Just as you like to experiment with new foods and more often than not reap their benefits, it is important to try new food supplements and bring new ideas to the table for your furry friend.
Hemp oil and hemp seeds for dogs are becoming all the rage and are gaining a lot of awareness due to their organic and nutritional properties. Adding hemp to your dog’s daily routine can be highly essential.
Hemp seeds and oil have been used for thousands of years but it’s just until very recently that they’re gaining traction for pets for their nutritional and added benefits.
Hemp Seeds and Oil for Dogs
Contrary to popular belief and controversy, hemp products do not have any psychoactive substances that get you “high” and it is perfectly safe for dogs.
Hemp seeds are derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant that is completely free of THC ( a chemical substance that produces psychoactive properties mostly used for recreational purposes). The THC level is as low as 0.03%, way below the amount needed to sell hemp products consumed by pets legally. Hemp seed oil is then extracted from the seeds.
How They Improve Your Dog’s Health
Hemp oil is multi-purpose: It can be used orally and topically. The properties present in the oil help prevent skin conditions such as rashes, and itchiness. You can massage it on your dog’s skin or you can give it to them orally via a tincture or mix it in their food.
Hemp seeds, on the other hand, are high in omega-3 which helps promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. Fatty acids help balance the immune system too.
Helps reduce anxiety and stress: One of the many reasons for hemp’s popularity is that it has therapeutic properties. Hemp can soothe your dog and get them in a relaxed state in situations such as:
- If your dog is super hyper, constantly barks, or has disruptive behavior
- If they have separation anxiety
- Experienced a recent trauma
- If there are loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks
- If they get stressed by traveling
Pain Reliever: As a dog gets older, they experience a lot of joint due to arthritis, reduced bone density, and joint swelling. As a pet owner, the first thing you’d do is get off-the-counter medications for them, and while that is a good way to go, there’s nothing better than a natural solution with no risk of side effects.
Hemp seeds contain omega-6 that has anti-inflammatory properties that heal, strengthen, and reduce joint inflammation. It even reduces the effects of aging and helps your dog stay mobile and active, hence increasing their life span.
How much should you give your dog?
Like everything in life, their hemp intake should be in moderation. Adding seeds or oil to their diet is not a good idea.
Do your research. Check with their vet and depending on the size of your dog, their age, and their digestive capabilities they will give you their expert opinion of what you should and should not do.
Don’t get into it quickly, start by giving them a small quantity to see how they react to it and if it’s giving about the desired results. If you’re giving them help seeds for the first time, grind them up for easier digestion.
Here’s a reference for how much you can start with:
- ¼ tsp for under 20 lbs
- ½ tsp for under 40 lbs
- 1tsp for over 50 lbs
