Four hemp seed varieties showed similar nutrition profiles with all essential amino acids above requirements for adult dogs and cats except tryptophan, a favorable omega-6:omega-3 ratio of 3.5:1, and high digestibility.
Read this if you are a pet owner or pet food formulator interested in hemp-based ingredients for dog and cat food.
3.5:1 omega ratioFavorable omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratio in hemp seeds for companion animal nutrition
What the researchers found
All four hemp seed varieties had similar macronutrient profiles. Essential amino acids exceeded NRC recommendations for adult dogs and cats at maintenance, except tryptophan — the first limiting amino acid. The omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratio was favorable at approximately 3.5:1. Standardized amino acid digestibility did not differ significantly among varieties. Higher fat and lower fiber content correlated with higher metabolizable energy. The digestible indispensable amino acid score confirmed hemp seeds alone cannot meet all amino acid requirements and need a complementary protein source.
Why it matters
With growing interest in hemp-based pet foods, this study provides the foundational nutritional data needed for AAFCO ingredient approval, showing hemp seeds are nutritious but not a standalone protein source.
The numbers in context
- 4 hemp varieties tested: NWG 452, NWG 331, NWG 2730, X-59
- Omega-6:omega-3 ratio: ~3.5:1
- Tryptophan: first limiting amino acid
- No significant difference in amino acid digestibility among varieties (P>0.05)
- Significant difference in metabolizable energy among varieties (P<0.05)
How the study worked
Nutrient composition analysis of four hemp seed varieties. Amino acid digestibility and true metabolizable energy assessed using the cecectomized rooster model. Digestible indispensable amino acid score calculated against AAFCO profiles and NRC allowances.
Who was studied
Four hemp seed varieties tested in cecectomized rooster model for canine/feline nutrition applications
What this study cannot tell us
Rooster digestibility model may not perfectly predict digestibility in dogs and cats. In vivo feeding trials in target species not yet conducted. Safety data not included in this nutritional assessment.
How to read the evidence
Controlled nutritional analysis with standard digestibility model. Good methodology but lacking in vivo validation in dogs and cats.
When this study was published
Published in 2023. Supports the regulatory pathway for hemp ingredients in pet food.
The bigger picture
The pet food industry is seeking novel, sustainable protein sources. Hemp seeds could fill this niche if regulatory approval is obtained, but they must be used alongside complementary proteins to ensure complete nutrition.
Questions still open
- Would hemp seed protein concentrate have a better amino acid profile than whole seeds?
- How do hemp seeds compare to other novel pet food proteins like insect meal?
- Does long-term hemp seed feeding affect pet health outcomes?
Read the original research
Nutrient profile, amino acid digestibility, true metabolizable energy, and indispensable amino acid scoring of whole hemp seeds for use in canine and feline diets.
Journal of animal science, 101
Citation
Finet, Shannon; He, Fei; Utterback, Pam L; Parsons, Carl M; de Godoy, Maria R C. (2023). Nutrient profile, amino acid digestibility, true metabolizable energy, and indispensable amino acid scoring of whole hemp seeds for use in canine and feline diets.. Journal of animal science, 101. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad106