As a dog owner, your number one responsibility is to give your pooch a balanced, nutritious diet.
Sometimes it’s not obvious which ingredients are risky and which are not. The best way to advance is to conduct useful research.
If you’re a dog owner, you might be wondering if it’s okay to feed your pooch hemp seeds.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not hemp seeds pose any health risks to dogs.
You will be better able to decide whether or not to include this food in Fido’s diet after reading this guide.
Can dogs eat hemp seeds?
You shouldn’t leave hemp seeds out of Fido’s diet because they are safe for him to consume and provide him with a number of health benefits.
Analyzing the chemical composition of hemp seeds reveals that they are a good source of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.
When feeding your dog hemp seeds, you won’t have to worry about giving them an unhealthy dose of fat because the ratio of these two fatty acids is optimal.
Providing your dog with an adequate amount of these fatty acids will do them a world of good.
What is Hemp Seed?
Although they are technically nuts, Dr. Dodds says that hemp seeds “have a mild, nutty flavor and are often referred to as hemp hearts.
These super seeds are gathered from the Cannibis sativa plant, but they contain almost no THC, the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects.
Hemp seeds and hearts are highly nutritious for both humans and pets, and they pose no risk of intoxication due to their low levels of the psychoactive THC compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects.
The THC level is well below the 0.04% limit set by AAFCO for use in pet food.
Benefits of Hemp Hearts for Your Pup
We’ll go into detail about why hemp seeds are so beneficial for Fido. After reading this, you’ll understand why including it in their diet is mandatory.
1. Improvement in skin quality
Omega fatty acids are able to significantly reduce skin itching and dryness. There is a perfect balance of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seeds—about 3:1. This makes them excellent for warding off skin conditions and promoting a radiant coat.
In addition, hemp seeds can lessen the frequency of hair loss. Any pet owner knows how tedious it can be to constantly vacuum up pet hair from the couch and carpet.
Consumption of hemp seeds has been linked to less hair loss and, by extension, less hair shedding. With this in mind, you can get Fido a coat that is not only healthy but also looks good.
It’s a bonus that your dog will have fewer allergic reactions. If you want your dog to have healthy skin and coat, then giving them hemp seeds is a must.
2. Decreases inflammation
Older dogs often experience joint inflammation and pain. While most pet owners turn to OTC or vet-prescribed pain medications, hemp seeds offer a safe and effective alternative.
The anti-inflammatory effects of the omega-6 fatty acids in hemp seeds have already been established.
Keep in mind that an overabundance of linoleic acid (found in Omega-6) can lead to inflammation, making it all the more important to maintain a healthy balance. On the other hand, hemp seeds have the ideal amount to reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Among the many benefits of including them in Fido’s diet is a decreased risk of arthritis.
3. Improves heart health
Increased blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterol are associated with being overweight or obese and have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hemp seeds may be beneficial for your pet’s heart health.
You might be wondering how on earth hemp seeds could possibly benefit your dog’s heart.
The right answer is that they have many possibilities to choose from. We’ll dissect it down to its basic parts:
- Hemp seeds are a rich source of protein, especially the amino acid arginine. These compounds produce nitric oxide, which aids circulation by widening and relaxing blood vessels. By lowering blood pressure, relaxing the arteries improves circulation to the heart and other organs.
- Hemp seeds lower mortality rates from organ failure because they boost organ function generally. When things are working as they should, it’s easier to keep your heart rate and blood pressure in check.
It is clear that the hemp seeds you feed your dog are good for his heart in many ways.
4. Increases immunization power
Hemp seeds provide a wide variety of beneficial nutrients, such as:
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Calcium
It’s loaded with antioxidants and other nutrients that work together to strengthen the immune system. Hemp seeds are beneficial because they contain a lot of fiber, which aids in digestive health.
5. Calms your dog
Everyday activities may be a source of stress and anxiety for your dog. Everyday things that we take for granted can have a major impact on Fido’s mental health. As a result of the mental effects, there may be disorder in the form of disruptive behavior, such as excessive barking, urination, and agitation.
The following factors may contribute to the tense situation:
- Fireworks
- Thunderstorms
- Indefinitely Separating for the Time Being
- Travel
You should not ignore your concerns but instead take action to solve them. If that’s the case, you may be wondering how to get past the problem.
This question has a simple answer. Germplasm for the cannabis plant!
You’ve found the right response, that much is certain. Hemp seeds can help alleviate stress and nervousness due to their calming properties. As an added bonus, they can mitigate the manifestations of a variety of behavioral issues, such as:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Repetitive behaviors
You can expect your dog’s health and lifespan to improve over time thanks to the sedative effect. Due to this, it is crucial that they include hemp seeds in their diet on a regular basis.
6. Reduces the effect of aging
We know that hemp seeds’ antioxidants can slow down the aging process. To ease the discomfort in your dog’s joints, try massaging them.
It aids in lessening the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy and has anti-cancer properties as well. Hemp’s heart-healthy benefits stem from its high protein and fiber content.
If you consider all the benefits hemp seeds can provide for Fido, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would want to keep them out of his diet.
We don’t see that happening.
You may have some concerns or inquiries because this trend is so novel. Should you have any further inquiries, we have provided detailed responses below.
How much hemp seeds can a dog eat?
Many dog owners wonder this because hemp seeds are relatively healthy for canines, but too much of a good thing can be bad. That’s why it’s critical to learn how much hemp seeds your pet can safely consume.
Don’t give your dog more than 1 tablespoon of solid hemp seeds per day; for a puppy, reduce this amount to 1/2 a tablespoon.
Hemp seed oil is yet another alternative you can give your pet. There should be one teaspoon of hemp seed oil for every 1.2 liters per pound of food.
Because of its versatility, hemp seed oil can be served to even the most finicky of eaters.
You can move on to other factors once you’ve decided on a specific number.
Form
Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are safe for canines, as we’ve established. The required amount will change depending on the form you are completing.
Veterinarian consultation
You should take your dog to the vet for approval before giving it hemp seed.
Your veterinarian can advise you on how much food your dog can safely consume.
The digestive capability of your dog
Did you know that a dog’s stomach can be quite fragile?
In that case, consume fewer hemp seeds at first and gradually increase to the suggested amount.
If your dog starts experiencing stomach issues after ingesting it, you should probably keep them away from it in case they have an allergic reaction.
Conclusion
The vast majority of dogs will have no adverse reactions to hemp seeds.
Given the foregoing, it seems plausible that supplementing your dog’s diet with hemp seeds would be a good idea.
If you need assistance with the formatting or the numbers, please use the guidelines we’ve provided above. Check out this page to find out more about the holistic care we provide for canine illnesses.