A new study found that adding hemp oil or hempseed byproduct to dog food can improve digestive health without negatively impacting the overall microbial system.
The study, published in the journal Veterinary Sciences, suggests that certain types of hemp derivatives could be safely incorporated into canine food as ingredients. However, the effects appear to be partly dependent on whether the cannabis is added as an oil or fiber supplement.
For the study, researchers at Kasetsart University in Thailand put 24 mixed-breed dogs into three groups: One had food containing an 11 percent concentration of a fiber-rich hempseed byproduct, another received food with 2 percent hempseed oil and a third got a control diet with no hemp.
The dogs were fed the diets for 90 days. Researchers compared fecal samples from before the experiment with those from after 30 and 90 days. Genetic sequencing was used to track changes in the composition and diversity of intestinal bacteria.
Dogs that were fed a diet with hempseed oil-infused food showed a larger increase in microbial species richness.
“Hempseed fractions modulate the canine microbiome in a formulation-specific manner without disrupting ecological stability, supporting beneficial health effects in canine nutrition.”
The diet was also associated with increased levels of “beneficial” bacteria from the Lactobacillaceae family, whereas the fiber-rich hempseed byproduct was linked with Actinobacteriota.
“Hempseed derivatives altered microbial composition by promoting certain beneficial bacteria, supporting canine gut health in a formulation-dependent manner,” the authors wrote, adding that the results “provide evidence for their safe inclusion as functional ingredients in dog food.”
Despite the differences between the diets, a key collection of 19 bacteria were present throughout the study. And by day 90, the microbial composition also seemed to stabilize, indicating the dietary supplements did not significantly disrupt the dogs’ intestinal systems.
Overall, the findings suggest that hempseed ingredients can be safely integrated into dog food while supporting gut health by promoting certain beneficial bacteria, the study authors said.
This is one of the latest studies into cannabis and its potential impacts on dogs.
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For example, a recent systemic review of scientific literature determined that studies “consistently show” that CBD is a potential “anticancer agent across different cancer types”—and that effect applies to dogs as well as humans.
The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) promoted a study in 2024 that it said shows CBD is “safe for long-term use” in dogs—a significant finding given emerging research that cannabis can effectively treat conditions such as anxiety and certain skin diseases among canines.
Another 2024 case study found that cannabis appears to be a “viable alternative” treatment option for dogs suffering from a common skin disease, especially if they experience adverse side effects from conventional steroid therapies.
Meanwhile, prior research suggests that giving dogs a dose of CBD could help counteract the ill effects of accidental THC consumption, according to a study that authors called “the first report of treatment of canine THC toxicosis by administration of CBD.”
Another study that was published in 2024 found that dogs that receive daily doses of CBD see “significant reductions” in stress and anxiety related to car travel.
Other research has demonstrated benefits of CBD such as reduced frequency of seizures among dogs who receive the cannabinoid. Also, a study published in 2018 found that dogs with arthritis see improvements with CBD treatment.
When it comes to other animals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found in 2013 that cows that are fed hempseed cake retain very low concentrations of THC and CBD in their bodies, indicating that meat products from hemp-fed cattle are safe for human consumption.
Another federally funded study published in 2022 found that feeding cows hemp reduces their stress.
Researchers have also looked into how CBD affects stress and pain in horses.
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