As a dog owner, you’ve likely heard about full spectrum hemp oil. This cannabinoid-rich oil comes with a long list of ways it can support your pet’s mental and physical health.
But with that list, there’s a lot of confusion. What type of hemp oil is safe for your pet, and can you share yours? How much should you give? And what’s the right dosage level? Is there a way to enhance its benefits?
Not only have we created a full spectrum hemp oil that is safe for your dog, it comes in the perfect dosage level. And we tell you exactly how much to use, depending on your dog’s body weight.
But that’s not all… We’ve gone the extra step by combining it with a powerful oil that works synergistically with full spectrum hemp oil to provide you with even more potential benefits.
You may not be familiar with black seed, or black cumin, oil, but trust me, it’s just as good for your dog as it is for you.
And when you add it to hemp oil, you end up with a complementary, synergistic super-oil blend that delivers far more potential benefits than from just one oil alone. In other words, each enhances the other’s potential for various changes in your pet’s body.
First, before I tell you more about this exciting blend, let’s explore why you would even consider giving your dog full spectrum hemp and the ‘new kid on the block’ black seed oil…
Why It’s Safe to Give Your Dog Full Spectrum Hemp
Dogs should never be given or exposed to marijuana. It can be an invitation to serious toxicity – and even death.
Hemp is often confused with marijuana, so it’s no wonder dog owners question if it’s safe to give their pet hemp oil. Marijuana and hemp share the same scientific name, Cannabis sativa, but that’s their only similarity.
Marijuana is cultivated for its primary psychoactive phytocannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, for recreational and medicinal value. It’s the THC that makes marijuana so dangerous for dogs. And the higher the THC level, the deadlier the substance can be.
As long as you know for sure it contains only a trace of THC (less than 0.3%), hemp products can be suitable for pets, when designed for them, specifically.
But here’s the problem… Cannabis species are easily crossbred to create hybrids. And growers often utilize crossbreeding to increase THC levels in their cannabis because that’s what many consumers want.
Since the industry lacks sufficient regulatory oversight, it’s difficult to know if the hemp oil you offer your dog might have been crossbred with a species of cannabis high in THC.
The only way to know if the oil contains low levels of THC is by knowing and trusting the manufacturer, and if levels have been verified through reliable testing.
The type of hemp you choose matters, too. Full spectrum hemp – as opposed to isolated components in hemp – contains valuable phytocannabinoids and nearly 200 terpenes – the active compounds that give plants their taste and smell.
The terpenes and phytocannabinoids in full spectrum hemp interact with each other synergistically to create an “entourage effect” that enhances the healthful effects of each individual component.
Your Dog’s Endocannabinoid System – Much Like Your Own
Researchers made a fascinating discovery about the human body in the 1990’s – and I’m pleased to tell you that it applies to your dog as well. All animals with a spinal column have what’s known as an endocannabinoid system (ECS).
As important as the ECS is for the body – and even as a key part of the nervous system – we never knew this system existed before then.
Your pet’s ECS maintains constant communication with all his organ systems and regulates his sleep, immune response, cognitive function, eating and the ability to relax by maintaining homeostasis. It achieves this through a system of activators and receptors in his central nervous system and immune system.
This system produces molecules, called endocannabinoids, that act as messengers in your dog’s body. These molecules enter the cells through special doorways, or receptors.
There are two main types of receptors: cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2).
Researchers have actually mapped out the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human body and have come up with more than 1,000 receptors.
There are cannabinoid receptors throughout your dog’s body, too, in the brain and spinal cord, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, intestinal tract, muscles, bone, urinary tract, reproductive system and circulatory system, including the blood cells.
Does Your Dog’s Body Have Enough Endocannabinoids to Support Good Health?
Your dog’s body produces two types of endocannabinoids: anandamide and 2-AG. These two endocannabinoids, or messenger molecules, are transported into her cells through the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Anandamide specifically targets the CB1 receptors as well as the opioid and endorphin receptors. The other endocannabinoid, 2-AG, is especially important for transmitting signals across your dog’s brain cells. Levels of 2-AG run about 170 times higher than those of anandamide.
When 2-AG activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors, it influences many of the same functions as anandamide. In addition, 2-AG supports immune health, brain health and insulin sensitivity.
Both of these endocannabinoids are essential for your dog’s physical, cognitive and emotional health. However, as your dog ages, his body becomes less efficient at producing them naturally.
The naturally-occurring cannabinoids in full spectrum hemp oil resemble the endocannabinoids made by your dog’s body, so I believe full spectrum hemp oil offers much potential for your dog’s well-being.
In fact, researchers are now convinced that the body can benefit from all of the phytocannabinoids and terpenes found in full spectrum hemp oil.
Full spectrum hemp oil supports your dog’s healthy ECS, and so do omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s play a key role in the proper functioning of the endocannabinoid system, so it’s important to make sure your pet gets enough.
Processed pet foods tend to be deficient in omega-3s, so I recommend providing your dog with a clean marine source of omega-3 fats, such as krill oil, every day.
Why You Can Never Be Too Choosey When Selecting Full Spectrum Hemp Oil for Your Dog
Because the hemp plant has a unique soil-cleansing property that allows it to extract heavy metals and chemicals from the soil, you must pay attention to how the hemp was grown and processed.
It’s up to you to find a hemp oil product that won’t put your dog’s health at risk.
Here are just a few of the issues that have surfaced recently with hemp oil, and the important questions you should ask before buying any hemp oil product:
- Contamination - Pesticides and other harmful agricultural contaminants are showing up as oils are third-party tested. Is the product Certified Organic or even better, Demeter Certified Biodynamic®, to ensure it doesn’t contain GMOs?
- Compromised purity and quality - Heavy metals are being detected in some finished products, most likely due to inferior growing conditions and depleted, contaminated soil. Is the soil being tested for heavy metals?
- Questionable quality and source of seeds - Because there are few controls for growing and processing hemp in the U.S., there’s no guarantee of the quality and purity of the seeds.
- Harsh, high-heat extraction methods - If harsh chemical solvents, like hexane, are used, traces can remain in the finished product. And high heat can harm or destroy the fragile, active compounds in the oils.
- Lack of standardization - Independent testing is exposing false claims about the content of valuable compounds and evidence of dilution with cheaper oils, even with products claiming standardized quantities of compounds. Is the oil tested by an independent lab to ensure it contains what’s on the label?
Before I tell you more about the extraordinary full spectrum hemp oil Dr. Mercola and his team discovered, I want to introduce you to another oil that I believe offers exceptional value for your dog’s health.
The Ancient Secret of Distant Lands – Black Seed Oil
Hundreds of scientific peer-reviewed articles have been published about a unique oil that comes from the tiny black seeds of a beautiful flowering plant called Nigella sativa.
Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it before – you’re not alone. It’s been a secret of distant lands for a long time.
Black seeds, or Nigella sativa, are also known as Black Cumin, Fennel Flower, Roman Coriander and Love-in-a-Mist. Its name has been translated into nearly two dozen languages.
The oil from these black seeds contains a wide array of active compounds including alkaloids, saponins, sterols, B vitamins, minerals and plant-based omega-3 (alpha linolenic acid) and omega-6 fats.
Over the years, researchers have isolated three naturally-occurring active compounds in black seed oil that account for its major actions in the canine body:
- Thymoquinone (TQ) – TQ acts as a scavenger for damaging free radicals and superoxide radicals.
- Thymohydroquinone (THQ) – THQ is a potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor that supports the activity of neurotransmitter acetylcholine for brain vitality.
- Thymol – The active ingredient in thyme, this essential oil has been shown to enhance respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular function.
All of these active ingredients are effective by themselves. However, studies show they work even better together, as they exist in black seed oil.
Black Seed Oil’s Active Ingredients Work Synergistically to Support Your Dog’s Health
Years of extensive research on the three active compounds in black seed oil – TQ, THQ and thymol – reveal how they can potentially support your own health, as well as your dog’s:
- Metabolic health – Studies show TQ may support normal glucose tolerance, intestinal glucose absorption and help to maintain blood glucose levels already in the normal range.
- Cellular health and an already normal inflammatory response – TQ has been shown in multiple studies to affect the expression of cytokines and to promote an already normal inflammatory response.
- Liver health - As the liver works hard to protect the body from toxins and heavy metals like lead and mercury, these substances can damage the liver and its enzymes. A study showed TQ supports liver health.
- Respiratory health - Studies show TQ and THQ can have positive effects on respiratory health.
- Digestive health - One study shows how TQ has a gastroprotective effect by supporting a healthy inflammatory response and helping to protect the stomach lining from insults. TQ also promotes nitric oxide production which supports mitochondrial health, as well as endothelial function and heart health by dilating the blood vessels.
- Brain health and cognitive function - A study on mice demonstrated potential neuro-protective effects of thymol on cognitive function.
- Hormonal and reproductive organ health - A systematic review of research done during a 14-year span shows that the antioxidant properties of TQ support fertility by helping to protect against free radical and DNA damage.
Here’s something you need to know about black seed oil products: Not all are created equal. In fact, some products should be avoided altogether.
What to Look for When Choosing a High-Quality Black Seed Oil for Your Dog
As soon as black seed oil became recognized for its many potential benefits, it didn’t take long for products – both good and bad – to enter the market.
Some companies have been accused of diluting their black seed oil and making false claims. At least one company claims their black seed oil has much higher levels of TQ than other products, but doesn’t provide any substantiation or verification.
If the company in question can’t supply third-party, independent proof of what’s in its product or its product claims, that may be why.
So, how can you tell a high-quality black seed oil from one that’s not? Here’s what to look for when buying black seed oil. Make sure it’s…
- Made from the Nigella sativa plant (and not cumin).
- Raw and cold pressed (exposure to high heat can destroy the fragile compounds of black seeds).
- Not processed with hexane or other harsh chemicals.
- Pure and not diluted with other oils.
- Produced without genetically engineered ingredients (Demeter Certified Biodynamic® provides that assurance).
- Made by a company you can trust.
By choosing a black seed oil produced according to Biodynamic standards, you receive all the benefits of organic plus optimal environmental stewardship and quality.
Certified Biodynamic® provides an extra layer of insurance that you’re getting authentic, high quality black seed oil from the best known source, namely Egypt.
Taking Organic to The Next Level With Demeter Certified Biodynamic®
There is no shortage of organic hemp and black seed oil options available in the marketplace today. But what if you could be assured of something even better?
Striving for that higher standard, we worked exclusively with Demeter Certified Biodynamic® farmers to source Biodynamic® Organic Hemp Oil and Biodynamic® Organic Black Seed Oil, certified by the platinum standard.
So what exactly is Demeter Certified Biodynamic® and what makes it better than Certified Organic?
Biodynamic® is, in effect, a step above Certified Organic as it utilizes regenerative farming methods (that organic doesn’t necessarily use). It takes a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.
While Certified Organic is a high-quality standard that helps you avoid harmful synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and GMOs, the food may still lack important nutrients if the soil in which it was grown lacks those nutrients. Biodynamic farming methods strive to replace lost soil nutrients.
| Allows imported organic fertilizers |
Reduces imported materials by utilizing nutrient-rich humus created within the farming system |
| Allows imported organic pesticides |
Creates a biologically diverse habitat that encourages balanced predator-prey relationships |
| Does not require the use of livestock |
Integrates livestock to improve soils |
| Does not address the rotation of crops |
Promotes crop rotation and intensive use of cover crops (green manure) to add nutrients to the soil |
| Organic feed for livestock can come from anywhere in the world |
50% of livestock feed must be grown on the farm |
| Does not require biodiversity |
10% of total farm acreage must be set aside for biodiversity |
| Focuses on crops and allows for only one section of a farm to be certified |
Focuses on farms as a whole and requires that the entire farm be certified |
| Product certification focuses mainly on ingredients used |
Product certification uses 12 Biodynamic® processing standards so the agricultural ingredients used define the product |
Introducing… Bark & Whiskers® Biodynamic® Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs
Because I believe full spectrum hemp oil and black cumin oil offer so many potential benefits for your dog’s physical and mental well-being, we wanted to combine both into a blend you can trust.
I’m excited to introduce you to our Bark & Whiskers® Biodynamic® Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs.
Unlike other products on the market for dogs, our unique blend is produced using a reliable T4 approach (Transparency, Traceability, Tested and Trust) to ensure the product is nothing but the finest. Our product is:
- Made with oils produced by Demeter Certified Biodynamic® farmers who follow the platinum standard for producing high-quality, nutritious crops, guaranteeing the least possible amount of contamination. Making certain our product is free from pesticides and other harmful agricultural contaminants.
- Sourced from plants cultivated from unique genotyped seeds, cared for and harvested under stringent eco-farming practices where every plant is traceable to its seed stock, farm and facility where it was extracted.
- Standardized to exact quantities of the most important compounds in hemp and black seed oils, including whole hemp phytocannabinoids and thymoquinone.
- Documented for purity and quality and verified through independent testing by third party laboratories.
Using a pesticide-herbicide panel, our whole hemp oil supplier confirms the hemp is cleaner than many organic foods with results of “not detectable” for each substance.
An internationally recognized laboratory conducts rigorous environmental testing to verify the product’s purity.
With few controls for growing and processing oils, in the hemp and black seed industries, we were determined to find suppliers that met our strict quality standards, and luckily we did.
You’ll receive a high-quality, safe product that you can trust and feel confident giving to your dog, when you purchase Bark & Whiskers® Biodynamic® Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs.
We Use Only Authentic Egyptian Black Seed Oil in Our Bark & Whiskers® Biodynamic® Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs
I’m proud to say the Biodynamic® Organic Black Seed Oil in our Bark & Whiskers® Biodynamic® Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs is of the highest quality.
It’s raw, cold-pressed, biodynamic, organic, not diluted and is made from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant.
And it comes from the region that knows black seed oil the best - Egypt. We source our Biodynamic® Organic Black Seed Oil from an Egyptian community and organization that has been embracing sustainable development for more than 40 years.
Sharing our beliefs in ethical and fair business practices as well as environmental stewardship, this organization is Certified by the Egyptian Biodynamic® Association and applies Demeter International guidelines in its agricultural processes.
Best of all, it is supplying more than 20,000 local people with fair wages and a life-affirming livelihood. In 2015, it earned the Land for Life award from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
When you purchase our product containing this high-quality Biodynamic® Organic Black Seed Oil, you help support this organization’s sustainable practices and its neighboring communities. Doing so actively helps combat local desertification and soil erosion.
Order Our Bark & Whiskers® Biodynamic® Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs Today
Our whole Bark & Whiskers® Biodynamic® Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs offers many potential benefits for your dog’s mind and body, so what are you waiting for?
Its full array of phytocannabinoids and terpenes have been shown to support your pet’s vitally important endocannabinoid system, which in turn influences her cells, tissues, organs and systems.
And available in a liquid tincture, it is beyond easy to give to your dog.
As much as I recommend it for your dog, the two ingredients in Bark & Whiskers® Biodynamic® Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs have not been thoroughly researched on cats, hence the product only being labeled for use in dogs.
Don’t risk your dog’s well-being with questionable hemp oil-type products. With our Bark & Whiskers® Biodynamic® Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs, you have a product you can trust.
It’s one that meets the strictest of criteria for safety and quality – and the platinum standard for purity. And you know exactly how much is the right dose for your dog.
Order today and see how this super-oil can make a difference in your pet’s physical and mental well-being. Give your dog the gift of Bark & Whiskers® Biodynamic® Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs now.