How Much Hemp Seed Oil Should You Give Your Dog?

How much hemp oil should you give your dog? If that’s your question, you’ve come to the right place! 

The standard recommendation is to give your dog 1 tsp of hemp oil per 1.2 lbs of food.

Now, do you want to know why you should give hemp oil to your dog? Hemp oil is a superfood that contains high levels of fatty acids and other nutrients dogs need to stay healthy. This nutrient-rich oil can help with fighting inflammation, getting that shiny coat, and reducing pain. 

Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of hemp oil. Hemp oil can help your furry companion feel healthier and happier. 

What is hemp oil?

Hemp oil (also called hemp seed oil) is a light green oil that is extracted from hemp seeds. Hemp seeds come from the Cannabis Sativa plant, which is the same plant family as marijuana. 

It is very important to note that hemp oil only contains trace amounts (less than 0.3%) of tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as THC).THC is the “psychoactive” compound that results in feeling high. 

Hemp oil also contains only very small amounts of cannabidiol (CBD). These two compounds come from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of the Cannabis Sativa plant. 

Hemp seeds themselves do not contain CBD or THC. However, small amounts may be introduced in the manufacturing process. So if you give your pet hemp oil (or take it yourself) they will not get high. 

 

 

With that said, hemp oil is a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet. It has a nutty, buttery flavor that can also be enriched with other flavors. Many people choose to add it to recipes such as soups, salads, and smoothies. 

For a peek at how to incorporate hemp oil into a recipe, check out this vegetarian black bean chili. 

How much hemp oil should you give your dog?

You can give your dog 1 tsp. hemp oil per 1.2 lbs of food. However, the amount that you give your dog can depend on the age, weight, and breed.

 

 

Hemp oil is polyunsaturated fat. Polyunsaturated fats are the types of fats that dogs (as well as humans and cats) cannot produce on their own. 

Hemp oil is best served with beef, lamb, pork, and other red meats. Red meats are higher in saturated fats so should be served with a polyunsaturated fat. It is all about maintaining a balance of all the fats in your pet’s diet.

If you serve your dog mainly chicken-based food then you may not want to add hemp oil. Chicken and hemp are both heavy in polyunsaturated fats. As a result, this could cause an imbalance in your dog’s fat intake. An imbalance in their fat intake can cause issues like obesity and pancreatitis. 

So if you’re going to give your furry friend hemp oil, mix it with red meat food products for the biggest benefits.

How do I give my dog hemp oil?

You can give your dog hemp oil in their food, on a treat, or topically. Depending on their temperament and how they take their food, you may find that one way works better for you than the others. 

Give your dog hemp seed oil by adding it to the food that they already eat. Take a serving of hemp seed oil, mix it into their food, and serve as normal.

Another way that you can administer hemp oil to your dog is by putting it on a treat. It is best if this treat is porous so that it can absorb the oil.

Do not cook your dog’s food with hemp oil. Cooking dog food with hemp oil may cause the food to turn rancid. Instead, add the hemp oil as you would with pre-made food.

You can also give your dog hemp oil topically by applying it to any problem areas. These areas may look dry, red, scaly or flakey. You may be alerted to these areas because your dog scratches at them. When doing this, make sure to test it on a small area of skin to test for allergies.

 

 

What are safety concerns when giving my dog hemp oil?

There are two primary safety concerns that you may have for your dog: allergies and ingesting too much hemp oil. While hemp oil is very safe for both humans and dogs to consume, you should be aware of these concerns just as you would if you were taking it yourself. 

Just as you would with any new food or medication, speak with your vet. Ask how you should introduce hemp oil to your dog safely.

Can my dog be allergic to hemp oil?

Dogs can be allergic to hemp oil in the same way that dogs can be allergic to other allergens. Just like humans dogs can have environmental and food allergies. If your dog is allergic to hemp oil you may see the following symptoms: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Facial swelling
• Hives
• Itchiness 
• Sneezing

Being allergic to hemp oil and other hemp products is very rare but it does happen. As mentioned earlier, start with a small amount of hemp oil in food or a small area of skin to test to see if your dog may be allergic. Your vet can also help with this.

Can a dog consume too much hemp oil?

It is unlikely that your dog would consume too much hemp oil. Hemp oil has few potential side effects and they are often mild. After getting approval from your veterinarian, start with smaller servings to see how your dog reacts to it.

If you do not notice side effects and your dog is responsive to hemp oil, you can increase the serving to the recommended serving size (1 tsp per 1.2 lbs of food). 

Contact your vet if you believe that your dog has consumed too much hemp oil. Take note of any side effects your dog may be experiencing.

What happens if a dog has too much hemp oil?

Common side effects of too much hemp oil can include an upset stomach leading to vomiting or irritated bowels and diarrhea. Other signs that your dog has taken too much hemp oil may include:

• Lethargy
• Ataxia (loss of coordination) 
• Urinary incontinence 
• Hyperesthesia (sensitivity of senses)

If this does occur, your pet will most likely rest until they are feeling better. The symptoms and length of time they occur will differ from pet to pet. Generally, most pets recover from ingesting too much oil within a couple of hours. 

Why should hemp oil be part of your dog’s healthy diet?

There are many reasons why hemp oil should be a part of your dog’s healthy diet. Hemp (and hemp oil) is a superfood that provides many vital nutrients that are important to a dog’s health.  Many pet owners have said that hemp oil has helped their dogs with pain, arthritis,  seizures, anxiety, appetite, and more. 

Reduce inflammation

Taking hemp oil can introduce inflammation-fighting fatty acids that can reduce inflammation as well as the pain associated with it.  

Hemp oil contains the fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6, both of which act as an anti-inflammatory. Inflammation can cause a whole host of problems for your dog including pain and arthritis. Hemp oil contains these fatty acids in the perfect ratio (3:1) that is needed for optimal health. 

 

 

Healthy skin and coats

Dogs often have similar skin issues to humans, like atopic dermatitis and eczema. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) (found in hemp seed oil) is also a powerhouse for helping your dog feel and look their best. GLA is a Omega-6 fatty acid that is great for maintaining healthy skin and coats.

Serving your dog hemp oil can help with these skin issues. You can feed them hemp oil in the ways outlined above or apply it topically to any problem areas.

Healthy joints

Hemp oil because of its abundance in healthy fats is perfect for dogs who need a bit more help with keeping their joints healthy. These inflammation fighting fats can help dogs that have mobility issues due to arthritis or other joint problems.  

The Bottom Line

So should you be giving your dog hemp oil? The answer is a resounding yes! Hemp oil is not only a delicious addition to your dog’s diet, it has many nutritional benefits.

You should give your dog around 1 tsp of hemp oil per 1.2 lbs of food. Giving your dog hemp oil is as easy as putting it in their favorite food or treat. You give your dog hemp oil with few safety concerns, however you should always speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog any new food or supplements. 

Hemp oil is great for all dogs to consume but it would be especially beneficial for your four-legged friend if they are dealing with inflammation that causes them pain or skin issues like eczema. 

Convinced that your dog needs hemp oil in their life? Check out our hemp oil products here or use our store locator to find them at a store near you. You can also find our hemp products on Amazon.com and Walmart.com!

Keep on humming!