How familiar are you with hemp?
If you didn’t already know, hemp is actually one of nature’s most versatile plants, as it provides a number of benefits for humans. But most people don’t know that hemp can also be used to improve their furry friend’s wellness.
People tend to associate hemp with its psychoactive effects, which come from a compound found in the plant called THC. However, there are also a variety of non-psychoactive compounds found in hemp that can provide a number of benefits for dogs.
In recent years, hemp has been often used to make food and treats for dogs because it contains different combinations of nutrients that can help improve their health.
Continue reading for more information on the benefits of hemp for dogs.
The Power of Hemp Protein for Your Pup
When it comes to protein, hemp can be a high-quality source that is derived directly from hemp seeds. Hemp protein contains all of the amino acids that are necessary for dogs to build muscle, and it is also rich in omega fatty acids.
This makes hemp protein a good choice for dogs who are looking to improve their skin and coat health, as well as their immune system function. Hemp protein may also help to reduce inflammation, which could slow down the onset of osteoarthritis in older dogs.
A Complete Protein
In addition, hemp is a “complete” protein source, meaning that it contains the nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. These proteins can be entirely used by the body to restore and construct muscle tissues.
Rich with Omega Fatty Acids
Hemp is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and omega-9 fatty acids, which are all essential for dogs’ health. These fatty acids help to reduce inflammation (great for joint health), improve skin and coat condition, enhance cognitive function, and much more.
Reduces Inflammation
Clinical studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of molecules and substances linked to inflammation. That’s one reason why fish oil has become so popular for inflammatory conditions. It’s also believed that the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in fish oil, which include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are crucial for well-being as the body uses PUFAs in cell membranes to aid in water retention and maintaining homeostasis.
Good for Immune Function
Edestin and albumin are two globular proteins that can be found within hemp seeds. Amidst all of the various plant-based proteins, hemp is unique in that it stores protein in the form of edestin and albumin, which are both responsible for the production of enzymes, antibodies, hormones, and fibrinogen. These proteins also relate to blood plasma, where they make up a portion of the fluid.
