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  Discussion on Hemp Seed Oil
Author Message
Member:
Nanb

Posted on Monday, Sep 20, 2004 - 1:02 am:

Hi Dr O:

I searched the site for info on adding hemp seed oil to the horses diet but found nothing. We have
an owner who insists that I add 1/2cp per feed to his (race) horses diet!! I gave him your article on fat in the horses diet and objected to his unfounded claims regarding hemp oil.

In researching further, I was absolutely shocked to find 1) although the THC level is very low compared to marajuana, hemp IS IN FACT, CANNABIS!! 2) that people taking hemp oil have tested positive to THC drug tests and 3) although articles CLAIM it beneficial for a persons health, I found nothing that suggests it's use/benefits in relation to equines.

Since it's the trainer who assumes ALL responsiblity pertaining to the horses in his/her care, this owners request has been denied until there's evidence which supports his claims. Therefore, any knowledge and/or research regarding this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Nancy B
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Sep 20, 2004 - 6:48 am:

I don't know of any research of its use in horses. What claims does the owner make for hemp oil Nancy?
DrO
Member:
Nanb

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 - 12:29 am:

Hi Dr O:

The owner obtained the hemp seed oil (& other herbal/natural health products) from what he refers to as a "equine nutritionalist."

The owner reports that hemp seed oil offers the nutritional benefits of: the desirable omega-3/omega 6 ratio, fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid, polyunsaturated fat, high concentrations of vitamin E, improved digestive system and cleansing the liver.

The problem I have is:
1)the container (jug) this hemp seed oil is in, is VOID a company label and therefore without ANY INFORMATION pertaining to the recommended daily dosage nor what nutritional values the content contains.
2)my discovering that although the hemp plants contain minute quantities (<0.3%)of THC (delta-9-tetrahyDrOcannabinal)there are reports of people who have tested positive to drug testing in the workplace.
3)because our livlihood is racing horses I am skeptical against herbal/natural products, especially those which are not specifically known, and moreso those containing plant ingredients.

This owner argues, "I only want what's best for my horse" yet I refuse to administer any product to ANY horse unless there is adequate research and evidence that supports it. ie) The ONLY herbal/natural product I have used is EquiFend(sp?), however, it being beneficial to equines is based on the scientific research from Guelph University.

Although this "equine nutritionalist" claims there is NO TRACE OF THC in the oil and, Guelph University supports the use of hemp seed oil in equines, I was not given nor have found anything supporting such claim, which is why I wrote you.

For information purposes, I obtained a 500ml bottle of Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil purchased from a local Health Food Store;
Omega 3,6,9 & GLA. Recommended dosage: 1tbsp (15ml) daily
*Contains less than 10 ug/g THC* written on bottom of bottle!!

Hope this helps.

Nancy }



Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 - 7:45 am:

I agree with all your points and since you are held responsible for drug tests would refuse to give it: it is your license at danger. You can get the fats and fatty acids from linseed oil (see Care for Horses » Nutrition » Fats and Oils in the Diet of Horses) and vitamin E over the counter, (Care for Horses » Nutrition » Vitamin E and Horses).
DrO
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