3 Homemade Natural Hemp Dog Treats

Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM

Discover the transformative power of hemp dog treats! Dive into the myriad ways these treats can enhance your pet’s well-being. From boosting vitality to promoting relaxation.

But that’s not all – as you continue reading, unlock the secrets to crafting 3 delectable homemade hemp recipes tailored for your beloved pooch. Elevate your dog’s health and happiness in the most delicious way possible!

Quick Rundown of Hemp’s Health Benefits to Dogs

The hemp plant commonly comes in two different forms for dogs: oil and seeds. Both of them have a handful of health perks for your canine companion to enjoy, such as:

1. Soothing Body Pains and Aches

Hemp oil and hemp seeds are naturally abundant in omega fatty acids, which possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Hence, they can function as pain relievers for joint pains and other strains and soreness caused by certain ailments such as cancer.

2. Improving Skin and Coat Health

The omega fatty acids found in hemp oil and seeds provide nourishment to the skin and coat of dogs, keeping them shiny and healthy.

Seeds also offer an additional dose of proteins that are essential for maintaining good skin and coat quality.

3. Promoting Stress Relief

One of the most valuable health benefits of hemp oil and seeds is their ability to reduce anxiety and distress in dogs. They are useful for managing and resolving canine behavioral problems.

Helping ease the stress of pooches also aids in keeping their immune system strong. Stress is a significant contributor to the weakened immune response of dogs, which leaves them vulnerable to developing health issues.

Read: 4 Homemade Calming Treats for Dogs

3 Homemade Hemp Dog Treats

Now you know the wonderful benefits hemp has in store for your dog’s health, it is time to try your hand at making hemp dog treats at home.

1. Hemp Milk Dog Treats

Hemp milk is full of versatile uses in the kitchen and on your furry pal’s snacks. It can be simply used as a dog food gravy or as an ingredient for various kinds of homemade hemp dog treats.

Ingredients

• ½ cup hemp hearts
• 4 cups distilled water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender or a food processor.
2. Blend for 1 to 3 minutes until a smooth and creamy mixture is formed.
3. Use a cheesecloth or a nut milk bag to separate the hemp milk from the hemp seed pulp.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to serve as a refreshing drink to your pooch.
5. For simple and easy hemp milk dog treats, you can pour the milk into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Once done, offer it to your furry pal.

Notes

• Using less water creates hemp milk with a thicker consistency, which makes a great dog food gravy.
• Do not throw away the hemp seed pulp as it can be used as a dog food topper.

2. Chicken Nuggets Hemp Dog Treats

Put a small twist on the classic chicken nuggets for dogs by adding hemp milk and hemp seeds to the main ingredients.

Ingredients

For the chicken nuggets:

• ¼ pound chicken breast
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup hemp seeds
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons hemp milk
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 large eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a food processor, blend the ingredients for the chicken nuggets until all of them are well combined.
3. Form rectangular shapes out of the chicken mixture using a ½ tablespoon measurement.
4. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray and freeze them for around 25 to 30 minutes.
5. On a separate baking sheet, spread out the panko bread crumbs and spray nonstick cooking oil over them.
6. Bake the breadcrumbs for 3 minutes. Stir them lightly and then bake them again for 3 minutes until golden brown.
7. Use a whisk to combine the eggs and hemp milk in a medium bowl.
8. In a different bowl, mix the baked panko breadcrumbs, flour, hemp seeds, parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried thyme.
9. Using a tong, dip each chicken nugget into the egg mixture and then roll it on the breadcrumb mixture.
10. Arrange them 1 inch apart on a lined baking sheet and spray them over with a nonstick cooking spray.
11. Bake these hemp dog treats for 15 to 20 minutes. Take them out once their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
12. Drizzle them lightly with hemp oil.
13. Wait for the hemp dog treats to cool down before feeding them to your dog.

Note

• Make sure to properly line up your dipping stations to ensure a fluid cooking process for these hemp dog treats. First should be the chicken strips followed by the whisked eggs, hemp breading, and lastly the lined baking sheet.

3. Mini Whoopie Pies Hemp Dog Treats

Pet-friendly whoopie pies are a fun snack for your furry pal. Their chewy softness makes them a good alternative for commercial soft dog chews. Here is how you can incorporate hemp into this delectable confection.

Ingredients

For the cookies

• 1 cup hemp milk
• ½ carob chips
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 5 tablespoons hemp hearts
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons carob powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the filling

• ¼ cup unsweetened all-natural peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 5 tablespoons hemp milk

Instructions

For the cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Using parchment paper, line two baking sheets.
3. Place the carob chips and butter in a microwave-safe oven and melt them in the microwave. Whisk until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, sift and combine the dry ingredients for the cookies. Set aside.
5. Add the eggs to the melted carob chips and butter mixture. Whisk for 3 to 4 minutes until a fluffy texture is achieved.
6. Add the dry ingredients and continue mixing until a mixture similarly soft as brownie batter is formed.
7. Transfer it to a pastry bag fitted with a plain tip. Pipe small cookies around the size of 2 teaspoons on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Make sure that each cookie is around 3 inches apart.
9. Bake the hemp dog treats for 9 to 10 minutes or until their edges are set but their center is soft.
10. Allow them to cool down before piping the peanut butter hemp filling. Work from the edges of the hemp dog treats toward the middle.
11. Place one of the other cookies on top to create a whoopie pie. Repeat this step until all the cookie soft chews are used.
12. Chill the hemp dog treats in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before letting your pooch snack on them.

For the filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter until you get a creamy consistency.
2. Add the hemp milk one tablespoon at a time until a thick frosting is created.
3. For around 3 minutes, beat the frosting on high speed until light and fluffy.

Note

• Work fast when piping the cookie dough of the hemp dog treats. Do not let it sit for too long or else it will not produce a glossy top.

FAQs About Hemp Dog Treats

1. Are Hemp Treats Safe for Dogs?

Hemp treats are generally safe for dogs.

However, be warned that hemp products can legally contain up to 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a compound that is toxic to canines. So be sure to choose products labeled THC-free or hemp-derived.

Bear in mind that laws and regulations regarding the use of hemp for pets in the USA can be quite intricate. At the federal level, CBD products for pets remain unapproved by the FDA, resulting in a lack of federal oversight to guarantee their quality and safety.

Conversely, some states, such as California, have enacted laws mandating safety and potency testing for pet hemp products. Therefore, it’s advisable to ascertain your state’s specific requirements concerning hemp use for pets.

Also, look for hemp treats for dogs made by reputable and trustworthy companies to avoid products filled with artificial ingredients and preservatives.

Alternatively, dog owners can make their very own hemp dog treats at home. Since you have free rein in the entire preparation and cooking process, you have full transparency over the ingredients used.

2. Can a Dog Overdose on Hemp Treats?

A dog can overdose on hemp treats. Some of its common clinical signs include:

• Lethargy
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

Excessive consumption of hemp dog treats is rarely fatal, but closely monitor the severity of your dog’s symptoms. If they worsen, take him to the animal clinic immediately.

3. Can I Give My Dog Hemp Treats Every Day?

As of now, there is no definitive consensus on whether it is safe to give your dog hemp treats every day. It is advisable to consult with a veterinarian for guidance.

However, it’s important to be aware that veterinarians may have limited information to provide due to various factors, including:

• Federal laws
• State-specific regulations
• Ongoing research on the effects of hemp on pets

Discussing hemp products for dogs with a veterinarian can potentially put their license and practice at risk, depending on the state in which you reside. Additionally, recommending pet hemp products is considered illegal in many states.

With that in mind, it’s crucial to initiate a discussion with the veterinarian but keep it general and avoid mentioning specific brand names. If the veterinarian is unable to provide answers to your questions, you may want to consider seeking advice from animal clinics in states where there is more openness to discussing the use of hemp for dogs.

4. How Long Do Hemp Dog Treats Take to Work?

Depending on the formulation of hemp dog treats, it could take around 30 minutes to an hour for them to work.

Do note that hemp treats for dogs take effect more slowly than hemp oil since they contain plenty of ingredients, which take time to get broken down and metabolized.

5. How Long Do Hemp Dog Treats Last?

Hemp dog treats can last up to a week if kept in the fridge. Freezing them greatly increases their shelf life to 2 or 3 months.

However, there is no guarantee that the hemp treats for dogs remain fresh for a long time. Always check for spoilage before giving them to your dog.

Summary

Hemp dog treats are great for your dog’s health because of their high omega-fatty acid content. They promote pain and stress relief as well as healthy skin and coat.

Many hemp treats for dogs are available in the market, but be careful with what you purchase. Some products contain small amounts of THC, which can induce toxicity if ingested in large amounts.

Creating hemp dog treats at home greatly minimizes this risk because you are responsible for choosing the best ingredients for your pooch.

Add more dog treat recipes to your cookbook by checking our Diet & Recipes section.