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Hempseed for dogs

hempseed for dogs: a nutrient-packed superfood for skin, coat and joint health

Hemp seeds have long been recognized as a nutrient-dense food for humans, but they’re also gaining attention as a valuable addition to a dog’s food. Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, hemp seeds offer many benefits for dogs, supporting joint inflammation, skin and coat health, digestion, the nervous system, and overall wellbeing.

Unlike hemp oils such as CBD, which interact with the endocannabinoid system, hemp seed oil is purely a nutritional powerhouse—delivering the perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with key vitamins and minerals that promote an active lifestyle. Whether your dog enjoys normal daily exercise or needs extra support for mobility, adding hemp seeds to their diet can contribute to long-term wellness. In this guide, we’ll explore the health benefits of eating hemp seeds, how they support canine health, and the best ways to incorporate them into your dog’s meals. In this guide, we’ll break down what hempseed is, how it supports canine health, and how to incorporate it into your pet's diet, all backed by nutritional science and practical advice.

what is hempseed? breaking down the power of the hemp plant

Hempseed comes from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), a species cultivated for thousands of years for nutrition, textiles, and wellness. While hemp is often associated with CBD oil, hemp seeds are a completely different part of the plant—and they’re packed with essential fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants that can benefit a dog’s diet.

These small but mighty seeds are harvested from the whole hemp plant, then either left whole, hulled into hemp hearts, or cold-pressed into hemp seed oil. Unlike CBD, hempseed contains no cannabinoids—just pure nutrition. That means no psychoactive properties, no calming effects, just a straightforward superfood for pets.

So why should you add dog hemp seeds to your pup’s meals? The answer lies in their nutritional powerhouse—a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and protein that support skin, coat, joint health, digestion, and overall well-being.

understanding the difference: hempseed vs. CBD oil

Since hempseed and CBD oil both come from the same plant, they often get mixed up. But nutritionally speaking, they couldn’t be more different.

The key difference? Hempseed supports a dog’s overall health with essential nutrients, while CBD oil is more targeted for stress, discomfort, and inflammation. If you’re looking to enhance your dog’s diet with healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, hempseed oil is an easy and effective addition.

  • the nutritional powerhouse behind hempseed

    Hempseed isn’t just another trendy ingredient—it’s a nutritional workhorse. Whether in the form of whole seeds, hemp hearts, or hempseed oil, it provides an impressive range of important nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet for dogs.

    Unlike some fish oils, hemp oil is plant-based and naturally anti-inflammatory, making it a great option for dogs with skin issues, joint pain, or digestive sensitivities.


    antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health
    Hempseed is loaded with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. Plus, it’s rich in vitamins and minerals that contribute to brain function, heart health, and overall immune support.

    By adding hemp products like hempseed oil or hemp hearts to your dog’s food, you’re giving them a natural, nutrient-dense boost that supports everything from coat health to digestion.

  • omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: the key to skin and coat health

    Fatty acids are essential to a dog’s diet—they can’t produce them on their own, which means they have to come from food sources. Hempseed delivers a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid, a crucial component for:

    • A soft, shiny coat (say goodbye to dull coat and dry skin)
    • Reduced skin irritation (great for dogs prone to atopic dermatitis and allergies)
    • Stronger joints and reduced inflammation (helps with joint stiffness and mobility)
    • Immune system support and heart health (promotes normal blood pressure and cardiovascular function)

  • plant-based protein and dietary fiber for digestive health

    Hempseed isn’t just about healthy fats—it’s also a great protein source. Unlike some plant proteins, it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein for muscle maintenance and weight management.

    And let’s talk fiber. Dietary fiber plays a huge role in gut health, and hempseed’s fiber content helps:

    • Support digestion and reduce digestive issues (great for dogs with sensitive stomachs)
    • Promote a healthy gut microbiome (prebiotic benefits for better nutrient absorption)
    • Regulate weight and metabolism (keeps dogs feeling full while supporting a balanced diet)

how hempseed supports your dog's health

Hempseed isn’t just another trendy supplement—it’s a functional, whole-food ingredient that delivers real benefits for skin, joints, digestion, and overall well-being. Thanks to its unique mix of essential fatty acids, plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s a nutritional powerhouse that can easily be added to your dog’s diet for long-term health support.

nourishing skin and coat from the inside out

A dull coat, dry skin, and itching are all signs that your dog may not be getting enough essential fatty acids in their food. Hempseed is one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in keeping a dog’s skin hydrated and their coat healthy. The omega-3s in hempseed work to reduce dryness and flakiness, helping maintain a soft, shiny coat, while omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, strengthen the skin barrier, reducing sensitivity to allergens and irritation. For dogs with chronic skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, hempseed’s natural anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve discomfort and improve overall skin health.

Unlike fish oils, hempseed oil and hemp hearts provide a perfectly balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6, making them an easy-to-digest, plant-based alternative for supporting skin and coat health without the risk of contaminants often found in marine-sourced oils.

supporting joint health and mobility

Whether your dog is slowing down due to age or needs extra joint support to keep up with an active lifestyle, hempseed is a natural way to promote mobility and reduce inflammation. The omega-3 fatty acids in hempseed oil have been shown to help reduce joint stiffness and discomfort, making it easier for dogs to stay active. These healthy fats play a key role in maintaining joint flexibility by supporting cartilage and connective tissue, while amino acids in hempseed contribute to muscle maintenance and recovery.

For senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues, hempseed can be a valuable addition to their diet, helping to ease inflammation and support overall movement. It works well on its own but can also be combined with other joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine, turmeric, or CBD oil for a more targeted approach to mobility and comfort.

boosting immune and heart health

Hempseed isn’t just beneficial for skin and joints—it also plays a role in strengthening the immune system and promoting heart health. Packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and key minerals, hempseed helps neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress that can contribute to chronic disease. These same compounds support a healthy inflammatory response, helping the immune system function optimally.

In addition to its immune-boosting properties, hempseed supports cardiovascular health by helping to regulate cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to improve circulation and reduce inflammation in blood vessels, which is especially important for senior dogs or those at risk of heart conditions. By incorporating hempseed oil or hemp hearts into their diet, dogs can benefit from the heart-healthy nutrients needed for long-term wellness.

promoting digestive and gut health

A healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy dog, and hempseed’s fiber content plays a major role in supporting digestion. Dietary fiber helps regulate bowel movements, preventing both constipation and loose stools, while also acting as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria that contribute to a balanced microbiome. A well-functioning digestive system ensures that dogs can absorb important nutrients efficiently, leading to better overall health and energy levels.

For dogs that struggle with weight management, hempseed provides a combination of high-quality plant protein and fiber that helps regulate metabolism and promote a feeling of fullness. Unlike some plant proteins that can be hard to digest, hempseed is gentle on the stomach, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or food sensitivities. Whether added as hemp hearts, whole hemp seeds, or cold-pressed hempseed oil, this ingredient is a natural way to support gut health and maintain a healthy weight.

adding hemp seed oil to your pet's diet

choosing between hemp hearts, whole hemp seeds, or hemp seed oil

Hemp comes in a few different forms, each offering unique benefits. Hemp hearts are the hulled, softer inner part of the seed, making them easier to digest while still providing protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids. These are a great option for dogs needing a highly digestible protein source with skin and coat benefits.

Whole hemp seeds, on the other hand, include the outer shell, which increases the fiber content and is especially useful for digestive health and weight management. They provide the same omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids but with added gut-supporting roughage. However, the harder shell may not be ideal for smaller dogs or those with dental sensitivities.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-mix option, cold-pressed hemp seed oil is the best choice. It contains concentrated essential fatty acids, making it ideal for skin hydration, coat shine, and joint support. Since it’s in liquid form, it can be drizzled over food for a simple, mess-free way to add hemp’s nutritional benefits to any meal.

why CBD may help
with anxiety

what makes CBD different from other options?

Unlike conventional anxiety treatments, CBD for dog anxiety works by activating receptors in your pet’s ECS. Think of it as a key fitting into a lock—activating the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help maintain normal balance and calm behavior. When properly sourced and formulated, CBD works with your dog's natural systems rather than overriding them, supports relaxation without sedation or drowsiness, and provides gentle, ongoing support with regular use. This unique approach makes CBD for dog anxiety a trusted choice for pet parents seeking a natural, non-intoxicating solution.

full spectrum vs. broad spectrum: what's best?

The hemp plant has been cultivated for thousands of years, but only recently have we begun to fully appreciate its potential for supporting pet wellness. It contains a variety of beneficial compounds, and CBD oil for dogs can be formulated in different ways:

  • Full-spectrum CBD oil – Contains the psychoactive molecule, THC
  • Broad-spectrum CBD oil – Contains CBD and all the same beneficial compounds in hemp, but removes THC

At Austin and Kat, we use broad-spectrum CBD from nutrient-rich hemp, ensuring scientific evidence-backed results.

quality matters: choosing the right CBD

Not all CBD oil for dogs is created equal. To ensure safety and effectiveness, look for:

  • Third-party lab testing – Verifies potency and purity
  • Transparent extraction methods – Ensures naturally occurring CBD is preserved
  • Sourcing transparency – High-quality hemp plants grown in nutrient-rich soil
  • Consistent potency – Proper formulation for reliable results

dosing guidelines and administration

Getting the right amount of CBD oil for dogs is essential for effectiveness and safety. Since every dog is different, dosing is typically based on body weight, intended use, and individual response.

finding the right amount

  • Start low and increase gradually – Begin with a lower dose and adjust based on your pet’s response.
  • Calculate by body weight – Most CBD products suggest 2-5 mg per 10 lbs of body weight, but this may vary depending on your dog’s stress levels or health issues.
  • Consider frequency – For daily wellness, administer CBD oil consistently at the same time each day. For situational stress like vet visits, loud noises, or car rides, give 30-40 minutes before the event for best results.

maximizing CBD effectiveness and absorption

The way CBD oil is delivered matters just as much as the CBD extracted from the hemp plant itself. Carrier oils help ensure efficient absorption, allowing your pet to get the full benefits of every dose. MCT oil (coconut oil) helps CBD absorb faster and more efficiently into your pet's body.

the power of patience and consistency

Developing a calm, well-adjusted dog doesn’t happen overnight. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s okay. The key is consistency—keeping routines predictable, offering gentle support, and allowing your dog to progress at their own pace. Whether you’re managing occasional stress or supporting your pet through chronic anxiety, every small step forward is a success. With the right balance of routine, reassurance, and natural support, your dog can feel more at ease in their world.

administration tips for success

Even the highest-quality CBD oil for dogs won’t be effective if your pet refuses to take it. The way you administer CBD products can impact both absorption and effectiveness.

For the fastest results, apply CBD oil directly into your dog’s mouth, allowing it to absorb quickly through the gums. If your pet isn’t a fan of direct dosing, try adding CBD oil to a small treat they love—just make sure they eat the entire serving to get the full calming effects. Another option is drizzling it over their food, though this method may take longer to absorb as it passes through digestion.

If you’re using CBD chews, offering them as a reward can make administration effortless, since most dogs view them as a treat. For picky eaters, breaking the chew into smaller pieces can help encourage consumption while still ensuring they receive the proper CBD dosage.

creating a calming routine for your dog

Now that we’ve explored CBD for dog anxiety, what causes stress in pets, and how CBD products can help, let’s focus on the bigger picture—creating a structured environment that promotes long-term calm and confidence. While we can’t sit down with our dogs for a reassuring chat, we can build routines that support relaxation and reduce anxiety triggers. When paired with CBD oil for dogs, the right daily habits can help your pet feel secure, balanced, and less reactive to stress.

daily habits that promote calm

Helping your dog feel safe isn’t just about managing stressful events as they happen—it’s about creating a lifestyle that fosters predictability and confidence. Dogs thrive on routine, and a structured daily rhythm can make all the difference in reducing anxiety.

Start their day with consistent habits, such as a morning walk, a peaceful mealtime, and quiet bonding time. Physical activity is essential for burning excess energy, which can otherwise contribute to restlessness and anxious behavior. Incorporating CBD oil into this routine at the same time each day provides steady support, helping your pet stay calm and well-adjusted throughout the day.

Helping pets with anxiety using CBD

especially good for pets with situational anxiety, these calming formulas are dedicated to our dog Bailey and designed to help support your pet's nervous system in times of stress. Check them out!

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