You’ve probably heard about the hype on how CBD for dogs can potentially aid dogs in many ways, just like it does for humans. From potentially supporting pain management, inflammation, and even allergies, cannabidiol has recently been treated as an ally to dogs all around the US. But when it comes to CBD oil vs treats for dogs, which is better?
That said, pet owners might feel intimidated between choosing oil or treats to give their dogs, especially if they’ve never taken hemp at all. This is why we’ve gathered the most important insights you have to know when talking about CBD, dogs, and the two most popular ways of giving them this cannabinoid: CBD oil and CBD treats.
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So if you want to know the outcome of CBD oil vs treats for dogs, you can explore in the article below how they work, the differences between both methods, how much CBD to give your pup, and of course, some of our favorite products.
Key Takeaways
- CBD oil for dogs is basically a cannabidiol extract that has no other products but carrier oil and dog-safe ingredients.
- You can also try CBD chews to give to your dog if you feel like they are going to be more welcome to try CBD that way.
- Cannabidiol is generally safe to use with pups. Just make sure to check the other ingredients of the product.
- CBD can potentially aid your dog in many ways, including aiding with joint pain, anxiety, stress, and even epilepsy.
A Quick Look at the Best CBD Oil and Treats for Dogs
- CBDFx Pet CBD Oil
- Aspen Green Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Mission Farms Pet CBD Oil
- Medterra CBD Calming Chews
- Sunday Scaries FOMO Bones Dog Treats
- Penelope’s Bloom Joint Pain + Mobility Treats
What is CBD Oil For Dogs?
Let’s break down this question into two parts. First, let’s tackle CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound in hemp cannabis plants. It’s minimally psychoactive and interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is part of the nervous network.
Now, let’s talk about the oil and dog part. CBD can be processed into an extract used in a dog-safe carrier oil. But let’s explore how that works for our furry friends.
How CBD Oil Works for Dogs
CBD oil dog treats work similarly to how CBD works for us. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating some bodily functions like appetite, pain, and mood. By aiding this part of the nervous system, it can help with inflammation and other symptoms.
How To Give CBD Oil To Your Dog
Giving CBD oil dog treats to your furry friend is no rocket science. You can either have a few drops in your buddy’s mouth or gently mix it with their kibble or food. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and always start with a small amount to see how your dog reacts first.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs?
Yes, CBD oil, in general, is safe for use in canine friends. We’ll talk about this further down in the article, but just make sure that the ingredients are dog-safe and follow the dosing instructions accordingly. Always be sure to speak with your veterinarian before starting a CBD regimen.
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What are CBD Treats for Dogs?
To put it simply, these are dog-safe products that are infused with hemp oil. Some owners prefer this method as it can help them “disguise” the herbal taste while making it easier for the pup to consume the cannabidiol.
These come in all shapes and sizes, from small bone-shaped treats to bacon nuggets that your dog will probably want a bite or two from. Basically, these products are chewable and turn CBD into an enrichment experience.
You can find these in different formulas as well, but most of them will have broad-spectrum or CBD isolate. Cannabidiol extracts can be sorted out in three types of formulas in general:
- Full Spectrum: Has THC traces and other cannabinoids.
- Broad Spectrum: No THC traces, has other cannabinoids.
- CBD Isolate: This extract only has pure CBD.
When looking at CBD chews, we’d go for broad spectrum and CBD isolates, but make sure to check on this with your veterinarian before giving your pup a hemp-based treat.
How to Give Your Dog CBD Treats
Okay, so you’re sold on the benefits of CBD for dogs. But how do you get your fur baby to actually take it? Many CBD treats come in flavors that dogs love, like bacon, peanut butter, salmon, and even meat. Yum!
But before you go crazy and start feeding your doggo CBD treats like candy, talk to your vet first. They can help you figure out the right dosage based on your dog’s body weight and whether or not CBD is even a good choice for them, especially if your furry companion has arthritis or other chronic conditions.
Once you’ve got the go-ahead from your vet, you can start giving your dog CBD treats as part of their playtime routine. Break the chews up and add them to their food, or give them small pieces to try out.
Just make sure you’re not treating the CBD for dogs like medicine, or your pup might start to think they’re getting something gross instead of something tasty. We don’t want that as that could condition them to stop liking treats, so try keeping it like an enrichment activity as you’d do with other chews.
Best CBD Oils and Treats for Dogs
We’ve gathered some of the best CBD oils and treats your pooch will love. From clean, innovative brands to dog-specific ones, you’ll probably find one product that fits what you are looking for.
CBDFx Pet Tincture
If you are into the hemp scene, you’ll probably know CBDFx. This huge brand has brought up wellness and innovation together with its hemp products, and if you’ve been a follower, you’ll love their Pet CBD Oil.
Features
This tincture is perfect for most furry buddies. They have 250mg of premium CBD extract in a broad-spectrum formula. The tincture is vegan, has curcumin as a complement to the cannabinoids, and has a delicious bacon flavor.
Pros
- Vegan and has superfoods like curcumin
- Bacon flavor is always a win in doggies’ book
- Great price point for strength
- Broad spectrum formula
Cons
- Some dogs might not like artificial bacon flavor
Aspen Green Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Aspen Green is a popular CBD brand known for its commitment to quality. Products are specially formulated by health professionals with the company’s Full Spectrum CBD Oil designed by veterinarians.
Features
These full-spectrum drops contain all of the active compounds in the hemp plant, so your pet will get the benefits of the entourage effect. Each bottle has 750mg of CBD, as well as a tiny bit of THC. The delicious bacon flavor is sure to please even the most picky pups.
Pros
- Full-spectrum CBD extract
- Veterinarian formulated
- High potency for dogs who may have more serious pain or anxiety
Cons
- Contains a little bit of THC, which not all pet parents want
Mission Farms Pet CBD Oil
Mission Farms is a craft cannabis company based in Bend, Oregon. They grow organic hemp and turn it into high-quality products, including Pet CBD Oil.
Features
Pet CBD Oil from Mission Farms contains 600mg of full-spectrum CBD per bottle, a great amount for the price. The company posts its testing results online so you can verify your pet is getting a product free of pesticides, heavy metals, and mold. A tasty beef jerky flavor will entice your dog to take their drops with ease.
Pros
- Great value
- Family-run farm
- Highly rated
Cons
- Some people aren’t comfortable having THC in pet products
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Medterra CBD Calming Chews
Focused on helping people (and their pets) find relief from a variety of ailments, Medterra catalogs products by effect. The brand’s CBD Calming Chews for dogs are meant to ease separation anxiety and improve quality of life.
Features
Designed to promote relaxation and chill vibes for your furry friends, Medterra CBD Calming Chews contain 10mg of CBD and L-Tryptophan, an amino acid touted for its ability to boost serotonin and melatonin. With a larger amount of CBD and amino acid, this means your pet will likely doze off into a nice nap after taking one of these bacon-flavored snacks.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- USA-grown hemp
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Unclear if CBD is full-spectrum hemp extract or broad-spectrum
Sunday Scaries FOMO Bones Dog Treats
Sunday Scaries is a fun, youthful brand offering a range of hemp products. The FOMO Bones Dog Treats are a great extension, letting your pup be just as chill as you.
Features
As the name suggests, FOMO Bones are formulated first and foremost to help ease separation anxiety. Each treat contains 5mg of CBD isolate along with passion flower, L-Tryptophan, valerian root, and chamomile. This combination is perfect for helping your dog settle when you depart or during high-stress occasions like events with loud noises, car rides, or vet visits.
Pros
- Boosted with natural ingredients to promote calm
- Tasty cheese flavor most dogs like
- THC-free
Cons
- Isolate CBD may not be as effective as broad or full-spectrum
Penelope’s Bloom Joint Pain + Mobility Treats
Putting pets first is Penelope’s Bloom, a brand dedicated to the animals in your life. The company’s Joint Pain + Mobility Treats are a great choice for senior dogs who may be slowing down and want to feel like a pup again.
Features
Penelope’s Bloom Joint Pain + Mobility Treats have 10mg of full-spectrum CBD per treat and 300mg of CBD per bag. The oven-baked snacks also contain Turmeric root and Chondroitin to help increase joint strength and reduce inflammation. A sweet potato flavor will be irresistible to your dog.
Pros
- Formulated for dogs with arthritis and other forms of pain
- Small-batch made by people who care
- Unique flavor and formulation
Cons
- On the higher end of cost compared to others on this list
5 Ways CBD May Help Your Dog
We’ve covered the differences between CBD oil and treats for dogs, but how can they actually help our dog companions? Most users seek out CBD to deal with some problems, like joint pain, epilepsy, seizures, or even allergies. Let’s have a quick look at some of these potential ways CBD can help your pooch.
Dogs With Joint Problems
First up is joint support. As our fur babies age, they may start feeling the aches and pains that come with joint problems, putting a serious damper on their fetch game. But CBD could have a solution for this.
With the potential to provide some relief for dogs with osteoarthritis, which can cause some gnarly joint pain, CBD is like the doggy equivalent of a hot bath and a massage. According to this 2014 study, cannabidiol might be able to improve their comfort levels, meaning they can get back to zooming around the park or at least get some needed rest at their age.
Dogs with Anxiety
Another great benefit of dog CBD is aiding with certain anxiety symptoms. Dogs can get just as stressed out as humans. Their stress might not be related to issues in their 9-5 or a cheating spouse, but it’s stress nonetheless. CBD dog treats can help calm them down by reducing stress signals in their bodies. So next time your pup is feeling anxious, break out the treats and let them chow down.
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Dogs With Seizures And Epilepsy
Dogs with epilepsy and seizures can also potentially benefit from CBD dog treats. While more research is needed, early studies suggest CBD can reduce seizure frequency in epileptic dogs. Plus, by helping them relax, dogs with these conditions can feel supported with CBD as a complementary part of their treatment.
Dogs In Pain
Generally speaking, CBD has the potential to aid with pain thanks to its pharmacological characteristics. Cannabidiol is a sedative and analgesic agent that can potentially support pain management. Studies like this one showed progress in helping an all-natural alternative to aid with pain management in canine populations.
Dogs With Allergies
Now, remember how we talked about CBD being an anti-inflammatory agent? When dogs have allergies, most reactions are due to histamine released into their bodies. This study suggests that cannabidiol could act as a suppressant of mast cells.
In simpler terms, it means it could potentially prevent histamine from being released, which is even better than just giving your pup anti-allergic medicine. Furthermore, this could help your dog with topical inflammation like bug bites or generally if they feel queasy or tired due to allergens acting up.
CBD Oil vs CBD Treats for Dogs: Which Is Better?
This debate comes down to which one is better for your own dogs and how they react to CBD products. Some dogs won’t have any trouble having some dog CBD oil in their kibble, while others will be a little too suspicious of the taste.
CBD oil is quicker to absorb, but in general, it can be a little difficult to get your dog to eat it all if used on their food, or it can be messy if you try to squirt the oil directly on their mouth. Treats are a lot friendlier with both your dog and the general dynamic, but they can take their time to work.
Our recommendation is that after getting a clear green light from your vet, try whichever adapts to your lifestyle first. Or if you can go for it, we’d have both for chronic pain or cases that might need a stronger solution. You can also learn more about cannabidiol and its effects on dogs in the following video.
Conclusion
CBD for dogs can be an all-natural alternative for many pups who need extra support with their day-to-day activities. From potentially aiding with pain management to helping with allergies, CBD in both oil and treat form are great ways to walk your dog into the hemp space.
Remember to check your product for dog-safe ingredients, start with small doses, and always check first with your vet if your pooch is a candidate to take CBD.
So, who wins the CBD oil vs treats for dogs debate? Well, it comes down to your dog’s preference. If it’s easier to give them the infused oil directly, you’ll be better off with that option. Other owners might feel better with an enrichment experience like treats, so choose whichever suits your style best. Just make sure you discuss the different types of CBD with your veterinarian before giving them a try.