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This article was updated in April 2026 to reflect current evidence and clinical use.
CBD oil and hemp seed oil are often confused, particularly when it comes to pet health. While both are derived from the hemp plant, they are very different in how they are produced, what they contain, and how they may be used. Understanding this distinction is important for pet owners and veterinarians alike – especially in Australia, where CBD is only available through a veterinary prescription pathway.
In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion in the number of medicinal cannabis products for pets that is now available. And as a veterinarian, you may have had pet owners raise questions about hemp seed oil and CBD oil. These two terms are often used interchangeably, making it difficult to discern their differences and benefits for our pets.
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains no meaningful levels of cannabinoids, including CBD. It is primarily used as a nutritional supplement due to its fatty acid profile.
CBD oil, by contrast, is extracted from the flowers, leaves and stalks of the hemp plant and contains active cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), which interact with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain, inflammation, mood and neurological function.
In Australia, CBD is classified as a Schedule 4 (prescription-only) substance. This means it must be prescribed by a veterinarian and sourced through appropriate regulatory pathways.
Pet owners should avoid purchasing unregulated CBD products online, as quality, safety and cannabinoid content can vary significantly.
However, inconsistencies in labelling and marketing can make the differences difficult for consumers to discern. Veterinarians are understandably concerned about owners sourcing products online that are not tested for quality, and which may put their pet’s health or life at risk.
The good news is that CBD Vets Australia provides peace of mind to veterinarians and pet owners alike, offering a legal pathway to access products that are pure and have undergone stringent pharmaceutical quality testing.
Hemp seed products have been legal as food in Australia since 2017. The seeds are known to be a good source of:
Hemp seed containing treats, toppers and pet foods are becoming more readily available at pet stores and through online retailers. While these nutrient-dense seeds can offer health benefits for dogs as part of a nutritious diet, it is not the same as CBD oil, which is a medical preparation.
It’s important for vets and owners to know that hemp seed products don’t have high enough concentrations of the cannabinoid CBD to deliver the therapeutic effects associated with medicinal cannabis therapy.
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a primary phytochemical or cannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant. CBD is non-intoxicating and does not elicit the same “high” as THC.
Unfortunately, many CBD products available online are not assessed for the purity of their cannabinoid content. Preparations marketed online as ‘pure’ CBD oil may in fact contain impurities and various other substances which may be toxic to pets, such as heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides. This is highly concerning for veterinarians and pet owners, given the risk of adverse effects associated with using these untested products.
The key areas that CBD oil may help pets as an adjunct therapy are:
| Feature | Hemp Seed Oil | CBD Oil |
| Source | Seeds | Flowers, leaves, stalks |
| Contains CBD | No | Yes |
| Primary use | Nutritional support (skin, coat) | Therapeutic support (pain, anxiety, inflammation) |
| Legal status (Australia) | Widely available | Prescription only via veterinarian |
Understanding the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil helps ensure you’re choosing the right approach for your pet patient’s needs – whether that’s nutritional support or a more targeted, veterinary-guided therapeutic option.
Interested in prescribing CBD for your pet patients? Register HERE to access the Vet Portal to discover more or reach out to CBD Vets Australia – info@cbdvetsaustralia.com.au or (02) 8294 9303.
Dr Chris Lee is the Veterinary Director of CBD Vets Australia and has practiced as a small animal veterinarian for over 30 years. Dr Lee runs Pet Universe Veterinary Centres and Adelaide Canine Rehabilitation Centre in South Australia alongside an award-winning team with a special interest in pet rehabilitation and regenerative medicines, including advanced pain care techniques. In his practice, Dr Lee has seen first-hand how CBD oil can be used not only for pain control, but also for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and as a mood balancer for animals, and he is excited by its use as an adjunct therapy in veterinary medicine.
Connect with Dr Chris:
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