What Is Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp plants are made up of many different natural oils and naturally occurring chemical constituents. This means that the name "hemp oil" can be rather misleading. Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are similar but not the same thing.

Importantly, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the component responsible for the psychotropic effects of cannabis, is absent from these oils. In order to be legal for sale in the United States, CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC as of the 2018 Farm Bill. Hence, your dog will not get high if you give him or her oils extracted from hemp plants.

The hemp-based oils that you can come across are:

Hemp seed oil: Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds, as the name implies. Cannabinoids, which exist naturally and aid humans and canines with mobility, appetite, pain, and more, are absent in hemp seed oil. The oil from industrial hemp seeds is extracted using a cold-pressing method. Then, the oil undergoes purification and packaging before being sold to end users.

Cannabidiol oil: Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is extracted from hemp's leaves, stems, and flowers. CBD oil (as the name implies) has a higher CBD content with low levels of THC, but hemp seed oil (which has little to no traces of CBD and zero THC) does not. Because of the absence of THC, CBD oil for dogs can be used therapeutically without fear of intoxication but please always consult your vet before giving your dog CBD oil.

Due to its lack of cannabinoids, hemp seed oil isn't often recommended by vets for canine conditions like chronic pain or severe behavioral disorders like separation anxiety. It's possible that CBD hemp oil would work better for certain conditions.

The Positive Effects of Hemp Seed Oil on Dogs' Health

Hemp seed oil is a nutritious addition to your dog's diet. Oil extracted from hemp seeds is rich in beneficial compounds that can have a wide-ranging effect on your dog's health.

Immune System Support

Hemp seed oil's health benefits come from the ideal ratio of vital fatty acids found in it. It's high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have beneficial effects on inflammation, blood pressure, and other bodily functions in both people and canines. A dog's body doesn't produce these fatty acids naturally, thus they must be obtained through food.

Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is an essential omega-6 fatty acid that can be found in hemp seeds. Essential fatty acids, or GLA, are also important for your dog's health. The American Society for Cancer Research has found that there is evidence suggesting a connection between enough GLA intake and a reduced risk of cancer and other major illnesses.

Inhibiting Inflammation and Maintaining Normal Function

The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in hemp seed oil suggests it has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Your dog should experience some degree of inflammation in reaction to injuries, illnesses, allergies, and other conditions because this is a natural response by the body.

Nevertheless, inflammation can soon become out of control; here is where n-3 fatty acids come in. While omega-6 is thought to promote inflammation, omega-3 has the opposite effect. Hemp seed oil may aid in maintaining this equilibrium, which is crucial for a normal and healthy inflammatory response.

Support Skin and Coat Health

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also healthy for your dog's skin. The use of hemp seed oil in human soaps and lotions is on the rise. Hemp seed oil may be given to dogs by their owners to increase the quality of their coats or by veterinarians to treat common skin conditions.

Effortlessly Aids in Weight Control

Generally speaking, dogs who consume GLA have more energy and are therefore less likely to become overweight. On top of that, GLA keeps your metabolism revved up and burning more fat. Discuss the possibility of using a hemp product formulated for dogs with your veterinarian if your dog has recently put on a few extra pounds.