Frequently Asked Questions
Is it currently legal to include hemp in animal feed?
Hemp is currently not legal or illegal for animals but falls in a legal grey area where it is not approved for animal feed. This means producers cannot feed hemp ingredients to production animals or livestock, but consumers can feed it to their backyard animals and pets at their own discretion. Hemp is not currently a federally approved feed, so it is only being produced in states that have specific approvals.
Despite this, are there farmers/ranchers who are using hemp in animal feed anyway, to your knowledge
Yes, farmers, livestock producers and many pet and horse owners are using hemp in their animal feed as a nutritional component, supplement, or as a feed grown on their farm/ranch.
The Hemp Feed Coalition has worked with researchers at Kansas State University, Oregon State University, North Dakota State University, Tarleton State University, Tuskegee, and Colorado State University on hemp feed research projects in the past 3 years. Many international groups are also studying the effects of hemp feed on various species.
From an animal health standpoint, what are the benefits to feeding hemp to animals? What are the potential drawbacks?
Hemp ingredients provide myriad nutritional benefits. Hempseed and hempseed products are known superfoods and have received a GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) status for humans. The nutritional benefits of hemp seed ingredients include a healthy fat profile with a balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 oils, a complete protein profile with all essential amino acids that must be consumed through diet, and a good source of vitamins and minerals such as zinc, potassium, calcium, and iron. In addition, hemp hulls have a high dietary fiber content, but this can be beneficial or problematic depending on the species.
Are there currently states that are allowing farmers/ranchers to include hemp in animal feed, despite what the federal government says? Which states are doing this and what is the reasoning behind these allowances?
Yes, there are currently nine states that have approved some hemp feed ingredients for certain species. There are also a few states with pending legislation to approve hemp feed. Visit our State Policy page to learn more.
What are the economic benefits of including hemp in animal feed?
A new feed with the nutritional properties of hemp is attractive even without the other benefits that hemp offers.
Some of those other economic benefits are:
New markets for supplements & specialty foods.
Eggs and other animal products with improved healthy fat composition.
The Hempseed oil market produces hemp meal or cake as a nutritious byproduct that can be fed to livestock rather than becoming waste.
Hempseed meal and cake are currently being produced and stored but could provide a low-cost local feed ingredient.
Hemp seed markets are expected to grow globally and are projected to maintain that growth for the next 20 years.
How does hemp compare to other grains/crops in animal feed from an animal health standpoint?
Hempseed has a similar profile to soy and canola – it’s considered an oilseed! Hemp seed contains healthy fats, such as Omega 3, Omega 6, and GLA. It is a good source of protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. Hemp seed hulls are also high in fiber, helping with digestion and providing forage. Hemp is a good source of minerals, such as copper, iron, boron, manganese, and zinc.
What is the current regulatory status of giving CBD to animals?
It is in the same legal grey area as hemp; neither approved nor entirely illegal, but some states have approved CBD for specific uses.
