Hemp seed oil is known for its nutritive health-enhancing properties and bioactivity. Compared to other vegetable oils it is especially rich in essential fatty acids. Hemp seeds offer myriad benefits, ranging from improved digestion and immune function to enhanced skin and coat health, and can help support overall wellbeing.

Rich in Essential Nutrients
Hemp seeds and hemp protein are packed with essential nutrients, including protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Protein
Protein is crucial for muscle development and repair.
Healthy Fats
Hemp seeds are a great source of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining skin and coat, as well as supporting cognitive function and joint health. Omega-3 fatty acids also help to maintain heart health.
Digestive Health
Hemp seeds are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which is essential for maintaining healthy digestion in dogs. Fibre helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support gastrointestinal health.
Boosts Immune System
The vitamins and minerals found in hemp seeds, including vitamin E, zinc, and magnesium, help support a dog’s immune system. A strong immune system is essential for defending against infections, viruses, and other illnesses, keeping your dog healthy and resilient.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Hemp seed and hemp protein contain compounds (e.g. cannabinoids) with anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis, promoting greater mobility.

How to Incorporate Hemp into Your Dog’s Diet:
Hemp Seed
Sprinkle whole hemp seeds over food as a topping or mix them into homemade treats.
Hemp Protein
Mix hemp protein powder into regular meals or incorporate it into homemade dog treats and snacks. hemp protein powder can also be mixed into a cold bouillon or water for a protein boost.

The key distinction between hemp seeds and hemp protein, particularly regarding fat content, lies in their composition and processing. Hemp seeds contain a balance of healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. In contrast, hemp protein is derived from hemp seeds through a process that typically removes a significant portion of the fats, resulting in a product with a higher concentration of protein per serving and a lower fat content compared to whole hemp seeds.

 

Nutrition facts (per 100g)

Hemp seeds

Energy                       553 kcal

Protein                       31.6 g

Carbohydrate           8.67 g

Fibre                              4 g

(For full nutrient content see Food Data Central

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hemp protein

According to label

Energy                          341 KCal
Fats                              9 g
Saturated                    1 g
Protein                         50 g
Dietary fibre                 20 g
Carbohydrates              7.8 g
Sugars                          5.3 g
Salt                              0.21 g

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to know more? These studies might be useful:

Tura M, Ansorena D, Astiasarán I, Mandrioli M, Toschi TG. Evaluation of Hemp Seed Oils Stability under Accelerated Storage Test. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Feb 28;11(3):490. doi: 10.3390/antiox11030490. PMID: 35326140; PMCID: PMC8944499.

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • As some commercial foods contain hemp as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.