What’s the difference between hemp oil vs. CBD oil for dogs? We’ve been wondering that for quite a while. Many sources use these interchangeably, which makes it confusing. So let’s investigate further.
Hemp and CBD oils come with a bag of health benefits — they’re excellent for your pup’s nervous system, fur, and heart. Plus, the oils are rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, complementing your dog’s diet perfectly.
So if both oils support your pup’s overall health, which one should you choose and when?
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil for Dogs
It’s almost impossible for pet parents not to hear about hemp and CBD for dogs at least once a week. These holistic and natural oils have conquered the world in the past few years. Thousands of customers share amazing stories of how these products improved the health of their doggies.
But is hemp oil the same as CBD? And if not, what’s the difference? Let’s clear things up.
What Is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil is extracted from the cannabis plant’s seeds. Your first association might be marijuana, which worries some, but don’t fret. While these plants are the same species, they differ fundamentally in THC content.
THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that makes you high. Hemp oil doesn’t contain much of it, so consuming it won’t make you or your dog potheads.
If you compare hemp oil vs. CBD oil, you’ll find that the latter contains less than 0.3% THC, while hemp has almost none. So, you’re safe to try both. They’re legal (at least in the US) and won’t do you any harm.
What Is CBD Oil for Dogs?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound in the cannabis plant. It comes in a dry powder form, which companies usually dissolve into a carrier oil for better digestion.
Scientists have been exploring CBD’s benefits for years, but research still isn’t enough to know whether or not the advantages are significant.
Still, CBD oil is a favorite to many. Its fans claim the oil relieves anxiety, stress, and depression, speeds up wound recovery, and even treats arthritis. And these are only a few of the CBD oil benefits for dogs.
So, is hemp oil the same as CBD? Nope, not really.
While both oils come from the same plant, they’re extracted from different parts. Hemp oil comes from the seeds, and CBD might come from stems, leaves, and flowers. What’s more, hemp oil doesn’t necessarily contain CBD, and CBD doesn’t necessarily have to contain hemp oil.
Types of CBD Oil for Pets
You can buy several types of CBD oil for your puppy. But whether or not you chose it to be dissolved into hemp seed oil for dogs or another carrier oil isn’t of huge importance as long as the carrier is dog-friendly.
So what are the CBD oil types?
Full-Spectrum
Cannabis is rich in cannabinoids, vitamins, minerals, terpenes, and flavonoids — all acting together in a mechanism called the entourage effect. When extracting CBD from the plant, the best option is to get as much of the other health-boosting compounds as possible. They’re all beneficial for your health.
And that’s what full-spectrum CBD hemp oil for pets does. It takes the CBD from cannabis and all other cannabinoids (including tiny quantities of THC present in the plant).
Broad-Spectrum
The broad-spectrum CBD oil is another excellent option for your pup. While it doesn’t include all of the beneficial compounds, it still comes with some cannabinoids, most often CBC and CBG. That’s usually achieved by extracting the CBD and infusing it with other pre-extracted compounds to the desired proportions.
One company that does that is Paw CBD. It prides itself on its Superior Broad Spectrum formula. According to many Paw CBD reviews, its CBD oils help pets recover from stressful situations, decrease anxiety, and improve the overall life quality.
Pure/Isolate
When comparing hemp oil vs. CBD oil for dogs, we must consider the available CBD oil variations on the market.
The last type of CBD oil is the CBD isolate or the so-called pure CBD. It consists of only the carrier oil and cannabidiol extract. While it’s still a fantastic tool for decreasing anxiety, it simply doesn’t contain all other helpful ingredients.
That said, it’s usually cheaper. So if you’re new to CBD and want to give it a try — you can safely start with this one.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD — When to use Which?
Both hemp and CBD oils have amazing health benefits. While different, they’re often mixed for a better result. But if you have to choose only one, what’s the best option for your case?
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil for Dogs With Cancer
Hemp oil is rich in Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). These compounds make it a perfect supplement for healthy skin and fur for our lovely doggies. Also, they lower the “bad” cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Even though it’s healthy and beneficial, hemp oil isn’t the best option for cancer. So if you have to choose between hemp oil vs. CBD oil for dogs, know that your pup will benefit much more from the latter.
While it’s definitely not a cure for cancer, CBD can support anti-tumor medications and provide pain relief. Besides, it can help your dog’s immune system and decrease inflammation. But please, never stop your dog’s prescription meds in favor of CBD without talking to your vet.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil for Dog Seizures
One study, made in 2019, revealed that CBD could significantly decrease seizures in dogs suffering from epilepsy. The study also correlated the CBD in the blood plasma of the participation dogs with the reduction in seizure frequency.
So CBD oil for dog seizures is definitely the winner in the hemp seed oil vs. CBD tournament this time.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil for Dogs Anxiety
Many dog owners who’ve used CBD for pets report decreased anxiety and stress. While hemp oil is also said to have some calming effects on the central nervous system, in many cases, it’s not strong enough to calm down a dog.
But choosing between hemp oil vs. CBD oil for anxiety also depends on your dog’s state. If it’s experiencing anxiety on rare occasions, you can go for hemp oil. In contrast, if it’s frequently stressed out and anxious, perhaps CBD is the better option.
Overall Health Supplementation — Hemp vs. CBD
One difference between CBD oil and hemp oil is that hemp oil contains little to no CBD or other cannabinoids. In contrast, it’s rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B and D, and Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA).
These hemp oil compounds make it an excellent supplement for daily use. So if your dog isn’t suffering from anything particular, and you simply want to take care of its health proactively, go for the hemp oil for dogs.
Is Hemp Oil or CBD Oil Better for Dogs?
While both are fantastic for your pooch, it depends on what effects you’re looking for.
If your doggy is fine, but you’d like to boost its health a bit and take care of its skin and fur, hemp oil can become your best friend. In contrast, if your pup is nervous, stressed out, anxious, or in pain — go for CBD oil.
The only problem you might face if you want to introduce your pet to CBD oil is that not all dogs enjoy the taste. But don’t worry. You’ll find dozens of CBD pet products on the market. So why don’t you try some of the best CBD treats for dogs?
Conclusion
There are numerous benefits of hemp and CBD oil for dogs — from shinier fur to less anxiety, pain relief, and even decreased seizures. Both oils provide excellent support for your fur baby. But when it comes to specific needs — which one is better?
Hemp oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. So it’s a fantastic everyday supplement that will support your dog’s skin and lower the “bad” cholesterol.
In contrast, if your pup is suffering from stress, anxiety, allergies, or pain, the best supplement option is CBD oil. So if you have problems deciding between hemp oil vs. CBD oil for dogs, think about what you want to achieve.
