A new study has found that adding hemp oil or a hemp seed byproduct to dog food can improve digestive health without negatively affecting the overall microbial system.

Research published in the journal Veterinary Sciences suggests that some types of hemp derivatives can be safely included as ingredients in dog food. However, the effects appear to depend in part on whether the cannabis is added as an oil or fiber supplement.

For the study, researchers at Kasetsart University in Thailand divided 24 mixed-breed dogs into three groups: one fed food with an 11 percent concentration of a high-fiber hemp seed byproduct, one received food containing 2 percent hemp seeds, and a third received a control diet without hemp.

The dogs were fed the diets for 90 days. The researchers compared the stool samples before the experiment and after 30 and 90 days. Genetic sequencing was used to track changes in gut bacterial composition and diversity.

Dogs fed hemp seed oil-infused food experienced a greater increase in microbial species richness.

“Hemp seeds modulate the canine microbiome without disrupting the ecological stability of the specific formulation, contributing to beneficial health effects in canine nutrition.”

The diet was also associated with increased levels of “beneficial” bacteria from the Lactobacillaceae family, and the fiber-rich hemp seed byproduct Actinobacteriota.

“Hemp seed derivatives altered the microbial composition by promoting beneficial bacteria that promoted gut health in dogs in a formulation-dependent manner,” the authors wrote, and the results “provide evidence for their inclusion as a functional ingredient in dog food.”

Despite the differences between the diets, 19 key bacterial collections were present throughout to analyze. And by day 90, the microbial composition also seemed to stabilize, indicating that the dietary supplements did not significantly disrupt the dogs’ intestinal systems.

Overall, the findings suggest that hemp seed ingredients can be safely incorporated into dog food while protecting gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria, the study authors said.

This is one of the latest studies on cannabis and its effects on dogs.

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For example, a systematic review of the scientific literature determined that studies “consistently show” this CBD is a potential “anti-cancer agent” in various types of cancer—and this effect applies to both dogs and humans.

The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) sponsored a study in 2024 said that CBD is “safe for long-term use” in dogs—This is a significant finding given the emerging research that cannabis can effectively treat anxiety and certain skin conditions in dogs.

Another 2024 case study found this Cannabis appears to be a “viable alternative” treatment option for dogs suffer from a common skin disease, especially if they suffer from the adverse side effects of conventional steroid therapies.

Meanwhile, previous research suggests that Giving dogs a dose of CBD can help reverse the ill effects of accidental THC consumptionaccording to a study by the authors titled “First report of treatment of THC toxicosis in dogs with administration of CBD.”

Another study published in 2024 found that Dogs receiving daily doses of CBD see “significant reductions” in stress and anxiety related to car trips.

Other studies have demonstrated the benefits of CBD, such as the frequency of seizures among dogs receiving the cannabinoid is reduced. Moreover, a study published in 2018 found this dogs with arthritis see improvements with CBD treatment.

As for other animals, it was discovered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2013 Cows fed hempseed cake maintain very low concentrations of THC and CBD in their bodies, indicating that meat products from hemp-fed cows are safe for human consumption.

Another federally funded study published in 2022 found this Feeding hemp to cows reduces stress.

It has also been studied by researchers How CBD affects stress and pain in horses.

Ora Pharm has confirmed that New Zealand patients, prescribers and pharmacies continue to have uninterrupted access to Helius Therapeutics products following the successful acquisition of the business and its key assets, directly challenging the misinformation being circulated to patients and prescribers by cannabis importer MW Pharma Limited (trading as NUBU).

Industry monitoring was highlighted on Monday, July 20th, when Helius Therapeutics announced that NZ Grow Co. As he inaugurated Growers Day. The event demonstrated the full operational strength, advanced capabilities and integrated supply chain now fully operational under Ora Pharm’s leadership to support the growth of the NZ sector.

At the event, CEO Zoë Reece addressed concerns stemming from a July 9 industry bulletin distributed by NUBU, which stated that “Helius Therapeutics has ceased production and all products are now discontinued.”

© Ora Pharm

Ora Pharm said the statement was incorrect and had the potential to create unnecessary uncertainty in a highly regulated healthcare sector.

“Inaccurate information about the availability of medicines can cause unnecessary worry for patients, prescribers and pharmacies, interfere with treatment decisions and undermine confidence in the New Zealand cannabis industry.”

Ora Pharm completed the business and acquisition of key assets of Helius Therapeutics on June 18, 2026, resuming manufacturing, packaging and nationwide distribution the following day. All Helius brand formulated products and locally grown products remain approved and available for patient supply.

CEO Zoë Reece said the company’s focus is on ensuring continuity of care while strengthening New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis industry.

“The Helius facility gives New Zealand growers direct access to world-class pharmaceutical drying, extraction and manufacturing capabilities. Combined with NZ Grow Co., we are creating a secure and integrated pathway from cultivation to finished products and international markets. Our focus is on clinical continuity, quality assurance and confidence in patients and prescribing physicians every day.”

© Ora Pharm

The integration of the GMP-certified Auckland manufacturing facility with NZ Grow Co.’s cultivation network creates New Zealand’s largest medicinal cannabis supply chain. This unified network insulates domestic patients from volatile international import dependencies while providing independent local growers with a transparent, high-standard route to export markets.

Ora Pharm remains committed to working collaboratively across the sector to support patient access, strengthen confidence in the New Zealand cannabis industry and continue to invest in New Zealand’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.