Just as people add natural supplements to their meal plan, pet owners are adding supplements to their dog’s diet to promote good health. And hemp seed oil is one of the increasingly popular choices because it’s rich in essential fatty acids as well as antioxidants.
Hemp oil is an all-natural dietary supplement that supports cognitive function, promotes digestive health, and helps keep your dog limber. Today, dog owners are able to find hemp oil in a variety of forms, whether it's in tincture bottles, treats, or even hemp dog soft chews that are tasty and delicious!
With so many wonderful benefits of hemp oils for dogs, it's no wonder why so many pet parents are making the switch to this more natural supplement to treat pain, digestive issues, and other ailments in their four-legged companions.
What Is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp oil is a byproduct of the plant Sativa, commonly referred to as hemp. Hemp is used to produce a wide variety of products, including grain, oil, paint, and paper.
PetMD asserts that hemp oil is an all-natural dietary supplement that offers a large variety of health benefits to both humans and dogs. In addition to being an excellent source of dietary nutrients like fatty acids, hemp oil is also a fantastic source of antioxidants. The combined dietary benefits of hemp oil have been linked to combatting anxiety and helping soothe some joint pain. Today, hemp oil is a common treatment for dog anxiety and other canine phobias.
Is Hemp Seed Oil the Same Thing as CBD?
When the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 bill passed and made industrial hemp legal to produce, Americans were inundated with hemp products, including CBD oil. While CBD oil is new to the market, hemp seed oil has been used for centuries in cooking and beauty products.
Although they often get confused for one another, hemp seed oil and CBD oil are not the same. Both products come from the same plant, but they don’t come from the same part of the plant.
hemp seed oil is the result of crushing the seeds until they produce oil. On the other hand, CBD — which stands for cannabidiol — is one of the cannabinoids (a type of chemical compound) found in the cannabis plant. CBD oil is made by extracting the CBD from the cannabis plant and then mixing it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil.
CBD oil can legally contain up to 0.03% THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana), but there is 0% THC in hemp seed oil. Because hemp seed oil is made strictly from the seeds, there is no THC or CBD present.
Should I Give My Dog CBD Oil or Hemp Seed Oil?
Because mainstream use of CBD is relatively new, it’s critical to recognize the difference between CBD oil and hemp seed oil so you can make an informed decision.
Many veterinarians recommend both hemp seed oil and CBD oil for dogs. CBD oil is typically administered as a liquid via a dropper with dosage anywhere from 1mg-6mg of CBD per 10 pounds of the dog’s body weight.
While the benefits of CBD are similar to hemp seed oil (providing pain relief and easing anxiety), not all pet parents are comfortable purchasing CBD for their dog. A full-spectrum CBD oil contains all of the cannabinoids (CBD and THC) in the oil, so talk to your vet to determine which oil is best for your pet.
Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil has multiple benefits not only for humans but for dogs, too. Your veterinarian may suggest giving your dog a hemp seed oil supplement for a variety of reasons, including:
- Joint discomfort: Hemp seed oil promotes natural inflammatory responses in the body. Studies show that hemp seed oil can help with joint discomfort by up to 25%, which is good news for older dogs with lower mobility.
- Seasonal allergies: Hemp seed oil has been noted to help with skin health in humans, and pet parents are starting to use it to alleviate occasional allergies in their pups as well.
- Reducing feelings of anxiety: Anxiety in dogs is common, and dog owners who want to try natural solutions are turning to hemp seed oil.
- Promoting a healthy digestive system: The fatty acids in hemp seed oil can help support digestive health by supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
- Aiding cognitive function: Hemp seed oil not only supports brain health, it also aids learning and memory in both animals and humans.
With all of these benefits, it’s no surprise why more dog owners are adding hemp seed oil supplements to their dog’s daily routine.
How Much Hemp Seed Oil Does My Dog Need?
yourself, “ how much hemp oil should I give my dog?”, it is important to read carefully and closely follow the directions. Do not purchase hemp oil from an untrusted source and certainly do not administer any hemp oil if there are no directions for use.
According to Innovet, a standard serving of hemp oil for dogs is 1ml for every ten pounds of weight. Typically it is best to try the minimum quantity for an extended period, about one or two weeks, to see how your dog is affected by hemp oil. If you don’t notice any difference in your dog’s demeanor after an extended period of use, you can increase the serving by a small amount.
As with any new supplement, there will be an adjustment period for your dog. Results and reactions will vary, and if you notice any adverse allergic reactions or your dog’s behavior changes, stop administering the oil immediately and seek veterinary help.
As with any supplement you give to your dog, the serving size of these hemp products will be determined by age, weight, and potentially even by breed, according to SitStay. For example, if you are giving your dog hemp oil as a way of treating anxiety, the breed may determine the serving size. Breeds that tend to be a little more anxiety-prone like Collies and Chihuahuas may need more hemp oil than a golden retriever.
Follow these steps to determine how much hemp seed oil your dog needs:
- Choose the type of hemp seed oil: hemp seed oil is available as a liquid (i.e., a tincture), pills, chews, and even in dog treats. It can be more difficult to administer oil to a dog who doesn’t like the taste of a tincture, so you might consider a soft chew instead.
- Weigh your dog: If you don’t know your dog’s current weight, you’ll need to weigh him so his dosage is as accurate as possible.
- Find your dog’s weight on the package chart: Not all products are the same strength, so be sure to read the instructions on your hemp seed oil product.
For example, the dosing chart on PetHonesty’s Hemp Mobility Soft Chews indicates that 1-3 treats per day based on your dog’s weight is sufficient:
- Under 25 pounds: one chew daily
- 25-75 pounds: two chew daily
- Over 75 pounds: three chew daily
If your dog is already on a medication for a specific medical condition, don’t add a supplement (or stop giving the medication) unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. If you notice any allergic reactions or side effects, stop giving your dog hemp seed oil and speak with your vet.
How to Choose the Right Hemp Seed Oil
Whether you’re using a tincture or a soft chew, look for a hemp seed oil product that contains 100% pure hemp seed oil. You might also want to consider a product with other natural ingredients — such as glucosamine or turmeric — for even more benefits, such as help with sore joints.
Avoid hemp seed oil products that contain artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, GMOS (genetically modified ingredients), refined sugar, or high levels of salt.
Reaping the Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil
As a pet parent, you want the best for your beloved dog, and hemp seed oil can help both small and large dogs feel good. Whether you’re considering hemp seed oil for anxiety, healthy skin, or to promote healthy joints, finding the right dosage of hemp seed oil for your dog can feel like winning the golden ticket.
