Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Dogs [Which Is Best For Your Pet?]

Hemp oil, CBD oil. Same thing, right? Actually, they’re quite different! While hemp oil and CBD oil are both beneficial for your pet, they are two different things. It can get a bit confusing, so we’re here to tell you everything you need to know when it comes to hemp oil vs CBD oil for dogs. 

The short answer? Both are great additions to your dog’s diet and routine. But they both have very different benefits, which we will provide you with below. Best of all? Cheef Botanicals’ CBD oil for dogs includes hemp oil, meaning your dog can experience the benefits of both! Read on to find out the difference between the two and why they work so well together for your dog’s health and wellness. 

What is Hemp Oil for Dogs?

Confused about the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil? You’re not alone. Many people use the terms “hemp” and “CBD” interchangeably, but they’re not entirely the same thing. 

Simply put, hemp is a cannabis plant with 0.3% THC. That means it won’t get your dog high. While it doesn’t have a lot of THC, it contains hundreds of other non-intoxicating cannabinoids, including CBD! Cannabidiol (CBD) has become one of the most popular cannabinoids found in hemp due to its many health and wellness benefits.

When you hear cannabis, you might be confused about why hemp doesn’t get your pet high. After all, isn’t cannabis the same thing as marijuana? There are two types of cannabis plants: hemp and marijuana. While they are both subspecies of cannabis, they don’t contain the same compounds as each other. Marijuana has more than 0.3% THC, giving it intoxicating side effects.

Hemp has all of the benefits of the cannabis plant without the negative side effects of being high. This has made it very popular for people who want to improve their mood or soothe physical discomfort. And it does the same for our beloved pups!

Related: Side Effects of CBD for Dogs: Read Before Buying! 

How is Hemp Oil for Dogs Made?

Hemp oil comes from hemp seeds. It’s harvested from the plant by cold-pressing (a clean type of filtration) hemp seeds. Since hemp oil comes from the plant’s seeds, it’s sometimes called “hempseed oil.” Hemp seeds don’t contain CBD or any other cannabinoid. Instead, they are considered a “superfood” with lots of nutrients. 

What Are the Benefits of Hemp Oil for Dogs?

Hemp oil is highly beneficial to your dog’s overall health. This is thanks to the many nutrients that make up the hemp plant. One of the most common benefits is hemp oil’s soothing properties. It can reduce swelling and irritation thanks to the hefty amount of omega-2 and omega-6 essential fatty acids it contains. 

These essential fatty acids reduce the number of potentially dangerous metabolites in your pet’s body. They also increase good metabolites that make your dog healthier. 

Medical studies have proven that omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids combat illnesses, physical discomfort, and negative thoughts. Even more studies have looked into omega fatty acids and canine wellness. For example: 

• A clinical study done in 2003 found that omega-3 impacted cardiovascular disease episodes in coronary artery disease patients. 
• 2018 research discovered that omega-3 could assist with blood flow throughout the body, reducing swelling. This can also have a positive effect on joint tension. 
• Another 2018 study determined that fatty acids reduced feelings of nervousness and fear in canines.

Hemp seeds aren’t always turned into oil. You can add these super-seeds to certain meals as an excellent protein source. They are incredibly nutritious thanks to an abundance of Vitamin E. Hemp seeds also contain minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and, and zinc. 

There’s a reason China has been using hemp seed oil for 3,000 years. Hemp oil will ease your dog’s soreness, boost its immune system, and even improve skin conditions. 

How to Give Your Dog Hemp Oil 

Giving your dog hemp oil is nearly effortless. Most owners simply mix it into their furry friend’s food. We recommend mixing 1 mg of hemp oil per pound of body weight into your pet’s food. For example, a 60-pound dog would get 60 mg of hemp oil for a regular dose. 

You can give your dog hemp oil twice a day or every eight hours, as long as it is kept relatively consistent. For most owners, this means mixing it into breakfast and dinner meals. You can also provide your dog with hemp oil at a specific time of the day if you are trying to target a particular issue your dog is having. 

Most hemp oil products for dogs will come with directions for proper dosage. Always follow the guidelines of trusted brands. If you are curious about changing the dosage or how to give your dog the oil, contact your veterinarian. 

What is CBD Oil for Dogs?

Hemp oil is made from hemp seeds, which means there are no cannabinoids in hemp oil. On the other hand, full spectrum CBD oil contains all of hemp’s cannabinoids — and there are hundreds! The main one is CBD, a cannabinoid that won’t get you high while offering tons of health and wellness benefits. 

Since full spectrum CBD oil contains all of hemp’s cannabinoids (the “full spectrum”), it also has trace amounts of THC. Luckily, CBD oil only has 0.3% THC or less, meaning it’s not a large enough amount to get your dog high. Your canine companion shouldn’t experience the grogginess, paranoia, or intoxication that THC is known to induce.

How is CBD Oil for Dogs Made?

CBD oil is made much differently than hemp oil. Instead of the seeds, CBD oil is extracted from hemp’s leaves and flowers. That’s because they are the parts of the plant rich in cannabinoids like CBD. The leaves and flowers also carry terpenes, which are responsible for each strain’s flavors and aromas.

There are many ways to extract CBD from hemp, but the best method is CO2 extraction. This process avoids using a solvent like butane, which some other techniques use to separate CBD from hemp. Solvent-based methods are dangerous, and they can leave behind a toxic residue. CO2 is a clean, safe extraction method. 

Liquid CO2 is run through plant material in a complex process that only trained professionals should perform. The CO2 preserves the organic integrity of the hemp. This form of extraction allows for the most potent and beneficial results. It also is safe for the environment, especially compared to other methods. 

What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs? 

CBD oil has many benefits for your dog, which is one of the reasons the pet CBD industry has grown so rapidly. Since it contains all the components of hemp, it often has a more substantial impact on your dog than hemp oil. 

CBD interacts with the receptors in your dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a unique way that supports overall well-being and health. The receptors are found throughout your dog’s major systems, including the immune, digestive, and nervous systems. This means that CBD can have an impact throughout the body and mind. 

One incredible benefit of CBD oil for dogs is reducing physical discomfort. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can reduce muscle tension, joint discomfort, and skin irritation. Older dogs with reduced joint mobility stand to gain a lot from CBD.

CBD oil is also known to minimize some negative feelings your dog may have, including nervousness, stress, and fear. CBD oil can leave your dog feeling calm and comforted, which may also reduce destructive behaviors associated with separation anxiety. If you know a trigger is coming up (a big move, fireworks, etc.), give your dog CBD oil to keep them calm.

CBD oil can even help regulate your dog’s appetite. CBD isn’t intoxicating and won’t give your dog the “munchies,” but it can promote a healthy, consistent diet due to its ability to reduce stomach discomfort. These discomforts can include tummy aches or digestive troubles. When your dog is feeling better, it can eat regularly and stay active. 

Your dog can also get better sleep thanks to CBD oil. Not only will a soothed body and mind allow your dog to rest easier, but CBD can also promote deeper sleep. Your dog will feel well-rested and rejuvenated, allowing them to become more active and less sedentary. 

Benefits Of Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, And Isolate CBD

CBD oil comes in three varieties: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. CBD isolate is 99%+ pure CBD. That means it contains almost entirely CBD molecules. Broad spectrum CBD oil has every cannabinoid, terpene, and flavonoid found in hemp — except THC. And full spectrum CBD oil has everything extracted from the plant, including 0.3% THC. 

The most popular CBD oil option is full spectrum. That’s because having the presence of everything found in hemp creates a synergy known as the “entourage effect.” Your dog will feel the benefits of CBD a lot more with full spectrum CBD oil since it is more potent.

Still, some pet owners new to CBD might be concerned about THC being present in full spectrum CBD oil. None of Cheef Botanical’s products should cause intoxication, but we absolutely understand any caution you may have. If that’s the case, broad spectrum CBD is the second-most popular choice. It offers a partial entourage effect, and your dog will still experience the wellness effects of CBD.

How to Give Your Dog CBD Oil

Depending on the CBD oil you choose for your dog, you’ll see a different set of dosing instructions. Some companies base their dosage on the dog’s size or breed, while others vary due to the CBD oil used in the product. Always check the website and label for dosage instructions. 

Here is the dosing at Cheef Botanicals: 

• Below 20 lbs: Start at 2.5 mg, work up to 5 mg. A strong dose is 10 mg. 
• 20 lbs – 60 lbs: Start at 5 mg, work up to 10 mg. A strong dose is 20 mg. 
• 60 lbs – 100 lbs: Start at 10 mg, work up to 20 mg. A strong dose is 40 mg. 
• 100 lbs – 160 lbs: Start at 20 mg, work up to 40 mg. A strong dose is 80 mg. 

Simply mix this amount of CBD oil into your dog’s breakfast and dinner. CBD oil doesn’t have a strong taste, and most dogs won’t notice it’s there. If they do, there are luckily other options for pickier pooches. You can provide them with CBD dog treats or CBD calming chews. You can also drop the CBD oil directly into their mouth if you and your pooch are comfortable doing so.

Related: How to Give CBD Oil to Dogs: 4 Easy Methods That WORK!

Monitor Your Dog

Watch your dog after its first few doses. See how it reacts to the given amount of CBD oil. If you don’t notice the desired effects, try to slowly increase the dosage while continuing to monitor your pet. Since there are no intoxicating qualities in CBD, your dog can’t overdose, become addicted, or experience withdrawals if you decide to stop. 

The longer you regularly give your dog CBD, the stronger the benefits are. You can lower the dose once you notice the CBD impacting your dog positively. Even though CBD oil is safe for pets, you may notice some adverse side effects. Your dog might get a dry mouth or become a little tired if given too much CBD. Be sure to watch their behavior following the first few doses. 

Which is Better – Hemp Oil or CBD Oil? 

While hemp oil and CBD oil are both great for dogs, CBD oil is the best choice, and there are many reasons why! The first is that CBD oil has far more benefits for your dog’s physical and mental health. These include: 

• Calming effects
• Reduced negative behaviors
• Better sleep
• Regulated diet
• Less physical discomfort
• Improved skin and coat conditions

If you go with Cheef Botanicals’ CBD oil for dogs, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Our CBD oil contains premium, potent, and safe CBD extracted from hemp grown at local greenhouses. But it also has hemp oil as a carrier oil! 

CBD is fat-soluble, meaning that the fat found in hemp oil makes it easier for your dog to digest, which can make the effects even more effective. Our CBD oil provides your dog with the benefits of CBD and hemp seeds. This makes it a healthy option for your pup’s overall well-being.

Final Thoughts – Hemp Oil Vs. CBD Oil for Dogs

We love our dogs, so canine wellness shouldn’t be overly complicated. We care about their health, happiness, and everything in between. So it shouldn’t be hard to determine what the healthiest food additives are. Fortunately, we’ve made it incredibly simple: hemp oil and CBD oil are BOTH great for your dog, providing various benefits to its physical and mental health.

It can be hard to pick, so why not both? Cheef Botanicals’ CBD oil also contains hemp oil, making it an incredible addition to your dog’s diet. Natural, organic, vegan, chemical-free, and without any artificial flavorings, our CBD oil is a safe way to improve your dog’s life!