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 - 3mg 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 their hemp oil, which you should follow.
- For example, we recommend starting with 0.25ml of our Balance CBD and CBDa Hemp Extract per 20lbs of body weight, given once or twice per day.
See Related: 10 Science-Based Benefits of Owning a Dog
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. Different types of oil are referred to by 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?
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, on the other hand, is comparatively rarely used.
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
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.
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.
Calculating Hemp Oil 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 is whether you are using hemp extract or hemp seed 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 - 3mg 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 2mg of CBD per kg of body weight.¹⁶ Others concluded that up to 4mg/kg is safe.¹⁷ In one study, dogs tolerated a dose of 5mg/kg better than 10mg/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 20lbs body weight, given once or twice per day.
How Often Can I Give My Dog Hemp Oil?
This depends on what you're using the hemp oil for, how much you're administering, your dog's body weight, and other factors.
Generally, manufacturers recommend giving your dog hemp extract once or twice per day. 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.
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.
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 product. 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.
Keep Reading: Detoxifying Your Pet – Why and When it's Important
Sources
- Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil
- Hemp seed oil vs. CBD oil: Uses, effects, and more
- 6 Proven Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds
- Nutrient profile, amino acid digestibility, true metabolizable energy, and indispensable amino acid scoring of whole hemp seeds for use in canine and feline diets - PubMed
- Hemp Seed Cake as a Novel Ingredient for Dog's Diet
- Full article: Effect of hulled Cannabis sativa L. seeds in a home-made diet for adult dogs
- 6 Proven Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds
- Effect of an omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid-containing commercial lamb and rice diet on pruritus in atopic dogs: results of a single-blinded study - PMC , Essential fatty acids in veterinary dermatology: do they have a place?
- Nutraceutical potential of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds and sprouts - ScienceDirect
- Effect of dietary antioxidants on free radical damage in dogs and cats - PMC
- Antioxidants in the Canine Model of Human Aging - PMC
- Age and Physical Activity Levels in Companion Dogs: Results From the Dog Aging Project - PMC
- Efficacy and tolerability of full spectrum hemp oil in dogs living with pain in common household settings
- Daily dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a positive effect on measures of stress in dogs during repeated exposure to car travel | Journal of Animal Science | Oxford Academic
- A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel
- The ABC’s of cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Daily dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a positive effect on measures of stress in dogs during repeated exposure to car travel | Journal of Animal Science | Oxford Academic
- Tolerability of long‐term cannabidiol supplementation to healthy adult dogs - PMC
- Daily dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a positive effect on measures of stress in dogs during repeated exposure to car travel | Journal of Animal Science | Oxford Academic
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