What are the benefits of hemp oil for horses?

Hemp oil is such a powerful aid for horses because it is packed with Omegas and vitamin E. Horses benefit from digestive, skin and coat, respiratory, and reproductive health. Additionally, horses may see relief from inflammation and increased joint health.

Imagine, having a happy and healthy horse with the best coat around. Hemp is a natural superfood for humans and horses.

It only takes a small dose to see huge results!

Luckily for you, I’m going to show you the benefits of hemp for horses. Your mare or foal is going to love the results! You might just find yourself using hemp oil after seeing the results first hand.

Benefits of Hemp Oil For Horses

Hemp oil is packed with vitamins and nutrients that strengthen the horse’s health from the inside out. The oil enhances and bonds with the horse’s biological system allowing healing to happen. The vitamins and minerals benefit some of these areas:

• Digestion & Dietary Aid
• Skin and Coat Health
• Respiratory Health
• Reproductive Health
• Inflammation & Joint Health
• Moisturizing
• Calming

Hemp Seed oil is made from the cold pressed seeds of the cannabis sativa plant. This means the seeds do not undergo heat treatments that can change the oil.  It is free from harsh chemicals and additives. 

When it is cold pressed, it will appear almost translucent with a green tint. Cold pressed hemp is pure.

Digestion Aid

Orally giving a horse hemp oil can assist in a healthy digestive system. The oil will coat the horse’s intestinal tract, allowing food to pass easier. Hemp seed oil contains GLA, which is an anti-inflammatory nutrient. 

GLA reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. Diets high in grains are a common cause of inflammation. 

Hemp works as a barrier against allergens. Therefore, your horse has extra protection against potential food allergies.

The nutritional benefits in the oil will work from the inside out. As it bonds with the horse biologically, the hemp oil can help increase appetite in a horse who lacks one. Hemp aids horse digestion positively. 

Healthy Horse Hair and Skin

One of the first things people notice about a horse is its long mane and tail. The way to improve healthy hair starts from the inside out. So, giving the horse an oral daily dose of hemp oil can work its magic. 

The vitamin E in hemp oil strengthens and adds shine. Fatty acids in hemp oil maximize hair growth. Proper care and treatment for the mane and tail will add a lustrous shine. 

Hemp oil can be directly applied to desired areas and massaged or brushed in to boost shine and growth. Using hemp oil repairs skin and is non-irritable.

Natural Calming Effect

Horses have anxiety just as we do; they might show this by pacing or cribbing. Hemp seed oil contains gamma-tocopherol, which can diminish anxiety. The Omegas and gamma-tocopherol will work to elevate the mood and fight anxiety. 

Feed horses 2 tablespoons of hemp oil a day or introduce hemp meal into their diet to reduce anxiety. 

Other signs of stress and anxiety in horses that could benefit from hemp in their diet may be: 

• Road trips
• Crowds
• Environmental 
• Separation anxiety
• Biting
• Excessive chewing 
• Arena or performance anxiety
• Weight loss
• Hair loss

If you notice your horse exhibiting some of these signs, try adding hemp to their diet.

Anti-Inflammatory

Over the course of a horse’s life, it is likely to become injured or struggle with inflammation at some point. Hemp is packed with essential vitamins that help repair muscles. Hemp contains these essential vitamins that strengthen and heal:

• Omegas, 3, 6 & 9
• Vitamin E 
• Protein
• GLA

The Omega Fatty Acids In Hemp Aid As An Anti-Inflammatory

Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally occurring nutrients found in food. Omegas are an important part of nutrients for horses just as they are for humans. That is because omegas are anti-inflammatory. The anti-inflammatory qualities would help with:

• Joint Pain
• Stiffness
• Allergens & Respiratory System

You read that right; horses have allergies. A common allergy for horses is pollen.

When an allergen is inhaled by the horse, it enters the respiratory system.  When a horse is given hemp oil, the oil bonds with the horse’s system. The horse’s cell membranes react differently to the environment, and in turn, helps the inflammatory responses. 

When hemp oil is added to the horse’s diet, it can fight off intense reactions to allergens in the environment.

Reproduction Success

The nutrient rich vitamins in hemp oil may contribute to healthy horse reproductive systems. Omegas can increase hormone concentration that contributes to fertility and the horse embryo’s growth and development. 

Nutrients found in hemp also helps with milk production. These nutrients are fuel for energy and stamina in both the mare and stallion. With healthy stamina, the stallion can breed with multiple mares and produce healthy sperm.

Hemp Feed Or Meal in lieu of oil

Hemp does not have to come in an oil form to be nutritious for horses. They can also eat it in meal form. Hemp feed is also packed with the main nutrients but also provides fiber and fat. 

Fiber aids in a healthy horse gut. The fat content in hemp meal helps the horse absorb essential vitamins and minerals. The best part is that your horse will enjoy the taste of hemp meal.

Eqinews states hemp is a palatable and tasty addition in a horse’s diet. Because it is a soft type of feed, it is easily digestible and will slow down a horse’s digestive system. Hemp feed can come as: 

• Hulled seeds
• Hemp Meal
• Protein Powder
• Hemp Pellets

Hemp seeds are a source of protein, and the seed hulls are digestible fiber. Digestible fiber will work against constipation and maintain bowel health. The hemp hulls (hearts) can be added to your horse’s feed to increase protein intake and increase energy.  

Feed made of processed soy and corn products are harder for horse digestion. Soy and corn have dominated the feed industry with availability and low cost. Hemp is now a strong competitor with more benefits.

Hemp can be added to the horses diet as a protein powder to increase protein levels. Protein powder can help build muscle for horses just as it does for humans. Hemp protein powder is a great plant based protein source. 

Hemp Has Much Needed Vitamins

Vitamin E and Protein found in hemp products is of superior quality. Vitamin E is not something a horse can create, and it must be able to get this nutrient from other sources. 

This is where hemp oil would be extremely beneficial. Vitamin E can be absorbed into the horse’s body with fat in the diet. 

Hemp is a fatty acid, and the vitamin E is already packed into its makeup. Vitamin E has a handful of beneficial properties every horse needs. It helps inside and out. 

A foal needs about 12-18 percent of crude protein in its diet. Proper protein levels improve the growth and development of young horses. A full grown horse would typically need less protein at about 8-12 percent. 

While horses can get protein from their daily feed, certain hemp products would increase protein and absorption of vitamins.  

Summary: Hemp oil benefits for horses

As you can see, hemp oil contains numerous benefits for your horse. Hemp oil contains essential nutrients like Omegas and Vitamin E. Other hemp products contain protein which can benefit your horse’s development.

Horses benefit from digestive, skin and coat, respiratory, and reproductive health. Additionally, horses may see relief from inflammation and increased joint health.

Hemp oil doesn’t have to be the only way for your horse to consume hemp. You can also use hemp feed and meal into your horse’s diet.