Sesame seeds provide a good source of nutrients including copper, protein, dietary fiber, and fat. Sesame seeds are particularly rich in manganese, iron, vitamin B1, and zinc. The sesame seed also contains sesamin and sesamolin, fibrous substances that have been shown to prevent high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and increase vitamin E levels. Additionally, these substances have been found to prevent oxidative damage in the liver. Due to the carnivorous digestive system of the canine, sesame seeds are not digested efficiently enough to provide any substantial nutritional benefit unless they have been soaked, sprouted and/or pureed into a fine paste (tahini).
Juliette de Bairacli Levy, English herbalist and author noted for her pioneering work in holistic veterinary medicine, wrote in her book (first published in 1955) The Complete Handbook for the Dog and Cat that she routinely included the seeds and a regular part of her dog’s diet. Crushing the seeds to make tahini, lightly roasting the seeds, or even making a sesame “energy bars".
When ground into a paste, sesame seed can be used to induce hunger in dogs that may have low appetites. Those who may be sick, or having trouble eating, may find the sesame seed to aid in the diet of their dog by consumption. Additionally, sesame seeds can provide digestive support to dogs as they are high in dietary and digestive fiber. Providing a sort of “lubrication” for the intestine, sesame seeds function with digestion, dryness, and sometimes constipation.
If your dog enjoy's the flavor and having this added to their food, you may add 1-tablespoon of tahini/day to your dogs' meals; up to 3 tablespoons/day if you have a dog over 100-lbs.
