 The Short Answer is: |
Dogs can safely eat and consume hemp seeds or hemp hearts. Your dog’s diet can be supplemented with some extra minerals and vitamins when you add hemp seeds to it. Protein is abundant in this seed, which is considered a superfood. |
In this article you will know the answer to the query “Can Dogs Eat Hemp Seeds?“.
It seems like hemp seeds are all the rage lately as more and more people are adding them to their food such as salads and smoothies. Some people wonder if dogs can consume hemp seeds. Let me help you find the answer to this question.
What Are Hemp Seeds?
Despite being called a seed hemp seeds are classified as nuts. They have a nutty taste. They are sometimes called hemp hearts.
Cannabis seeds contain very small amounts of THC. Because of this they are very safe to consume and you do not experience any of the negative side effects commonly associated with hemp. Therefore they are safe for both people and dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Hemp Seeds?
Dogs can safely eat and consume hemp seeds or hemp hearts. Your dogs diet can be supplemented with some extra minerals and vitamins when you add hemp seeds to it.
Protein is abundant in this seed which is considered a superfood. Hemp contains 25 percent protein which is a lot more than the other seeds we see on the market like flax and chia.
In addition to Omega 3s and 6s hemp seeds contain a good amount of antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of your dogs daily nutrition as you are probably already aware.
We will discuss some of the amazing benefits hemp seeds can provide your dog below.
Benefits of Hemp Seeds for Dogs
You will be pleased to learn that hemp seeds are actually beneficial for dogs when it comes to seeds. The following are some benefits this superfood can offer your dog and you.
Improves Your Dog’s Skin
These fatty acids also known as omegas help keep your dogs skin supple and less dry by retaining moisture. Hemp hearts may be the answer if your dog has sensitive skin or is prone to mange.
See if adding hemp seeds or hemp hearts to your dogs food reduces his itching after a while. As a result of the fatty acid ratio of three to one the coat should also appear smooth and shiny.
Furthermore hemp seeds can reduce the amount of shedding your dog experiences. Your dog will start losing less hair and you would not have to worry about your home looking messy.
Promotes Heart Health
In addition to improving your dogs health this superfood can also strengthen its heart. Nitric oxide is produced when amino acids and arginine enter your dogs body from the hemp seeds. When this happens your dogs blood vessels expand making it easier to push blood through. The better your blood circulation the better your heart health since your heart is responsible for pumping your blood around your body.
You can also expect better organ function as a result. Overweight or obese dogs are at a high risk of heart failure so this is extremely important.
Reduces Inflammation in Joints
Most dogs especially older ones suffer from joint pain. Your dog may be in a lot of pain and may have to be given medication to relieve the pain.
Hemp seeds can reduce inflation in the body which is one of their amazing benefits. This happens because hemp contains omega 3 fatty acids. It may therefore alleviate some of the pain your dog feels due to arthritis or joint pain. The treatment may not completely cure your dogs illness but it may make him more comfortable.
Immune System Health
There are many nutrients inside hemp hearts that can boost your immune system. Just to name a few:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
Your dogs overall immune system will benefit from each of these nutrients. Your dog can get many vitamins and nutrients from their traditional food but if you add them to the food your dog will experience many benefits.
Reduces Anxiety
Many dogs suffer from severe anxiety or even fear-based aggression/anxiety. Dogs can experience these stressful moments for many reasons and it can be difficult to calm them down. Vitamins and minerals in food have been proven to have positive effects on dog anxiety.
Hemp seeds have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in dogs. It gives your dog a calming effect; this allows them to relax and not be so stressed. It is beneficial for your dogs mental and physical health when it is not stressed.
How to Feed Your Dog Hemp Seeds
It is very important to know how many hemp seeds your dog can consume as too much of anything can be harmful.
You can give your dog hemp seeds in their natural form by adding one to two tablespoons of hemp seeds to their food.
Before you give your dog hemp seeds it is important to consult your veterinarian if your dog is a toy breed or a micro mini so you know how many hemp seeds to give them.
Dogs can also benefit greatly from hemp oil which you can give them one teaspoon of over their food.
Hemp Seed Dog Treat Recipe
You can make your dog a biscuit with hemp hearts if you want to add hemp hearts to their diet but are not sure how.
Watch this quick video to learn how to make hemp dog treats that your dog will absolutely love.
Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs
Dogs can be given hemp seed oil in small amounts since hemp seed oil comes from hemp seeds. The oil does not contain any THC or CBD so you do not need to worry about any side effects for your dog. Hemp oil is not the same as CBD oil.
You can use this oil on your dog and it has all the same benefits as the natural form. It moisturizes the skin and makes the fur coat look very glossy when it is applied.
The oil can also calm your dog if you rub a little on the skin and massage it in so if your dog is nervous or you want to relax him rub a little oil on his skin and massage it in.
Additionally you can mix one teaspoon of the oil into your dogs dry food to give him the health benefits of the oil.
Conclusion
It is perfectly safe for dogs to consume hemp seeds. The same tablespoon you add to your food can also be added into your dogs food and mixed up. Your dog will not only enjoy the extra texture but will also gain many health benefits from it.
What do you think about hemp seeds for dogs? Will you make the hemp dog treats I showed you above? We would love to hear from you!
Amanda (Author)
With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.
Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)
Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.
