As a dog lover, there’s probably not much you wouldn’t do to ensure that your canine companion is healthy and happy every day. Prioritising your pup's wellness when choosing their food is key, but in reality it can be tricky. Many of us assume that if pet food products are on the shelf of a big retailer they must be healthy, right?
Wrong. We're not told the whole truth about a number of dog food products that are currently on the market. Many mainstream pet foods lack essential nutrients and are predominantly made to taste good or to be produced cost effectively. Dogs who are fed a diet of poor quality food can be nutritionally deficient, have weight issues and develop avoidable health conditions.
Growing awareness of low quality pet food has driven a hunger for change, causing the appetite for hemp-based dog food to surge. Hemp's nutrient rich properties mean it has an impressive list of health benefits for man as well as man’s best friend. Vets and dog owners alike have begun praising a hemp-supplemented diet for improving the quality of their four legged friends lives.
Here are some of the ways that hemp foods can benefit your dogs health:
Healthy skin and a shiny coat
Hemp is rich in the Omega fatty acids which are key for promoting healthy cellular growth as well as easing rashes, eczema, and allergies. It actually has the optimal Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio (3:1), making it perfectly balanced in healthy fats for both animals and humans.
Including hemp in your dog’s diet can also lessen shedding and promote a thick and shiny coat.
Strengthens the immune system
Hemp is packed with nutrients, including healthy fats, vitamin E and a bevy of minerals, such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc.
The omega fatty acids in hemp help to strengthen cells and aid them in fighting off germs and viruses.
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals and fighting the good fight to stave off invading bacteria.
Zinc supports immunity at a cellular level and is essential for antibody production.
Aids digestion
It’s the high fibre content of hemp which makes it so good for your dog's digestive health. Fibre is key for helping foods to pass through the digestive system and high-fibre diets have many health benefits including improved blood sugar, healthier gut bacteria and a reduced risk of bowel cancer.
Animal proteins are often easier to digest than plant proteins. However, hemp protein is exceptionally easy to digest as research has shown that up to 98% of protein from hemp seeds is digestible.
Eases inflammation, stiffness and joint pain
As dogs grow older, joint swelling, stiffness and pain can be common health issues. Instead of owners relying purely on prescription painkillers, studies have shown that a hemp supplemented diet can be a natural remedy for our four legged friends.
Hemp's rich supply of omega-3s and gamma linolenic acid (GLA) work to reduce inflammation and swelling which can ease injuries and help to maintain mobility in later years.
Improves heart health
Hemp foods can help to keep your companion's heart strong and healthy throughout their lives.
High levels of Amino Acids and Arginine help with blood circulation and can lower blood pressure, aiding blood flow to the heart and other organs. Better organ function keeps cardiac pressure low and decreases the chances of organ failure and wider health issues.
Phytonutrients and anti-aging antioxidants such as vitamin E also work to protect the cardiovascular system from damage.
Check out our range of healthy and hempy dog treats!
