New research has found that adding Hemp oil or byproducts of hempseed to dog food improves digestive health, without having a negative impact on the microbial ecosystem.
This study published in the Journal of Veterinary Sciences suggests that some types hemp derivatives can be added to dog food ingredients without any problems. The effect of adding cannabis as a fibre or oil supplement appears to vary.
Researchers at Kasetsart University, Thailand, divided 24 dogs of mixed breeds into three groups. One group received food that contained an 11 percent concentration a hempseed-based byproduct rich in fiber, while another was given food containing 2 percent oil from hempseed. The third was fed a standard diet without hemp.
Die dogs consumed the diets 90 days. Researchers compared the fecal sample taken before and after the experiment to those obtained 30 and 90 days later. Researchers used genetic sequences to measure changes in composition and diversity of bacteria.
The microbial diversity of dogs fed diets infused with hempseed oils showed an increase.
Hempseeds fractions modulate microbiomes in dogs in a formula-specific way without disrupting the ecological stability. This supports beneficial effects on canine health nutrition.
Diet was associated with higher levels of “beneficial bacteria” from the Lactobacillaceae, while the fiber-rich byproduct hempseed was related to Actinobacteriota.
“Hempseed derivatives altered microbial composition by promoting certain beneficial bacteria, supporting canine gut health in a formulation-dependent manner,” the authors wrote, adding that the results “provide evidence for their safe inclusion as functional ingredients in dog food.”
A key group of 19 bacteria was present in all diets despite differences. By day 90 the microbiome composition had also stabilized, which indicated that the supplements were not affecting the intestinal system of the dogs.
In general, researchers found that the hempseed ingredient can be added to dog food without causing harm, while also promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
One of the most recent studies on marijuana and its possible effects on dogs.
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For example, a recent systemic review of scientific literature determined that studies “consistently show” that CBD is a potential “anticancer agent across different cancer types”—and that effect applies to dogs as well as humans.
The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) promoted a study in 2024 that it said shows CBD is “safe for long-term use” in dogs—a significant finding given emerging research that cannabis can effectively treat conditions such as anxiety and certain skin diseases among canines.
Another 2024 case study found that cannabis appears to be a “viable alternative” treatment option for dogs suffering from a common skin disease, especially if they experience adverse side effects from conventional steroid therapies.
Meanwhile, prior research suggests that giving dogs a dose of CBD could help counteract the ill effects of accidental THC consumption, according to a study that authors called “the first report of treatment of canine THC toxicosis by administration of CBD.”
Another study that was published in 2024 found that dogs that receive daily doses of CBD see “significant reductions” in stress and anxiety related to car travel.
CBD has also been shown to have other benefits, such as a reduction in seizures for dogs that receive CBD. Also, a study published in 2018 found that dogs with arthritis see improvements with CBD treatment.
When it comes to other animals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found in 2013 that cows that are fed hempseed cake retain very low concentrations of THC and CBDÂ in their bodies, indicating that meat products from hemp-fed cattle are safe for human consumption.
Another federally funded study published in 2022 found that feeding cows hemp reduces their stress.
Researchers also studied how CBD affected stress and pain for horses.
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