Hemp For Pets Education

Hemp Seed Oil vs CBD Oil for Dogs in Australia: What Pet Owners Should Know

By Sandra Wajs · Updated June 2026 · ~8 min read

Nutritional hemp seed oil feed supplement and hemp seeds, a source of omega fatty acids.

TL;DR

Hemp seed oil ≠ CBD oil — different inputs, different purposes.

Hemp seed oil is a nutritional hemp seed oil feed supplement and a source of omega-6 (LA) and omega-3 (ALA); the seeds themselves don’t contain cannabinoids.

CBD oil is a cannabinoid product, and CBD products come in different forms (isolate, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum).

In Australia, for CBD or cannabinoid options, pet owners should speak with a veterinarian.

Hemp seed oil vs CBD oil — the short answer

If you’ve searched for hemp products for your dog, you’ve probably seen “hemp oil,” “hemp seed oil” and “CBD oil” used as if they’re interchangeable. They aren’t. The simplest way to think about it: hemp seed oil is a nutritional oil valued for its fatty acids, and CBD oil is a cannabinoid product. It also helps to know that CBD oils themselves come in more than one form.

Swipe sideways to compare all oil types →

Hemp seed oilCBD isolate oilFull-spectrum / broad-spectrum CBD oil
Made fromThe seeds of the hemp plantPurified CBDA cannabis / hemp extract
Main compoundsOmega fatty acids — linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) [1][2]Purified CBD (cannabidiol) [11]Multiple plant compounds — may include cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, depending on the extract and formulation [6][11]
Contains cannabinoids?Not naturally. Hemp seeds themselves don’t contain cannabinoids; any trace cannabinoids in hemp seed oil are generally associated with contact from other plant material during harvesting or processing [1]Yes — CBD [11]Yes — CBD and potentially other cannabinoids [11]
Typical purpose / categoryA nutritional hemp seed oil feed supplement / source of omega fatty acidsA cannabinoid productA cannabinoid product
Access in AustraliaSupplied as a nutritional hemp seed oil feed supplementSpeak with a veterinarianSpeak with a veterinarian
What pet owners should checkThat it’s described as a seed oil / feed supplement (omega fatty acids)Discuss with a veterinarian; for product-specific cannabinoid testing, refer to the Certificate of AnalysisDiscuss with a veterinarian; for product-specific cannabinoid testing, refer to the Certificate of Analysis
Comparison of hemp seed oil, CBD isolate oil and full- or broad-spectrum CBD oil.

Evidence at a glance

What is hemp seed oil?

Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). It’s a nutritional oil, much like other seed oils, used as a source of omega fatty acids — a dietary addition, or feed supplement, rather than a cannabinoid product.

What omegas are in hemp seed oil?

Hemp seed oil is best known for omega-6 linoleic acid (LA) and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These are the two fatty acids it’s prized for, and together they make up most of its fat — more than 80% of hemp seed oil is polyunsaturated [1][6]. Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid are also considered essential fatty acids for dogs, meaning they need to come from the diet rather than being made by the body [5]. The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is usually in roughly a 2:1 to 3:1 range, though reported figures vary by cultivar and processing [1][2][3].

Hemp seed oil can also contain smaller amounts of related fatty acids such as GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and SDA (stearidonic acid), depending on the oil [2][6]. But the main nutritional story is still omega-6 and omega-3.

Fatty acids in hemp seed oil: omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, with smaller amounts of GLA and SDA.

One honest nuance about omega-3s: hemp seed oil provides the plant omega-3, ALA. The body converts ALA into the longer-chain omega-3s EPA and DHA only to a limited extent [5].

Why hemp seed oil quality and packaging matter

Because hemp seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats, it is sensitive to light, heat and oxygen [1]. Good packaging matters: dark glass bottles, cool storage and careful handling help protect the oil’s quality [1]. This is a practical quality point about how a polyunsaturated oil is best kept — not a health claim.

What is CBD oil, and why is it different?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of many compounds called cannabinoids that the cannabis plant produces; the best known are CBD and THC [11]. A CBD oil is made specifically to contain cannabinoids — so it’s a fundamentally different type of product from a seed oil.

Here’s the point that clears up most of the confusion: hemp seeds themselves do not contain cannabinoids such as CBD or THC. Any cannabinoid traces in hemp seed oil are generally associated with contact from other plant material during harvesting or processing. Hemp seed oil is not a CBD oil or cannabis extract [1].

CBD products can also be made in different forms. Some use CBD isolate, which is purified CBD. Others are full-spectrum or broad-spectrum extracts, which may contain other plant compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids [6]. These products are different from hemp seed oil and should be discussed with a veterinarian [11]. It’s also worth knowing that independent analyses of some commercial cannabinoid products for animals have found the cannabinoid content can differ from what’s stated on the label — another reason these options are best discussed with a vet [11][12].

"Hemp oil," "hemp seed oil," "CBD oil" — clearing up the labels

The phrase “hemp oil” is ambiguous. Sometimes it means hemp seed oil (a nutritional, fatty-acid product); sometimes it’s used loosely for cannabinoid products. Before you buy, check what the product actually is:

  • If it’s about omega fatty acids and is described as a seed oil or feed supplement, it’s a hemp seed oil.
  • If it’s about CBD or cannabinoids, it’s a cannabinoid product, which is a different category.

Has hemp seed oil itself been studied in dogs?

Compared with CBD, there are fewer dog-specific studies on hemp seed oil as a dietary ingredient. The available studies are small and short, and they look mainly at feeding, tolerability and nutrient measures — not product health claims [4][5].

In these studies, hemp seed or hemp seed oil supplied LA and ALA as a dietary addition and was well tolerated, with routine blood values staying within normal ranges over the trial periods [4][5]. Read them with their limits in mind: the studies involved roughly 8–25 dogs over about 30–45 days, and some were industry-supported. They describe tolerability and nutrient composition, not health outcomes. Hemp seed materials have also been examined more broadly in animal-nutrition reviews and in European feed-safety assessments (an EU context, not an Australian one) [6][7][8].

Do dogs have an endocannabinoid system?

Dogs have an endocannabinoid system, often shortened to ECS. It is a natural communication system in the body that helps keep many normal processes balanced. Cannabinoids such as CBD are studied because they can interact with this system. Hemp seed oil is different — it is a nutritional oil valued for its fatty acids, not for CBD [9][10].

If you’re interested in CBD or cannabinoid options for your dog, the right next step is to speak with a veterinarian.

Hemp and CBD rules for pets in Australia (the short version)

Australian rules for hemp and cannabinoid products for animals are claim-dependent. Products containing cannabis, hemp or cannabinoids may require APVMA registration if they meet the definition of a veterinary chemical product, unless a valid exemption applies. HempPet retail products available on hemppet.com.au are nutritional hemp seed oil feed supplements, not CBD oil products. For CBD or cannabinoid options, pet owners should speak with a veterinarian. [13]

This is general information, not legal or veterinary advice, and the rules in this area continue to evolve.

For CBD or cannabinoid options for pets in Australia, speak with a veterinarian.

HempPet’s approach

HempPet retail products available on hemppet.com.au include hemp seed oil-based feed supplements such as Mobility Supplement and Immune Support Hemp Nectar. These are presented as nutritional hemp seed oil feed supplements, not CBD oil products, and are not marketed as therapeutic products. For product-specific cannabinoid testing, refer to the product Certificate of Analysis.

HempPet Mobility Supplement and Immune Support Hemp Nectar, nutritional hemp seed oil feed supplements.

HempPet Hemp Drops are different: they are available through a veterinary-guided pathway and are not sold as a B2C retail product on hemppet.com.au. If you’d like to explore CBD or cannabinoid options for your dog, you can start an enquiry here: Vet-guided Hemp Drops enquiry.

Frequently asked questions

Is hemp seed oil the same as CBD oil for dogs?

No. Hemp seed oil is a nutritional oil pressed from hemp seeds and valued for its omega fatty acids. CBD oil is a cannabinoid product. They’re different products [1][11].

What’s the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil?

Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds and provides LA and ALA; hemp seeds don’t contain cannabinoids. CBD oil is made to contain cannabinoids such as CBD, and comes in forms like isolate, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum [1][11].

Does hemp seed oil contain CBD or THC?

Hemp seeds themselves do not contain cannabinoids such as CBD or THC. Any cannabinoid traces in hemp seed oil are generally associated with contact from other plant material during harvesting or processing. Hemp seed oil is not a CBD oil or cannabis extract [1].

Is hemp seed oil the same as “hemp oil”?

Not always. “Hemp oil” can mean hemp seed oil (a fatty-acid product) or be used loosely for cannabinoid products. Check whether the product is a seed oil or a cannabinoid product [1][11].

What omega fatty acids are in hemp seed oil?

Mainly omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, usually around a 2:1 to 3:1 ratio. Hemp seed oil can also contain smaller amounts of related fatty acids such as GLA and SDA, but omega-6 and omega-3 are the main nutritional story [1][2][6].

Has hemp seed oil been studied in dogs?

In a limited way. A few small, short controlled studies have used hemp seed or hemp seed oil as a dietary addition in dogs and reported it was well tolerated, with blood values within normal ranges. These describe tolerability and composition, not health benefits [4][5].

Do dogs have an endocannabinoid system?

Yes. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a natural communication system that helps keep many normal body processes balanced, and cannabinoids such as CBD are studied for how they interact with it. Hemp seed oil is a fatty-acid product, not a CBD product [9][10].

Is CBD legal for dogs in Australia?

The rules are claim-dependent and continue to evolve. For CBD or cannabinoid options, pet owners should speak with a veterinarian [13].

Can I buy CBD for my dog in Australia without a vet?

For CBD or cannabinoid options, the best step is to speak with a veterinarian; you can start an enquiry via the vet-guided Hemp Drops enquiry page [13].

About HempPet

References

  1. Izzo L, et al. Chemical Analysis of Minor Bioactive Components and Cannabidiolic Acid in Commercial Hemp Seed Oil. Molecules. 2020;25(16):3710. doi:10.3390/molecules25163710.
  2. Callaway JC. Hempseed as a nutritional resource: an overview. Euphytica. 2004;140:65–72. doi:10.1007/s10681-004-4811-6.
  3. Dietary hempseed and cardiovascular health (review). Front Nutr. 2025. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1669375. (composition only)
  4. Xin G, et al. Dietary supplementation of hemp oil in teddy dogs: effect on apparent nutrient digestibility, blood biochemistry and metabolomics. Bioengineered. 2022;13(3):6173–6187. doi:10.1080/21655979.2022.2043018.
  5. Vastolo A, et al. Hemp Seed Cake as a Novel Ingredient for Dog’s Diet. Front Vet Sci. 2021;8:754625. doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.754625.
  6. della Rocca G, Di Salvo A. Hemp in Veterinary Medicine: From Feed to Drug. Front Vet Sci. 2020;7:387. doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.00387.
  7. Klir Ž, Novoselec J, Antunović Z. An overview of the use of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in animal nutrition. Poljoprivreda. 2019;25:52–61. doi:10.18047/poljo.25.2.8. (livestock-focused; background only)
  8. EFSA FEEDAP Panel. Scientific Opinion on the safety of hemp (Cannabis genus) for use as animal feed. EFSA Journal. 2011;9(3):2011. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2011. (EU context)
  9. Di Salvo A, Chiaradia E, Sforna M, Della Rocca G. Endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids in the main species of veterinary interest: a comparative review. Vet Res Commun. 2024;48(5):2915–2941. doi:10.1007/s11259-024-10509-7.
  10. Silver RJ. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals. Animals (Basel). 2019;9(9):686. doi:10.3390/ani9090686.
  11. Rideout H, Cook AJC, Whetton AD. CBD for pets: navigating quality assurance, safety standards, and marketing strategies. J Cannabis Res. 2025;7(1):6. doi:10.1186/s42238-024-00257-5.
  12. Wakshlag JJ, et al. Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Heavy Metal Analysis of 29 Over-the-Counter Commercial Veterinary Hemp Supplements. Vet Med (Auckl). 2020;11:45–55. doi:10.2147/VMRR.S248712.
  13. APVMA. Cannabis in veterinary chemical products. apvma.gov.au. Content last updated/reviewed 1 May 2025. Accessed 23 June 2026.