Dogs really are our best friends, so we know that when your beloved pet is not living their best life for whatever reason, you’ll do anything you can to bring a wag back to their tail.
With some prescription medications for ailments like painful joints, separation anxiety, skin conditions, and seizures causing unpleasant side effects, you can feel at a loss as to what you can do to make your pup feel better.
Hemp has shown promise as a natural alternative to a number of health and wellness concerns in your dog. As a natural pet supplement, hemp is typically well tolerated and isn’t associated with the harsh side effects of prescription medications.
Pet hemp supplements come in a wide variety, including hemp dog treats, hemp oils and tinctures, and hemp topical treatments. There are also hemp gummies for dogs, which come in a selection of dog-friendly flavors to help provide relief to your dog.
We’ve researched dozens of premium hemp brands to find the best hemp gummies for dogs, that can help them feel better quicker than a wag of the tail.
Best Overall Hemp Gummies for Dogs: Cannanine Hemp Soft Chews for Dogs
Best Hemp Gummies for Dogs with Anxiety: Honest Paws Calm Soft Chews
Best Gummies for Joint Support: The Anxious Pet Hip & Hop Soft Chews
Best Calming Hemp Gummies for Dogs: HolistaPet Hemp Calming Soft Chews
Best Hemp-Free Dog Gummies: Licks CALMING Gummi Dog Supplement
Benefits of Hemp for Your Dog
Hemp works with your dog’s endocannabinoid system, which works to maintain balance within your pet’s body. This can benefit your four-legged friend in several ways, including:
- Calming anxious or stressed-out pups
- Reducing allergy symptoms
- Healing skin complaints
- Easing pain, particularly joint and arthritic pain
- Helping with seizures
- Potentially reducing the need for prescription medications that can be expensive and result in unpleasant side effects
Reducing Anxiety Behaviors
Hemp can help reduce the behaviors associated with anxiety in your dog such as barking and excessive licking, making for a calmer dog in as little as 30 minutes. The effects of hemp on anxiety are typically more effective when given to your dog on a regular basis.
So, if your dog struggles with separation anxiety, is nervous about other dogs or new people, or struggles with loud noises, they may benefit from a daily hemp treat.
Easing Pain
While animal studies are fairly rare, hemp has been shown to help alleviate numerous types of pain, particularly nerve and joint pain, typically associated with arthritis. Hemp is believed to bind to endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system, which helps the way our beloved pets perceive pain, reducing their discomfort.
Furthermore, hemp is associated with anti-inflammatory actions, which can help ease stiff joints in older dogs, improving mobility.
Improving Allergy Symptoms
Does your dog often scratch and nibble at their skin or paws until they look raw and sore? Then they could be suffering from allergies. Topical hemp treatments can help calm itchy, dry, and sore skin, while nourishing deep down to prompt better skin health.
Reducing Seizures
A recently published study by Colorado State University found that following hemp supplementation, 89% of dogs with epilepsy suffered significantly reduced seizures. Of course, further research is needed to determine if hemp can provide an alternative treatment for epilepsy in dogs.
Best Hemp Gummies for Dogs in 2023
Best Overall Hemp Gummies for Dogs: Cannanine Hemp Soft Chews for Dogs
Pros:
- Organic and non-GMO
- Zero THC
- Third-party lab tested
- Each purchase donates 7 meals to shelter pets
- 100% money-back guarantee
Specs:
- Strength: 5 mg of hemp per chew
- Flavor: Bacon
The wag of your dog’s tail will be a blur once they get a sniff of the bacon-flavored hemp Soft Chews from Cannanine. The chews contain high-quality organic hemp oil, with 5mg of hemp per treat, but no THC, so you don’t have to worry about your dog getting high.
Cannanine uses a patented microemulsion of hemp, which enables maximum absorption and bioavailability so your pup gets the maximum benefits of hemp, which can include:
- Reducing pain and improving mobility
- Improving appetite
- Helping with the symptoms of anxiety
- Supporting cognitive function
The treats are made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients, so you know you’re only giving the absolute best to your pup. Plus, the hemp dog treats are tested thoroughly in third-party labs, which verify that they are as potent as advertised and that they are free of contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and potentially harmful microorganisms.
Best Hemp Gummies for Dogs with Anxiety: Honest Paws Calm Soft Chews
Pros:
- Organic formulation
- Independently lab tested
- Subscribe and save
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Specs:
- Strength: 5mg of hemp per chew
- Flavor: Poultry
If your dog is struggling with behavioral issues — such as barking, licking, or panting — that are associated with anxiety, they may benefit from the Calm hemp Soft Chews from Honest Paws. The chews are packed with active ingredients that can help improve your dog’s mental well-being, including:
- Organic hemp oil with 5mg of hemp per chew
- Tryptophan, which is known to improve sleep quality and promote a sense of calm
- L-theanine, which is an amino acid that has been associated with a calming effect in cats and dogs in research studies
- Calming terpenes, such as linalool and limonene, can boost the calming effects of hemp.
The chews have a soft texture that makes them appropriate for dogs of all ages and the natural poultry flavor is sure to please even the fussiest of dogs. The chews have been verified as safe and free of toxins via third-party testing, so you’ll have no worries giving them to your fluffy prince or princess.
Best Gummies for Joint Support: The Anxious Pet Hip & Hop Soft Chews
Pros:
- Joint supporting ingredients
- All-natural formulation
- Independently lab tested
- Subscribe and save 15%
Specs:
- Strength: 15mg hemp per chew
- Flavor: Peanut Butter
If your dog is getting on in years or is suffering from stiff joints the Hip & Hop Soft Chews with hemp from The Anxious Pet can help provide hip and joint support for playtime, jumping on the sofa, or walkies.
The chews contain joint-supporting ingredients, such as hemp, chondroitin, and glucosamine which aids in the lubrication and nourishment of joints, support cartilage and connective tissue, and reduce pain and inflammation, as well as boost the immune system.
As the chews are veterinarian-formulated, they contain the perfect level of hemp, fatty acids, and antioxidants. For added peace of mind, every batch of Soft Chews is third-party lab tested to ensure it has the desired amount of cannabinoid and terpene potency. Plus, testing ensures the chews are free of pesticides, microbial, heavy metals, and other toxins.
The natural peanut butter flavor is irresistible to dogs but if for whatever reason your dog isn’t happy with the hemp chews, you’re protected by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Best Calming Hemp Gummies for Dogs: HolistaPet Hemp Calming Soft Chews
Pros:
- Calming ingredients
- Available in several serving sizes
- Third-party lab tested
- Subscribe and save
Specs:
- Strength: 5mg, 10mg or 20mg of hemp per treat
- Flavor: Peanut butter
When your dog suffers with separation anxiety or other anxiety issues, it can be hard on both of you. The Hemp Calming Soft Chews may make it easier for you and your pet to spend time apart and better handle stressful situations. The chews contain three primary active ingredients:
- Hemp extract to promote relaxation, promote good behavior, and ease pain and inflammation.
- Chamomile, which is a herb that has been shown to reduce a dog’s anxiety and agitation
- L–theanine to help reduce nervous tension and the behavioral patterns seen in anxious dogs.
There are three strengths available, so you’ll know that there will be a treat for your dog, no matter their size. Plus, your dog is sure to enjoy the delicious peanut butter flavor. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about sensitive tummies as the treats are made from plant-based ingredients and are free of artificial colors and flavors, gluten, and dairy, as well as being non-GMO.
Best Hemp-Free Dog Gummies: Licks CALMING Gummi Dog Supplement
Pros:
- hemp-free
- Packed with calming ingredients
- Pleasing savory flavor
- Sourced and produced in the USA
- Subscribe and save 5%
Specs:
- Strength: N/A
- Flavor: Savory
If you’re looking for a hemp-free dog treat to help your pup cope with everyday stressors, the CALMING Gummi Dog Supplement from Licks is a great option. The natural savory flavor is highly palatable and the gummies are packed with high doses of active ingredients.
The all-natural formulation features safe and effective ingredients known to promote a sense of calm and relaxation, including chamomile, theanine, ashwagandha root, and eleuthero root. The potent blend of ingredients can help your dog cope with the anxiety of thunderstorms, vet visits, fireworks, long car rides, and more.
Licks’ gummies are proudly sourced and made in the USA with human-grade ingredients. They offer excellent value for money with 90 gummies per bottle.
Related: The 10 Best Calming Supplements for Dogs
How We Picked Our Favorite Hemp Gummies for Dogs
Man’s best friend deserves the best so we had strict criteria when choosing the best hemp gummies for dogs.
Quality Hemp
The finest quality hemp is sourced from the best hemp plants This means domestic growers who are using organic and preferably ethical farming practices. This means that the hemp oil extracted from the plant is free from pesticides and herbicides, therefore being good for your pet and good for the environment.
Natural Ingredients
Hemp is not the only important ingredient of hemp dog gummies. We ensured that we picked gummies that are made from all-natural and organic ingredients. This reduces the risk of your pet having a negative or allergic reaction to additives, fillers, and artificial ingredients.
Third-Party Testing
It is a must for us that a hemp pet supplement undergoes extensive testing for potency and purity in third-party labs. The results of such testing should be readily available to consumers via a Certificate of Analysis, which shows:
- The potency of hemp is as advertised
- Analysis of the terpene and cannabinoid profile
- That the supplement is free of contaminants, including microbes, heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, and other impurities.
- The THC content is within the legal limit of 0.3%
Customer Satisfaction
We combed through dozens of real customer reviews and testimonies to check that pet owners were satisfied with the hemp dog gummies and that they had seen positive results in their pets.
What is Hemp?
Hemp, or cannabinoid, is a compound derived from the hemp plant which has been linked to a number of health and wellness benefits including reducing pain and inflammation, improving the quality and quantity of sleep, easing anxiety, and promoting relaxation.
There are a variety of hemp dog supplements, which include hemp dog gummies, hemp pet treats, hemp pet oil, and topical hemp treatments for pets.
How to Choose Hemp for Dogs
When shopping for hemp gummies for your dog, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Check for natural and organic formulations
- Look for supplements using domestically grown hemp
- Check for clear product packaging which includes dosage instructions and links to third-party test results
- Avoid supplements that feature unsupported health claims
- Read customer reviews to get more information.
How to Give Your Dog Hemp
Before you start your dog on hemp gummies or any other hemp supplement, you should speak with your veterinarian first to ensure it’s suitable for your dog, particularly if your dog is taking other medications.
Furthermore, your dog may need additional treatment for their health concerns, e.g. a hemp balm may help soothe irritated skin, but your fluffy friend may also need an antibiotic to treat an infection.
Other tips for giving your dog hemp include:
- Read the instructions of the hemp supplement fully and stick to the daily dosage instructions relevant to your dog’s size.
- Start with a low dose and wait at least 30 days before adjusting the dosage as needed.
- For faster-acting hemp, administer on an empty stomach
- The maximum benefits of hemp are typically seen when it is administered every day.
It typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour for the effects of hemp to kick in, depending on the size of your dog, the severity of their health issues, and the dosage.
Potential Side Effects of Hemp
The side effects of hemp are not currently clear, but we can make an educated guess on the potential side effects by looking at how hemp affects humans. Side effects of hemp in dogs may include:
- Digestive issues including upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting
- Dry mouth, which can cause dental issues
- Drowsiness or unusual lethargy, which typically means the hemp dose is too high
- Dizziness, which can be an indicator of low blood pressure.
- Overactive appetite
- In rare cases your dog may experience seizures or impaired cognitive function.
Hemp is believed to be generally well tolerated by dogs, but you can reduce the risk of side effects by following the manufacturer’s instructions and dosage recommendations.
FAQs:
Will my dog get high from hemp?
Absolutely not. Hemp pet supplements will only contain a maximum of 0.3% THC (the compound of hemp that produces a high), which is nowhere near enough to have a psychoactive effect on your dog, but just enough to help boost the beneficial effects of hemp and other cannabinoids.
How much hemp should I give my dog?
The amount of hemp you administer to your dog daily is dependent on their size. The general dosage rule is 1 to 5 mg of hemp for each 10lb of body weight. If you’re giving hemp to your dog for the first time, start off with the low dose and increase gradually as needed.
Low Dose:
For each 10lb of bodyweight: 1mg
Medium Dose:
For each 10lb of bodyweight: 3mg
Strong Dose:
For each 10lb of bodyweight: 5mg
Of course, it’s best to go by the recommended dose charts on each individual product packaging.
Can I give my pet hemp every day?
Yes, and in a lot of cases, administering hemp to your dog every day can be beneficial to your pet, particularly if they are suffering from a chronic issue, such as severe separation anxiety or a long-term pain condition like arthritis.
In Summary
Over the past five years, hemp supplements have been popular to help in the management of a variety of human health and wellness issues. In recent years, research is indicating that hemp may also help our beloved furry friends too, showing promise in helping with separation anxiety, painful and stiff joints, and managing allergy symptoms.
Hemp dog treats or gummies are a good choice for dogs who are fussy as they tend to come in a range of dog-friendly flavors such as chicken, beef, and peanut butter.
While there is currently no significant research on the side effects of hemp in dogs, it’s believed to be well-tolerated. However, it’s important that you speak to your vet before starting your dog on a hemp supplement, especially if they have a pre-existing medical condition which they are already taking medication for.
Toledo, United States.
