Do not feed your dog sesame sticks without checking the ingredients. If the sesame sticks contain garlic, they are not safe for consumption. If the sesame sticks do not contain garlic, they are safe for dogs. However, too much sesame can upset a dog’s stomach. Like anything, moderation is crucial.Â
If your dog is like others, they give you those trademarked puppy eyes when you sit down with a snack. It’s hard to tell them no–especially when they have been on their best behavior. As their owner, you have a responsibility to ensure that what they’re eating is nutritious and poses no harm.
Some human foods can wreak havoc on your dog’s body, so you must be mindful of what they ingest. One snack that has gained popularity is sesame sticks–and of course, man’s best friend wants their share.
Read on to learn more about the nutritional value of sesame seeds, sesame sticks, and their effect on your dog’s health.
What You'll Learn
Overview of Sesame Sticks and Seeds
Sesame seeds are non-toxic to dogs and have strong nutritional value. High in antioxidants, sesame seeds and the products they are in, like sesame sticks, have been proven to be a cancer preventer, making them a great addition to your dog’s diet.
The seeds have high amounts of calcium to improve bone strength. For dogs with arthritis, the copper found in the sesame seeds may help mitigate joint pain. These seeds can also assist with iron absorption for those who struggle with anemia.
With all of this great nutritional value, you would think that sesame sticks would be the perfect treat for your dog. Unfortunately, sesame sticks may include ingredients that sesame seeds do not.
Do The Sticks Include Garlic?
Before handing over one of your sesame sticks to your canine companion, take a moment to review the list of ingredients.
If garlic is listed, do not give it to your dog. Dogs cannot digest garlic the same way that humans can, and it can wreak absolute havoc on their bodies. Some brands of sesame sticks do not include garlic; if you plan on sharing your snacks with your pup, be sure to double-check the ingredient list to avoid unintentionally hurting your dog’s stomach.
Rule of Thumb for Feeding Your Dog Sesame Sticks–Or Any New Food
Just like children, your dog should not be eating its daily value of calories through treats. Sesame sticks, or any other sesame product, should not be your dog’s primary source of nutrition because while sesame seeds do act as a vitamin powerhouse, it can be too much of a good thing.
Moderation is crucial, especially since some dogs can develop allergies to sesame seeds after ingestion. If your dog has an allergic reaction, you can expect them to experience vomiting, diarrhea, or bowel irritation.
If you occasionally treat your dog with sesame sticks, provided it is not a known allergen, your dog should be able to tolerate the addition to their diet.
Keep in mind that sesame sticks are very high in calories. If your dog is already overweight, it would be best to avoid this high-calorie snack.
While sesame sticks can provide some nutritional value to dogs, it is not enough to justify feeding them an entire meal of sesame sticks.
Consult Your Veterinarian if You Have Questions Regarding Dog-Safe Foods
Snacks that are formulated for humans are obviously different from food created explicitly for dogs. Sesame sticks are okay to give your dog in moderation, so long as you monitor their reactions afterward.
If you are considering adding sesame seeds in some form to your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian first for their recommendations.
Some veterinarians suggest using sesame seed oil in your dog’s food instead of the seeds themselves to reap all the benefits of sesame seeds. It has been documented that nuts and seeds–like pumpkin seeds, chia, hemp, sesame, and quinoa – can form intestinal obstructions and are a potential choking hazard.
In addition, if your dog has any previously documented stomach issues or pancreatitis, you should avoid all nuts and seeds in their diets.
Sesame Sticks are Safe for Canine Consumption
Sesame sticks are okay for dogs as a treat every once in a while. There are some benefits to ingesting this snack, but sesame seeds should not be given regularly or replace their meals. Your dog must have a healthy, balanced diet outside of sesame sticks to meet all of its body’s needs.
If you are considering giving your dog their first sesame stick, be sure to monitor them afterward to make sure they do not experience an allergic reaction. If your dog develops diarrhea or vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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