What the Hemp is Going On?

Has everyone gone mutts? Why is hemp becoming one of the biggest health trends for dogs? Well, don’t worry. It’s not because of some hippie dog revolution! It’s actually because of hemp’s amazing health benefits.

Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room. The million-dollar question is, are we talking about turning your dog into Snoop Dogg? Of course not! The hemp seeds used in many of the oils and powders popping up in doggy supplements (like ours) contain none of the trippy stuff (derived from THC).

CBD (cannabidiol) oil and hemp both come from a hemp plant is part of the Cannabis Sativa family. CBD is derived from the stalks, leaves, and buds, while hemp comes from the seeds. Usually, CBD is used therapeutically to help manage various health conditions. Hemp, on the other hand, is a nutritional supplement. With almost no CBD and tons of nutrients, it’s a no-brainer why hemp’s popularity is growing—no pun intended.

What are the amazing benefits of hemp you ask? Well, it turns out that the hemp seed is packed with beneficial properties that may support pet wellness more than you may think!

Omega Fatty Acids that Work Wonders for Your Pup of Any Age
As you probably know, Omegas are pretty awesome for pet health, and there are all sorts of great ingredients out there (like fish oils or healthy algae) that give dog supplements a boost of Omega goodness. But, did you know that hemp is one of the best sources of Omegas available?
Hemp seeds provide dogs with a near-perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which makes it one of the most naturally balanced ways to add Omegas to a doggy’s diet!
Just for a quick refresher, here are just a few of the many benefits of Omega supplements:

• Supports skin health
• Promotes overall hip and joint health by supporting flexibility and comfort
• Helps with cardiovascular function and healthy immune response

As you can see, Omega fatty acids are a must-have for any healthy dog’s diet, and hemp is one of the absolute best ingredients to use. 

Promotes Overall Vitality with Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
The benefits of hemp seed don’t just stop at Omega fatty acids. This holistic ingredient also has Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), which is a lesser known but equally beneficial ingredient that supports a wide range of benefits for our canine companions.
GLA is essential in building a substance that’s super important for joint health and other vital body functions. So, if your pup deals with allergies, mobility troubles, digestive issues, or skin problems, the GLA found in hemp-enhanced products might be just the thing Fido needs!
GLA supports: 

• Skin health by keeping the skin moisturized
• Digestion and weight management
• Promoting cellular health and immune system function

Powerful Source of Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals
​This is probably starting to sound like one of those “but wait, there’s more” moments from infomercials, isn’t it? But, it’s true! Hemp seeds are loaded with even more of the good stuff.
Hemp seeds are considered to be a complete protein source, which means it contains every essential amino acid. Very few plant-based protein sources have them all, so that makes hemp seeds even more unique! Plus, hemp seeds also contain Vitamin E and healthy minerals that work together to bolster skin health, immune function, and overall nourishment.
All things considered, the question isn’t really “why hemp?”; it’s “why not hemp?” Not only are hemp seeds incredibly healthy for your pup (and for their humans, too), but it also functions as a great conversation starter with other pet owners who might’ve been just as confused as you were when you first spotted hemp-based products for dogs.
Got any more questions about hemp? Let us know in the comments below!