This is a question we get a lot, "can dogs eat hemp seeds?" The short answer is yes! Dogs can eat hemp seeds.

Consuming hemp seeds has numerous benefits for our furry friends. In this article we'll discuss hemp seeds and what hemp hearts are, and how they are made!

What Are Hemp Hearts?

Hemp hearts are gaining popularity across the United States in recent years.

These hearts are the soft inner part of hemp seeds. Basically, they are hemp seeds that have been hulled or husked.

Products that are labeled as hemp seeds are usually hemp hearts, since we don't want our dogs consuming the hull.

Can Dogs Eat Hemp Seeds?

Can dogs eat hemp seeds and hemp hearts? Yes! They are packed with nutrients like fatty acids, iron and protein.

Just two tablespoons contain 10 grams of protein! They can easily be added to your dog's diet or made into hemp seed oil for supplements.

Can Dogs Eat Hemp Seeds | Dog Supplement Guide

Benefits of Hemp Hearts and Hemp Oil For Dogs

A large number of studies point to the many health benefits of hemp oil.

The trace minerals, vitamins, and nutrients in hemp seeds can provide significant health benefits for both you and your dog!

Hemp oil is rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E helps keep your dog's immune system functioning. It can also act as an antioxidant, reducing free radicals that can cause cell damage in your body.

Benefits of Hemp Seeds and Hemp Seed Oil

• Reduced risk of heart disease

• Improved digestion

• May ease osteoarthritis pain

• Improved mobility

• Healthy source of plant based proteins

• Contains essential fatty acids

• May reduce epileptic seizures

• Reduce anxiety in dogs

• Promote healthy skin

• May help fight cancer

• Reduces inflammation

• May help lower blood pressure

Hemp Hearts and Hemp Seeds Come From The Hemp Plant

Who knew hemp could be so complicated? When we first got into hemp oil for dogs and the many different types, we had a lot to learn.

We've all heard of CBD oil, but what is the difference between hemp oil and hemp seed oil?

Both oils come from the hemp plants and are made by pressing the oil out of the plant material. Similar to extracting olive oil.

However, the differences are in the plant material used in the extract.

Hemp Seed Oil Is Made From Hemp Hearts

Hemp seed oil is extracted from the hemp seeds (or hemp hearts) of the cannabis sativa plant.

It was previously thought the seeds did not contain any cannabidiol (CBD oil). Recently, it's been discovered that hemp seed oil may contain around 30 different cannabinoids.

Even with these different cannabinoids, the CBD levels are much lower in hemp seed oil than hemp oil.

Both contain several healthy benefits for your dog.

Vitamins In Hemp Seeds and Hemp Hearts

Hemp extract has very high nutritional content and contains these vitamins and trace minerals:

• Vitamin E

• Magnesium

• Vitamin B

• Arginine

• Omega fatty acids

• Calcium

• Vitamin C

Each of these helps increase your dog's health, especially since your dog's food may not include all of the vitamins.

You can also think of hemp seed oil as a dietary supplement, similar to your typical skin and coat health supplement or a joint supplement.

Even with a healthy diet, all this nutrition is hard to come by.

• Vitamin E

Vitamin E is very important for your dog's health. It helps their vision, reproductive organs, and the health of their brain, blood, and skin!

Additionally, vitamin E deficiency can affect the immune system and even cause inflammation. It's such an important nutrient.

• Magnesium

Magnesium helps your dog metabolize food and synthesize proteins and fatty acids.

It also assists in neuromuscular transmission and even muscle relaxation!

• Vitamin B

Vitamin B helps a number of enzymes release energy from carbohydrates and fats that your dog has consumed.

It also breaks down amino acids and helps transport oxygen and nutrients around the body!

 

• Arginine

Arginine is a very important amino acids for dogs, especially older dogs.

Extreme weight loss and muscle tremors can occur in dogs that do not get enough arginine in their diet.

Be sure to include arginine in your dog's diet or administer it in a dietary supplement.

• Essential Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are one of the main benefits of hemp seed. 

Essential fatty acids help your dog's brain and nervous system function.

Final Thoughts

So, is hemp seed oil safe and effective? We hope this article has given you some confidence and answered your questions.

It's a well studied supplement and contains numerous nutrients and medicinal benefits.

Try adding hemp seed oil to your dog's diet and see how they benefit.

Do you have any experience giving your dog hemp seeds? Have you given your dog CBD oil? Do you recommend organic hemp oil for other dog owners? Have you tried full spectrum hemp oil? Is hemp oil safe?