You may have heard that more and more pet parents are using hemp oil to relieve a variety of issues in their pups — so can this miracle oil also help yours?
Dogs (well… and their parents) everywhere are turning to hemp in order to sleep a little better, move a little smoother, and be a bit more stress-free when they’re left home alone.
Based on our own experience and a list of simple criteria, we pulled together the top hemp products for dogs to help your pups live their best lives.
Best Hemp Oil for Dogs: 2023 Winners
- Overall Winner: Cannanine Ultra-Premium Hemp Oil for Dogs
- Best 100% Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs: Honest Paws Hemp Oil Drops for Dogs
- Best Hemp Oil for Multi-Dog Households: Penelope’s Bloom Hemp Oil for Dogs
- Best Hemp Oil for Big Dogs: Holistapet Hemp Oil for Dogs
- Best for Dogs with Stress: The Anxious Pet Organic Hemp Oil
Is Hemp Oil Good For Dogs? Top Benefits
Hemp oil comes from the cannabis sativa plant and has been used for its natural, therapeutic abilities for thousands of years.
While we don’t have evidence that people were giving their dogs hemp oil this far in the past, pet parents today have wised up to this miracle plant.
If you haven’t already heard from a neighbor or a friend of a friend, hemp oil is giving countless dogs these days a new lease on life.
Unlike marijuana, hemp oil is non-psychoactive, so it will never get your dog high. Instead, it delivers a stack of natural benefits that may help improve the quality of life of your pup. Here’s the major ways that hemp oil has been shown to address canine wellness issues:
Stress & fear
Hemp oil has been heavily studied to help alleviate symptoms of stress in humans and also, in dogs specifically. A recent Cornell study showed that dogs given hemp oil prior to a stressful event experienced a 83% decrease in anxious behavior. This makes hemp oil a viable option for dogs that suffer from separation stress, fear of loud noises, anxiousness at the vet, and other stresses.
Discomfort
If your dog has chronic issues with pain or inflammation, it can be difficult to watch them go through. It can be even more difficult to watch them lose their personality or sleep the day away with prescription drugs. Luckily, hemp oil has been scientifically studied, again by Cornell, to reduce pain substantially for dogs with mobility challenges, and additionally, no side effects were observed at all.
Mobility problems
Most dogs don’t get around as well as they used to when they’re older. Certain breeds, too, are prone to mobility issues, even earlier in life, because of their stature and anatomy. Fortunately, anecdotal evidence from (probably) millions of dog owners shows that hemp oil can make a big difference in your dog’s mobility. Hemp oil contains omegas that are great for joint health, and the anti-inflammatory action of hemp oil may help reduce pain and increase mobility.
Aging dogs
Aging pets often suffer from mobility issues and all the aforementioned problems on this list. Even if there aren’t profound health problems, sometimes older dogs just seem like they’re not enjoying life the way they used to. Because hemp oil provides all the above benefits, we’ve seen it make a really positive impact on the quality of life of older dogs.
Seizures
Watching a dog have a seizure is one of the most heartbreaking events a pet owner can experience. Fortunately, hemp oil has been proven to provide an all-natural treatment option for seizures in dogs and humans alike.
Sleep health
When the family dog isn’t sleeping, it affects everyone in the house. Whether it’s from joint discomfort, gut issues, or what have you, poor sleep health effects dogs just as negatively as it does humans. The cannabinoids naturally present in hemp oil have shown tremendous promise as natural sleep aids that are effective and non-habit-forming.
Skin health & allergies
Lots of dogs suffer from allergies that can cause a lot of skin problems. Don’t forget hotspots, dryness, peeling, and other issues that can rear up on their own. Hemp oil is great for skin health and may help reduce the inflammation and discomfort from doggie allergies.
Aggression & behavioral problems
There’s also some evidence that suggests hemp oil may help dogs with aggression and other behavioral problems. For example, this study showed that shelter dogs who took hemp showed a significant decrease in aggression toward humans over time.
Best Hemp Oils for Dogs in 2023
1. Overall Winner: Cannanine Ultra-Premium Hemp Oil for Dogs
Cannanine ranks #1 overall on our list for their potent oil that’s a great fit for dogs of all ages, with all wellness issues. There are two secrets to the potency here: First, this hemp oil contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, not just hemp. This helps contribute to the entourage effect and a more holistic experience.
Second, Cannanine puts their oil through a microemulsion process to render it more absorbable. In layman’s terms, the molecules are smaller and get into cells faster and more efficiently. Dog owners love that they can use less and get more, all while feeding shelter dogs with every purchase.
We picked the 500mg bottle, which is smack in the middle of dosing. You can use this for small and large breeds alike. Simply follow the dosage chart provided by the vets at Cannanine on every bottle of hemp oil.
What we love:
- 0% THC
- Feeds shelter pets with every purchase
- Discounts in bulk
- Potent
Concentration: 500mg bottle
What dog owners say: Dog owners with older pets, especially, give Cannanine’s oil drops glowing reviews. As mobility becomes a problem with age, hemp may help alleviate joint stiffness and provide a better quality of life. We also saw quite a few success stories for furry friends who previously struggled with stress.
2. Best 100% Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs: Honest Paws Hemp Oil Drops for Dogs
For all you organic purists out there, this is your ace in the hole. Honest Paws was one of the first brands to make a USDA organic hemp oil specifically for dogs. Ever since they started, this product has been flying off the digital shelves and helping improve the lives of canines everywhere.
Not only is Honest Paws hemp oil honestly organic, it’s very potent and appears to be from a very robust hemp variety. We know because we took a peak at their most recent lab results. These displayed a ton of supporting cannabinoids and terpenes to help your dog feel their best.
Because Honest Paws offers these tinctures in four concentrations, dogs of all breeds and sizes can get in on the relief. For stress, joint stiffness, and sleep, there’s honestly not a better organic choice than Honest Paws for all your pets.
What we love:
- USDA organic
- Potent
- Perfect score among verified reviews
- Multiple strength options
Concentration: 125mg, 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg
What dog owners say: First off, these tinctures from Honest Paws currently enjoy a perfect 5/5 score among verified reviewers. And that’s from nearly 400 reviews! It looks like this hemp oil is particularly effective at helping dogs with chronic health issues. That, as well as anxiousness and sleep health.
3. Best Hemp Oil for Multi-Dog Households: Penelope’s Bloom Hemp Oil for Dogs
For pet parents with multiple dogs in the house, Penelope’s Bloom is your best bet. Their oil comes in four different concentrations, so you can get accurate dosing every time. Plus, this is one of the best prices we’ve seen out there for the value.
Penelope’s Bloom exclusively uses organically grown hemp, meaning their hemp is naturally free from pesticides and any chemical additives, even at the soil level. We also love that they include chamomile in the formula for an extra sense of calm. That can definitely come in handy when there are multiple canine personalities in the house.
Something that warms our hearts is the number of testimonials from pet parents of rescues. It looks like Penelope’s Bloom is giving these dogs– many of whom have suffered horrific abuse– a new lease on life. Whether it’s stress or joint issues, if you have more than one dog, this is your new go-to.
What we love:
- Calming ingredients
- Available in 4 concentrations
- Great for multi-dog households
Concentration: 250mg, 500mg, 750mg, 1000mg
What dog owners say: Penelope’s Bloom oil is recommended by pet parents for pretty much every wellness issue under the sun. We saw a big chunk of 5-star reviews given for dogs struggling with joint stiffness and for rescues dealing with trauma and behavioral problems. Owners with multiple dogs also comment on both the effectiveness and value.
4. Best Hemp Oil for Big Dogs: Holistapet Hemp Oil for Dogs
If you have a large breed, they are going to need more hemp oil than a Pomeranian. For those pet families, we highly recommend Holistapet’s oil that goes as high as 3000mg. Not all hemp oil vendors offer concentrations this high, but Holistapet is committed to helping dogs of all sizes live their best life.
Holistapet’s oil has all the happy cannabinoids and terpenes you want for your dog, minus the THC.
Another thing we love– the taste! No, not for us, but the canines can’t get enough. This may sound like a little thing, but if you have a dog with health issues, it makes giving them their daily hemp oil infinitely easier.
Holistapet is one of those mission-driven brands that’s easy to love, and we can easily see why they usually retain customers for life after just one purchase. For big dog owners, it doesn’t get any better.
What we love:
- Potent hemp oil
- Available in extra strength for large breeds
- Dogs love the taste
- Affordable price
Concentration: 150mg, 300mg, 600mg, 1000mg, 1200mg, 3000mg
What dog owners say: Holistapet’s oil receives high marks across the board, especially for dogs suffering from separation stress. Owners of larger breeds like Huskies and Rottweilers are also happy with the results, claiming they don’t need to use as much as with other brands. In fact, we noticed a lot of pet parents who have switched to Holistapet after trying other products with little-to-no success.
5. Best for Dogs with Stress: The Anxious Pet Organic Hemp Oil
Finally, we couldn’t complete our list without mentioning The Anxious Pet. This is an entire company that was created to address stress issues in our beloved animals, without the use of pharmaceuticals or synthetics. Instead, The Anxious Pet takes the natural road to pet healing, and their flagship Relax & Roll hemp oil does the trick for any canine suffering from stress.
Watching your dog exhibit anxious behaviors is heartbreaking. With these tinctures, you can give your four-legged child the natural relief they deserve.
The Anxious Pet has veterinarians formulate all their products and also provide a handy dosing chart that goes by age and weight. In fact, although we gave them the award for dogs with stress, we also think The Anxious Pet is a great go-to for pet parents new to hemp. Never fear with their free shipping, affordable price point, and amazing customer support.
What we love:
- FREE next-day shipping
- Formulated by veterinarians
- Affordable
- Multiple strength options
Concentration: 125mg, 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg
What dog owners say: Lots of pet parents feel guilty about having to leave their dogs for the work day. Not anymore. The reviews here are positively golden for pups suffering from all the anxious feelings. Separation stress, fireworks, vet visits, and more are no longer an issue for these happy pups and their parents.
How We Picked Our Favorite Hemp Oils for Fur Babies
To arrive at the best hemp oil for dogs on the market, we made a simple list of requirements that we think are solid enough for any dog owner to be happy with. Here it goes:
Clean sourcing
This means we don’t want hemp that comes from imported hemp. Grown in the USA is best. Organic practices are even better. We made sure that each brand provided a current lab test to prove their hemp is free of harmful contaminants.
Clean processing
OK, this one is admittedly a bit more technical, and most dog owners won’t know to check for this. Hemp can be processed in a variety of ways, but not all the methods are clean or environmentally friendly. Therefore we only considered brands that use CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction to procure their hemp oil for dogs.
Made specifically for dogs
Hemp is safe for any mammal to consume. However, we’ve found that the best hemp products for dogs are ones that are specifically created for canines. That can mean the hemp dog treats are formulated by a vet, specific dosing instructions, added ingredients, and more.
All-natural ingredients
Even though hemp oil is considered an all-natural remedy for dogs, you’d be surprised how many of these products contain synthetic additives. Not for our pups. The best hemp oils for dogs contain all-natural ingredients that are good for your pet’s nutrition.
What pet parents say
If in the case we were not able to try out the hemp oil product ourselves, we took a long, hard look at verified reviews. These are often a treasure trove of information that can help you see what kind of results dogs are experiencing.
Brands that give back
Finally, we want to feel good about the pet products we purchase. And in the hemp space, usually the brands who are big on giving back are big on quality, too. We only selected companies with mission-driven practices, like feeding shelter dogs, volunteering, donating profits, etc.
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil is a live phytochemical found in the cannabis sativa plant. This cannabinoid is a natural anti-inflammatory and acts on what’s called the endocannabinoid system. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system that helps regulate bodily processes and maintain homeostasis. Therefore, humans and pets can both benefit from taking it.
Hemp oil is NOT the same as hemp seed oil, which is commonly used for cooking. Hemp oil is extracted from the flower, stalks, and/or stems of the hemp plant, as these contain the most cannabinoids. Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, is made from cannabis seeds which do not contain cannabinoids, nor the same health benefits.
What it’s used for
People use hemp oil for themselves and for their pets for a variety of reasons to help boost quality of life. The most common wellness issues include:
- Stress (all kinds)
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Mobility problems
- Sleep health
- Skin health
- Seizures
- Gut health
- Overall wellness
- Recovery
- Overall mood
How to Choose Hemp Oil for Dogs
Choosing the right hemp oil product for your dog isn’t difficult, provide you keep in mind the following:
Weight
Dosing hemp for dogs is based on weight, so this should be one of the first guiding factors in your decision. For example, if you have a Chihuahua mix, you could start out with a hemp oil bottle with 250mg. If you have a larger breed, like a Rottweiler or a Mastiff, they will require more; so getting a 1000mg bottle of oil is the better choice.
Quality
Follow a similar list of criteria that we used to make this list. That includes hemp oil sourced from hemp grown in the USA, hemp that is tested by third-party labs for safety, and all-natural ingredients in the mix.
Made for dogs (or pets)
Yes, you can technically give your dog your oil. However, this can make dosing a nightmare, and your fur baby might not like the taste. We recommend choosing a hemp oil product that’s made specifically for dogs, or at the very least, pets. This will help you maintain accurate dosing, and also these dog-specific hemp oils may have additional ingredients to support canine health.
How to Give Your Dog Hemp Oil
To give your dog hemp oil, you have two options:
- Administer the oil tincture directly in the mouth. Make sure your dog’s mouth is wide open and quickly squirt the contents of the tincture into the back of the mouth. The further back you can get it, the better. This is the preferred method, as your dog will absorb the most hemp possible.
- Administer the hemp oil tincture on top of food. This is the go-to method for dogs that won’t tolerate a dropper in the mouth. Fill a dropperful of oil and squirt all the contents on top of your dog’s food. While they might not get as much absorption as the directly-in-the-mouth method, this is a good way to ensure your dog actually takes all the hemp that’s administered.
As far as dosing hemp for your dog, again, this will be based on weight. Start with the recommended dosage given by the product manufacturer. You know your dog best, so if it looks like they are not experiencing relief after a few days, take the dose up a notch. Give it a few days, and again, slightly bring it up if necessary.
Potential Side Effects
By and large, side effects from hemp are uncommon in dogs, and we personally have never seen our pups experience any negative side effects.
The most common side effects reported by dog owners include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. If you are seriously concerned about how hemp may interact with your dog’s medications, speak with your veterinarian before placing them on a new health regimen.
FAQs:
Will my dog get high from hemp oil?
No! Provided you have purchased legal hemp oil from a reputable vendor, your dog will absolutely not get high, even if they take it in large quantities. If you are wary, request to see a Certificate of Analysis for the hemp product that will show you the quantity of THC.
How much should I give my dog?
How much hemp oil you give your dog will depend on their weight and how their system responds to it.
Start out with the dosage recommended by the product manufacturer. You can then increase slowly if your dog isn’t experiencing relief yet.
Can I give my pet hemp oil every day?
Yes, you can give your pet hemp oil every day to support overall wellness. As this can get pricey, we recommend doing subscribe & save and signing up for the brand’s rewards program to keep monthly costs down.
In Summary: Hemp oil is good for dogs!
The results are in– hemp oil is good for dogs! Based on scientific evidence, the advice of veterinarians and major pet organizations like the ASPCA, and testimonials from countless dog owners across the country, hemp oil can make a big difference in quality of life.
We hope you can find what you’re looking for among our top 5 products, each of which has been vetted by us for excellence. To the health of your dog and of dogs everywhere, cheers!
Toledo, United States.
