It seems like every time I turn around these days there’s another product coming across my desk that is made with hemp.
It has made me wonder, aside from the warm, fuzzy hippie connection, what is the big deal with hemp? So I did my homework and I’m happy to say I am sold on hemp as a safe material for pets.
The first thing I learned about hemp is that it’s not just sterile marijuana plants. Hemp is a different species of plant and, although it is a cousin to marijuana, hemp contains virtually no THC (the stuff in marijuana that makes folks high).
Hemp is a very “green” plant. It flourishes without pesticides or herbicides and has roots that penetrate far into the soil to absorb nutrients other crops have left behind. Every part of the hemp plant has commercial use so there is no waste.
Hemp products are biodegradable and easily compost into a rich organic matter. Hemp fiber is used to make paper, cloth and rope. In fact, the original Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper and our first U.S. flag was sewn with hemp cloth.
Now hemp fibers and oils are being incorporated into a variety of pet products. So, what good do hemp products do for our pets?
Hemp rope is being used for dog tug and chew toys. Hemp is resistant to mildew and microbials, making it an excellent choice for a dog chew toy. They can chew it, get it all wet, slobbery and icky then leave it on the floor without it becoming a germ fest.
The lack of pesticides used on the plant means no pesticide residue in the plant fibers, which is good for your pup too.
Hemp bedding is the newest trend in small animal beds. It is twice as absorbant as other beddings, resulting in better odor control and fewer bedding changes. Hemp bedding is dust-free and doesn’t contain aromatic oils so it causes fewer respiratory irritations than wood shavings.
Hemp oil contains an excellent balance of omega fatty acids and a broad range of amino acids. It contains a higher level of omega-3 fatty acids than flax seed. It’s better for dogs than olive oil because it is lower in omega-9. In addition, hemp oil contains the super omega-3 and 6 Stearidonic acid and Gamma-linolenic acid which help metabolize fats and help protect you pup’s internal organs from the effects of stress, pollution and aging.
Hemp is even good for your dog’s coat. Taken internally, the oils and proteins help grow stronger, healthier hair. When put in a shampoo, hemp oil cleans your hair thoroughly without drying and leaves his coat soft and glossy.
These days, people are looking for products and businesses that incorporate the three “P”s: people, planet and profit. With hemp we can add a fourth “P” – pets!
Stephanie Stebbing is owner of Country Pet Shoppe in Kingston.
