Hemp Seeds: What Are The Benefits For Pets?

Hemp seeds contain great properties that can improve the health of your pet. Find out what they are here.

Awareness about the care of animals at home has inevitably led to a growing concern for the correct diet of those who live in our homes. Among the swell of new food supplements for animals, one stands out above the rest: hemp seeds.

Traditional pet medicine has experienced a resurgence in recent years, but always from an analytical point of view and basing the findings on demonstrable facts. If you are looking for new ways to keep your animal healthy through natural products, these seeds are highly beneficial. Know here all its attributes.

What is hemp?

Hemp is a plant belonging to the Cannabis family . Sativa. L , grown mainly to obtain raw materials – fiber and cellulose, among others. Hemp seeds are edible and are considered a superfood, thanks to the large amount of nutrients they contain.

In any case, we emphasize that hemp should not be confused with marijuana: despite belonging to the same family, they are 2 varieties of cannabis that have been isolated and selected over many years in a different way. Marijuana is not grown to obtain raw materials, but rather to enhance the psychoactive effect in the body of those who consume it.

What are the benefits of hemp seeds?

It is increasingly common to find hemp seeds in the diets of both humans and animals. This is due to the large number of benefits they have for the body, as studies indicate. Here we show you a few:

• They are a great source of fiber: 3 tablespoons of these peeled seeds contain about 1.2 grams of fiber. Fiber is very beneficial for improving the functioning of the intestinal tract, since it encourages the growth of symbiotic bacteria in the body (microbiome).
• They have a high proportion of vegetable protein, 25% : this represents 25 grams of protein per 100 grams, equivalent to the percentage that meat and fish contain. In addition, these seeds are easily absorbed and strengthen the immune system.
• They contain a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: studies maintain that the consumption of omega-3 implies lower levels of blood pressure and cholesterol in the blood, regulation and normalization of fat metabolism, reduction of the insulin dependence, an increase in the general metabolic rate and a significant anti-inflammatory action.

• They are an important source of minerals, especially potassium – important for muscle and nerve functions -, magnesium and phosphorus – calcium absorption, metabolism and hormonal functions.
• Hemp seeds also contain B vitamins – folic acid, thiamine and riboflavin – and vitamin E. These micronutrients are essential for the proper absorption of proteins and for their antioxidant activity.

On the other hand, growing hemp consumes very few resources: it requires less water than other food supplements and does not need pesticides or fungicides to grow. It also improves the substrate for the following crops and can retain 4 times more carbon dioxide than other vegetables, which helps to regenerate oxygen in the air and reduce greenhouse damage.

Can pets consume hemp seeds?

As you can see, consuming these seeds on a regular basis has important benefits for the body. However, is this also the case for cats and dogs? The answer is yes, and then we will show you why.

Dogs

The main contribution of this food lies in its proportion of fatty acids. The body of dogs does not produce Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids, so it is necessary to provide them in the diet. Hemp has a very healthy ratio between the two, which guarantees its correct absorption in the canid’s digestive system.

These seeds also contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), essential for joint health and other vital functions of the body. This property is especially beneficial for puppies, as it could help in the growth and maintenance of their immune system.

Cats

The oils contained in these seeds will be beneficial in keeping cats’ fur and skin healthy and shiny. However, being strict carnivorous animals, these cats cannot metabolize fats from plant sources. If you are looking for healthy lipid sources for them, ideally they should be of animal origin.

Other pets

The study Hemp in Veterinary Medicine: From Feed to Drug, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, has explored the effects of supplementing with hemp seeds the diet of other animals in the human domestic environment. Here are some very interesting discoveries:

1. Laying hens gain considerable weight when hemp seeds are added as a 10-20% component of their feed. It is a nutritious food that allows the development of the bird with a lower consumption of processed feed.
2. Cows consuming hemp seed feeds appear to produce more milk, but only when the ingredient is present in specific preparations and concentrations.
3. It is also believed that chickens could lay more eggs with this supplement, or that goats would make more milk. In any case, all these postulations have not been able to be empirically verified.

The benefits of hemp seeds have been studied mostly in companion animals – although not so much in exotics – and for livestock operations. Being an emerging trend in the world of nutrition, the last recommendation will always be to consult with the veterinarian before including new elements in the diet of dogs or cats.