Can Dogs Eat Sesame Seeds? Benefits, Risks, and Safe Serving Tips
It is indeed safe to feed your dogs sesame seeds, but this does come with a few caveats.
In This Article:
Are Sesame Seeds Safe for Dogs? Potential Benefits of Sesame Seeds for Dogs Risks of Feeding Your Dog Sesame Seeds Safe Ways to Feed Your Dog Sesame Seeds Should I Feed My Dog Sesame Seeds?
If your dog is intently looking at you while you’re snacking on sesame seeds, you may be tempted to share them. Assuming they’re harmless, however, is not a good idea. In fact, it’s never OK to assume that a human food is risk-free to a dog. Before you share anything, you need to know if a food is safe, has benefits or potential risks, and how to feed it to your dog.
With that said, the good news is that sesame seeds aren’t toxic to dogs. But you will need to offer them in moderation, while keeping a few precautions in mind.
How much do you spend on your pet per year?
Are sesame seeds safe for dogs?
Sesame seeds, in small amounts, are usually safe for dogs. They are not poisonous and actually contain beneficial nutrients, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and healthy fats. But keep in mind that they are meant as a snack, not as a replacement for a balanced canine diet.
Moderation is important. If you sprinkle sesame seeds on your dog’s food, or feed your dog an occasional baked treat that has a few seeds in it, that’s OK. But large quantities can cause digestive upset or weight gain, particularly in small dogs.
It’s also essential to know, before feeding any to your pup, if the sesame seeds are coated in salt, sugar, spices, or sauces. These additives can be harmful to your dog.
Potential benefits of sesame seeds for dogs
As mentioned, sesame seeds can offer nutritional benefits to your dog.
Healthy fats: Omega-6 fatty acids can help their skin and coat health.
Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc are minerals that can help your dog’s bones, nerves, and immune health.
Antioxidants: Lignans and vitamin E can help fight oxidative stress and support cell health.
Fiber: Digestion and bowel regularity are helped by the fiber in sesame seeds.
Obviously, the small amount you can give your dog will keep those benefits to a minimum. Dogs need to get most of their nutrition from complete, balanced dog food. Sesame seeds should be considered a treat or an occasional garnish.
Risks of feeding your dog sesame seeds
Even though they’re not toxic, there are some risks to consider when giving your dog sesame seeds.
Digestive upset: Sensitive stomachs are not uncommon in dogs, and some may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or gas if they eat too many sesame seeds.
High fat content: Overfeeding sesame seeds to dogs can lead to unnecessary weight gain because they are calorie-dense and high in fat. Dogs with a history of pancreatitis may be more sensitive to sesame seeds.
Possible allergies: It’s very rare for a dog to be allergic to sesame seeds. But it can happen. Symptoms of an allergic reaction could include itching, swelling, ear inflammation, or gastrointestinal distress.
Choking hazard (for small dogs): It’s very rare for a dog to choke on sesame seeds, but if you give them in large clumps or if your dog doesn’t chew them, there is a risk of choking.
Always introduce new foods gradually, and watch your pet for any adverse reactions.
Safe ways to feed sesame seeds to dogs
Keep the sesame seeds you feed to your dog simple, unsalted, and unseasoned. Some ways to do this include:
Adding a pinch of sesame seeds to your dog's regular food
Making dog treats or biscuits at home with a bit of sesame seeds added
Mixing up a batch of plain, cooked vegetables or rice and adding a few sesame seeds on top
Do not give your dog foods such as sesame chicken, hummus, or tahini. They are likely to contain other ingredients, such as garlic, onion, or excess salt and oil. Those ingredients can be dangerous or even toxic.
How many sesame seeds can dogs have?
A few pinches of sesame seeds are allowed. For small dogs, stick to a quarter-teaspoon of sesame seeds, occasionally. Medium or large dogs can have up to half of a teaspoon once or twice a week. This is a minuscule amount, but it’s enough to provide some flavor and minor nutritional benefits without causing problems to your dog’s stomach or unbalancing their diet.
How to prepare sesame seeds for dogs
When preparing sesame seeds, do not add oil or seasoning to them. Toasting or lightly roasting them is an ideal way to cook them. Roasting makes them easier to digest and enhances their flavor. In large amounts, raw sesame seeds can pass through the GI tract undigested. So if you’re using them in a treat or other recipe, be sure to bake them in, rather than just sprinkling raw seeds onto the food.
Should I feed my dogs sesame seeds?
They are safe, but only in moderation. Never give your dog sesame seeds instead of dog food, which is nutritionally complete. It’s also best to talk to your veterinarian before adding anything new to your dog’s meals. Your vet can help you decide if your pet would benefit from sesame seeds or if something else would be better. Sesame seeds should be considered an occasional topping, not a daily staple.
Bottom line
When giving sesame seeds to dogs, keep them plain and unsalted, and serve them in tiny amounts. Yes, there are mild benefits, such as the healthy fats, minerals, and antioxidants they contain, but there are also risks of digestive upset or weight gain. Never turn to tahini or hummus as a way to feed your pup sesame seeds. Always feed it to your dog slowly, and pay attention to any unusual behavior after they eat the seeds. When used wisely, sesame seeds can be harmless and add variety to your dog’s meals.
FAQs
Can puppies eat sesame seeds?
Theoretically, puppies can eat sesame seeds, but it’s better to avoid sesame seeds until they are older. A puppy’s digestive system is not fully developed, and you should stick to balanced puppy food. It’s best to wait until they are at least six months old, then start with only a few seeds.
Are roasted sesame seeds safe for dogs?
Yes, plain roasting is recommended to make them easier to digest. Just make sure they are unsalted and oil-free. Don’t buy prepackaged, roasted seeds, because they may contain seasonings or additives.
Can dogs be allergic to sesame seeds?
It’s very unusual for a dog to be allergic to sesame seeds, but it’s not impossible. Watch for itching, red skin, ear irritation, or GI upset. Contact your veterinarian if any of these occur.
Will sesame seeds make a dog sick?
Most dogs will not get sick from eating sesame seeds, if you only give them a small amount. If you provide too many, they can get stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting. Also, you should keep sesame seeds away from dogs with pancreatitis, food allergies, and obesity.
Resources
Cortinovis, Cristina, and Francesca Caloni. “Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 3, no. 26, 22 Mar. 2016. www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2016.00026/fullopens in new tab.
Fascetti, Andrea J. “Nutritional Management and Disease Prevention in Healthy Dogs and Cats.” Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, vol. 39, July 2010, pp. 42–51. www.scielo.br/j/rbz/a/nPV4DPcHDDzLMQgDWYmCMXC/?lang=enopens in new tab,
Mansfield, Caroline S., et al. “Assessing the Severity of Canine Pancreatitis.” Research in Veterinary Science, vol. 74, no. 2, Apr. 2003, pp. 137–144. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0034528802001819?via%3Dihubopens in new tab.
