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NOTE: this page is for information only. Hemp Foods Australia only sells products for skincare (cosmetic) use only. We do not sell any products for animals.
Hemp seed for Pets – dogs and cats
Introduction
Hemp Seed Meal and Hemp oil
Hemp seed is known globally for its use as an excellent skincare ingredient, as well as in human food because it is high in Essential Fatty Acids – the omegas, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 and GLA, as well as being high in protein that contains all the amino acids. Legislation from country to country varies and you need to check with your countries legislation before following any tips you may hear.
Hemp seed meal is the product that remains after the seed has been crushed and the oil extracted. Hemp seed meal still contains 25% protein and provides an excellent dietary source of fiber for humans and animals. It can be made into hemp milk and cheese, non-dairy ice cream, burgers and anything soy can be made into. Hemp seed meal can be ground for flour to make breads, pastas or pancakes. The meal can also be used to brew beer.
Hemp Seed Meal is sometimes known as hemp protein flour. This is not the same as hemp protein. Hemp Protein is made from hemp seed meal, which is the by-product of pressing hemp seed oil
Hemp is one of our oldest and most versatile plants and has been documented as far back as the 28th century BC. Cannabis sativa, which is the Latin term for “useful Hemp” has made a comeback in the food, construction and textile industries and Canada is leading the way. The oil pressed from the Hemp seeds contains the highest concentration of essential fatty acids (Omega 6, Omega 3 and GLA) of any all natural plant source. In addition, the Hemp seed is also very high in digestible protein. There is increasing scientific evidence that Omega 3 and Omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids may play important roles in animals with conditions such as pruritic skin disease, atopic dermatitis, allergies, degenerative joint disease, neoplasia, thromboembolic disease and eosinophilic granuloma complex.
Hemp seed oil, as a supplement or ingredient in dog and cat food is showing great promise. Furthermore, the nutritional composition found in Hempseed meal is showing great promise as an addition to both small and large animal feed.
The good fat in Hemp seed oil is truly unique. Approximately 80% is polyunsaturated fat – the highest of any vegetable oil. Specifically, it contains the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) and Alpha Linolenic Acid (Omega 3) in an ideal ratio for absorption by the body. These EFAs, considered good fats, cannot be produced by the body and therefore must be obtained from our diets. Hemp seed oil also contains Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), from which Omega 6 is naturally converted. Diets and sluggish enzyme activity often impair this conversion and cause GLA deficiency. Hemp seed oil solves this problem. No other single source oil has this ideal combination of EFAs. Omega 6 (Linoleic Acid) and Omega 3 (Alpha Linolenic Acid) work together within the body. They are converted via enzymes through a chain of events to produce prostaglandins.
Potential Animal Applications
There is increasing scientific evidence that Omega 3 and Omega 6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids also play important roles in animals with conditions such as pruritic skin disease, atopic dermatitis, allergies, degenerative joint disease, neoplasia, thromboembolic disease and eosinophilic granuloma complex.
The introduction of polyunsaturated fats into pet food has developed considerable interest in the last few years. The problem being that these fats are inherently unstable and the food becomes rancid quite quickly. This is especially true of flax. Some foods have used marine or fish products and here the problem lies in potential heavy metal toxicity. Hemp would be an excellent addition to pet food based on its high levels of antioxidants thereby providing a natural preservative and a balanced omega-6: omega-3 ratio. Another area of interest is the protein in Hemp and this area deserves more research. As noted previously the protein in Hemp is easily digested and could possibly be an alternate or supplemental source of protein in the food.
Hemp seed cake can also be used as feed for farm animals. “Omega 3” eggs have become immensely popular in the supermarkets as individuals are striving for healthier diet and Hemp is a viable alternative to flax in this area.
Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp Seed Cake (meal) has great potential in the animal industry. Immediate applications include the addition of Hemp meal and its protein into animal food/concentrates and the oil as a supplement.
(References: Bauer, J.E.,” The Potential for dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements in domestic animals,”)
For an example, Hemp Seed Oil for Pets- Recommended Dosage for Pets
· 10 lbs = 1 ml
· 20 lbs = 1.5ml *1 tsp = 5ml
· 30 lbs = 2 ml
· 40 lbs = 2.5ml
· 50 lbs = 3 ml
· 60 lbs = 3.5ml
· 70 lbs = 4 ml
· 80 lbs = 4.5ml
· over 90 lbs = 5ml
Example: Dog Bark Cookies: Home made with all natural ingredients: Hemp, oats, canola oil, chicken/ beef broth, dried cranberries, molasses.
The Health Benefits of Hemp in pets /Advantages
Hemp protein powder and hemp seed oil are not only super-foods for people, but can also do wonders for your pet (including dogs, cats)
The benefits of hemp for your pet's health include:
Unlike many other foods, hemp is easily digestible by the body and shown to aid the system in any recovery work it needs to do, as well as for the maintenance of good health. While the movement towards incorporating hemp into a companion animal's diet is still in its infancy, veterinarians are also slowly starting to discover the value of this miracle plant. It is important to note that dogs and cats are predominantly carnivorous and so are built to eat meat. That's why hemp oil and hemp protein powder products need to be added as a supplement to the diet, not as a replacement.
