CBD Dog Treats: An Appetizing Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Health

It’s no secret that CBD is a highly effective remedy for a host of human health ailments. But it also has incredibly potent effects on dogs, with the potential to make a huge difference in the health and well-being of ailing and healthy pups alike. In this article, we cover everything you need to know before giving CBD to your furry best friend, including how to pick out the best and safest CBD dog treats on today’s market.

What are CBD Dog Treats?

While CBD can be given to dogs in oil, topical, or tincture form, edible treats tend to be most pups’ preferred method, and are by far the easiest to administer. CBD-infused dog treats come in a wide range of appealing flavors and textures, from traditional bone-shaped biscuits and bacon-cheese morsels, to bite-sized soft chews. Dogs of all breeds, ages, and states of health can benefit from enjoying CBD-infused treats regularly or occasionally.

Are CBD Dog Treats Legal?

In most countries, CBD dog treats are legal to buy and use, yet it is still illegal for veterinarians to prescribe or administer cannabis products. However, as canine CBD treatment continues to grow in popularity among pet owners, and even prestigious organizations such as the American Kennel Club invest in studies on the topic, many vets are willing to speak candidly with pet owners about the benefits and risks of using CBD. But ultimately the responsibility and liability for the decision to give a dog CBD belongs solely to the pet owner.

How Does CBD Affect Dogs?

CBD’s effects on dogs are remarkably similar to its effects on humans. Dogs’ bodies also have an built in “endocannabinoid system” that produces its own cannabinoids (chemical compounds that help the body maintain a state of equilibrium). The cannabis plant is also packed with cannabinoids, including CBD (cannabidioil) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of marijuana. When you (or your dog) consume cannabis or CBD, these cannabinoids are readily absorbed and put to use by the body.

Studies have shown that dogs have even more cannabinoid receptors throughout their bodies than humans do. This may be a contributing factor of dogs’ known intolerance for THC, but it also may heighten their receptivity to CBD, making CBD-infused dog treats a highly-effective treatment option for pain, inflammation, anxiety, and other health issues.

Are CBD Dog Treats Safe?

With no known major safety concerns related to the use (or even to the overdose) of hemp-derived CBD, it is considered completely safe for dogs to consume. The World Health Organization (WHO)’s current stance on dogs and cannabis products is that CBD is indeed safe, but psychoactive THC is not. It is worth noting that CBD labeled as “full-spectrum” may contain trace amounts of THC. While these traces are unlikely to be significant enough to cause discomfort or dangerous side effects, large doses have the potential to cause drowsiness, lethargy, stumbling, or dry mouth. While these symptoms may be uncomfortable, they are unlikely to cause any lasting damage and will dissipate within a few hours. CBD does not interfere with the absorption or efficacy of any other medications your dog may be taking.

What Health Conditions Do CBD Dog Treats Help With?

CBD can make an enormous impact on the comfort and quality of life of dogs suffering from a wide variety of conditions including:

• Arthritis
• Pain (due to injury, recovery from surgery, teething, or chronic health conditions)
• Anxiety (including separation anxiety and stress triggered by noise, crowds, or other phobias)
• Pain, stiffness, and mobility issues related to degenerative joint disease
• Stomach upset and nausea
• Inflammation
• Seizures
• Cognitive decline
• Canine depression
• Hyperactivity

CBD also shows promise as a proactive canine supplement. Its potent anti-inflammatory properties can help your dog’s joints stay in good shape long before common advance-age issues such as arthritis or degenerative joint disease have the chance to take hold. Studies indicate that CBD may also have powerful neuroprotective qualities, potentially helping to stave off cognitive decline and nerve degeneration.

How to Use CBD Dog Treats

Edible treats are an ideal way to administer CBD to dogs, as food aids in effective cannabinoid absorption – and nearly all dogs love treats! The full effects of CBD dog treats typically set in within minutes to an hour after consumption, but this timing will vary depending on the individual pet and the specific product used. If you’re giving your dog CBD to treat larger, more persistent ailments, it may take days to weeks of consistent treatment before you observe noticeable results.

CBD Dosage for Dogs

CBD dosage recommendations for pets are generally determined by weight. However, regardless of weight, avoid giving any products containing CBD to puppies under 8 weeks old unless advised otherwise by a veterinarian. Most CBD dog treats will have a dosage-by-weight chart printed on the packaging. When starting your dog on a new CBD supplement, it’s always recommended to start with small doses and increase gradually as needed. Since some pups may be more (or less) sensitive to CBD at lower doses, and the ingredient composition of different products may produce different results, start slowly and carefully observe your dog’s reactions to low doses of any new infused treats.

How Often Can Dogs Have CBD Treats?

Most CBD treats will also have recommended dosing schedules printed on their packaging. Recommended dose schedules typically range from one treat per day to one every 4-8 hours. Of course, not all dogs necessarily need a daily CBD supplement and many pet owners elect only to administer CBD in special situations. CBD can be an indispensable tool for easing nervous dogs through common stressors such as travel, unfamiliar visitors, thunderstorms, or holiday fireworks – or through short-term pain such as teething or recovery from surgery.

How to Select the Best CBD Dog Treats for Your Pet

The best infused treats for your individual pet will vary a bit based on their needs and preferences. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the best CBD dog treats for your furry best friend.

• Texture – Some CBD dog treats are hard and crunchy, while others are soft or chewy. Dogs with sensitive teeth and gums may find soft treats easier to manage, while other dogs may have a preference for crunchy biscuits or meaty, chewy treats.
• Flavor – Fear not if your pet has a highly discerning palate. CBD dog treats are available in nearly every dog-friendly flavor imaginable. Whether your dog prefers meat, fish, cheese, vegetable, or berry flavors, there’s a CBD-infused treat out there for them!
• Serving Dose – The size of each individual treat and the amount of CBD per serving is another important consideration.
• Ingredient List – CBD isn’t the only dog treat ingredient with a significant impact. Many high-quality treats also include other nutritious food or supplement ingredients, while some cheaper companies may cut corners by using unhealthy fillers. If you’re unsure about the healthfulness of any ingredient, consult a veterinarian before giving it to your dog, especially if they have any underlying health issues.

Ingredient Quality

The overall quality of CBD pet treats can vary considerably from brand to brand. As a general rule, the quality of CBD dog treats will be reflected in the price. Better quality treats are naturally more expensive, as they are typically made with higher quality ingredients, CBD extracts, and nutritional additives. Some CBD pet treats pack in an even greater nutritional benefit, including additional vitamins and other health-enhancing ingredients. Most CBD pet care brands have also embraced the industry-wide trend toward using natural and organic ingredients, while avoiding artificial and genetically-modified ones, making it easier to find treats you’ll feel confident giving to your furry best friend.

However, dog treats are not as heavily regulated an industry as dog food (which currently prohibits the addition of CBD), so it’s important to do your own research and choose infused pet treats wisely. Look for treats from companies that utilize third-party lab testing to ensure purity, absence of harmful toxins, and precise cannabinoid content.

CBD Type

It’s also helpful to understand the different types of CBD you may come across in your dog’s new favorite treats. Full-spectrum CBD retains all of its original plant compounds and the benefits of each. However, since it’s extracted from industrial hemp, not marijuana, full-spectrum CBD contains only trace amounts of THC (less than .03%), not enough to make a noticeable difference for most dogs. If you’re concerned about even miniscule THC exposure but still want the full-plant benefits, broad-spectrum CBD also contains the full suite of plant compounds, except that all traces of THC are removed. Another option is CBD isolate, which is exactly as it sounds, pure extracted CBD without any other cannabis plant matter.

Where Can You Buy CBD Dog Treats?

CBD-infused pet treats are legal in most countries where CBD is legal for human consumption, including the US, Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe. CBD dog treats can be purchased over the counter in specialty pet and gift shops as well as at major mainstream pet stores and grocery stores. CBD dog treats are also widely available online, via an increasing number of specialty cannabis pet care companies, as well as through many major CBD retailers. Many online CBD dog treat retailers offer monthly subscription options, so you’ll never have to worry about running out.

Since quality and potency can vary considerably from brand to brand, we’ve compiled the following list of trusted CBD dog treat brands to help you pick the best and safest choices for your own furry friends.

Our Recommended CBD Dog Treats