Best CBD for Dogs: Quit Barking Up The Wrong Tree; Here's The Best CBD
Best CBD for Dogs
*Disclaimer: Please speak to a veterinarian to find out if any of these products are right for your pet.
(Ad) As dogs age, their behaviors do as well. Your once hyper and agile Golden Retriever may become mopey and less mobile. Or your once confident Labradoodle may become as skittish as the neighbor’s cat around new people. Few pets live a full lifetime unhindered by the stresses of the world around them. And as your pup gets older and wiser, their responses may change, for better or worse.
It’s a sad sight for pet owners when their dog has difficulty doing things they once loved due to their age. But it’s a natural progression of life for pets, just as for humans. Whether your pet’s issues have always been present or are starting to appear as they get older, you should consider offering them CBD. It’s good to speak with your veterinarian to see if CBD may be the right option for your dog.
CBD products for dogs have exploded in popularity in the past decade for their reported benefits to the mind and body. The good things CBD can provide to your dog may include
- Easing stress and anxiety levels
- Reducing pain and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent
- Soothing aggressive behavior and promoting calmness
- Stimulating appetite and diminishing nausea
Finding the best CBD product for your pet can be a task, because there are many things to consider. Which brands are trustworthy, healthy, and of good value? Our beloved pups are limited in their ability to explain why they liked or disliked the treats we choose for them. To help sort through the confusion, we’ve researched the top CBD pet brands to see what’s the best of the best for our readers’ canine companions. Enjoy!
Top 3 CBD Brands for Dogs – National Favorites
Amid the proliferation of hemp and CBD products, three brands are true pioneers: HolistaPet, Pet Hemp Company, and Healthy Petables. All three of these brands provide quality CBD, helpful customer service, and a bevy of other cool bonuses that make their brand unique and worthy of making the cut.
- HolistaPet - The People's Puppy-Pet-Treat Champ
- Pet Hemp Company - No Fluff, All Quality
- Healthy Petables - Convenient, Coordinated, and Incredible CBD
From the brand’s affordability to the quality of the CBD itself, our team has been following what makes these brands tick since their inception. All three are pushing the envelope in the CBD industry, which is why we chose to showcase their strengths within this oversaturated market. Don’t let the abundance of CBD brands scare you. The more CBD brands there are, the more competitive they’ll become, which will make for better CBD. So the more, the merrier!
Now for the good stuff: let's get into the details of these brands and what makes each of them special.
Top CBD for Dogs – How to Determine Which Is Best
There are many aspects to consider before purchasing CBD for your pet (or yourself). We considered all the criteria listed below for each brand before determining our top three candidates. Let’s take a look at why these features are important when vetting CBD brands.
Size and Dosage Variations
Dogs of different shapes and sizes may suffer from different ailments. A Great Dane, for example, is more likely to develop joint and mobility issues than a French Bulldog. Although small dogs aren't immune to these issues, it’s just less likely.
Brands that provide supplements that target your pet’s ailments are important. As researchers and pet lovers themselves, these brands are aware that no product should be one-size-fits-all when it comes to our pets’ wellness. We looked for companies that considered all breeds and sizes.
More so, variety in dosing options is important, since the correct dosage of CBD directly relates to body weight. There is no need to stock up on large amounts of CBD if your pup doesn’t need much to feel the benefits. The best companies offer an array of options for all your furry friend’s needs.
Customer Service & Policies
Considering how new CBD is and the taboo surrounding hemp-derived products, companies have a hefty task to provide information and resources available from real people—not robotic answering machines. More so, when your pet is hurt, the last thing you want is to be sent to voicemail. A company with representatives ready on the phone lines is a huge plus in the CBD niche.
Quality customer service extends beyond the ability to speak to a live representative or the timeliness of an email response. The best CBD brands have excellent return policies and efficient practices when something goes wrong during shipping or handling.
Reward Programs, Subscriptions, or Savings
Many fur parents wish to find the perfect product for their dog and then receive it on a consistent basis. Just imagine: once a month, a bag full of your pet's favorite CBD treats comes right to your doorstep. Fortunately, with these brands, that’s possible.
All three companies on our list offer convenient subscription services that will also save you a buck or more on your pet’s health.
CBD Source & Certificates of Analysis
A crucial but often disregarded aspect all regular or prospective CBD customers should consider is whether or not a CBD brand publishes a Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA is a laboratory analysis of the product that you’re interested in.
Additionally, a COA confirms that the CBD amount you get is the exact amount listed on their packaging. Because the terminology surrounding CBD is often confusing to newcomers, it’s easy for a company to claim the effectiveness of a product without any proof. A COA is the proof that allows you to fact-check their claims.
The 2018 Farm Bill made the sale, distribution, and consumption of all hemp-derived products federally legal as long as each product has less than 0.3% THC. You should only purchase CBD produced domestically, since US farmers and manufacturers must adhere to the Farm Bill’s guidelines and therefore CBD grown in the United States is more aligned with the laws. A COA should also list the amount of THC in the product if it includes any.
Overall Effectiveness
Of the dozens of products we assessed, our reviewers found the three recommended brands were the most effective because of their variety and focus on specific ailments. People choose CBD as a holistic, natural remedy for a number of conditions, including anxiety, joint pain, and immunity support—the possibilities for CBD seem endless. The brands we chose rose to the top of the list because they are able to address these ailments, have excellent customer service, and won’t break the bank.
Since CBD is such a new product in this space, the research on it is scarce and many people balk because of its relation to THC. But there’s no need to be concerned! CBD products are often THC-free, meaning they will not get your pet “high.” And even if there is THC, the 2018 Farm Bill requires that it be 0.3 percent or less. This trace amount is not enough to cause intoxication. In fact, it may add to the effectiveness of the CBD!
Many of the CBD brands will have a variety of CBD products available in various forms, from treats to oil tinctures. Finding which product your pet enjoys most is part of the fun! And with the nominees on this list, there’s no need to worry about whether the product you get will be worth trying. Trust us, it will be.
Quality of Ingredients
Your CBD treats aren’t meant to be a one-time supplement. The companies we chose pack their products with loads of healthy additives that, when taken consistently (daily), your pup will benefit greatly from long term use. The three brands represented here include only all-natural ingredients, so no need to feel guilty slipping your pup an extra treat or two!
Brand Reputation
A good way to judge a brand is to read its reviews. No matter what a brand says in their marketing material, nothing else gives you a better idea of how good, bad, or useless a CBD product will be. Hearing from real people who tried, enjoyed, or hated the product will give you an unbiased perspective before trying it yourself. You should only purchase products from brands like these that are proud to showcase their reviews.
Price Value
The growing popularity of CBD is great for the consumer because this competitiveness will result in lower prices for similar quality. The affordability of CBD is important for those wanting to establish a routine buying schedule. However, even though cheaper products may save you some pocket change, you shouldn’t base your decision on price alone: quality and efficacy are just as important, if not more.
Shopping Experience
Getting your CBD should be simple. If a company’s website is difficult to navigate or their customer service line is inaccessible, it might be best to pass. The brands listed here have very easy-to-use websites with informative articles that explain the intricacies of CBD and its incredible benefits for your pup.
Dog Approved
What if your dog doesn’t like the product? It happens, and it’s not necessarily a reflection of the brand's quality. After all, everyone has their own preferences. The brands on this list provide high-quality ingredients that are backed by dozens of positive customer reviews. And each of these brands has a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, go ahead and give CBD a try. If your pup isn’t feeling it, try another product until they do.
The Top Picks: Best CBD for Dogs – Product Information
1. HolistaPet - Putting Your Pet First
HolistaPet landed the top spot on our list for best CBD brand for dog treats because of their commitment to high quality and standards in all respects. From their all-natural ingredients to their excellent customer service, this brand will provide you with excellent CBD that is effective and offered at a reasonable price.
HolistaPet offers a wide range of products for not only dogs but for cats and horses as well! Moreover, with HolistaPet, your pet’s CBD comes in many forms. Through oils, sprays, capsules, and treats, you and your pet have a wide range of choice about how they will enjoy CBD. Out of Holistapet’s collection, we found their CBD dog treats to be the most effective product, combining a savory treat packed with all-natural ingredients that your pup will love.
CBD Source
All of HolistaPet’s CBD is made from 100 percent organically sourced hemp from the finest farms in colorful Colorado. To encourage greater quality in the CBD, HolistaPet uses a thorough CO2 extraction process, which is the best extraction method on the market.
As a company, HolistaPet takes pride in what they put in their dog treats, just as you take pride in your dog’s care. Not only do they publish customer reviews on their website, but the provide COAs for all their products as well.
Quality of Ingredients
HolistaPet's commitment to all-natural, 100% vegan ingredients makes them a brand you can trust for your dog. Their dog treats come stocked with superfoods like turmeric root, Boswellia, and hemp seed powder, all anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling and contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These high-quality ingredients make them a fan favorite for all dog owners.
Overall Effectiveness
Since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the sale and consumption of all hemp-derived products, HolistaPet has been a leader in the CBD pet industry. Backed by hundreds of customer testimonials, HolistaPet's dog treats are a tried-and-true staple for many people’s dog care routines.
With HolistaPet, you can target CBD support to your dog’s specific ailment. People commonly choose CBD for its calming benefits. We felt that HolistaPet was the most effective of the companies we reviewed at treating stress and anxiety.
Price Value
At just $26.95 per 150 mg bag, you're paying just 0.18 cents for one milligram of CBD. This is an excellent price compared to other CBD companies on the market today. And if you’re a regular buyer of a specific treat and quantity, it’s worth starting a subscription with HolistaPet: that price will be reduced from $26.95 to $20.21 per 150 mg every two weeks. That’s 25 percent off!
Customer Service
One thing that differentiates HolistaPet from its competitors is its incredible customer service support. With HolistaPet, you can speak with a live representative on the phone or use the chat feature on their website. HolistaPet customer service members can explain how each product works or answer any questions you may have about the product you’re purchasing.
Dog Approved
The reviews are in: HolistaPet is the bee’s knees. Tons of reviews from satisfied customers (pets and humans, but mostly pets) are featured all over the HolistaPet company website and social media pages.
Most dogs approve resoundingly of HolistaPet and their products. Will yours? There’s only one way to find out! If your pet does not enjoy its CBD for some reason, HolistaPet offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if your pet ends up not liking the product, you can get your money back hassle-free.
Click here to get the best deal on HolistaPet’s CBD for dogs. (Get 30% OFF when you sign up for Holistapet's email newsletter)
2. Pet Hemp Company – Great Philosophy, Better Company
Like all the brands on this list, Pet Hemp Company is an excellent choice for dog owners of all kinds. Similar to HolistaPet, Pet Hemp Company follows a set of business philosophies, such as sticking to all-natural ingredients, offering reasonable return policies, and providing good customer service that supports the customer (especially the furry ones).
Good business practices paired with a high-quality product easily place Pet Hemp Company on our list for one of the best CBD dog treat brands. But that’s not all they have to offer—in fact, it’s just the start. Like HolistaPet, Pet Hemp Company has products for dogs, cats, and horses. In particular, it offers a collection of canine soft chews targeted to help at joint and mobility care, anxiety and stress relief, and immune response. Their apple and pumpkin soft chews are our favorite because they are both nutritious and delicious—two qualities every CBD product you buy should have.
Shopping Experience
Purchasing CBD from Pet Hemp Company is an absolute breeze—their website is super accessible with tons of drop-down menus and an easy-to-navigate search bar at the top of the screen. It’s simple to find the product you’re looking for as well as dosing suggestions and information on all things CBD.
Moreover, Pet Hemp Company features an excellent customer service support group. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on their website, you can speak with a representative directly for the fastest resolution.
Certificate of Analysis
Because CBD is such a new area in the holistic space, it may not be clear to purchasers how effective the CBD they’re considering is. With a COA, you don't have to worry. Pet Hemp Company provides a COA for all its products. To preview any of their COAs just click here. The COA itself ensures that the product’s CBD and THC levels match what’s listed on the label.
Overall Effectiveness
Pet Hemp Company offers a wide array of products in various dosages for dogs of any size. These treats are particularly effective for pet owners looking for dosages on the more subtle side, coming in at 150mg, 300mg, or 600mg of CBD per treat in a 30 count package.
Reward Programs, Subscriptions, and Savings
Similar to HolistaPet, Pet Hemp Company’s “subscribe and save” will get you paying up to 10 percent less for your CBD when you set up a routine, 30-day purchase plan. Under this plan, your pet’s CBD will be delivered right to your doorstep every month.
Many of your pet’s conditions, like joint issues or anxiety, are chronic and require consistent attention if you want to see continuous results. Pet Hemp Company’s exclusive deals and convenient delivery services allow you to provide the best treatment possible for your pet.
Click here to visit Pet Hemp Company. (Use PETLOVE at checkout for 15% OFF)
3. Healthy Petables – Incredible Value for Reliable Products
Although Healthy Petables comes in third on this list, it is still among the best CBD brands in a market occupied by thousands. Because Healthy Petables incorporates organic and vegan ingredients that are non-GMO, they deserve a spot on any best CBD brand list. This company takes a friendly and inviting approach to the CBD space, welcoming the customer and educating people about all things hemp.
While HolistaPet and Pet Hemp Company found a spot on our list for their quality chewables, Healthy Petables is on the list for its top-notch CBD oils. They’re convenient, contain no harmful byproducts that have been reported to date, and come in well-designed packaging that makes it a breeze to administer on your pets favorite food or in their water bowl.
Potencies
Healthy Petables’ oils come in 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg containers, so each CBD container should last quite a while. For fans of CBD oils, Healthy Petables is a great option because their CBD is of the highest quality. For those who appreciate a simplified approach to CBD and plant medicine, Healthy Petables is the brand for you.
Brand Reputation
Healthy Petables is determined to provide quality in all aspects of its brand. They not only provide tons of information about their products, but their extensive literature on CBD shows they care about educating their customers about all aspects of CBD. This encourages people to feel confident in using their products. And their customers appreciate it!
Price Value
With Healthy Petables, you’re getting the best bang for your buck, even compared to the other two brands on this list. At just $25.95 per 150 mg container, you’re getting an incredible deal on top notch CBD!
Shopping Experience
At Healthy Petables, you get all the excellent features a CBD brand should offer its customers. From their live chat and customer service team to their 30-day money-back guarantee, there's a lot to love about the shopping experience at Healthy Petables.
Click here to visit Healthy Petables.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of nearly 100 all-natural cannabinoids naturally found in hemp. The 2018 US federal Farm Bill legalized the growth, sale, and consumption of all hemp-derived products, including extracts (like CBD) that contain 0.3 percent or less of THC.
What Problems in Dogs Can CBD Help?
Our world is filled with many loud and scary obstacles that affect everybody in different ways. For our beloved dog friends, with their elevated sense of smell and hearing, our world is much louder and a lot smellier too. Do holiday fireworks get your pup hiding in a corner? Or has sparky lost their spark over the years? Don’t worry! There’s a wide variety of CBD treats made to treat all kinds of grief your pet’s face. Whether it be quarreling the worst bouts of your pet’s anxiety or providing easy to chew soft treats for joint and mobility issues in older dogs, there’s a CBD product for all your pet’s needs.
Considering CBD is relatively new to the holistic medicine market, there’s still much to learn about how it can benefit you and your pets. But preliminary research and anecdotes from consumers of this awesome compound show overwhelmingly positive results. Regardless, the upside of CBD and its potential life-changing benefits far outweigh the alternative — letting your pet struggle to endure our wild world without a little help.
The Benefits of CBD for Dogs
CBD is reported to be so effective by pet lovers because its believed to support the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is present in all mammals, and it helps support homeostasis (internal balance). The system does this by regulating vital body functions like digestion, sleep, pain response, and mood. When dogs consume CBD, expect to see a wide array of benefits related to their ECS’s ability to perform at its best.
Here is a rundown of the benefits to expect to see in your pup:
- Eases stress, anxiety, and phobias
- Regulates appetite
- Promotes a healthy sleep cycle
- Alleviates digestive issues
- Relieves joint and mobility pain
- Promotes general wellness
Supporting Studies
Since CBD is such a new product, the research on the compound keeps rolling in, and the findings are promising. Numerous studies already support years of anecdotal evidence from CBD connoisseurs—CBD provides tons of benefits to you and your pet. A notable application of CBD is to treat stress and anxiety, something not only all people suffer with, but most dogs too. A 2019 study found nearly 2000 veterinarians across the United States recommended CBD as an effective therapy for pain and nearly 70 % of those same organizations suggest CBD for treating anxiety.
Similarly, a 2020 study at Cornell University showed older dogs with osteoarthritis—joint and muscle pain—benefit from CBD. For one month they compared dogs consuming CBD with those consuming a placebo. The results found that dogs that consumed CBD had reduced pain and increased activity levels as reported by the dogs’ owners and CBD reduced joint pain upon touch when examined by a veterinarian.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of CBD for Dogs?
CBD is generally well tolerated by all pets, with very little chance of anything negative occurring as a side effect. Still, everything is best in moderation. Below are some potential side effects to be aware of:
- Dry Mouth: Some pet owners say CBD makes their dogs a bit more thirsty. Make sure to have water around when giving out CBD.
- Lowering of Blood Pressure: In very high doses, there is a chance CBD can cause a drop in blood pressure. The drop is small, but it may cause a temporary feeling of light-headedness.
- Drowsiness: Most pet owners seek out CBD to treat their pet’s anxiety. As such, these treats may chill your dog out.
Inhibition of Drug Metabolism: Some research suggests that consistent high doses of CBD may inhibit the production of certain liver enzymes that block the efficiency of some drugs. If your pet is on any medications you may want to check with the vet before applying any CBD.
Will CBD Make My Dog High?
CBD will not make your dog high! CBD does not cause intoxication; only THC does that. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD products may only have 0.3 percent THC or less, which is not enough to cause a high. As long as you purchase your CBD from companies that adhere to US federal guidelines (like the brands we have listed), you don’t have to worry about your dog getting high.
Dosing Tips and Tricks
The recommended dosing to follow is between 0.25 mg (Normal Dose) to 0.5 mg (Strong Dose) of CBD per every 1 lb of body weight. Not that hard, right? Always read the label to make sure you calculate the perfect dosage for your pet.
CBD Dog Treats vs. CBD Oil for Dogs – What's the Difference?
Whether through CBD oil, CBD capsules, or CBD treats, you should be getting the same incredible benefits no matter which product you go with. There are a few reasons to choose a treat over an oil, and vice versa. However, it all depends on your dog’s preference. Some dogs love the taste of dog treats. Others—specifically dogs with sensitive teeth—may prefer to ingest CBD through a few drops on their wet food.
What to Look for When Buying CBD for Your Dog
We all want the best products for our beloved pets. But finding the right brand that both fits your lifestyle and that your pet will love is tough. There’s no right way to discover your dream CBD product without a bit of trial and error. Nonetheless, there are criteria that every owner should consider when deciding on the CBD brand of their dreams. The brands chosen on this list represent these ideals and more:
- Natural ingredients
- CBD quality
- Price/value
- Potency Options
- Brand reputation
Conclusion
CBD is a new and exciting product that has taken the wellness market by storm. Hundreds of dog CBD brands are out there competing for your attention. Amid this consumer hysteria, three brands emerge prominently in the pack: HolistaPet, Pet Hemp Company, and Healthy Petables. For numerous reasons, these brands have earned the top spots on our short list. As you assess potential CBD purchases, be sure your CBD dog products contain all-natural ingredients, come with a COA, and have easy-to-navigate purchasing process and great customer service. Do that, and you and your dog will be off to a great start.
*This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using a natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.