Usually, dogs cannot have seeds. But sometimes, there can be an exception! So, you found your dog sniffing around a box filled with sesame seeds. And now your question is – “can dogs eat sesame seeds?”
To cut it short- Yes. But hear us out before you let them dig their nose into the box!
Sesame seeds are beneficial for dogs but also come with caution. So here is everything you need to know before feeding your dog sesame seeds or sesame oil.
Benefits of Giving Your Dog Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are not at all toxic to dogs. The only thing to remember is to feed them in moderation. Anything overfed can harm your dog instead of benefiting them. Similarly, sesame seeds also bring many benefits to your pup.
1. Rich in minerals
Starting with the minerals! Sesame seeds are rich in iron. Like any other nutritional need, iron also helps keep your dog healthy. It primarily focuses on the liver function of the body. It also helps circulate blood efficiently from the heart to different body parts (article). Although, sesame seeds do not have enough iron to do magic overnight.
2. Strengthens metabolism
Now, we move on to vitamins like Vitamin B and E. Both of them play an essential role in improving your dog’s health. They strengthen the metabolism and maintain good heart health. It helps to manage the fat content in the body. And the goodness of sesame seeds does not end just here!
3. Contains fiber
Sesame seeds are known for their fibrous content. If your dog gets enough fiber daily, it will face fewer constipation issues. Although sesame seeds do not have enough fiber to cure constipation instantly, they can significantly help if fed with other meals.
4. Has anti-inflammatory properties
Lastly, sesame seeds are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory properties. They protect your dogs from infections and diseases by strengthening their immune systems.
After reading so many benefits, you should shower your dog with sesame seeds. BUT WAIT! As we said, everything has its drawbacks. Even sesame seeds come with a few potential risks.
Are There Any Risks?
A responsible parent shall always know the risks human foods can bring to their dog. Sesame seeds mostly have the pros, but some drawbacks must be considered.
Here are the four risks that sesame seeds can cause to your dog:
1. Choking hazards
Dogs are sneaky and can steal sesame seeds very cleverly. But you should know that if your dog is an eager eater, they can gobble up sesame seeds. This can cause choking hazards.
They are too small to be adequately chewed and can easily be stuck to their throats. Especially if you own a small-sized dog, ensure that they only eat sesame seeds under your sup.
2. Allergies
Although it is rare, dogs can have sesame seed allergies. Every dog is different and can react differently to certain foods. To ensure your dog has no allergy, you can start by feeding them sesame seeds in small amounts. Keep them under observation for signs like diarrhea, discomfort, fever, rashes, etc.
Note: If your dog faces allergic reactions, please seek veterinary attention immediately.
3. Gastrointestinal problems
Another common problem that dogs can face is gastrointestinal issues. If you overfeed the sesame seeds, they may react differently to their body. Your dog may get constipation or diarrhea.
Please ensure you don’t go gala overfeeding your dog these healthy treats. It can cause blockage in the intestines or even cause vomiting. In short- it can be a nightmare for you and your dog.
4. Weight gain
As sesame seeds are also rich in fat, they might not be great for overweight dogs. If fed over time, it can add to their weight. If your dog has cholesterol problems, we recommend you avoid adding sesame seeds to their meals every day.
Is Sesame Oil Bad For Dogs?
Apparently, No.
Sesame seed oil is one of the oils that dogs can consume safely. It also brings benefits to your dog. Being rich in Omega 6 fatty acids helps to keep a dog’s fur coat shiny and lustrous (article). Sesame oil also consists of antioxidants that improve the immune system and give your dog the power to fight off diseases.
However, it is simply fat. If your dog suffers from obesity, this oil might be best for them. Never let your dog accidentally drink bare sesame oil. It can cause dangerous situations. You should only use sesame oil to cook or fry their food.
Note: Because sesame oil is healthy, please do not fry food in too much oil. Only use a minimal amount that is required to fry.
What About Black Sesame Seeds?
Like regular white sesame seeds, dogs can also safely eat black sesame seeds. They both are suitable for their health and bring in the same risks. For the taste, black sesame seeds have an intense bitter taste and can be nuttier than white ones.
Despite its benefits, sesame seeds do not have the nutritional value to fulfill your dog’s daily requirements. Hence, it would help if you only fed them in moderation, not as a substitute for their primary meals.
Moreover, if your dog is allergic to white sesame seeds, please do not feed them black sesame seeds. There is a high chance that both will react the same way and can cause allergic reactions.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Serving Your Dog Sesame Seeds
Now that you know everything about “Can dogs eat sesame seeds?”, let’s go through some key pointers! You MUST remember these things before feeding your dog sesame seeds. These precautions will save you from the nightmares!
- You must seek veterinary confirmation before introducing any new food item to your dog. There might be different rules for your dog; depending on that, you must feed a certain amount of sesame seeds.
- Some dogs can be allergic to sesame seeds or sesame oil. You must ensure that before sprinkling sesame seeds over their kibbles.
- Moderation is the key! Overfeeding sesame seeds can lead to various problems. We are sure the last thing you want is vet visits.
- You can top the seeds over the kibbles to make sesame seed consumption healthier. It will enhance the flavor and be a balanced diet for your dog. In small amounts of sesame oil, you can also fry crab meat, bacon, chicken, etc.
- Lastly, if you have a small dog who is an eager eater, you can crush the seeds. Mainly, if you feed black sesame seeds, you can crush them so it is easier to gobble down.
Final Thoughts
Let’s sum it up!
Sesame seeds are great for dogs’ fur, heart, liver, and overall health. You can feed them whichever sesame (white or black) safely. The only condition is to keep the consumption in moderation. You should never let your dog gobble sesame seeds like they would gobble blueberries! End of the day, they are seeds with oil and can cause harm to your dog.
If you take the proper precautions, you and your dog can top sesame seeds on your favorite dishes and enjoy together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely, yes! Dogs can eat bread with sesame seeds. Commercially bought may have preservatives, additives, or harmful ingredients to dogs. Hence, you must always check the ingredients label. You can add all the healthy ingredients if you bake bread with sesame seeds at home. You can feed your dog these tasty treats occasionally, not as a substitute for main meals.
It depends on the size of your dog. If you have a small dog, you can add up to 1/4th spoonful of sesame seeds to their kibbles. If your dog is medium to large, you can feed them half a spoon daily. We advise you to confirm with your veterinarian before providing your dog with anything new.
Black sesame seeds are safe for dogs like white sesame seeds. They both offer the same benefits to your pooch. Although, black sesame seeds have a stronger flavor and are nuttier due to the intact hull. But it would help if you only offered black sesame seeds to your dog in moderation.
Sesame seeds are safe for dogs and do not harm them unless overfed. They do not have any toxins. Please ensure your dog is not allergic to sesame seeds or sesame oil, as it can create problems. Rest assured, you can feed your dog these seeds as an occasional treat.
