Hemp seeds are getting popular these days. It’s known to benefit humans but can dogs eat hemp seeds too? Yes, dogs can eat hemp seeds since it will make them healthy. These seeds may be small but they’re packed with protein as well as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin, coat, and joints.
Giving your canine hemp seeds will improve their health and diet. Two tablespoons of hemp seeds already contain 2 grams of fiber. That includes 5 grams of protein and 300mg of potassium. It provides 15% of vitamin A and 25% of iron which is their daily requirement.
Why Giving Hemp Seeds to Dogs is Good for Them
Hemp seed may not be a conventional food to give your dog. However, it’s good for them. Here are the reasons why hemp seeds are given to canines.
- Packed in Protein
Dogs need protein to help generate new skin cells, build their muscles, and for hair growth. It also aids with the production of hormones and enzymes which are vital for their body functions. Hemp seeds are rich in protein which will benefit dogs.
- Balanced Omega Ratio
It’s important to have a balanced ratio of omega nutrients in food. Hemp has a 3:6 good ratio. Omega 3 is the fatty acid while omega 6 is the inflammatory part. High levels of omega 6 cause joint inflammation so it’s best to keep it low. While omega 3 is good for skin and bone.
- Great Source of Magnesium
Magnesium is also important for your dog’s health. It will be great if canines have hemp seeds included in their diet. As a key nutrient, magnesium produces energy from the cellular level. It’s vital for heart function as well as nervous system signaling and muscle movements.
- Good Amounts of Phosphorus
Phosphorus has an important role when it comes to canine bone health. The recommended ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be 1:1 to 1:6:1. It’s needed to make sure that their bones will not become brittle or have other issues.
Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds to Dogs
Now that you know that hemp seeds are good for dogs, you should also know how they will benefit them. Hemp seeds are not only good for humans but also canines.
- Boost the Immune System
Hemp seeds are nutritious and they can boost your dog’s immune system. It has the essential fatty acids omega 6 and omega 3. These are high-quality fatty acids to keep your canine healthy. Hemp seeds also contain protein, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin E, and zinc.
- Keeps the Heart Healthy
As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your dog’s heart is always healthy. This should include their vital organs to avoid them from developing heart ailments. These seeds contain the amino acid arginine which produces nitric oxide. This will prevent heart disease for your pooch.
- Helps with Digestion to Improve Gut Health
Canines need fiber in their diet to aid their digestion. That will ensure that their gut will stay healthy. Fiver will help your dog poop to keep its digestive system healthy. Offer whole hemp seeds to your canine instead. It has both soluble and insoluble fiber. This will prevent diarrhea and constipation for a healthy gut.
FAQs About Hemp Seeds and Dogs
1. Are hemp seeds toxic to dogs?
No, hemp seeds are not toxic to canines. They can consume the seeds and even benefit from them. There are different parts of hemp plants that humans can consume. For dogs, hemp seeds or hearts are good for them. These are packed with essential nutrients as well as omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
Hemp seeds also contain high-quality protein and fiber which is good for dogs. It will be great for their muscles and gut health. Feeding hemp seeds to canines will improve their heart health as well. It’s a nutritious addition to your dog’s meal.
2. How will I offer hemp seeds to my dog?
One way to feed hemp seed to your dog is to just add a tablespoon to their usual meal. If you have a puppy, it’s best to only put half a tablespoon of hemp seeds. For picky eaters, you can use hemp seed oil. Just add one tablespoon of oil to the food.
You can also mix the hemp seeds with nut butter for an extra crunch. The texture will make your dog enjoy it as a treat. If you have wet food for your dog, just sprinkle the seeds and mix them. Adding it to wet dog food is better than doing it with dry food.
3. Will hemp seeds make your dog high?
Don’t worry, the hemp seeds will not make your dog high. It’s because the hemp seeds don’t contain THC. This is the active component of marijuana that gives a high feeling. However, hemp seeds came from cannabis sativa or hemp plants. It’s a food source that provides national benefits to humans and animals.
4. Which is better for dogs, hemp seeds or CBD?
Both CBD and hemp seeds can be beneficial for canines. It depends on what will be your goal for your dog. If it’s for nutrition, hemp seeds will be great. This will be a good addition to their diet. It will benefit their health since hemp seeds contain nutrients that are good for dogs.
CBD on the other hand works differently. It will affect your dog’s nervous system to help it relax. The endocannabinoid is part of the nervous system. It receives cannabinoids from CBD. This maintains homeostasis which calms and decreases the stress level of your dog.
5. Can hemp seeds make dogs’ joints healthy?
Yes, hemp seeds can make your dog’s joints healthy. Around 25% of canines suffer from this condition. Giving hemp seeds will help dogs to get the relief they need. These seeds contain balanced essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6. It can reduce inflammation in joints and the heart which will improve their health.
Photo Credits:
Closeup of Happy Dog (Pexels)
Hemp Seeds and Edibles (Pexels)
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