Can Dogs Eat Sesame Seeds?
Sesame seeds are edible as they are and can be used as ingredients in various dishes such as buns and chicken. As a dog owner, you might be concerned about your dog’s safety when consuming sesame seeds. The last thing you want to do is feed your dog something that will be harmful to them.
This article will talk about sesame seeds and answer frequently asked questions on whether they are safe for dogs.
What are Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds come from the Sesama Indica Plant, indigenous to the Sunda Islands in Indonesia. We popularly use them on bread, prawns, or sushi toast, and they are the oldest seed oil known to man. A hundred grams of sesame seeds contain about 53 grams of fat.
Are Sesame Seeds Safe for Dogs?
If your dog eats some sesame seeds, nothing will happen to it. They are safe as they do not contain any toxic substance that will bring harm to your furry friend. Therefore, if your dog has a bite of food containing some sesame seeds, you should not worry as it will unlikely affect their health.
Further Reading: Can Dogs Eat That Food? The Answers in 2022
Benefits of Sesame Seeds
Other than the sesame seeds not being dangerous to your dog, they can provide additional vitamins and minerals that your dog might be lacking.
Moreover, the edible seeds are an excellent way to spice a meal and increase your pup’s appetite if suffering from malnutrition.
Sesame seeds boast a bundle of nutritional benefits to your dog, as they contain nutrients such as:
- Phosphorus
- Manganese
- Calcium
The combination of phosphorus and calcium in a dog’s diet promotes the development of strong bones and teeth and boosts its immune system, among many other benefits.
Sesame seeds are also packed with Vitamin B, which encourages a healthier blood functioning, especially when a dog has a low iron count
Sesame Seeds Downsides
Sesame seeds are not a perfect treat for your dog as they have a few drawbacks. They can be difficult for your pup to digest and also over-consumption of the seeds can lead to health issues such as:
When introducing the seeds to your dog, it is best to do it in small doses and take note of their reaction after eating. Though the sesame seeds are not toxic, there is a likelihood that allergic reactions will occur, especially for dogs prone to allergy attacks.
How to Serve Your Dog Sesame Seeds?
You can serve sesame seeds to your dog in many different ways. Since the sesame seeds may be difficult for your furry friend to digest, they are best served with something else. When preparing food such as meat or chicken, you can add a few sesame seeds to the recipe. You should then observe your dog’s reaction after consuming the food.
If it gets an allergic reaction or stomach upset, cease giving it the seeds.
Is Sesame Oil Good for My Dog?
After all the talk on sesame seeds, you might wonder about the oil. Though the seeds contain multiple vitamins and minerals, the same cannot be said of their oil. It will, therefore, be best to give only small amounts of sesame oil to your dog.
If you want to introduce natural oils into your dog’s diet, it is better to choose fish oil or cod liver because of their higher nutritional value.
Related: Can Dog Eat Olive Oil? Is It Good for Them?
Alternatives to Sesame Seeds
According to dog health experts, most seeds that are edible by humans are not safe for dogs.
Some of the seeds and nuts that are safe for dogs other than sesame seeds include:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
These seeds can enhance your pet’s diet by providing additional nutrients. Nonetheless, it is important to note that some of the safe seeds for dogs can be a potential choking hazard.
Delicious Recipe with Sesame Seeds
If you are an adventurous person in the kitchen and would love to treat your furry friend to a delicious and healthy meal that includes sesame seeds, try out this recipe
Ingredients
- A cup of sesame seeds
- A quarter cup of dried parsley
- An egg mixed with three tablespoons of water
- 2 cups of flour
- 16 ounce canned tuna packed in water
Preparation
- Place the tuna, its water, and the egg in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add the flour, parsley, and sesame seed, and let it stir until mixed.
- On your kitchen counter, lightly coat with flour and roll the dough until its thickness is a quarter inch.
- Using a knife, create desired shapes.
- Place the cookies in a dehydrator for a minimum of 6 hours or until they are dry enough to snap.
- Store them in an air-tight bag to give them as treats to your dog.
Conclusion
Sesame seeds are not dangerous to your dog, as long as you exercise moderation. The seeds will likely add a few nutritional benefits to your dog’s diet, and it will be a great way to break the monotony of their regular diet when eaten occasionally.
To maximize the usefulness of the seeds, we recommend that you use them as an ingredient to prepare a delicious treat for your dog to enjoy.
Further Reading:
- Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds? Here’s What Experts Want You to Know
- Can Dogs Eat Almonds? What Are The Dangers
- Can Dogs Eat Nuts? Learn Which Kinds are Dangerous
- Can Dogs Eat Birdseed?