Hemp for Pets in 2025: What Every Dog & Cat Owner Should Know

Hemp has become one of the most talked-about natural wellness ingredients for pets. From calming oils to omega-rich supplements, thousands of pet owners are exploring hemp as part of their dog or cat’s routine. But with CBD laws changing, new safety research emerging, and lots of confusing marketing, it can be hard to know what’s actually safe and what isn’t.

This guide explains hemp for pets in 2025 in simple, clear language. You’ll learn the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD, what benefits are supported by science, what risks you should know about, and how to choose high-quality products responsibly.

What “Hemp for Pets” Actually Means

Pet products labeled “hemp” fall into two completely different categories:

1. Hemp Seed Oil (Contains NO CBD)

• Made by pressing hemp seeds
• Rich in omega-3, omega-6, and GLA fatty acids
• Contains almost no cannabinoids, including CBD
• Used for skin, coat, and overall wellness
• Treated as a nutritional oil rather than a drug

2. Hemp Extract / CBD Oil

• Made from hemp flowers and leaves
• Contains cannabinoids like CBD (and trace THC within legal limits)
• Not FDA-approved for animals
• Much more heavily regulated
• Cannot legally claim to treat disease

Simple rule to remember:
Hemp seed oil = nutrition.
CBD oil = cannabinoid supplement.

Because many companies blur the line between the two, reading the label is extremely important.

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for Pets

Hemp seed oil is becoming popular among veterinarians and pet nutritionists because of its balanced fatty-acid profile. Research on omega-3 and omega-6 fats in dogs and cats shows several potential wellness benefits.

Possible Benefits

• Healthier, shinier coats
• Reduced itching and dryness
• Support for joint comfort and mobility
• Improved skin barrier and hydration
• Balanced inflammatory response
• Immune system support

These benefits come from the oil’s natural content of:

• ALA (omega-3)
• LA (omega-6)
• GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), a rarer omega-6 with anti-inflammatory potential

CBD Pet Products

• Not FDA-approved for dogs or cats
• Cannot make claims to “treat” anxiety, pain, seizures, etc.
• Often regulated differently from state to state
• Must follow strict rules around THC content
• Enforcement continues to increase in 2025

How to Choose a Safe Hemp Product for Your Pet

Use this checklist before adding any hemp product to your dog or cat’s routine.

Pet-Safe Hemp Checklist

• ✔ Talk to your vet first—especially for pets with chronic illness
• ✔ Confirm whether it’s hemp seed oil or CBD extract
• ✔ Read the entire ingredient list carefully
• ✔ Look for third-party lab testing (COA)
• ✔ Avoid brands that make medical claims
• ✔ Choose brands with transparent batch numbers
• ✔ Start with a small amount and monitor closely

Red Flags to Avoid

• ✘ Claims to “treat,” “cure,” or “prevent” disease
• ✘ No testing information available
• ✘ Human CBD oils used on pets without vet guidance
• ✘ Added sweeteners or flavorings toxic to pets (like xylitol)

How to Choose a Safe Hemp Product for Your Pet

Use this checklist before adding any hemp product to your dog or cat’s routine.

Pet-Safe Hemp Checklist

• ✔ Talk to your vet first—especially for pets with chronic illness
• ✔ Confirm whether it’s hemp seed oil or CBD extract
• ✔ Read the entire ingredient list carefully
• ✔ Look for third-party lab testing (COA)
• ✔ Avoid brands that make medical claims
• ✔ Choose brands with transparent batch numbers
• ✔ Start with a small amount and monitor closely

Red Flags to Avoid

• ✘ Claims to “treat,” “cure,” or “prevent” disease
• ✘ No testing information available
• ✘ Human CBD oils used on pets without vet guidance
• ✘ Added sweeteners or flavorings toxic to pets (like xylitol)

How to Start Using Hemp Seed Oil with Your Pet

Always follow the guidance of your pet’s veterinarian.

For Dogs

• Mix into food once daily or split into two meals
• Start with half the recommended amount
• Watch for stomach upset, loose stool, or decreased appetite

For Cats

• Introduce extremely slowly—cats notice changes quickly
• Mix into wet food for better acceptance
• Avoid overuse if your cat has liver or GI conditions

Common signs of positive response may include:

• Shinier fur
• Less scratching
• Better mobility during walks or play

Signs something is wrong:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

If these occur, stop the product and call your vet.

2025 Legal Snapshot (Simple Explanation)

Here’s a quick overview of the legal landscape for pets in the U.S. in 2025:

• Hemp with ≤0.3% delta-9 THC remains federally legal
• Hemp seed ingredients are generally recognized as safe in human foods
• CBD remains not FDA-approved for animals
• Companies selling CBD pet products may face action if they:
  • Make medical claims
  • Add CBD to animal feed
  • Mislabel THC or CBD content

Federal rules introduced in 2025 also tightened restrictions on:

• Synthetic cannabinoids
• Intoxicating hemp derivatives
• Products marketed to minors

These changes mostly affect human products, but they influence the entire hemp marketplace.

Key Takeaways

• Hemp seed oil is a nutritional supplement with potential benefits for skin, coat, and joint wellness.
• CBD oil for pets exists but is not FDA-approved and remains legally complex.
• Quality varies widely—lab testing and transparent labeling matter.
• Your veterinarian is your best resource when deciding if hemp belongs in your pet’s routine.
• Start slowly, monitor closely, and always prioritize safety over hype.

FAQs About Hemp for Pets

1. Can hemp make my pet high?

No. Hemp seed oil contains virtually no THC. CBD pet products contain very low levels that should be non-intoxicating, but only use CBD formulated for pets and reviewed by your vet.

2. Is it legal to buy hemp seed oil for pets online?

Generally yes. But CBD pet products exist in a gray area and may be restricted depending on your state. Always check your local regulations.

3. Can I give my dog human CBD oil?

Not without veterinary guidance. Human CBD products may contain higher THC levels, artificial flavorings, or sweeteners that are unsafe for pets.

4. How long until I see results from hemp seed oil?

Skin and coat benefits may appear in 2–6 weeks. Joint support is gradual. Every pet responds differently.

5. Is hemp safe for all pets?

No supplement is safe for every animal. Use caution with pets who have pancreatitis, liver conditions, GI sensitivities, or who are very young, old, or pregnant.