Have you heard about CBD for dogs and wondered if those CBD dog treats you see in pet stores and online really work? Maybe your neighbor gave their dog CBD treats for anxiety or arthritis and you’re curious to learn more. Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about CBD dog treats so you can decide if they’re right for your furry friend. From how CBD can benefit dogs and the difference between CBD and THC to proper dosage and what to look for in a quality product, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this, you’ll be an expert in CBD for dogs and ready to make the best choice for your canine companion. Whether your dog suffers from anxiety, pain, or simply needs an extra chill treat, CBD dog treats could significantly improve their quality of life. Let’s dive in!
What Are CBD Dog Treats?
CBD dog treats contain cannabidiol, a compound found in cannabis plants. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t make your dog high. Instead, it may help relieve anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
CBD dog treats come in a variety of flavors and forms, like biscuits, chews, and soft treats. They’re made by extracting CBD oil from hemp plants and infusing it into the treats. The amount of CBD in each treat can range from 1mg to over 100mg depending on the size of your dog and the strength of the treat.
Giving your dog CBD treats is easy. For anxiety or general wellness, a typical dose is 1-5mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. For pain or inflammation, you may need 5-10mg per 10 pounds. Start with a lower dose and increase gradually as needed. It can take up to 2 weeks of regular use for the full effects to become apparent.
CBD treats are considered very safe for dogs, but possible side effects include drowsiness, lowered blood pressure, and inhibition of liver enzymes. However, CBD may interact with some medications. So always talk to your vet first, especially if your dog is on any other drugs.
While CBD shows a lot of promise for dogs, more research is still needed. But many pet owners use CBD treats as a natural way to help improve their dog’s quality of life without the side effects that can come with prescription drugs. If you want to give CBD treats a try, do some research to find a high-quality, reputable brand and proceed carefully under the guidance of your vet.
The Potential Benefits of CBD for Dogs
CBD dog treats can provide some serious benefits for your pup’s health and wellness. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp plants that can help relieve pain, reduce anxiety, and more – all without getting your dog high.
CBD treats may help ease chronic pain from conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia. If your dog suffers from anxiety or stress, CBD can have a calming effect and help them relax. CBD may also help reduce inflammation in the body and provide gastrointestinal relief for upset stomachs or loss of appetite.
How much CBD should you give your dog? That depends on their size and the potency of the treats. In general, you want to start with a low dose, about 1-5 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. So for a 50-pound dog, try starting with around 5 to 25 mg of CBD total per day in 2-3 doses. You can then adjust the amount up or down from there based on how your dog responds.
Look for high-quality CBD dog treats made from natural, human-grade ingredients without any artificial additives. It’s also best if the treats contain full-spectrum hemp extract, which includes other beneficial cannabinoids in addition to CBD. Reputable brands will provide a certificate of analysis from an independent lab to confirm the amount of CBD and ensure the treats are free from contaminants.
By giving your dog CBD treats formulated for their size and needs, you may find they experience significantly less pain and anxiety, and a happier, healthier life overall. CBD can be an incredibly useful supplement, so it’s worth trying for many dog owners.
How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog?
Figuring out the right amount of CBD to give your dog can be tricky. Start with the product’s dosage recommendations, but you’ll likely have to do some experimenting to find what works for your pup.
Start Low and Go Slow
It’s best to start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase until you find the “sweet spot” for your dog. For small dogs, try 2 to 5 milligrams of CBD; for medium dogs, 3 to 10 milligrams; and for large dogs, 10 to 20 milligrams. You can give these amounts two or three times a day.
Watch your dog closely for a week to see how they respond. If after a few days you don’t notice any change in their symptoms or behavior, you can increase the dose by about 5 milligrams at a time. Continue slowly increasing the dose every few days until you see improvement. Once you find an amount that works, you’ve found their optimal dose.
Consider Your Dog’s Condition
The amount of CBD your dog needs depends on their ailment or condition. Dogs with severe anxiety, pain, or inflammation usually require higher doses to experience relief. For general wellness or mild issues, a lower dose is typically sufficient.
It also depends on the CBD product you’re using. Oils and tinctures tend to require higher doses than treats because some of the CBD gets absorbed by your dog’s digestive system. So you may need to experiment to determine what form and potency works best for your dog.
The key is to be patient through the process. Don’t rush to increase the dose, especially when you first start. While CBD is considered very safe, too much can cause side effects in some dogs like fatigue, lowered blood pressure, and inhibition of liver enzymes. If you go slowly, you’ll find the right amount of CBD for your dog to get the benefits without negative effects.
Are CBD Dog Treats Legal and Safe?
CBD dog treats are legal in many places, but there are some important things to consider before giving them to your pup.
In the U.S., CBD dog treats are legal under federal law if they contain less than 0.3% THC, the compound in cannabis that can produce psychoactive effects. However, some states have additional restrictions on CBD, so check with your local laws. Internationally, CBD legality varies in other countries, so look into the laws where you live.
When it comes to safety, high-quality CBD dog treats formulated specifically for pets and containing little to no THC are considered very safe for most dogs. However, you should always talk to your vet first, especially if your dog is on any medications. Possible side effects of CBD can include drowsiness, lowered blood pressure, and inhibition of liver enzymes. CBD can also interact with some medications, so make sure there are no contraindications with anything your dog is taking.
You’ll also want to start with a low dosage and slowly increase to find the optimal amount for your dog. Watch for any side effects and cut back if needed. In rare cases, dogs may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when first starting CBD.
Only purchase CBD dog treats from reputable brands that provide third-party lab reports showing the exact ingredients and cannabinoid profiles. This ensures you know exactly what’s in the product and can confirm the THC level is within legal limits. Some of the highest quality brands also use natural, organic ingredients and responsibly-sourced CBD.
While the research on CBD for dogs is still emerging, many pet owners have found that high-quality CBD dog treats can help improve anxiety, pain, and inflammation in some dogs. However, CBD does not work for every dog. By following the tips here and consulting your vet, you can make sure any CBD dog treats you give your pup are safe, legal, and possibly even beneficial.
Our Top Picks for CBD Dog Treats
When it comes to CBD dog treats, you want to choose high-quality, all-natural options. Here are our top picks:
Honest Paws CBD Dog Treats
Honest Paws makes soft, peanut butter-flavored treats with 5mg of Colorado-grown CBD per treat. They use only the finest, all-natural ingredients and are soy, corn, and grain-free. These treats are lab-tested to ensure quality and safety. Many pet owners say these treats help relieve anxiety, pain, and inflammation in their dogs.
MediPets CBD Dog Treats
MediPets is a reputable brand that makes several varieties of CBD dog treats, including treats for joint pain, anxiety, and general wellness. Their treats contain 3mg of CBD extracted from organic hemp oil. They are all-natural, with ingredients like flaxseed, coconut oil, and honey. Pet owners give MediPets treats rave reviews for helping senior dogs, anxious dogs, and dogs with joint issues.
CBDfx CBD Dog Treats
CBDfx is a trusted name in CBD products, and they make high-quality CBD treats for dogs. Their treats contain organic, broad-spectrum CBD oil and come in flavors like pumpkin spice, peanut butter, and honey oats. They offer treats for both small and large breed dogs, with 2.5-5mg of CBD per treat. CBDfx treats get top marks for their natural, simple ingredients and for effectively relieving anxiety, pain, and sleep issues in dogs.
King Kalm Crunch CBD Dog Treats
King Kalm Crunch makes crunchy CBD dog treats with 3mg of CBD in each treat. They use CBD isolate from organic hemp grown in the U.S. Flavors include apple cinnamon, blueberry, and honey oats. These all-natural treats contain no THC and are a popular choice for alleviating anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation and more in dogs. Pet owners say even their picky eaters love the taste of these crunchy treats!
Choose a reputable brand that uses natural, high-quality ingredients and has clear third-party testing to ensure the safety, potency and quality of their CBD dog treats. When giving CBD treats to your dog for the first time, start with a low dose and monitor them to ensure they tolerate it well before increasing the amount.
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know about CBD dog treats. CBD can be an effective way to provide relief for your furry friend in a natural and safe manner. As with any supplement, start with a low dose and gradually increase to find the right amount for your dog. Be sure to talk to your vet, especially if your dog is on any other medications. While CBD is non-toxic and non-psychoactive, it can interact with some drugs. With the right product and dosage, CBD dog treats may help improve your dog’s quality of life by reducing pain and anxiety so they can get back to chasing squirrels and begging for treats. Now go give your pup some extra love and belly rubs – they deserve it!
