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There is a growing number of brands that produce CBD oil and hemp seed oil and, at first, I thought they were interchangeable. I thought “hemp” was another term for “CBD.” I was wrong.
Hemp seed oil and CBD oil don't have psychoactive effects like marijuana. Hemp and CBD are derived from the same plant. However, there are some differences that must be noted because the marketing of these products can be confusing.
Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil
Hemp seed oil and CBD oil come from different parts of the same plant. Hemp seed oil is produced by pressing hemp seeds while CBD oil is extracted from the hemp flowers. In the case of full spectrum CBD oil, the whole plant is used to produce the oil. They both have benefits that will help our dogs (and ourselves) so it isn't necessary to choose one over the other.
However, Amazon doesn't allow the sell of CBD oil on their website, so some brands will promote themselves as hemp seed oil to skirt past Amazon's rules. Because of this practice, I don't know which products are CBD oil and which are hemp seed oil.
Benefits of CBD Oil
I was drawn to CBD oil because it promised to help get my dog through the Fourth of July – it didn't. But that seems to be the main reason many people reach for a bottle. CBD oil also kills cancer cells, alleviates autoimmune issues, eases joint pain, and aids with neurological issues.
I give my dogs CBD oil 2-3 times daily and I've seen the benefits in action. The best way to give it to my dogs is on their gums or I let them lick it from my hand. As I understand it, when you add it to a dog's food, the CBD oil has to go through the digestive system before being able to get to work, and by then, we're seeing reduced effectiveness.
Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is often used as a food supplement, and it is high in essential fatty acids (Omega 3s and Omega 6s), which makes it great for joint health, brain health, skin and coat health, supports a healthy nervous system, boosts the immune system, and it lowers cholesterol.
I have used hemp seed oil as an alternative to fish oil for my dogs. However, before you follow my lead, keep in mind that the essential fatty acid in hemp seed oil is ALA (α-linolenic acid) and dogs have limited ability to convert ALA to DHA and EPA, which is what they need. By the time the conversion happens, the hemp seed oil isn't as effective, so I recommend one that is a hemp seed oil/fish oil combination.
The essential fatty acids act as an anti-inflammatory, which is great for dogs with arthritis, but I think that it takes time to build up to that effect. If we're looking for immediate relief for our dogs, we're better off using CBD oil. I've been giving my dogs a hemp/fish oil supplement and did see decreased anxiousness with Rodrigo while using.
Choosing a Quality Product
I don't know a lot about CBD oil, hemp seed oil, and hemp seeds – I'm not an expert. What I do know is what works for my dogs and what doesn't. When my dogs are in pain, I want to provide them with relief immediately, not a few weeks down the line, so I've taken a crash course in what works and what doesn't work and found a company that I trust by just calling and speaking with each brand.
There are going to be a lot of CBD and hemp seed oil products coming to the market, and it's important to ask the following questions:
- Is the CBD oil full spectrum (are they using the whole plant)? If not, why not?
- Is the CBD oil GMO-free, pesticide-free, and organic?
- Is the company maintain sustainable practices that are better for the environment?
- Are the oils tested by a reputable third party lab?
There are a lot of companies that provide a quality product and after years of using CBD oil with my dogs, I've learned that not every product works for every dog. I found three brands that have consistently worked for my dogs:
- CBD Dog Health
- Kanine Kalm
- CannaPet
How Much Does CBD Oil Cost?
Let's be honest – quality CBD oil isn't cheap. To keep the price afforadable:
- I stock up when my favorite brands have BOGO specials and again on Black Friday.
- I shop online and at a local CBD dispensary instead of in local pet stores.
I alternate between IrieCBD and Natural Pet Organics. I have massaged CBD oil on paws, but it’s not often. I prefer to massage coconut oil from CocoTherapy on my dogs paws now. I do give my dogs CBD oil orally and I add it to meals for my dog that doesn’t like the taste of CBD oil (she doesn’t mind it in her food).
Hi! Thank you for writing this. I’ve always been confused about the difference between CBD and Hemp. In the beginning of your article you state that you use the Natural Pet Organics brand, but towards the end you say you use IRIE. Do you use both of them together? My oldest bulldog is really starting to struggle with her arthritis. I currently give her glucosamine chondroitin, MSM, Omegas, Yucca Root, Turmeric, licorice root, Boswella (not sure of correct spelling,) and a multivitamin. I was giving her Hemp chews as well but saw no difference and now I know why after reading your article.
Do you use the same oil orally that you use on their paws? Thanks so much!!
Check out IrieCBD – they have supplements for humans and pets: https://www.keepthetailwagging.com/cbdoil
I am searching for Hemp seed oil drops or capsules for human consumption. It seems that you refer to dogs and not humans for consumption. I was able to find it once and never again. It worked like a miracle for my painful arthritic joints an spine. Can you help me?