Q&As About Hemp Dog Beds and Organic Dog Beds

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Questions & Answers About Hemp and Kapok

Q: What is hemp?
A: Hemp is a plant fiber derived from the stalks of the cannabis plant. Until the 1820s, 80% of all American textiles and fabrics were principally made from fibers of industrial cannabis hemp.

Q: Is industrial hemp the same as marijuana?
A: Because of the similar leaf shape, industrial hemp is often confused with marijuana. Although both plants are from the species cannabis, industrial hemp contains virtually no delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in the drug known as marijuana. For more information, see the Hemp Industries Association website .

Q: Why should I choose a dog bed made from industrial hemp?
A: Industrial hemp is a strong fiber that is naturally antimicrobial and withstands heat, light, mildew, and insects without the addition of harmful chemicals. These qualities make fabric woven from hemp naturally durable. And by choosing products made from hemp, you can avoid the allergens contained in chemically-grown or synthetic fabrics and fillers. Industrial hemp is also "the fiber of choice" for environmentally-conscious consumers. On an annual basis, 1 acre of hemp will produce as much fiber as 2 to 3 acres of cotton. Hemp is frost tolerant and requires only moderate amounts of water. Unlike cotton which requires large amounts of pesticides and herbicides, hemp requires no pesticides, no herbicides, and only moderate amounts of fertilizer.

Q: What is hemp/flax blend fabric?
A: Some DoggyArchy bed tops are made with hemp/flax blend fabric. This fabric is durable 20 oz. upholstery weight fabric woven from a blend of 52% hemp and 48% flax. Flax fiber is soft, lustrous and flexible. It is also stronger than cotton fiber. Our hemp/flax blend makes a soft yet durable top for your dog's bed.

Q: What is kapok?
A: Doggyarchy natural dog beds are filled with kapok fiber. Kapok fiber is a fluffy, down-like fiber derived from the seed pods of the kapok tree, which is native to areas including Mexico, Central America, and Indonesia. Here is a picture of kapok:

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Q: Why should I buy a dog bed filled with kapok rather than polyurethane foam rubber?
A: Did you know that for years, polyurethane foam was required to contain a flame retardant called polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)? PBDE has been linked in animal studies to thyroid and reproductive problems, suppression of the immune system, and disruption of the development of the fetal brain. PentaBDE was banned by the EPA for manufacture or import into the U.S as of January 1, 2005, but it appears that there are large stockpiles still being used during an EPA "transition to safer substitutes." And DecaPBE may still be used in fabrics. Also, polyurethane foam rubber fillers contains formaldehyde, a known neurotoxin and carcinogen. When you dispose of the bed, these chemicals are released and accumulated in the environment.

Q: Why should I buy a dog bed filled with kapok rather than "polyfill"?
A: Did you know that "polyfill" is short for polyester fiberfill, also known as POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (or PET). Among other chemicals, PET contains dioxane--a known carcinogen that readily penetrates the skin. Why would you buy a dog bed with a hemp cover but filled with stuffing that offgases dioxane?

Q: Can I leave my kapok-filled dog bed outside?
A: Yes. Kapok is naturally water repellent. Canvas life vests used to be stuffed in kapok.

Q: What dyes are used with the hemp fabric?
A: The hemp fabric that Doggyarchy uses is dyed with non-toxic low-impact, fiber reactive dye that mostly absorbs into the fabric and generates less runoff of dye so generally is considered to be better for the environment. Any fabrics that are partially "bleached" are treated with non-toxic, low-impact hydrogen peroxide. No chlorine bleach is utilized in this process.