No. Hemp and CBD are not the same. Hemp is a type of Cannabis sativa plant or plant material. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one chemical compound found in cannabis and hemp. A dog product labeled "hemp" may contain CBD, hemp seed oil or another hemp extract, so the ingredient list matters.
Hemp vs. CBD for Dogs: The Key Difference
| Term | What it means | Does it normally contain CBD? |
|---|---|---|
| Hemp | A low-THC cannabis plant or plant material | Sometimes |
| CBD | A specific cannabinoid, or cannabis compound | Yes, by definition |
| Hemp seed oil | Oil pressed from hemp seeds | No, except for possible trace contamination |
| Hemp extract | An extract made from parts of the hemp plant, usually flowers or leaves | Often |
| CBD oil | An oil containing a stated amount of cannabidiol | Yes |
Hemp seeds do not naturally contain CBD or THC. Hemp seed oil is mainly a nutritional oil, not a CBD product. The FDA says hemp seeds can pick up only trace amounts of cannabinoids during harvesting or processing.
What Does "Hemp Oil" Mean on a Dog Product?
"Hemp oil" is an imprecise marketing term. It can refer to:
- Hemp seed oil, which does not provide a meaningful dose of CBD.
- Hemp extract, which may contain CBD, CBDA, CBG, terpenes and small amounts of THC.
- CBD oil derived from hemp, which should state the CBD amount in milligrams.
If you are looking for CBD for a dog, do not assume that a product labeled "hemp" contains CBD. Check whether the label states:
- The amount of CBD per serving or millilitre
- Whether the product contains THC
- The source of the extract
- A batch-specific third-party certificate of analysis
- Testing for pesticides, heavy metals and other contaminants
Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine says commercial cannabinoid products can vary considerably in their cannabinoid concentrations. It recommends reviewing independent laboratory testing.
Is Hemp Seed Oil Useful in the Same Way as CBD for Dogs?
No. Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are not interchangeable.
Hemp seed oil can provide fats and other nutrients, but it is not a reliable source of cannabidiol. CBD oil is formulated to contain CBD, so replacing it with hemp seed oil will not provide the same cannabinoid exposure.
Some products contain both ingredients. A dog treat, for example, may use hemp seed oil as the carrier and add a separately measured hemp extract containing CBD. The label should identify the two ingredients separately.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
CBD is not automatically safe for dogs just because it comes from hemp.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved cannabis or CBD products for use in animals. It also cannot confirm the safety, effectiveness or quality of the many CBD products sold for pets.
CBD may interact with medications, and evidence about appropriate dosing, long-term use and product quality remains limited. Speak with your veterinarian before giving CBD to a dog, especially if your dog:
- Takes medication
- Has liver disease
- Has a seizure disorder
- Is pregnant or nursing
- Is elderly or medically fragile
Do not give a dog marijuana or a product with an unknown THC concentration. THC is the primary intoxicating and toxic cannabis compound for dogs. Signs of cannabis toxicity can include lethargy, depression, excessive drooling, vomiting, agitation, tremors and seizures.
What Should Dog Owners Buy?
Choose the product based on the ingredient you want, not the word "hemp" on the front label.
- Choose hemp seed oil if you want a nutritional oil rather than CBD.
- Choose a clearly labeled CBD or cannabinoid product only after speaking with your veterinarian.
- Avoid products that list only "hemp oil" without stating the plant part, CBD concentration and THC content.
- Avoid human CBD products, especially those containing THC, xylitol, chocolate flavoring or other ingredients that are unsafe for dogs.
- Stop using the product and contact a veterinarian if your dog develops unusual sedation, vomiting, wobbliness or another concerning symptom.
Read the ingredient panel, not just the product name. Hemp is the plant source. CBD is a specific compound. Hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD oil.