The Benefits of Hemp Dog Treats and What to Look For

Hemp is a versatile plant with numerous potential health benefits. Recently, its uses have been expanded to the pet care industry, with hemp dog treats gaining popularity among pet parents. But what exactly are hemp dog treats, and how can they benefit your furry friend? Let's dig in and explore.

What Are Hemp Dog Treats?

Hemp dog treats are pet treats infused with hemp. It's important to note that hemp is not the same as marijuana. Both belong to the cannabis family, but hemp has low THC levels (the psychoactive compound that makes one 'high').

Instead, hemp is rich in compounds like cannabidiol (CBD), which is non-psychoactive and known for its potential health benefits.

Potential Benefits of Full-Spectrum Hemp Dog Treats

Many of the potential benefits linked to hemp dog treats come from the CBD they contain. Here are a few:

Anxiety Relief

One of the most acclaimed uses of CBD is for anxiety relief. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or gets nervous during thunderstorms, CBD-infused hemp treats may help calm them down.

Pain and Inflammation Reduction

CBD is known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, hemp dog treats could provide some relief for dogs suffering from conditions that cause inflammation or pain, like arthritis.

Appetite Stimulation

If your dog has a reduced appetite, hemp treats might help. CBD is believed to stimulate the appetite, and these treats can be a convenient way to introduce CBD into your dog's diet.

Choosing Quality Hemp Dog Treats

With the rise in popularity of hemp dog treats, there are numerous products on the market, and quality can vary.

Choosing hemp treats for dogs involves careful consideration to ensure the product is safe, high-quality, and suitable for your pet. It's important to look for treats sourced from organically grown hemp. This helps to ensure the hemp is free from potentially harmful pesticides and herbicides.

Extraction Method

The extraction method is also essential, with the CO2 extraction method being preferred as it retains the purity of the hemp. It's crucial to choose a product that has undergone third-party testing to verify the CBD content and ensure no harmful contaminants are present. Always opt for treats that are specifically formulated for dogs.

Check the Ingredient List and Consult Your Vet

Don't forget to check the ingredient list to ensure all components are safe for dogs and there are no allergens or harmful additives present. Consulting with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements into your pet's diet is also highly recommended.

Here are the main factors to consider when buying hemp treats for your dog:

Hemp Source

Look for products made from organically grown hemp. This ensures the hemp used in the treats is free from harmful pesticides and herbicides.

Extraction Method

The CO2 extraction method is considered the gold standard as it preserves the purity of the hemp. We'll dive deeper into this later.

Full-spectrum vs Broad Spectrum

There are many people who ask "why didn't CBD work for my dog" and the answer may lie in what type of CBD they're purchasing. A full-spectrum product contains as many compounds from the plant as possible to produce a phenomenon known as the entourage effect; the process believed to provide the therapeutic benefits. 

Third-Party Testing

Reputable companies will have their products tested by third-party labs to verify the product is pure; free from harmful contaminants. The results from the lab also show which compounds are found in the product and the concentration of each.

Safety and Precautions

As with any new supplement or treat, start slowly. Monitor your dog's reaction and adjust the amount as necessary. Always consult your vet before starting your dog on hemp dog treats, especially if your dog is on other medications.

Although hemp treats are generally considered safe, every dog is unique, and it's important to ensure these treats align with your pet's specific health needs.

A Beneficial Addition

Hemp dog treats can be a beneficial addition to your pet's diet, potentially offering benefits like anxiety relief, pain reduction, and appetite stimulation. However, it's essential to choose high-quality products and consult with your veterinarian before introducing these treats into your dog's routine. As always, a thoughtful and informed approach will help you make the best decisions for your furry friend's health and happiness.

For further reading, we recommend:

Safety study of cannabidiol products in healthy dogs - PMC

Tolerability of long‐term cannabidiol supplementation to healthy adult dogs - PMCCBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.