Majority of dog owners are aware of potentially toxic ingredients and food items but can dogs eat tahini? If you did not know, tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and oil and is also used as a sauce in many Middle Eastern recipes.
Tahini is safe for dogs to eat as long as it is provided in moderation. In fact, ingredients like sesame seeds have several health benefits to offer but since dogs are not able to digest the seeds, it would be better to offer tahini paste so they can reap the nutritional benefits.
So, let’s take a closer look at tahini and discover why and how your dog should eat it along with a homemade tahini recipe to keep your dog safe.
Is tahini safe for dogs?
Yes, tahini is not known to trigger any serious health concerns in dogs. Since it is used in Middle Eastern recipes, it should be made sure that tahini is free of any ingredients that might harm your dog. For instance, spices can lead to the digestive system being upset. In addition to that, tahini should not be repeatedly offered as a replacement for your dog’s regular diet.
Even though tahini has several benefits to offer but it does not offer everything. As a result, your dog needs to consume other food items as well to receive the nutritional benefits it requires on a daily basis.
Can dogs eat tahini paste?
Tahini paste is a lot like peanut butter. Even though it is a thick paste made using toasted sesame seeds but is usually safe for dogs to eat. Sesame seeds are packed with healthy fatty acids and protein. Plus, they also contain vitamin B1, calcium, copper, and manganese. Moreover, the presence of sesamolin and sesamin has been proven to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
If you were wondering how these ingredients will help improve your dog’s health, you will need to take a closer look. For instance, copper is essential for the production of red blood cells and the manufacturing of iron. Therefore, a sufficient amount of copper is necessary in your dog’s diet.
Tahini also contains a good amount of selenium. It is known to be extremely helpful for dogs when it comes to fighting oxidation that slows down the process of aging in cells, which usually takes place due to oxidation.
Moreover, fiber is a mineral usually found in almost every type of vegetable. Fiber offers nutritional values that are both beneficial to dogs and humans. Consuming a sufficient amount of fiber means that your dog is less likely to develop stomach problems. The reason is that fiber stimulates bowel movement and is beneficial for gut bacteria.
Therefore, the best way to get rid of constipation problems in humans and dogs is to consume fiber. However, the quantity should be moderate as an excess amount can result in loose stools.
Can your dog have sesame paste?
Yes, your dog can have some sesame paste as you can you can use it as a sauce or paste and simply put a small amount on the food it is about to consume. It is much better than offering sesame seeds as dogs are not able to digest seeds. On the other hand, if you are already offering nutrient-dense dog food to your pet, make sure that you do not overdo it.
For instance, if the dog food you are offering already contains calories, you wouldn’t want to add more by offering sesame paste. Sesame paste consumed in moderation will not cause any harm. But if offered in large amounts regularly, do not be surprised if your dog starts to act fishy.
How to make homemade tahini for your dog?
Making homemade tahini is as easy as it gets. You just need two ingredients and then drizzle over your dog’s food. The ingredients you need to use are olive oil, hulled sesame seeds, and a high-powered blender. Remember, the better the blender, the smoother the tahini sauce will be.
Plus, sesame seeds are naturally salty and nutty, so you do not need to add extra salt. Excessive salt can lead to sodium poisoning in dogs, so you need to be careful about it. If you have the option, you can use avocado oil as well.
Can I give my dog sesame sticks?
No, you should not feed your dog sesame sticks. Although sesame is safe in itself but might contain ingredients like garlic and salt that might be bad for your dog’s health. Plus, always check the ingredients before offering snacks to your dog.
What happens if a dog eats sesame seeds?
Sesame seeds are not known to be toxic to dogs. Plus, they are pretty small in size, which does not cause any blockages either. But as dogs cannot digest sesame seeds, they will pass through without providing any nutritional benefits.
What seeds are bad for dogs?
Seeds such as apple seeds, peach pits, cherry pits, etc. are bad for dogs. Such seeds contain a toxin called cyanide that can lead to severe health concerns. Some common symptoms of cyanide toxicity include uncontrolled urination, muscle twitching, seizures, etc.
Conclusion
In the end, dog parents should not be concerned when it comes to offering tahini to their dogs. However, it is important that they are aware of the amounts they are offering due to calories and the probability of weight increase. Plus, it could also trigger allergic reactions in some dogs. Therefore, you should be on the lookout for any unusual signs following the consumption of tahini.
