In order to improve digestion, heart health, skin, hair, etc., we often rely on healthy foods like sesame seeds. We, as caring owners, would like to offer these healthy qualities to our dogs. But can dogs have sesame seeds?
Luckily, dogs can eat sesame seeds, but only in small amounts. These seeds have nothing but vitamin B, vitamin E, iron, calcium, zinc, etc. These nutrients will only be inevitable for your dog when he eats them. In the right way and when he needs them.
This article will relate to the benefits and risks associated with dogs having sesame seeds. So stay tuned.
Can Dogs Have Sesame Seeds?
Sesame seeds have no toxic elements but ample amounts of vitamins and minerals. Dogs can have them easily without expecting any health threats. However, these can pose health threats when dogs eat them too much. Besides, dogs should not have any allergies to human foods or seeds and should not eat sesame seeds.
With high amounts of fibre, healthy fats, B vitamins, iron, etc., sesame seeds can do good for a dog’s health. These seeds may not benefit them as much as they do humans. Yet, your dog can expect some health benefits from these seeds. Before that, you must take your vet’s suggestion if sesame can be a good addition to your dog’s diet.
Benefits Of Sesame Seeds For Dogs
Sesame seeds can offer numerous health benefits to dogs when eaten in the proper quantity. For example, sesame seeds have good amounts of protein, i.e., 5 grams of protein in three tablespoons. This nutrient can be a booster for dogs’ muscle health. Alongside, these seeds have essential B vitamins like thiamine, niacin, folate, etc. These will improve dogs’ metabolism, digestive system, nerve function, blood cells, brain health, and so on.
With some soluble and insoluble fibre, sesame seeds will maintain the proper digestive system in dogs. Again, they have vitamin E, zinc, and some plant-based compounds that can boost a dog’s immune system. Vitamin E has some antioxidant properties, which will protect your dog from the damage of free radicals.
The magnesium, fibre, vitamin E, and some healthy fats in sesame seeds can be responsible for keeping your dog’s heart healthy. Also, its unsaturated fats will maintain his cholesterol level and prevent inflammation.
The phosphorus and magnesium present in these seeds will take care of dogs’ bone health. Again, their minerals, like copper, iron, and manganese, will keep dogs’ hormonal levels in check.
One bonus merit that sesame seeds give is that there are no choking hazards. These seeds are so small that your dog can hardly face intestinal blockage after eating them.
Risks Of Sesame Seeds For Dogs
Although sesame seeds are healthier than any other foods, they can pose health threats sometimes. This usually happens when dogs consume too much of these seeds. As said earlier, sesame seeds have some good fats to keep dogs healthy. These seeds can be downsides for dogs when they eat high amounts of them.
Whether they are good fats or bad fats, they will increase weight for dogs. Hence, an overweight dog can lead to obesity or pancreatitis. Pancreatitis occurs when dogs eat too much fat, which inflames their pancreas. The high amounts of fat are also the reason for dogs’ gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhoea, etc. These symptoms can be inevitable because of the high fibre content of sesame seeds.
Sesame seeds come from plants; meanwhile, some dogs are allergic to plant-based foods. If your dog falls into the same category, he will face irritation, rashes, etc. from consuming sesame seeds.
How Do You Offer Sesame Seeds To Dogs?
You can offer sesame seeds to your dog by simply sprinkling them over the dog food. Or you can sprinkle them over fruits, veggies, and even rice.
Another safest way to offer sesame seeds to dogs is by soaking them. Soaking these seeds will make them a bit tender, which will make them more digestible for dogs.
How Many Sesame Seeds Can Dogs Eat?
First, let your dog ingest one or two sesame seeds to monitor his intake. If he seems fine eating those few seeds, you can offer him one to two more seeds. In this way, you can decide whether sesame can be your dog’s best friend or not.
Anyway, small dogs should not eat more than 1/6 teaspoon of them. Medium dogs can have ¼ teaspoon of sesame seeds, and large dogs can have up to ½ teaspoon of them.
When Can Dogs Have Sesame Seeds?
We know that many dogs can’t stand certain foods, especially plant-based foods. Hence, it won’t be surprising if your dog can’t have these seeds. So, first, make sure if your paw friend has any allergies or not.
Since sesame seeds have many healthy fats, they can be problematic for overweight or obese dogs. It means dogs with a proper weight or underweight are perfect to eat these seeds.
The fibre content present in sesame seeds can worsen the condition of a dog dealing with an upset stomach. It is because sesame seeds’ job is to soften the stool, which can be good for treating constipation. So offer these seeds to your dog when he is suffering from constipation, not an upset stomach.
Apart from all the considerations, you can only let your canine friend eat these healthy seeds when his vet tells you to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Sesame Seeds?
Can dogs eat sesame seeds every day?
Dogs cannot eat sesame seeds every day as they have high amounts of fat and fibre. These can disrupt a dog’s digestive health and put weight on him.
Are sesame seeds safe for dogs with constipation?
The high amounts of fibre present in sesame seeds can cure constipation in dogs. Keep the amounts of these seeds small, or else your dog can have diarrhoea.
Is sesame oil safe for dogs?
If sesame seeds are safe for dogs, so is sesame oil. It will give dogs almost all the nutrients that sesame seeds will give them.
What is better for dogs: sesame seeds or sunflower seeds?
Both sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are safe for dogs in small amounts. However, sesame seeds are higher in nutrients than sunflower seeds. Besides, their fibre content is higher than sunflower seeds.
Final Thoughts
Since sesame seeds offer some risks, we may think again about whether can dogs have sesame seeds. The answer is yes; they can have them in fewer quantities unless they are overweight, obese, allergic, have an upset stomach, and must have their vets’ approval.
To keep your paw friend on the safe side, soak sesame seeds first for him. This will help him digest easily. Also, don’t make the mistake of adding any flavour or seasonings to the seeds. Keep them completely bland, and the food to which you are adding these seeds should be bland as well.
