"The Ultimate Guide to Hemp Nutrition for Horses"
Annmarie Palazzola-HolbrookDid You Know? Horses Can Benefit from Eating Hemp Hearts!
Hemp hearts aren’t just for smoothies and health nuts anymore. (Guilty!) These tiny seeds pack a serious nutritional punch, and horses love them too.
Check out the benefits of hemp hearts for horses:
-Boost coat shine
-Calm nerves
-Support joints—naturally
Hemp hearts are nature’s way of saying,
"Hey, I’ll take care of that inflammation. You want healthy skin and a shiny coat? Done. You want to bulk up naturally? Of course."
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What Are Hemp Hearts?
Hemp hearts are the hulled seeds of the hemp plant—not to be confused with hemp oil or CBD.
- Hemp hearts are non-psychoactive, THC-free, nutrient-dense, and easily digestible.
- Hemp oil typically refers to CBD oil (cannabidiol).
- Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from hemp seeds but contains no CBD.
⚠️ Note: Hemp hearts are generally considered safe and legal for horses, but always check with your vet and local regulations—especially if your horse competes in shows governed by drug-testing rules.
💪 Nutritional Benefits of Hemp Hearts for Horses
- Protein: 30–33% protein, rich in essential amino acids: Muscle support, recovery
- Healthy fats: Omega-3 & Omega-6 in a near-perfect 3:1 ratio—great for inflammation, heart health, joint health, immunity, and coat shine
- Fiber: Supports gut health, digestion, and blood sugar levels
- Magnesium: Helps regulate nerve function and promotes calmness
- Zinc & Iron: For skin, coat, blood & immune system support
- Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant for cell repair
A Personal Side Note…
We have a senior horse named Danarius the Great—and GREAT he is! A tall, gentle giant with a serious love for treats. The horse lesson kids call him “Tug” for short.
(Image Credit: Annmarie Holbrook) A Senior Horse named Tug at a ranch
“The hemp treat idea really started when I was making hemp milk for myself. When I saw how beneficial hemp hearts are for pets—especially senior horses like Tug—I was ALL in.”
Who Can Benefit from Eating Hemp Hearts?
Hemp hearts are one of those rare whole-food supplements that work for almost any horse. Here’s who especially thrives on them:
- Senior horses with stiffness, joint issues, or weight loss
- Hard keepers needing calorie-dense healthy fats
- Horses with dull coats or skin issues—thanks to Omega-3s
- Nervous or anxious horses—rich in calming magnesium
- Horses in training or recovery—supporting muscle & immune health
Where to Buy Hemp Hearts for Horses
Wondering where to buy hemp hearts for your horse? You're not alone—I was, too.
Surprisingly, human-grade hemp hearts are not only safe for horses but are often higher quality than equine-labeled products.
✅ Why Human-Grade Hemp Hearts Work for Horses:
- Same nutritional profile—omega fats, protein, fiber, and minerals
- Cleaner sourcing and stricter regulations
- Typically non-GMO, organic, and THC-free
- Lower cost when bought in bulk
What to Look for:
- Hulled or shelled seeds (not whole seeds—they’re hard to digest)
- Raw and unflavored
- Look for labels like "THC-free", "Food grade", and "No added salt or oils"
Recommended Hemp Heart Brands
Human-Grade:
Equine-Specific (Optional):
- Performance Plus Equine Hemp (Note: higher cost per ounce)
“You don’t have to buy a fancy equine-specific label—human-grade, organic hemp hearts work beautifully for horses and are often more affordable in bulk. Just make sure they’re raw, unflavored, and THC-free.”
Hemp Heart Dosage for Horses
(Image Credit: Annmarie Holbrook) Hemp Heart dosage for horses
Introducing it to their diet (without upset stomachs)
- Always start small (1/4 dose)
- Mix into the feed or soaked beet pulp
- Monitor for stool changes, mood, and skin condition
"Who wants to make some horse treats?"
Homemade Hemp Treat Recipes Your Horse Will Love
These easy recipes are packed with the same nutritional goodness—baked into bite-sized, barn-approved rewards. Your horse will be waiting at the gate for these. Guaranteed. 😉
No-Bake Hearty Hemp Horse Bites
Perfect for: Hot weather, quick prep, and on-the-go snacking
(Image Credit: Annmarie Holbrook) Hemp Heart recipe heart-shaped bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hemp hearts
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp. ground flaxseed
- 2 tbsp. blackstrap molasses
- ¼ cup alfalfa or timothy pellets, crushed
- Optional: Shredded carrot or apple
(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook) Individual recipe bowls
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl
- Add applesauce and molasses; stir until sticky
- Form into balls or press into silicone molds
- Refrigerate 1 hour until firm
- Store in the fridge for 1 week or freeze for later
"So, I tried this recipe and it turned out pretty good. I added chopped apples instead of applesauce. Next time, I will be adding the apple sauce because it seems to bind better and not fall apart so easily. I did end up adding a small amount of honey and a mashed banana, as well.
(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook) Silicone heart-shaped inserts for baking
Baked Hemp & Apple Biscuits
Perfect for: Crunchy treats, gifting, or bulk baking
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hemp hearts
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup oat flour
- ½ cup grated apple
- 1 tbsp. flax meal
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1–2 tbsp. water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F
- Mix all ingredients into a soft dough
- Roll out and use cookie cutters
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake 25–30 min
- Let cool in the oven with door cracked for crunch
🐾 Store in a jar at room temp for 2 weeks or freeze
Final Thoughts
Hemp hearts may be small, but they’re HUGE in how they support your horse’s well-being—naturally.
Whether you’ve got a young, athletic gelding or a wise old soul like Tug, adding this tiny super-seed to their diet can make a big difference. "I noticed Tug coming up to me more. He's generally a shy ranch horse but very gentle." And if he gets a few tasty homemade treats out of the deal? Even better. 😉
Let’s Connect!
Have you tried hemp hearts for your pets?
Tested one of the recipes above?
Tag us on Instagram @4the_luvofdog—I’d love your feedback, and your horse might just be our next feature!
Thanks for being part of the journey. 🐾
– Anna
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