DISCOVER A SECRET SUPERFOOD FOR PET ... AND IT CAN EVEN BE USED AS SHAMPOO!
We all know about superfoods, but did you know there was a superfood for pets? The nutritious hemp plant (not to be confused with CBD oil!) has many nutritional benefits, including minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Don't worry, it won't make your pet fur-crazy!
Here are seven ways hemp can be used for pets:
1. Hemp Seed Oil - great for digestive health
Delicious and nutritious – hemp seed oil is from the crushed seeds of the cannabis plant. It's most renowned for its rich concentration of the perfect balanced ratio of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively.
And the best news – Omega can promote heart health, soothe irritation, and strengthen your furry friend’s coat and skin!
So how do you give your pet a boost of this wonder plant? Hemp can be given to your pet both orally (adding the oil to their food) and topically (applying it to their coat and skin).
Hemp seed oil is incredibly safe and well-tolerated on pets. There are no reported side effects or psychoactive components – just straight-up goodness.
2. Hemp Shampoo Bars - can soothe itchy and sensitive skin
Hemp is naturally anti-inflammatory, and washing your pet with a natural hemp shampoo can help soothe irritation and add moisture back into their skin and coats.
By using a natural hemp Shampoo Bar you may save money as it’s a concentrate product so it should last longer and create less mess for the owner. Also, a shampoo bar lathers and foams nicely, so your furry friend can still get that fresh salon feeling without the nasty chemicals.
Bathing your pet with a hemp shampoo bar has also been reported to help to reduce symptoms of common skin diseases like dermatitis and itchy flaky skin and it’s perfect for pet owners with sensitive skin too!
3. Hemp Balm for Inflammation
Hemp balm for pets can be a perfect topical application applied to your pet's skin to help soothe irritation and inflammation.
Hemp Balms are to soothe dry and irritated skin & are nourishing for rough, cracked paws or specific areas of concern.
It’s packed with natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, which may help prevent inflammation and repair skin cells as well as help ease pain and discomfort associated with conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, muscle soreness & other skin conditions.
4. Anxiety relief
Hemp seed oil has shown potential benefits for pets with anxiety or stress. It contains terpenes and omega-3 fatty acids that can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Adding hemp seed oil to your pet's meal may help them feel more relaxed and may help with the treatment of anxiety, phobias, and stress-related behaviours.
It's important to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplement or medication, including hemp seed oil, to your pet's routine.
5. Immune system support
Because Hemp seed oil is rich in nutrients this may help support the immune system of your pets. The immune system of pets, just like humans, needs a healthy balance of nutrients to function optimally.
Hemp seed oil contains a range of vitamins and minerals that are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.
These include vitamins A, C, and E, which are known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect the cells of the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
The balance of essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation in your pet's body.
6. Dental health
Hemp seed oil can also be beneficial for a pet's dental health. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the oil can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy teeth and gums.
Inflammation can lead to periodontal disease, which is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth and can cause tooth loss and other serious health problems.
One way to use hemp seed oil for dental health is by adding it to your pet's food or water. The oil can help to reduce inflammation and prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar on your pet's teeth.
Another way to use hemp seed oil is by using it to massage your pet's gums. This can help to promote healthy blood flow to the gums and prevent gum disease.
It's important to note that while hemp seed oil can be beneficial for a pet's dental health, it should not be used as a substitute for regular veterinary check-ups and cleanings.
If your pet is experiencing dental problems, it's important to take them to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
7. Gut health
Research suggests that hemp seed oil may have a positive impact on gut health for pets. The oil is rich in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help support a healthy digestive system.
Additionally, hemp seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), not commonly found in other plant-based oils. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that has been shown to improve gut health by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Maxine Shea is the Founder of Hemp Collective, an Australian family business based in the Byron Shire.
Using Hemp Seed Oil as the hero ingredient they craft luxurious Hemp Hair, Body & Pet Care products with natural ingredients. Find out more here.
