Hemp for Dogs - Everything You Need to Know

If you've seen more and more hemp products popping up in your local stores, don't be alarmed. This humble plant is exploding in popularity thanks to a range of potential health benefits. 

Read on to find out what all the hype is about.

Key Takeaways

• The hemp plant has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
• Rules and regulations regarding hemp have relaxed quite a bit in recent years, leading to an explosion in interest.
• Both hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are generally safe for dogs to consume, though you should always start with a small dose.
• Adding hemp products, like hemp extract, to your pet's diet could bring numerous potential health benefits.

See Related: Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws? 6 Causes Explained

What Is Hemp?

The humble hemp plant has been cultivated and used by humans for thousands of years. Multiple cultures, including in India and China, prized the plant as a powerful medicine.

Both hemp and marijuana come from the same plant, the Cannabis sativa plant. It belongs to the Cannabaceae family.

The difference between hemp and marijuana lies in the THC content. That's the molecule that actually gets you "high." 

If a cannabis plant has less than 0.3% THC, it's considered hemp. At such low levels, these plants are very unlikely to cause any psychoactive effects.

That's not to say hemp won't cause any effects. Quite the opposite. After all, generations of healers wouldn't have prized the plant if it was totally useless, right?

Why Hemp Is So Prized

THC is only one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis. Luckily for us (and our dogs,) hemp contains plenty of other cannabinoids and compounds. These generally have zero psychoactive properties, but may offer plenty of potential health benefits.

A Historic Misconception

Many people mistakenly consider hemp and marijuana to be the same, which is far from the truth.

The federal government cracked down on marijuana use in the 20th century. Hemp was one of many victims of the war on drugs. The U.S. government made growing it illegal.

Fortunately, further research has proven that hemp is not, in fact, the same as marijuana.

That’s why Congress passed a bill called the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. It legalized industrial hemp and made producers able to apply for certain federal grants and crop insurance programs.  

That's led to a rise in farmers growing industrial hemp.

Hemp Makes a Comeback

Humans are warming back up to hemp. In the last decade, the U.S. has dedicated over 90,000 acres to the crop.

That's great news for hemp fans. More interest in hemp likely means higher quality products at lower prices.

It's already left manufacturers, Earth Buddy included, able to offer a wide variety of hemp products for dogs. These range from hemp chews to calming treats and much more! Our hemp products are made by extracting the medicinal oil from the plant using subcritical CO2, ensuring a clean and high-quality product. 

All About the Hemp Plant

Not all parts of a hemp plant are equal. At least, not when it comes to the potential health benefits.

There are several key parts:

• Seeds
• Stalk
• Leaves
• Flowers

Each of these parts has its own uses. 

Different Types of Hemp Plants

Hemp isn't just a health supplement. Many farmers cultivate the plant for the fibers or seeds. 

The fibers can be used to make ropes and fabrics. Hemp shirts, for example, are growing in popularity thanks to their durability and sustainability. 

Some farmers grow hemp plants for hemp flour. It's the seeds that are sought after. After being harvested and dried, they are hulled, and the leftovers are used to make hemp flour.

Benefits of Hemp

More and more people are warming up to hemp. The hemp market is expected to reach almost $7 billion by the end of 2025. But why all the hype?

The first reason is hemp seeds. 

All About Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are made of two parts. 

• Hull: The outer protective layer of the seed. This is hard and shields the seed from the elements.
• Heart: The hemp heart is everything contained within the hull.

Generally, even products sold under the term "hemp seed" are actually hemp hearts. After all, crunching through the hard hull can be quite unpleasant. Some manufacturers might specify that their hemp seeds have been hulled.

A single hemp seed is pretty small. But eaten together, they pack a powerful punch.

Here's what a 30g serving of hemp seeds contains, according to the US Department of Agriculture:

• 166 calories
• 9.48g protein
  • All 10 essential amino acids
• 14.6g fat
• 1.2g fiber
• 21mg calcium
• 2.38mg iron
• 210mg magnesium
• 495mg phosphorous
• 360mg potassium
• 3mg zinc
• Vitamins C, B, A, and E
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Omega-6 fatty acids

Benefits of Hemp Seeds

That's a lot for a few handfuls of seed! Let's break down what, exactly, all these nutrients might provide our furry friends.

High in Fiber

Hemp seeds come with a hefty serving of fiber. Fiber is crucial for supporting digestion and regular bowel movements. 

There are two types of fiber. The first is called soluble fiber. It dissolves in water.

The second type of fiber is called insoluble. As you can probably guess, it doesn't dissolve in water. 

Both types of fiber are important. They help support proper digestion and bowel health. 

As anyone who's picked up dog poo knows, bowel health is vital!

Magnificent Magnesium

Hemp seeds are a great source of magnesium. This mineral helps support heart function and health.

Fatty Acids

The word "fat" has a bad reputation. But there are plenty of fats that are great for the health of humans and dogs alike.

Hemp seeds contain two types of fatty acids. The first, omega-3 fatty acids, help decrease normal inflammatory pathways. 

Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help your dog achieve a healthy, shiny coat.

Lots of Iron

Iron is another crucial nutrient present in hemp seeds. It's one of the essential nutrients for hemoglobin formation.

Joint Health

Remember those fatty acids? They're also essential for everyday health and healthy joints.

We've got a range of hemp and CBD products to help promote healthy joints, including our Balance Hemp Extract, formulated with CBD and CBDa in an ideal 1:1 ratio.

Each formulation has its own unique benefits. They come in different strengths, too, so you can choose the perfect option based on your dog's needs.

Bonus: Why Is Your Dog Itchy? What Can You Do?

Hemp Seed Oil

You or your dog can eat hemp seeds. Alternatively, many prefer taking the liquid version. 

Hemp seed oil is exactly what it sounds like. It's an oil created from hemp seeds. There are various ways to extract the oil from the seeds.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

When purchasing hemp seed oil, make sure it's actually that and not something else. 

Hemp oil, for example, can sometimes refer to general oil extracted from hemp plants rather than oil extracted from the seeds alone. 

CBD oil is also different from hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil contains no THC and usually little to no CBD. Somewhat confusingly, CBD oil is sometimes called hemp oil. That's because it's created from the hemp plant.

Now, CBD oil is fantastic. It’s used by pet owners across the country for a range of purposes. It can help promote relaxation, for example.

But CBD oil’s effects are naturally different from hemp seed oil’s effects. So, if you want hemp seed oil, make sure that’s actually what you’re buying!

How to Make Hemp Seed Oil

The simplest way to manufacture hemp seed oil is cold pressing. During cold pressing, the seeds are squashed and the oil is squeezed out.

Is Hemp Seed Oil Safe For Dogs?

Yes! At least, when given in the proper amounts. Always start small and see what happens. 

Hemp seed oil contains numerous beneficial nutrients, including:

• Antioxidants
• Omega fatty acids
• Carotene
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Iron

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

The first benefit of hemp seed oil comes from those all-important essential fatty acids. In particular, hemp seed oil contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in an ideal ratio.

Hemp seed oil also contains a specific type of omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. But what's special about this acid?

Well, it may help reduce inflammation associated with training and competition for pets. It also might help maintain joint mobility and function. 

Hemp seed oil is a popular ingredient in human cosmetics, too. In part, that's because of its moisturizing properties. 

Similarly, hemp seed oil can help maintain the health of your dog's skin and coat.

Adding Hemp Seed Oil to Your Dog's Diet

Hemp seed oil can be used as a supplement or added to your dog's meals at mealtimes. 

One thing to watch for, though: If your dog eats a lot of chicken, take that into account when considering whether to give them hemp seed oil, too. Chicken also contains a lot of essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid. That's great, but remember, you can have too much of a good thing.

Hemp and CBD products can have a calming effect on nerves. That can be a lifesaver for pet owners who have to deal with fireworks, new guests, or other potentially disruptive situations.

Earth Buddy's Sleep Support Hemp Extract or CBD Oil for Dogs are just two products that can help keep your pet calm and relaxed.

Wrapping Up

Whether it’s promoting heart function or aiding relaxation, hemp is a fantastic natural product that can help your dog in many different ways. 

Keep Reading: How to Support Healthy Joints for Your Dog

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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.