Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: Choosing the Best for Your Pet

by Nature's Pet Herbals

Americans spend around $75 billion on their pets every year. That makes sense, as many people see their furry friends as more than a companion. They’re our best friends, family members, and even “fur babies” that we love to spoil.

Taking care of your pet is important to you. You want to invest in their health to make sure they’re living their best life. As you try to choose the best products for your furry best friend, though, you have lots of questions.

One of them might be about hemp oil vs. CBD oil.

New research shows CBD, and other cannabinoids can help humans and pets alike. So, what’s the best option for your dog or cat? This guide will help you understand the differences between hemp and CBD oil so that you can make an informed decision.

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil? It’s a common question. The answer lies in what part of the plant each is made from.

What’s CBD Oil Made From?

You may have known that CBD can be made from hemp plants. The oil is pressed from the flowers of the hemp plant. Hemp plants are a type of cannabis sativa plant, which contains less than 0.3 percent THC.

CBD isolate has all other substances, like terpenes, removed. Less refined products are sometimes called broad- or full-spectrum CBD oil.

Not all CBD oil is made from hemp plants, however. Some CBD oils come from cannabis plants. They contain higher concentrations of THC.

The first thing you should do when trying to decide on a CBD product for your pet is to determine the plant source. You may not want to give your pet cannabis-derived CBD, as THC can be dangerous for your pet.

One thing to keep in mind is that CBD concentration varies from strain to strain. Hemp plants tend to be much higher in CBD than other cannabis sativa plants, though.

What’s Hemp Oil Made From?

At first glance, it might seem that CBD vs. hemp oil is a non-issue. CBD oil is, in fact, made from hemp plants.

So, can you buy hemp oil and give it to your pet?

You could, but you might not get the results you want. Most products marketed as “hemp oil” are actually hemp seed oil. That means they’re pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant.

The seeds have plenty of nutrients, but only trace amounts of CBD. If you want to make sure your furry best friend is getting everything CBD has to offer, then you’ll need to look for a CBD oil.

Getting Around Marketing Jargon

There have been some cases where someone rebranded CBD oil as “hemp oil.” Platforms such as Amazon don’t allow the sale of CBD products yet. Some clever sellers have worked around these restrictions by labeling products “hemp oil.”

In some cases, hemp seed oil has been listed as “cannabis sativa seed oil.” This kind of wording plays on the popularity of CBD and cannabis products.

It’s not a lie, but it can lead to confusion. If you’re not sure what kind of oil you’re buying, be sure to check the label and the ingredients list. Most true hemp oils will only list hemp seeds, as the oils are usually 100 percent concentrated.

CBD oil is usually diluted with a carrier oil. If there’s more than one ingredient, you may be buying CBD oil. If you’re still not sure, you can always check with the seller or manufacturer.

The Question of Purity for CBD oil

Once you’ve decided to give your pet CBD oil, you should be thinking about the question of purity. Choosing the purity of oil to give your pet is critical.

A full-spectrum CBD oil made from a hemp plant contains all the substances the plant has. These include terpenes and other cannabinoids. Some experts suggest full-spectrum oils have increased benefits due to these other substances.

At the other end of the spectrum is what’s known as CBD isolate. CBD isolate has all other substances removed. In essence, it’s the most “pure” form of CBD you can buy.

Broad-spectrum CBD oils fall somewhere in the middle. It isn’t as pure and refined as isolate. It is more processed than full-spectrum oil.

Concentration vs. the Entourage Effect

If you want your pet to benefit from CBD, you may think it makes sense to give them the purest form. This can ensure they’re getting the most CBD with every dose. In turn, they should get more out of their CBD oil.

The science on this point isn’t settled just yet, though. In fact, there’s some evidence that a full- or broad-spectrum CBD oil could provide more benefits.

That’s thanks to what’s known as the CBD entourage effect. This theory says that CBD works in concert with some of the other substances found in hemp plants. In turn, these other substances enhance the effects of CBD and vice-versa.

That means your pet may see more benefit from a full-spectrum CBD oil.

There’s some debate about whether the entourage effect actually exists. What isn’t up for debate is that other substances do seem to have their own benefits.

Many terpenes, for example, have their own benefits. Linalool, which lavender has high concentrations of, has pain-relieving and relaxing properties. Even if the entourage effect isn’t real, a full-spectrum oil offers the benefits of terpenes and other cannabinoids.

What Can CBD do?

Before you decide to give your pet CBD, you might wonder what the benefits are. What does CBD oil do anyway?

The science in this area is still emerging, so there’s still plenty to learn about the potential benefits of CBD. So far, studies have suggested that CBD oil could help:

Some studies have shown CBD to have cardiac benefits. It also seems to help with nausea and appetite.

CBD seems to be able to help manage seizures, reducing frequency and intensity. Many pet owners also report it’s useful for managing arthritis. It limits inflammation and relieves pain, helping your pet feel like their old selves again.

There’s even some suggestion CBD could be a cancer-fighting agent. More studies are needed in this area.

New studies about how CBD affects cats and dogs will continue to emerge. Many pet owners also say their companions have benefited from CBD. Some veterinarians even recommend it.

Finding High-Quality CBD for Your Pet

Now you’ve narrowed down the field to CBD oils. You might still be wondering how you can choose the best CBD products for your pet.

You can usually identify high-quality oils by the amount of CBD they have in them. A 20mL bottle of oil with 500mg of CBD has a much higher concentration of CBD than a 1 L bottle with the same amount.

High-quality CBD oil may also be grown organically. This will mean it contains fewer chemicals, such as pesticides. You can also look at the carrier oil used.

Some producers will provide lab test results. Some may even let you trace the history of the product, from seed to sale. Don’t forget to ask about the process used to refine the CBD, as some methods use harsher solvents.

Finally, price is sometimes an indicator of the quality of CBD oil.

Can You Give Your Pet Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil may not have any CBD in it, but what would happen if you gave it to your pet?

Hemp seed oil has plenty of protein. It also has an excellent balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients are key to optimal health for dogs.

They help to maintain heart health, healthy skin, and a shiny coat. They even work together to boost brain function and limit inflammation.

Giving your pet hemp seed oil may not help with conditions like anxiety. It can still support their health. They may even get a trace amount of CBD, although the amount is so small that its effects won’t be noticeable.

Give Your Pet the Best of Everything

Both hemp oil and CBD oil can have benefits for your pet’s health. When it comes to choosing hemp oil vs. CBD oil, it depends on what you want the product to do for your pet. If you’re concerned about anxiety, then CBD might be the right choice.

For many pet owners, the right answer will be giving their pet both CBD oil and hemp oil. Both products can support your pet’s health, helping them feel their best and get the most out of every day.

Are you looking for the right CBD and hemp products for your pet? You’re in the right place. Find high-quality CBD oil and more to help your furry best friend feel their best.

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