Hemp
31 foods contain this ingredient
This is an alphabetical list, not a ranking. Add KL+ to rank foods for your pet in the Food Finder.
About Hemp
Hemp is non-intoxicating Cannabis sativa plant material, most often seed, seed meal, or pressed oil, added to pet food for fat and fiber.
Hemp (used as whole seed, meal, protein concentrate, or oil) serves in pet foods as a plant-based source of protein, digestible fiber, and essential fatty acids—particularly a favorable omega‑6 to omega‑3 ratio—plus trace vitamins and minerals that can support skin, coat, and general health in both dogs and cats. It is generally well tolerated and can improve coat condition and digestion, but pet parents should select products made from industrial hemp with negligible THC and proper processing to avoid rancidity, and consult a veterinarian for young, pregnant, or medicated animals or when hemp is being used for cannabinoid (CBD) effects.
Related ingredients
- Derived from
- seeds of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa)
- Primary role
- plant fat, fiber, and protein contributor
Why it's used
Whole or ground hemp seed and hemp seed oil supply polyunsaturated fatty acids in a naturally balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, along with digestible fiber and trace minerals such as magnesium and zinc. Formulators typically pair hemp with animal proteins rather than relying on it alone, since it does not deliver a complete essential amino acid profile on its own.
Common concerns
- Incomplete amino acid profile A 2023 Journal of Animal Science study found hemp seed meets or exceeds NRC indispensable amino acid allowances for dogs and cats except for tryptophan, meaning it needs a complementary protein source in a complete diet.
- THC and CBD confusion Hemp seed and hemp seed oil are distinct from CBD or hemp extract products; buyers sometimes conflate the two, and any product marketed for cannabinoid effects should be discussed with a veterinarian rather than assumed equivalent to hemp seed ingredients.
Also relevant
Industrial hemp varieties used in pet food are bred for negligible THC content, unlike marijuana cultivars.
Common Questions
What category is Hemp?
Hemp is categorized as a fat oil ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Hemp part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Hemp in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Hemp?
31 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Hemp, including Fera Pets, Grandma Lucy's, Native Pet.
Foods with Hemp
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
Find the right food for your pet
Sign in free to sort and filter by score, and avoid or require Hemp in the Food Finder. Add KL+ to see these foods ranked for your pet's breed, age, and health focus.
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