Tiny Seeds, Big Benefits: Why Sesame Seeds Deserve a Spot in Your Dog’s Bowl

These tiny, nutty-tasting seeds might not look like much, but sesame seeds are full of valuable nutrients that can support your dog’s joints, bones, and digestion. Whether sprinkled raw, soaked, or toasted, they make a wonderful functional topper to a fresh diet, just start with a pinch and build up gradually.

Why Sesame Seeds Are So Good for Dogs

Sesame seeds are one of the world’s oldest cultivated foods, valued for their concentrated mineral content and healthy fats. In moderation, they can be a simple way to boost your dog’s nutrition naturally.

Key Benefits

Joint and Bone Support: Sesame seeds are a great source of copper, manganese, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which are crucial for strong bones and connective tissue. Copper, in particular, supports collagen formation and helps reduce inflammation around the joints — making these seeds a nice natural addition for dogs with stiffness or arthritis.

Digestive Health and Regularity: They’re rich in fibre, which helps support healthy bowel movements and can gently relieve constipation when used occasionally.

Healthy Blood and Iron Absorption: Sesame seeds contain iron and copper, both essential for red blood cell formation. Copper also helps the body absorb and use iron effectively, promoting healthy blood flow and oxygen transport.

Immune and Thyroid Support: These seeds contain selenium and zinc, two trace minerals vital for immune health and thyroid hormone regulation. Selenium also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Natural Energy and Vitality: Thanks to their healthy fats (especially omega-6 and oleic acid), sesame seeds help provide slow, sustained energy and support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).

How to Serve Sesame Seeds

You can offer sesame seeds in several ways, depending on your dog’s preferences and tolerance:

Raw or Soaked ; Raw seeds are the simplest option, just sprinkle a small pinch over your dog’s meal. Soaking them for 2–3 hours in warm water can make them easier to digest and improve nutrient absorption.

Lightly Toasted: Toasting enhances flavour and digestibility. Gently toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat for 4–5 minutes until they’re just golden. Keep them moving to prevent burning.

Homemade Sesame Seed Butter: If you have a large amount of seeds, making your own sesame seed butter (tahini) is an excellent, cost-effective way to use them and a great alternative to nut butters.

How to Make Sesame Seed Butter

1. Toast your sesame seeds gently in a dry pan until lightly golden (around 5 minutes), stirring continuously.

2. Add them to a high-speed blender and blend for 2–3 minutes. Stop, scrape down the sides, and blend again. Repeat in short bursts until smooth.

   • If your blender struggles, add a little coconut oil, MCT oil, or ghee for creaminess.

3. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge or cupboard for up to 3 months. Oil separation is normal, just stir before using.

Feeding Guide

Always start small, just a few seeds at first, and increase gradually to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust.

Recommended Amounts (for seeds or butter):

• Small dogs: ¼ tsp twice per week

• Medium dogs: ½ tsp twice per week

• Large dogs: 1 tsp twice per week

You can mix the seeds or butter into food, spread a little on a lick mat, or combine with other nutrient-rich ingredients like goat milk, yogurt, or mashed veggies.

Safety and Considerations

• Moderation is key: Sesame seeds are calorie-dense, so only small amounts are needed.

• Check for allergies: Though uncommon, some dogs can be sensitive to sesame. Start with a tiny amount and monitor for itching, redness, or tummy upset.

• Use plain seeds only: Avoid salted, flavoured, or sesame snack mixes.

• White or hulled seeds are easiest to digest; unhulled (brown) seeds are higher in fibre but can be harder on sensitive stomachs.

• Avoid store-bought tahini made for humans, many brands include added salt or oils unsuitable for dogs.

Why Sesame Seeds Are a Beneficial Addition

Even in small amounts, sesame seeds can help round out your dog’s mineral intake, particularly for home-prepared or raw-fed dogs who benefit from varied whole-food sources of calcium, copper, and zinc.

They’re also a nice plant-based complement to animal fats, adding texture, nutrition, and a mild nutty flavour most dogs love.

© Kayleigh Adams, written for NO BULL Just Natural Health for Dogs.