Can Dogs Eat Tahini? Vet-Reviewed Precautions & Benefits
By Misty Layne
Updated on
If you love Middle Eastern food, you’ve probably had tahini. If not, this is a condiment made from ground sesame (and is a vital ingredient in hummus!). It’s pretty tasty, so it shouldn’t come as a shock that your dog might want a taste of it.
But can dogs eat tahini? And, if yes, how healthy is it for them? The good news is that your pup can have tahini in moderation. There are a few downsides to tahini, too, though. So, keep reading to learn about the benefits and risks!
What is Tahini?
Tahini is a thick paste made from ground sesame seeds 1. Often additional oil, salt or other ingredients are added. The oil means it is rich in fatty acids as well as being high in protein and a source of some vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin B1. It is used in a number of different dishes, both savory and sweet.
Tahini is not toxic to dogs and can be safe in small amounts as a treat or added flavor to food. It can be used as an alternative to peanut butter which many dogs also love. However, it is very concentrated and high in fat so should not be a diet staple.
It’s important to note that some foods containing tahini are not safe for dogs to consume due to the other ingredients. Hummus is a good example of this as it also contains garlic, which is toxic to dogs.
The Negatives of Tahini for Dogs
Tahini is nutrient dense and this comes with downsides.This is definitely a food you want to give your dog in moderation!
Weight Gain
Because it’s made from sesame seeds (and contains oil), tahini is high-fat and high in calories. That means if your pup is eating it regularly it could contribute to weight gain. And weight gain can lead to health issues, such as diabetes and joint problems.
Stomach Upset
Too much of a good thing (any good thing) is always possible, and if your dog eats too much tahini, it could lead to stomach upset. That means you could see vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Always start out feeding new foods to your pet in very small amounts to ensure your pet’s stomach can handle it!
Sesame Allergies
Allergies to sesame seeds are rare in canines, but it is a possibility. If your dog ends up being allergic, you’ll likely see some stomach upset after it eats tahini.
Salt
If you’re making your own tahini, you can control how much salt goes into it. But if you’ve purchased tahini from a store, it probably has quite a bit of salt. A certain amount of salt is needed in the diet but too much salt is not good for our pups much like us humans.
How Much Tahini Can My Dog Have?
Since tahini needs to be given to your dog in moderation, a drizzle to add flavor to your pet’s food every once in a while would be safest. Of course, start out with a smaller amount than even that to ensure that your pup’s stomach can handle it (or to be sure your dog isn’t allergic to sesame).
Final Thoughts
Dogs can eat tahini (and will likely enjoy it greatly!), and in small amounts it’s fairly healthy for them. Tahini does offer your dog some nutritional benefits such as being a source of protein and fatty acids. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any negatives to tahini, though. This condiment is rich in calories and fat, so it’s a treat your pup should only have in moderation lest it leads to weight gain and health issues.
