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Have you been considering giving your cat hemp treats? Perhaps you’ve seen them on store shelves and wondered if they are really a safe and healthy option for your feline family member. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant, and some people may worry that it could be a potential health hazard.
But the truth is that hemp cat treats aren’t regulated on the market, and there is very little scientific evidence that shows consistent benefits when used in felines. We would recommend you speak to your vet if considering hemp treats or if your cat has a specific health issue you believe could benefit from it. In this post, we’ll explore what you need to know about them. We’ll take a look at the potential health benefits, what you should look for in a safe and healthy hemp treat, and any potential risks.
What Exactly Are Hemp Cat Treats?
Well, let’s start by discussing hemp and its relation to cannabis and CBD (cannabidiol). Hemp is a type of cannabis plant, and hemp cat treats can be made from hemp seed, which contains very little to no CBD, while many treats labeled as hemp treats are actually made from the hemp plant, flowers, and leaves, and contain CBD in varying amounts.
Hemp seeds are known to contain many beneficial nutrients, including protein and healthy fats. They also have high levels of fiber, which can help maintain digestive health. Hemp seeds are also one of the only plant sources of essential fatty acids (EFA) that your cat’s body can actually use. In the body, EFAs help regulate inflammation, metabolism, and other necessary processes.
EFAs are even more important for cats than they are for humans. They’re crucial for a cat’s healthy growth and development. Hemp seeds can also be pressed into hemp oil, which is often used in hemp cat treats. Hemp oil is high in healthy fats and antioxidants, so it’s another potential source of many of the benefits mentioned above.
A Bit More on CBD Oil
CBD or cannabidiol is extracted from the hemp plant but does not have psychoactive properties, unlike THC. CBD oil has been anecdotally used for cats that suffer from anxiety disorders and chronic pain, but there is very little research on its safety and ongoing efficacy. Although CBD oil can be trialled for some felines under veterinary guidance to reduce anxiety and pain, it shouldn’t be considered a main treatment. It’s intended to be part of a bigger treatment and wellness plan.
Potential Health Benefits of Hemp Cat Treats
As we’ve discussed, hemp seeds are a great source of many important nutrients, including protein and EFAs. At the moment, there isn’t a lot of research into the potential benefits of hemp and CBD in cats, and this requires further research. Anecdotally, they may help with chronic osteoarthritis and pain, act as an anti-inflammatory, aid in reducing anxiety, while cannabidiol may have anti-seizure properties.
Additional issues arise due to the fact that hemp treats aren’t regulated by the FDA and may have a variable amount of CBD and other ingredients. The safe dosage for CBD in cats has not yet been established. Hemp treats could be beneficial for cats with certain health issues, but it’s important to first discuss this with your vet to make sure that it’s safe to give your particular cat hemp-based treats.
Different Types of Hemp Cat Treats
There are lots of different kinds of hemp cat treats on the market, including dry treats and biscuits and treats made with hemp oil. You’ll want to keep in mind the caveats we discussed above when you’re picking out hemp treats for your cat. Dry treats are the most common type of hemp cat treat, and many of them are made with hemp seeds. When shopping for treats, try to pick out a brand that uses raw seeds and doesn’t add any other ingredients that could be harmful to your cat.
You’ll find many different flavors and types of hemp cat treats at pet stores and online, including salmon, chicken, and pumpkin. Keep in mind that these treats may not necessarily contain any of the healthy nutrients or fiber that hemp seeds provide. Consult with your vet about the most appropriate hemp treats for your cat.
How to Introduce Hemp Cat Treats to Your Cat
Hemp cat treats should be offered under veterinary guidance, especially if they contain any CBD, as it may cause adverse effects in some cats, depending on the amount they eat and the concentration of CBD. Some of the recognized side effects may include drooling, licking, vomiting, gagging, pacing, or head shaking. Avoid giving hemp and CBD treats to kittens who are under 12 months of age unless recommended by a vet for a particular health issue.
Even if you’re feeding your cat hemp treats, you’ll also want to make sure that they’re getting plenty of other nutrients. As you may already know, cats need a diet that is rich in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbs. If you do plan to introduce hemp treats to your cat, be sure to do it in very small doses and according to veterinary recommendations.
Buying Hemp Cat Treats That Are Safe
Be sure to carefully examine the label when selecting your hemp cat treat. Reputable and responsible manufacturers should be conducting quality control on their products to verify their ingredients and the products’ efficacy, as well as for other reasons. They do this to make sure they do what they promise, with no harmful effects, and that the products are safe to be used.
However, with lack of FDA regulation means there may be products that state ingredients they do not contain, and vice versa. Some treats may contain CBD in more than just traces, which can be harmful to cats depending on the amount. Besides that, there could be other ingredients, fillers, and additives that are best avoided.
- Find out how the hemp is grown: You want to ensure that hemp grown in the USA meets high standards.
- Find out who conducts product testing: Third-party labs are best as they ensure impartial research and testing.
- Look for ISO-certified lab testing: This means that the labs that perform these procedures are the best.
- Check legal implications: hemp and CBD may not be legal in every state or city.
Transparency is key, as reputable hemp cat treat manufacturers will answer all your questions regarding the product, its benefits and safety.
And remember that the effects of CBD on animals is still being investigated. Although researchers are still unsure of all the benefits CBD could have for animals, experts do agree that CBD supplementation at a safe dosage for pets may prove useful.
Conclusion
Hemp cat treats for adult cats, when used diligently and according to veterinary advice, may help manage anxiety and ease chronic pain, although their true benefits and safety considerations require further research. Consult with your vet before offering any hemp or CBD treats to your cat.
When you’re shopping for hemp treats without any CBD or only traces of it, you’ll want to look for ones that only contain hemp seeds and no unhealthy additives that you don’t recognize. You can find hemp cat treats at local private or small-chain stores and shops, and you may also find them cheaper online.
Featured Image Credit: PRO Stock Professional, Shutterstock
