to be aware of:

Fiber Content. For something as small as a sesame seed, it has a surprising amount of fiber. Fibre can help to reduce constipation and make your pup more regular. It can also help with gut health.

Source of Minerals. Sesame seeds also contain magnesium, calcium, and iron which help them to grow strong bones and with blood production.

Source of Vitamins. These little seeds contain vitamins B and E which help with metabolism, cognitive functioning, and coat and skin health.

Taste and Texture. Sesame seeds add a good amount of crunch and flavor to your pup’s meals, which they may love!

Risks of Feeding Your Dog Sesame Seeds

If you want to incorporate sesame seeds into your dog’s diet, there are a couple of risks you should be aware of.

Upset Stomach. If your dog eats too many sesame seeds, it could cause them to have an upset stomach. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or lethargy. Monitor them for signs and contact your vet if you’re worried.

Allergy. Humans can be allergic to sesame seeds and so can dogs. The first time you feed sesame seeds to your dog, only give them a few and monitor them for signs of an allergy (similar to those of an upset stomach). Again, if your dog does show signs, contact your vet for advice.

Can Dogs Eat Sesame Oil?

Sesame oil is not toxic to dogs however it’s not something that should be a regular part of their diet. Like other oils, sesame oil is high in fat which can lead to health problems and weight gain if eaten too often.

Can Dogs Eat Tahini?

Plain tahini is safe to feed dogs. Tahini is a sesame seed paste that’s one of the main ingredients in hummus. Whilst non-toxic to dogs, tahini is high in calories and shouldn’t be a regular part of your pooch’s meals.

It’s also really important to make sure the tahini is plain and doesn’t contain any added ingredients that could be toxic to dogs. Ingredients such as onions, garlic, and chili can be common.

How to Serve Dogs Sesame Seeds

There are lots of great ways you can add sesame seeds to your pup’s diet. Just remember, it’s important it’s in moderation and to check with your vet before doing so.

As a Treat. Try giving your pup a small amount of sesame seeds as a treat for good behavior. It’s a healthier option than some shop-bought ones and they may love it!

Add to an Interactive Toy. Interactive toys are a great way to keep pups stimulated and entertained. Try mixing kibble and sesame seeds together and adding them to a toy for your pup to ‘discover’. They’ll love the crunch and fun of it.

Added to Meals. If you’re thinking about introducing sesame seeds to your dog’s diet, a great way is through their regular food. Sprinkle a few ontop and see how your furry friend gets on.

In a Pupsicle. Try mixing up some healthy veggies, such as broccoli, asparagus, and celery, and adding some sesame seeds. You can then free the mixture in a puzzle toy or on a lick mat for your pup to enjoy on a hot day!

So, Can Dogs Eat Sesame Seeds?

Yes, it’s safe to feed dogs sesame seeds. There are even some potential health benefits. These tiny seeds are packed full of flavor and nutrients and can contribute to your dog’s overall well-being. Your pup should, however, be getting all the nutrients and calories they need from their regular dog food so sesame seeds should be a healthy treat, rather than a necessity.

Just remember to feed them in moderation and give the seeds to them in different ways. You could also try mixing them with other healthy seeds such as pumpkin seeds, for a doggy-friendly trail mix!