How Many Times a Day Can I Give My Dog Hemp Oil?

Heard about the many benefits of hemp oil, but unsure how much you need to give your dog to unlock those benefits? Read on for science-backed tips on calculating the right dose of different kinds of hemp oil.

Key Takeaways

Hemp oil can refer to either hemp seed oil, which is made from hemp seeds, or hemp extract, which is made from other parts of the plant.
Both types of hemp oil are packed with potential health benefits and are great options for supporting your dog's overall wellness.
Pure hemp seed oil typically doesn't contain CBD or THC and is rich in essential fatty acids, protein, nutrients, minerals, and other beneficial compounds.
We recommend using 1 - 3 mg per 10lbs of body weight as a starting dose.
To calculate the dose of hemp oil, you need to determine your dog's body weight.
Manufacturers should include a recommended dosage with any hemp or CBD products, which you should follow.

What Is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil is a somewhat generic term. It refers to oil extracted from the hemp plant.

However, the hemp plant has many different parts. The oil extracted from different parts has different properties and different names.

Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil

When people discuss "hemp oil," they often mean hemp seed oil. This refers to oil extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant.

Hemp seed oil is extracted like olive oil. The seeds are harvested and then cold-pressed.¹

CBD oil, meanwhile, is extracted from other parts of the hemp plant: stalks, flowers, and leaves. Unlike these parts of hemp, the seeds don't contain CBD.²

As such, hemp seed oil usually does not contain CBD. But both hemp seed oil and CBD oil contain many other compounds with plenty of health benefits.

Hemp Seed Oil vs. Hemp Extract

Hemp extract usually refers to oil extracted from the same parts of the hemp plant as CBD oil. (So, the leaves, flowers, and stems.)

However, where CBD oil is often focused on delivering high concentrations of CBD, hemp extract may balance CBD with other helpful cannabinoids. Different cannabinoids may provide different health benefits.

For example, our Balance Extract blends CBD with CBDa in a 1:1 ratio to help support healthy joints. Our Sleep Support Extract, meanwhile, blends CBD with CBN in a 1:4 ratio to help promote relaxation.

Does Hemp Oil Contain THC?

It shouldn't. At least, not enough to have any sort of effect.

By law, hemp plants must contain less than 0.3% THC by weight. Therefore, hemp seed oil shouldn't have noticeable amounts of THC.

Bonus: How Long Do Dogs Really Live?

a man holding out his hand and pouring hemp seeds into his hand

Should I Give My Dog CBD Oil or Hemp Oil?

Which oil you choose to use depends on your pet and what you hope to achieve. If you're looking to take advantage of the benefits of CBD, hemp seed oil isn't the best choice, as it doesn't contain CBD.

Instead, consider opting for CBD Oil or a hemp extract like those we described above.

However, CBD is far from the only beneficial compound found in hemp. Hemp seeds are packed with goodness. They're rich in essential fatty acids, are an excellent protein source, and have plenty of vitamins and minerals.³

Why Use Hemp Oil?

Here, we'll assume hemp oil refers to hemp extract. The benefits of hemp extract in dogs are backed by dozens of studies.

Hemp seed oil is comparatively rarely studied. Nevertheless, there have been studies into hemp seeds specifically.

The Many Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

Nutrition

When hemp seeds and hemp seed oil have been studied, it seems the focus has usually been on their nutritional value. For example, one study from 2023 concluded that while hemp seeds don't meet all amino acid requirements for dogs, they could be a "beneficial source of fat, protein, and dietary fiber."⁴

Liver Health

In another study, dogs fed hemp seed cakes for a month demonstrated signs of improved liver health and lower cholesterol levels.⁵

Gut Health

Yet another study, also from 2023, involved adding hulled hemp seeds to a special homemade diet for several adult dogs. Researchers concluded that the seeds brought several benefits, including helping maintain gut flora and managing oxidative stress.⁶

Skin & Coat

Hemp seeds are particularly good sources of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.⁷ Research suggests these acids are crucial for maintaining a healthy coat.⁸

a glass jar with hemp oil inside with hemp leaves

Antioxidants

According to one study, hemp seeds demonstrate significant antioxidant activity.⁹ They may therefore be a good source of antioxidants, which have many benefits.

For example, one study from 2024 found that dog diets with more antioxidants helped support the immune system of tested dogs.¹⁰ Another study concluded that antioxidant-rich diets can help support cognitive function, which often suffers as dogs age. ¹¹

The Benefits of Hemp Extract

Hemp extract — which, remember, refers to the more general category of oil extracted from the stems, leaves, and flowers of hemp — has been found to have many different potential benefits for dogs.

Mobility

It can be hard for us pet owners to watch our beloved furry friends get old, but aging is inevitable. Just like humans, dogs may become less mobile as they age.¹²

In one study from 2024, dogs were given full-spectrum hemp oil for two months. Researchers concluded the oil may support joint flexibility and mobility.¹³

Stress

The CBD present in hemp extract has been proven to help promote relaxation and help dogs cope with external stress.

For example, a study from 2024 found that daily use of CBD helped dogs cope with the stress induced by riding in a car.¹⁴ A similar study from the year before found that a single dose of CBD helped promote relaxation in dogs exposed to stressors.¹⁵

As such, hemp extract can be a helpful supplement for dealing with both short-term stress and long-term stress. In the short-term, hemp oil can be given shortly before a stressful event.

If your concern is the latter, consider incorporating hemp extract into your dog's diet. You could add CBD Oil to their food or give them a Calming Chew for Dogs Infused With CBD. Many dog owners use CBD soft chews, since they have the right balance of natural compounds and cannabinoids.

a happy dog running through the grass at sunrise

Calculating the Right CBD Dosage

We've established that hemp oil is potentially very beneficial for dogs, for all kinds of reasons. But how much must you give to unlock those potential benefits?

General Guidelines

The first thing to consider when using CBD for dogs is whether you are using hemp extract or hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is a nutritional supplement that contains no cannabinoids, unlike hemp oil.

Your hemp seed oil should come with a recommended dosage. It's a similar story for hemp extract, or CBD oil.

Different studies have used different dosage amounts.

We recommend using 1 - 3 mg CBD oil or hemp oil per 10lbs of body weight as a starting dose. Check out our dosage guide for dogs and cats for more info here.

For some more context, multiple studies used 2 mg CBD per kg of body weight.¹⁶ Others concluded that up to 4 mg/kg is safe.¹⁷ In one study, dogs tolerated a dose of 5 mg CBD/kg better than 10 mg CBD/kg.¹⁸

Some dogs have even tolerated higher dosing when done once, without negative effects.¹⁹

Per Pounds of Body Weight

To calculate CBD dosage, you need to know your dog's weight. Your hemp extract should come with a recommended dog dosage.

For example, the recommended dose for our Balance Hemp Extract is 0.25ml per 20 lbs of body weight, given once or twice per day.

How Often Can I Give My Dog Hemp Oil?

This depends on several factors: what you're using the hemp oil for, the dosage amount, your dog's body weight, and more.

Generally, manufacturers recommend giving your dog hemp extract once or twice per day. If you give it twice a day, be sure that doses are 8 to 12 hours apart. Frequency of administration depends on your dog's individual weight and the type of hemp oil you're using.

For example, the recommended dose for our Balance Hemp Extract is a starting point, which can be increased if necessary.

Similarly, our Quick Calm comes with a recommended dose of 1-2 pumps per 20 pounds of body weight.

Every dog is different and therefore may react differently to hemp oil. Start with the lowest recommended dose, then carefully monitor your dog's response. You can administer it 20 to 30 minutes before a stressful event or situation.

If you notice positive effects and your dog seems to be improving, you may be able to stick to that low dose.

But if you aren't seeing the desired therapeutic effects, you may need to increase your dose slightly. Gradually increase your dosing, sticking within the recommended limits, until you reach the ideal dose for your dog.

a man wearing a flannel giving a dog a high five while sitting on a couch

Conclusion

Hemp oil is a great supplement to incorporate into your dog's diet. When pressed from seeds, it's incredibly nutrient-dense and can provide multiple benefits. It's a great option for those looking to support their dog's overall health.

Hemp extract that contains CBD is also great. CBD is generally considered safe for use in dogs, and studies have shown it has multiple health benefits.

Whichever hemp oil you choose, make sure to follow the dosage recommendations included on your pet products. Always start small. If you're still unsure, consult with your vet, who'll be able to help you calculate the perfect dose for your pooch. A vet will also help you figure out if hemp oil can be given if your pup is taking any other medications, since CBD can interact with certain medications.

Keep Reading: Detoxifying Your Pet – Why and When It's Important

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I give hemp oil to dogs?

Follow the recommended dosage instructions on your hemp oil or CBD products. Generally, you can give hemp oil to dogs every day - in fact, consistent use is better, since it can then build up in the system and better provide the intended effects.

Does hemp oil really calm dogs?

Yes! Hemp oil has calming properties that can help pets manage their stress more effectively.

How much hemp oil is safe per day?

The amount of CBD oil or hemp oil that is safe per day can vary. In general, follow the recommended dosage on the label of your hemp oil. This will inform you of the ideal dosage for your pet. Your hemp oil should have less than 0.3% THC, but it can lead to side effects like drowsiness and gastrointestinal upset.

Sources

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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

How Many Times a Day Can I Give My Dog Hemp Oil?

Key Takeaways