Journal - 2021
Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
As people begin to explore the benefits of natural alternatives in their own lives, pet owners alike are exploring the benefits of natural supplements for their furry friends. This blog post will unpack the health benefits of hemp a true natural powerhouse for your dog.
If you have just started exploring the potential benefits of hemp seed oil for your dog, you will have noticed there are two main types of hemp oil available. This is because our little friend the hemp plant is very versatile, with multiple oils being derived from the plant.
The first thing to understand is the difference between hemp seed oil and hemp oil, which are related but quite different different:
- Hemp seed oil: As the name suggests, hemp seed oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant through a cold-pressing process. Hemp seed oil has no cannabinoids or cannabis sativa, meaning hemp seed oil does not contain CBD.
- Hemp seed oil was first made legal in 2017 when Australian legislation changed to allow hemp to be sold as a food.
- Hemp oil (CBD): Cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil, comes from the stalks, flowers, and buds of the hemp plant. While hemp seed oil does not contain CBD and zero THC. CBD oil (as the name implies) is a full spectrum oil, containing a range of cannaboids one of which is CBD .
- Currently in Australia hemp oil (CBD) is only available with prescription from some vets due to the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). For more information on Hemp oil please visit The Office of Drug Control.
The key thing to know is that hemp seed oil does not contain THC, the ingredient that causes psychoactive effects. Put bluntly hemp seed oil will not get your dog high.
Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs
Perfect balance of omega 3, 6, & 9
The secret to Hemp seed oil's health benefits lies in the perfect balance of naturally occurring Omega 3, 6 & 9 essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. To get technical, the Omega ratio is 3:1 of Omega-6 to Omega-3 – and all though this might not mean much to you, in the world of nutrition this is a very important ratio. Striking the correct omega balance is essential as it helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively.
Physiologically dogs are unable to produce their own omega essential fatty acids naturally and must produce amino acids through a well balanced diet. Omega fatty acids can support regulation of blood pressure and inflammatory response and offer a range of other benefits such as: soothing common skin irritation, allergies, improving cognitive function, promoting joint health and supporting coat health.
Improves skin and coat health
The inclusion of hemp seed oil in a dog’s daily diet has been shown to support a healthy skin and coat. Hemp seed oil helps to reduce uncomfortable skin conditions such as: eczema, dandruff, dry nose, rashes and atopic dermatitis that causes that horrible itch for your dog.
Hemp seed oil can also be applied topically. Either direct or within a grooming product to moisturise and soothe the cause of common skin irritation in dogs.
High in antioxidants
As we have eluded to hemp seed oil is a natural powerhouse packed with nutrients like good cholesterol, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Specifically hemp seed oil contains a high concentration of the antioxidant Vitamin E – which is important for immunity, disease prevention, cell renewal and the functioning of many organs in the body.
By supporting the immune system hemp seed oil helps to fight any toxins that may be picked up in daily doggie life.
Improves gut health and well being
As a pet owners our self we absolutely understand the apprehension to introduce a new supplement into your pups diet. However, Hemp seed oil is a great alternative to consider if your dog suffers from a sensitive stomach that is easily upset by the introduction of new foods into the diet.
The oil is highly digestible and packed with Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), which is lesser known than Omega but equally as beneficial and supports a raft of digestive issues.
Reduces inflammation
Hemp seed oil for dogs is an effective natural anti-inflammatory, that when supplemented into a healthy diet may help to combat symptoms of common joint problems and arthritis. Acting as the lubricant for your dogs joints, hemp seed oil can support movement and range of motion.
Unfortunately though, arthritis is a serious condition and hemp seed oil is only a treatment not a cure. Supporting a healthy diet with hemp seed oil may however ease the symptoms of arthritis and make those cold mornings, beach runs or trips to the dog park that little bit more enjoyable for your dog.
Reduces anxiety
Research suggests that hemp seed oil has been proven to reduce anxiety in humans. While studies are still preliminary in pets, current scientific research is showing positive benefits in testing whether hemp seed oil alone can reduce anxiety in dogs.
The Hound Lab - Natural Dog Care
If you think your dog would benefit from the addition of hemp seed oil as a dietary supplement please explore our 100% Raw Organic Hemp Seed Oil. FAQs and usage guidance are available via the above link.