Supercharge Your Dog's Health with Hemp Seeds
Intro:
Hemp Seeds are one of the lowest carb seeds on the planet, they are high in protein and healthy fats.
The health benefits that hemp seeds can bring to your dog are numerous. With the right balance of essential fatty acids, proteins, minerals and antioxidants, hemp seeds are an excellent way to improve your pet’s wellbeing.
Whether it is for boosting the immune system, improving digestive health, promoting skin and coat condition or reducing anxiety levels in dogs, adding hemp seeds to your pet's meal plan can go a long way towards benefiting their overall health
In this article, we explore all the wonderful ways that hemp seeds can benefit your furry companion.
Contents:
Vitamins and Minerals that are Abundant in Hemp Seeds:
What Are the 10 Essential Amino Acids for Dogs and Which Ones Do Hemp Seeds Contain?
Hemp Seeds are a Powerful Source of Zinc
How Hemp Seeds Can Improve Your Dog’s Digestive Health
Building Stronger Immune Systems with Hemp Seeds
Nourishing Skin & Coat Condition
Supporting Joint Function and Mobility with Hemp Seeds
Using Hemp Seeds to Reduce Anxiety Levels in Dogs
Vitamins and Minerals that are Abundant in Hemp Seeds:
Hemp seeds are one of the best sources of Zinc on the planet.
They also contain good amounts of magnesium, an ideal ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are an excellent source of dietary fibre, a great source of vitamins A, C and E, as well as B-vitamins like folate, thiamin and riboflavin.
Finally, hemp seeds are a great source of phytosterols, compounds found in plants that have cholesterol-lowering properties.
What Are the 10 Essential Amino Acids for Dogs and Which Ones Do Hemp Seeds Contain?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, they are required for a variety of functions in the body.
They are required for growth and development, tissue repair, and the production of hormones. In total there are 20 amino acids that are found in dietary proteins.
Both humans and dogs have the ability to create some of our own amino acids, however1 others are considered essential because the body can’t produce them on it’s own, we need to get the essential amino acids from foods.
10 are considered essential for dogs due to their inability to synthesise them on their own. Hemp seeds contain 18 amino acids including all 10 that are essential for a dog.*
10 Essential amino acids for dogs:
1 Arginine, 2 Histidine, 3 Isoleucine, 4 Leucine, 5 Lysine, 6 Methionine, 7 Phenylalanine,
8 Threonine, 9 Tryptophan, 10 Valine.
18 Amino Acids found in Hemp Seeds:
1, Arginine 2, Tryptophan, 3 Threonine, 4 Isoleucine, 5 Leucine, 6 Lysine,
7 Methionine, 8 Cystine, 9 Phenylalanine, 10 Tyrosine, 11 Valine, 12 Histidine,
13 Alanine, 14 Aspartic acid, 15 Glutamic acid, 16 Glycine, 17 Proline, 18 Serine.
Hemp Seeds are a Powerful Source of Zinc
Per 100g Hemp Seeds contain 9.10mg of Zinc, which is almost twice what’s found in Beef and four times that of Chicken Livers. The recommended daily intake (rdi) of Zinc for a 15kg Dog is 15mg, only oysters and wheat germ pack a more powerful Zinc punch.
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in regulating hormones and maintaining healthy immune function, amongst many other benefits. It helps with wound healing, cognitive development and even fertility.
Hemp Seeds Can Improve Your Dog’s Digestive Health
Hemp seeds are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, these help to improve your dog’s digestive health.
Dietary fibres play an important role in the digestion process, they provide food for gut bacteria while also adding bulk to the stools making them easier to pass through the intestines.
Additionally, dietary fibres help to regulate blood sugar levels and protect against constipation.
Building Stronger Immune Systems with Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are an amazing source of Zinc and Vitamin E, both are essential for maintaining a strong immune system.
Zinc and vitamin E help to boost the body’s natural defence against infection and disease, as well as protect cellular integrity.
Additionally, hemp seeds are rich in essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium, which are all necessary for the proper functioning and development of the immune system.
Nourishing Skin & Coat Condition
Hemp seeds contain some antioxidants but are also packed with an amazing ratio of 3:1 essential Omega-6 and 3 fatty acids. One form of Omega 6 found in hemp seeds is Gamma Linolenic Acid which has anti-inflammatory effects.
Together the fatty acids, zinc and antioxidants promote healthy skin and coat, aid in fighting free radicals, reduce inflammation and provide anti-ageing benefits.
Hemp seeds are a great way to aid in maintaining a shiny coat and supple skin, keeping them beautiful and healthy.
Supporting Joint Function and Mobility with Hemp Seeds
The Omega 3 and 6 Gamma Linolenic Acids play a significant role in joint function and mobility.
The fatty acids help to reduce inflammation that cause pain and stiffness, while also providing lubrication and improving flexibility. This is especially great for pets with arthritis. Additionally, the minerals in hemp seeds help to strengthen cartilage and protect against further damage.
Using Hemp Seeds to Reduce Anxiety Levels in Dogs
While the hemp seeds we’re talking about here are food seeds and contain minuscule amounts of TCH and CBD they can still be beneficial for reducing anxiety in dogs.
Thanks to the high levels of essential fatty acids and antioxidants they contain. The fatty acids help to promote a calm and relaxed state of mind by aiding in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate moods.
Additionally, antioxidants found in hemp seeds have anti-anxiety properties, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Conclusion - TLDR:
If you want to improve your pet's health, hemp seeds are an excellent source of nutrients that can have a positive impact on their overall health.
Hemp seeds contain essential fatty acids, proteins, minerals and antioxidants that can benefit your pet in many ways. They are also a good source of vitamins A, C and E as well as B-vitamins like folate, thiamin and riboflavin.
Additionally, hemp seeds contain 18 amino acids including all 10 that are essential for a dog.
Not only that, but zinc is abundantly found in hemp seeds; it helps regulate hormones & maintain healthy immune function while aiding wound healing & cognitive development.
Finally, dietary fibres found in hemp seeds help to improve digestion by providing bulk to stools & regulating blood sugar levels whilst protecting against constipation. So if you're looking for a way to improve your pet's health, consider adding hemp seeds to their diet!
Have, or do you feed your pet hemp? Let me know if and how you do in the comments.
Additional Reading:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.754625/full
*References:
Essential amino Acids for dogs: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/differences-between-cats-and-dogs-a-nutritional-view/A01A77BABD1B6DDD500145D7A02D67A5
Amino acids present in hemp seeds: https://food-nutrition.canada.ca/cnf-fce/serving-portion.do?id=7568
Fiber content of hemp Seeds: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-hemp-seeds
Omega fat content and ratios of hemp seeds: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-health-benefits-of-hemp-seeds#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4
anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seed oil:
Nutritional Content of Hemp Seed: https://food-nutrition.canada.ca/cnf-fce/index-eng.jsp
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