Hemp Seeds for Dogs: A Complete Guide
The history of dogs eating hemp seeds (aka hemp hearts) traces back thousands of years to early agricultural societies where dogs shared the same unrefined, whole-food diet as humans. While modern marketing badges hemp as a newly discovered “superfood,” its role in canine nutrition has always existed.
For millennia, specialised commercial pet food did not exist. Dogs simply ate scraps, grains and agricultural byproducts left over by humans. Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is one of humanity’s oldest crops, cultivated as far back as 8,000–12,000 years ago. In ancient China, Europe and India, hemp seeds and meals were a staple food source for both people and domesticated animals.
Can dogs eat hemp seeds?
Yes, dogs can eat hemp seeds, says our in-house dog nutritionist. Hemp seeds are a highly nutritious superfood that provide protein, fibre and essential minerals.
Health benefits of hemp seeds for dogs
Feeding dogs hemp seeds provides significant anti-inflammatory benefits, promotes a glossy coat, boosts immune function and supports efficient digestion. Because hemp seeds are packed with essential fatty acids, complete proteins and vital minerals, they function as a highly bioavailable nutritional supplement for dogs.
Key nutritional benefits
- Perfect omega ratio: hemp seeds contain an ideal 1:3 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. This specific balance helps support a dog’s natural inflammatory response and targets chronic joint stiffness and arthritis.
- Rare fatty acids: they include Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), a unique anti-inflammatory omega-6 that is highly effective at relieving dry, itchy skin and managing skin allergies.
- Complete plant protein: composed of roughly 25% to 40% protein, hemp seeds provide all nine essential amino acids required for healthy muscle repair, cellular growth and immune defence.
- Gut microbiome support: hemp is high in dietary fibre. According to a study published in Veterinary Sciences, hemp seed byproducts actively modulate canine gut flora, assisting with regular bowel movements and overall gastrointestinal health.
- Trace minerals: hemp seeds deliver excellent amounts of magnesium, zinc, iron and vitamin E which support nerve signalling, red blood cell production and metabolic health.
How much hemp seed can dogs eat?
Hemp seeds are completely safe and do not contain THC or CBD. They are entirely separate from cannabis/marijuana products and will not make your dog high.
Suggested daily amount scaled to your dog’s weight:
- Extra small dogs: about 1/4 teaspoon
- Small dogs: 1/2 teaspoon
- Medium dogs: 1 teaspoon
- Large dogs: 1.5 teaspoons
- Extra large dogs: 2 teaspoons
Search our Hemp Seed recipes:
How to feed a dog hemp seeds
Always purchase shelled hemp seeds (hemp hearts). The whole, unshelled seeds have a rock-hard outer casing that is completely indigestible.
Hemp seeds should always be served completely raw — never heat or cook them as high temperatures destroy the beneficial fatty acids.
- As a food topper: the easiest method is to simply sprinkle your dog’s hemp seeds directly over its food at the point of serving.
- For lick mats: mix the hemp seeds with a spoonful or two of yogurt, cooked and mashed pumpkin or bone broth. Spread it onto a lick mat or stuff it inside a KONG toy and freeze it for an engaging treat.
- Baked into treats: you can incorporate hemp seeds into homemade dog biscuits by mixing them into recipes that use ingredients like oats, bananas peanut butter.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Will hemp seeds get my dog high?
A. No. Hemp seeds are harvested from industrial hemp plants and contain virtually zero THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and no CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana that is toxic to pets, but the seeds of the hemp plant are completely safe and will not alter your dog’s behaviour in the slightest.
Q. What are the main health benefits of feeding dogs hemp seeds?
A. Hemp seeds are a complete plant protein containing essential amino acids together with essential doses of magnesium, zinc, iron, and calcium to boost immune health. They contain an ideal 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which relieves dry skin, reduces shedding and promotes a glossy coat. They also feature gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a rare fatty acid that fights inflammation, eases arthritis and relieves joint stiffness.
Q. How many hemp seeds can I feed my dog daily?
A. Portion sizes are dependent on your dog’s body weight, but roughly:
Under 5kg (11 lbs): 1/4 teaspoon per day.
5–22kg (11–50lbs): 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per day.
22–45kg (50–100lbs): 1 to 1.5 teaspoons per day.
Over 45kg (100lbs): Up to 2 teaspoons per day.
Q. Should I feed my dog raw, whole or shelled hemp seeds?
A. Shelled hemp seeds (often called hemp hearts) are the best choice for dogs. The outer hulls of whole hemp seeds can be fibrous and difficult for your dog’s digestive system to break down. Raw hemp seeds are softer, highly digestible and easy to add to your dog’s regular food.
Q. Can puppies eat hemp seeds?
A. Yes they can.
Q. Is hemp seed oil the same as hemp seeds?
A. No. Hemp seed oil is the liquid fat cold-pressed directly from the seeds. While it offers similar skin and joint benefits, it lacks the plant protein and dietary fibre found in whole hemp seeds.
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