What Does Hemp Seed Do To Dogs?

Hemp seeds for dogs, which are produced from the hemp plant¹, are considered to be food-safe and non-toxic to humans and animals².

Unlike certain components of the Cannabis sativa plant, hemp seed does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance. Hence, hemp seeds are not toxic to dogs and are not psychoactive³.

Understanding What Hemp Seeds Do For Dogs

Hemp seeds are dense in their nutritional components. They are a goldmine of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids⁴.

Furthermore, these seeds have a high amount of amino acids such as arginine, which is vital for the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax the blood vessels, ensuring better organ function.

They are also notably high in fiber. This combination of polyunsaturated fats, amino acids, and fiber makes them an exceptionally nutritional food source.

Essential minerals such as Calcium, Zinc, Iron, and particularly high levels of magnesium, which aid in muscle relaxation, can also be found in hemp seeds.

How Can I Give Hemp Seeds To My Dog?

Every dog has its day, and each dog’s taste is different. From the gourmands to those with an “eat-everything-in-sight” approach, It’s important to know what your dog likes to eat, especially when adding new nutrients.

Let’s look at all the different ways you can add hemp seeds to a dog’s food without causing problems.

• Standard Food Topping: The easiest way is to sprinkle a tablespoon of seeds on your dog’s food. It’s safer to use half a tablespoon for dogs. Unpicky dogs don’t mind this direct manner.
  
  
• The Nut Butter Strategy: A clever tactic for texture-sensitive dogs involves incorporating hemp seeds into their favorite nut butter. The seeds add a crunchy texture, while the nut butter masks any flavor the dog may find off-putting.
  
  
• Baked Treats: For those who like to prepare homemade dog treats, consider adding hemp seeds to the recipe. Not only does it add nutritional value, but it’s also another way to incorporate hemp seeds without your dog noticing.

It’s important to keep in mind that adding hemp seeds to your dog’s food should be a pleasant experience for him or her. Whether you choose to put hemp seeds on their food or mix them into their wet food, the goal is to make sure they get all of the health benefits hemp seeds have without any trouble.

To answer this question:

To give your dog hemp seeds, just drop a tablespoon of seeds on their food or add a teaspoon of hemp seed oil. For smaller dogs or pups, change the amounts.

High Fiber Content

Hemp seed is high in fiber, making it beneficial for dog’s digestive systems. The fiber acts as a prebiotic, aiding in digestive health, and can also contribute to weight management.

Hemp Seed vs. Hemp Oil For Dogs

When it comes to hemp-based products for dogs, it’s essential to differentiate between hemp seed and hemp oil. Both are good for your health in many ways, but they are different. Here’s a comparison chart to help you see the differences.

Feature	Hemp Seed	Hemp Oil
Source	Seeds of the hemp plant	The whole hemp plant, especially the leaves, and flowers
Main Components	High in fiber, protein, and essential fatty acids	Rich in cannabinoids, especially CBD
Primary Use	Nutritional supplement due to its balance of omega-3 and omega-6	Therapeutic purposes like pain and anxiety relief
Fatty Acid Content	Omega-3, Omega-6 in perfect balance	Varies, but usually richer in omega-6
Cannabinoid Content	Minimal or none	High, especially CBD, but no or minimal THC
Appearance	Grainy, nutty texture and appearance	Transparent to greenish or darker tinted liquid
Application for Dogs	The whole hemp plant, especially the leaves and flowers	Therapeutic for ailments like joint pains, anxiety, and certain skin conditions

While both hemp seed and hemp oil come from the same plant, they have different qualities, uses, and benefits for your dog.

Before choosing one over the other, make sure you understand your dog’s wants and talk to a vet.

Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds for Dogs

• Skin and Coat Health: The fatty acids present in hemp seeds, especially omega-3 and omega-6, are in perfect proportion to improve skin quality. They promote a lustrous coat, reduce shedding, and decrease inflammation⁵.
  
  
• Joint Health: Approximately 25% of dogs might encounter joint issues during their lifetime. The anti-inflammatory properties in hemp seeds can reduce joint inflammation, helping to mitigate joint pain and discomfort.
  
  
• Cardiovascular Health: Hemp seeds aid in improving heart health. As aforementioned, the amino acid arginine aids in the production of nitric oxide.
  
  
• Immunity Boost: Rich in essential minerals like Calcium, Zinc, Iron, and Magnesium, hemp seeds increase immunization for dogs, fortifying them against potential diseases.
  
  
• Anxiety and Mood: It’s hypothesized that hemp seeds might help calm your dog due to their high content of essential fatty acids.
  
  

Side Effects and Precautions of Giving Hemp Seeds to Dogs

Before you start giving your dog hemp seeds, it’s good to know what might go wrong. Here’s a simple, yet detailed guide.

1. Stomach Issues:
   • Easy Explanation: Giving too many hemp seeds might make your dog’s belly upset, leading to diarrhea.
     
     
   • In-Depth: Hemp seeds are rich in oils and fibers that can be hard for some dogs to digest in large amounts. This can irritate your dog’s intestines, causing loose stools or diarrhea.
     
     
   • Action Plan: If this happens, reduce the amount of hemp seed you’re giving and consult your vet.
     
     
2. Allergic Reaction:
   
   • Easy Explanation: Some dogs might be allergic to hemp seeds, causing itchiness or a swollen face.
     
     
   • In-Depth: Allergies occur when the dog’s immune system reacts to a substance as though it’s harmful. Symptoms may manifest as itching, skin redness, or swelling, typically around the eyes or muzzle.
     
     
   • Action Plan: Stop giving hemp seeds immediately and consult your vet for appropriate tests and treatment.
     
     

Precautions:

1. Medicine Mix-Up:
   
   • Easy Explanation: If your dog is taking any medicines to thin their blood, hemp seeds might mess with that.
     
     
   • In-Depth: The omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seeds have natural blood-thinning properties, which could interfere with anticoagulant medications your dog may be taking.
     
     
   • Action Plan: Always check with your vet before adding hemp seeds to your dog’s diet if they are on any medications.
     
     
2. Starting Slow:
   
   • Easy Explanation: Don’t give a whole bunch of hemp seeds all at once. Start with a small amount.
     
     
   • In-Depth: Introducing a new food item to your dog’s diet should always be gradual to monitor for any adverse reactions. This is especially true for hemp seeds, which are rich in oils and fibers.
     
     
   • Action Plan: Start with 1/2 a teaspoon for smaller dogs and a full teaspoon for larger dogs. Monitor for any reactions before increasing the amount.
     
     
3. Vet Approval:
   • Easy Explanation: Before you start giving your dog hemp seeds, talk to your vet.
     
     
   • In-Depth: Even though hemp seeds are generally safe, each dog is unique. Your vet can offer personalized advice based on your dog’s health history.
     
     
   • Action Plan: Schedule a consultation with your veterinarian to discuss adding hemp seeds to your dog’s dietary regimen.

Hemp seeds for dogs can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, but it’s essential to proceed with caution. Always consult your veterinarian for tailored advice to ensure your dog’s well-being.

Dosage Recommendation

The general guideline is to serve 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of hemp seeds daily, depending on the size of your dog. Simply drop a tablespoon of seeds into their food.

Different dogs have different personalities when it comes to food, so it’s advisable to start with a small amount at a time.

Conclusion

Hemp seeds are becoming more popular as a healthy supplement for dogs because they are good for their health in many ways. They have the right amounts of important nutrients, which is good for a dog’s health.

But as their main duty, dog owners should always be uncertain about which ingredients are safe for their dogs. Before giving hemp seed to your dog, you should always talk to a vet.

FAQs

Sources

---

1. “Hemp Seed vs Hemp Oil for Dogs – Dogs Naturally.” Www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com, 10 Feb. 2022, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/hemp-for-dogs-should-you-use-it/. Accessed 16 Sept. 2023. ↩︎
2. Wallace, Emily. “What Are the Benefits of Hemp Seeds for Dogs?” Pet Releaf, 23 Dec. 2021, petreleaf.com/blog/hemp-seeds-for-dogs. Accessed 16 Sept. 2023. ↩︎
3. “Hemp Seeds for Dogs? 3 Things to Know.” Warren London, www.warrenlondon.com/blogs/warren-london-blog/hemp-seeds-for-dogs-3-things-to-know. Accessed 16 Sept. 2023. ↩︎
4. “Can Dogs Eat Hemp Seeds? | Benefits, Risks.” Can Dogs Eat It, 16 Sept. 2023, www.candogseatit.com/nuts-seeds/hemp-seeds. Accessed 16 Sept. 2023. ↩︎
5. Benatar, Michael. “The Ultimate Guide: Hemp Seeds and Dogs | Dope Dog.” Dope Dog, 1 May 2020, dope.dog/blogs/dog-health-wellness/can-dogs-eat-hemp-seeds. Accessed 16 Sept. 2023. ↩︎