dog lying in the grass on a blanket with an oil tincture

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Dogs: What Pet Owners Need to Know in 2025

Discover the latest science and expert advice on hemp oil vs CBD oil for dogs. Learn their differences, benefits, uses, and how to choose the best option for your pet’s needs.

As trends in pet health change, more dog owners are looking into products made from hemp to help their pets stay healthy. Hemp oil and CBD oil are two things that you’ll see a lot on supplement shelves. They both come from the hemp plant and sound similar, but their ingredients, benefits, and uses for dogs are very different. Knowing these differences is important if you want to make smart choices about your pet’s health.

What is Hemp Oil?

The seeds of the hemp plant are used to make hemp oil, which is also sometimes called “hemp seed oil.” There are no cannabinoids in this oil, like CBD (cannabidiol) or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are just a few of the things that it is full of. These nutrients are good for health in general, but they are especially good for dogs’ skin, hair, and immune health.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabis flowers, leaves, and stalks are where CBD oil comes from because they have the most cannabinoids. CBD, the main active ingredient, works with the endocannabinoid system in dogs. This is a control system that helps keep things like mood, pain, and inflammation in balance. High-quality CBD oil for pets is made so that it doesn’t get them high and has very low or no THC amounts.

What Makes Hemp Oil and CBD Oil for Dogs Different? 

Both oils come from the hemp plant, but they are used for very different things and have very different effects:

  • Composition: CBD oil has a lot of CBD and sometimes some other small cannabinoids. Hemp oil does not.

  • Origin: Hemp oil comes from the seeds of the plant, while CBD oil comes from the plant’s stems, leaves, and flowers.

  • Primary Benefits: Hemp oil is good for you because it contains nutrients, and CBD oil can help with stress, discomfort, and mental balance.

  • Legal and Safety Status: Both are safe for dogs as long as they come from reputable companies and are used as advised.

How to Choose Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil for Your Dog

The choice between hemp oil and CBD oil for your dog relies on your goals for seeking out a supplement:

  • Hemp oil is a great everyday supplement for skin, coat, and immune health because it is high in nutrients.

  • CBD oil works better because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system to help with specific areas of health like supporting uneasiness, discomfort, and mobility.

Some dog owners choose to use both oils. They put hemp oil in their dog’s food to keep them healthy all around, and then add CBD oil when the dog needs it for certain conditions.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil For Dogs 

Hemp oil and CBD oil are both good for dogs in different ways. These natural supplements are becoming more useful in holistic pet care as more research is done on them. When picking out hemp or CBD products for your dog, remember to always put quality, honesty, and your vet’s advice first.