Hemp seeds

What is hemp and how does it work?

Hemp is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and was used for various purposes thousands of years ago. It belongs to the cannabis plant family, which produces different varieties. Industrial hemp has a very low proportion of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive substance contained in marijuana. Industrial hemp, on the other hand, has a high proportion of CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive substance that has many positive effects on the body.

CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system, which is present in all mammals and plays an important role in regulating various functions such as pain perception, inflammation, the immune system, mood, appetite, sleep and more. CBD can promote the balance of this system and thus contribute to greater well-being.

Hemp seeds are the fruit of the hemp plant and contain many other valuable ingredients in addition to CBD, such as

• Essential fatty acids: Hemp seeds have an optimal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for the health of the skin, coat, heart, brain and joints. They also contain gamma-linolenic acid, a rare omega-6 fatty acid that has an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Proteins: Hemp seeds are an excellent plant-based source of protein for dogs. They contain all the essential amino acids that the dog's body cannot produce itself and which are important for muscle building and regeneration.
• Minerals and vitamins: Hemp seeds are rich in calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, sulphur and iron. They also contain vitamins A - E, which are important for the immune system, eyes, skin and coat, among other things.
• Dietary fiber: Hemp seeds have a high proportion of soluble and insoluble fibre, which aids digestion and stabilizes blood sugar levels.

How do you feed hemp seeds to dogs?

Hemp seeds for dogs are available to buy in various forms. The most common are:

• Whole or hulled seeds: These can be sprinkled directly over the food or soaked. However, dogs cannot break down and digest the seeds as well as humans, so this form is less recommended.
• Oil: This is obtained from the pressed seeds and contains the valuable fatty acids in concentrated form. It can simply be added to the food or used as an ingredient for homemade treats.
• Press cake: This is a by-product of oil production and contains mainly the protein and fiber of the seeds. It can be fed as a powder or as cookies.
• Protein powder: This is processed from the press cake and contains even more protein per gram. It can also be sprinkled over the feed or used as an ingredient for homemade treats.

The dosage of hemp seed for dogs depends on the size, weight and health of the dog. As a rule of thumb: for every 10 kg of body weight, you can feed approximately one teaspoon of seeds, half a teaspoon of oil, one tablespoon of pressed cake or half a tablespoon of protein powder. The amount should be increased slowly to avoid possible digestive problems. You should also always make sure that the dog has enough water available.

What are the benefits of feeding hemp seeds to dogs?

Feeding hemp seeds to dogs can have various positive effects on their health and well-being. These include:

• Improving skin and coat: the essential fatty acids in hemp seeds can soothe dry, flaky or itchy skin and make the coat shiny and supple. They can also reduce skin allergies and eczema.
• Strengthening the immune system : The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in hemp seeds can support the immune system and protect against infections, inflammation and free radicals.
• Promote joint health : The anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seeds can prevent or relieve joint pain, arthritis and other degenerative diseases.
• Support digestion : The fiber in hemp seeds can promote intestinal flora, stimulate digestion and counteract constipation or diarrhea.
• Regulating blood sugar levels : The fibre in hemp seeds can also stabilize blood sugar levels and thus prevent or treat diabetes or obesity.
• Improving brain function : The omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seeds can promote brain development, learning and memory. They can also reduce anxiety, stress and depression.
• Support muscle development : The proteins in hemp seeds can increase muscle mass, accelerate recovery and improve performance.

Are there any disadvantages or risks when feeding hemp seeds to dogs?

Hemp seeds for dogs are generally very well tolerated and have no known side effects. However, there are a few points to bear in mind to avoid potential problems:

• Quality: you should only buy high-quality hemp seeds for dogs that are organically grown and contain no additives. You should also make sure that the seeds are not contaminated with THC, which can lead to symptoms of intoxication.
• Dosage: You should not exceed the recommended dosage to avoid overdosing. Too much hemp can lead to diarrhea, vomiting or lethargy.
• Allergy: Before feeding hemp seed to dogs, you should test whether your dog is allergic to it. An allergic reaction can manifest itself as a skin rash, itching, swelling or difficulty breathing.
• Interaction: You should consult your vet before feeding hemp seeds for dogs if your dog is taking medication or suffers from a chronic illness. Hemp can strengthen or weaken the effect of some medications.