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With so many prescription pills available for treating the ailments that dogs deal with, how could it even be possible that a natural medicinal product like CBD oil for dogs could have the same wellness benefits? And without any side effects? Seems kind of hard to believe. We don’t blame you because it does sound too good. But the fact is, there are several studies that have demonstrated how CBD oil works for dogs. It’s known to help reduce symptoms associated with anxiety, which improves overall behavior and mood. It’s also demonstrated incredible results when assisting dogs who have seizure disorders by creating calm and relaxation in their bodies that prevents severe seizures from detrimentally affecting them. It’s also a great anti-inflammatory, which is perfect for dogs who need a natural pain reliever. Plus, CBD products are known to improve skin conditions as well.
Even if you have doubts, you still arrived at the right place. We wanted to create a thorough guide for you to review several brands that offer CBD oil made specifically for dogs. Good news: we found the top five best CBD oils for dogs. We explain exactly how we set out on our search, we let you know what we looked for (and what you should be looking for as well), and we highlight our favorite CBD products. We know you have questions, so toward the end of this article, you’ll find that we answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
Top 5 Best CBD Oil for Dogs
- HolistaPet – Editor’s Choice
- CBDfx – Runner Up
- Penelope’s Bloom – Honorable Mention
- Anxious Pet – Soothing Oil
- Petly – Vet Inspired Formula
How Did We Choose These CBD Oils?
For us to provide you with an unbiased and informative review of all of these brands and CBD oil for dogs products, we had to first create a framework that we could use to keep our search focused and thorough.
- First, we looked at CBD oils that have been medically reviewed and that are highly touted by customers whose pets have used the CBD oil for dogs. Pet owners are very transparent when reviewing CBD oil products that are meant to help the health of their beloved four-legged companions. They don’t mince words and that helps us pick out the brands with the best CBD oil for dogs that actually follow through with their promises.
- We always double check that the brands we recommend send all their batches out for independent lab testing. Although in-house lab testing may be more cost-effective and convenient, we prefer to highlight brands that take the time to get a third-party analysis to confirm the purity, the potency, and the safety of their best CBD oil for dogs.
- We also analyze product descriptions. We like to know what ingredients are included in the formula of the pet CBD oil and we look for links that send us to third-party lab test results. Through product descriptions, we can also figure out what the CBD source is and what kind of farming practices the manufacturer engages in, plus we can learn about the extraction method and their overall production process. Additionally, we can gain insight into how much CBD oil is recommended for dogs of different sizes.
- Finally, we recommend CBD oil for dogs that we have tried with our own pets at home. Having a first-hand experience with each of the CBD products we highlight gives us a better understanding from which to explain exactly how they work.
Reviews & Analysis of the 5 Best CBD Oil for Dogs
1. HolistaPet – Editor’s Choice
Pros:
- Cruelty free
- Broad-spectrum CBD oil (no THC)
- Lab tested
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons:
- No flavored CBD oil options available
HolistaPet offers broad-spectrum CBD oil for dogs that includes other cannabinoids. Broad-spectrum CBD refers to the pure hemp oil that is known to contain all of the cannabinoids, except it does not have THC. It originates from the hemp plant and you don’t have to worry; your dog won’t get “high”.
Broad-spectrum CBD contains vitamins and is a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Additionally, there are 20 amino acids included within the CBD oil. This formula contains 100% natural ingredients, it doesn’t have any additives or preservatives, and it’s manufactured in the USA. It’s formulated specifically for pets to use, and you can buy different concentrations ranging from 150 mg of CBD for pets under 20 pounds and up to 3000 mg of CBD for pets that weigh over 160 pounds.
If you love the pet CBD oil, you can subscribe and save 25% on all future purchases. The CBD oil is ideal if your pet suffers from separation anxiety, displays hyperactivity or aggressive behavior, or exhibits excessive barking and chewing behavior. It also helps to reduce inflammation, it supports your dog’s joints, his skin, his fur, and can even help with alleviating pain and gastrointestinal issues.
You can use this best CBD oil for dogs in a couple of different ways; you can add it to your dog’s treats, you can add it to his food bowl, you can place it directly into his mouth, or you can use it as a topical to help soothe dry skin. This formula also contains hemp seed oil, which is known to boost your pup’s immune system and keeps his skin and coat looking fabulous. You can find HolistaPet’s lab testing results directly on the website underneath the product description and they even include a CBD dosage chart for pets to make finding the right ones easy and convenient.
2. CBDfx – Runner Up
Pros:
- Spend $100 on tinctures and get 30% off
- Medically reviewed formula
- Free shipping on orders over $35
- Organic broad-spectrum CBD
Cons:
- Flash sales are not always available – act fast!
CBDFX offers CBD oil for dogs in a pet tincture that’s – get this – bacon flavored! It contains broad-spectrum CBD oil, it’s human grade, and vegan. It’s available in different concentrations for different sized breeds ranging from 250 mg of CBD up to 2000 mg of CBD per bottle.
This formula is perfect for creating natural, calming wellness. Since all dogs deserve only the best ingredients, this CBD oil contains organic, non-GMO, gluten free CBD that has a delicious smoky bacon flavor. This is one of the few CBD oils that is formulated to taste like an irresistible treat. You’ll be easily able to administer a few drops under the tongue or just enrich your doggo’s treats or food with more flavor. Your pup can enjoy maximum wellness benefits because CBDFX uses the highest standards to ensure high-quality CBD oil, meaning this formula is free of toxic pesticide residue and other harmful chemicals.
When you get the bottle out, your dog will know that he’s been a good boy! Of course he has, and he deserves all the rewards. But what makes CBD oil that tastes like bacon so perfect is that it’s also a beneficial and therapeutic supplement that improves your pooch’s overall health, helps with his mobility, and gives him a lasting sense of relaxation throughout his day. Who wouldn’t want that for their fur babe?
3. Penelope’s Bloom – Honorable Mention
Pros:
- Discount codes available (save up to 30% off)
- Fast acting formula
- Full-spectrum CBD oil
- Free shipping on all orders
Cons:
- Concentration options max out at 1000 mg
Penelope‘s Bloom is happy to announce that they’re now shipping to Canada, which is happy news for Canadian pets. Their full-spectrum CBD oil tincture for dogs contains premium CBD oil that is crafted with organic CBD, MCT oil, and chamomile. It’s formulated to be digested easily and deliver fast relaxing benefits. It’s available in four concentrations ranging between 250 mg for pets under 30 pounds and up to 1000 mg for pets over 120 pounds. If you choose to subscribe, you can save 20% on future purchases.
Penelope’s pet CBD tincture is the ideal vial of wellness for your favorite four-legged floof. Knowing how healing and calming chamomile is for humans, Penelope’s Bloom took the opportunity to infuse their CBD pet tincture with this anti-inflammatory, natural muscle relaxant. This formula is perfect to soothe pets who may be experiencing inflammation or pain; all while it supports healthy brain function and creates an overall contented mood.
The second most powerful ingredient in this formula is MCT oil, which is also known as coconut oil. It contains at least 90% saturated “good” fats, which are a great source of fuel and energy for your pup. MCT oil also serves as an anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial properties. Finally, their most essential ingredient is the full-spectrum CBD oil they use. This kind of CBD contains fatty acids, cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that naturally occur in the hemp plant. When combined, these ingredients create the perfect CBD pet tincture that has a subtle earthy flavor you can easily sneak in with treats or food.
Learn more at PenelopesBloom.com
4. Anxious Pet – Soothing Oil
Pros:
- 60-day money back guarantee
- Free shipping
- Formulated by veterinarians
- Multiple wellness benefits
Cons:
- Only two concentration options available
Anxiety is incredibly draining for both humans and pets. It wreaks havoc on the central nervous system and can completely strip away your pet’s natural personality. The Anxious Pet developed this organic hemp oil so you can easily help your pet feel at ease, no matter if you’re traveling or just hanging out at home. Anxiety doesn’t always have a specific trigger, and you know just how true this is if your love bug is a rescue. Along with lots of love and snuggles, CBD oil products can help your pup feel soothed wherever he is.
Anxiety can make your pup do all sorts of wild things. They could scratch up furniture, they could chew up your shoes, they could whine incessantly, or they could just pull disappearing acts whenever guests come inside your house. There’s a lot of anxiety related behavior that can be alleviated with this CBD oil made specifically for dogs. Along with helping your pet stay calm, this hemp oil for dogs also supports immune health and proper brain function. If your pup is dealing with any kind of pain, this formula also reduces inflammation and can help soothe skin irritation. As if anxiety weren’t enough, if your pet also suffers from seasonal allergies, this CBD oil helps to tackle those symptoms as well.
The ingredients list is straightforward; all this tincture contains is full-spectrum CBD oil and organic fractionated coconut oil. It’s available in two concentrations: either 400 mg or 800 mg of CBD. As soon as you order, you can expect your full-spectrum CBD oil to ship out for free the next business day and if you choose the auto refill option, you can save 30% off your total. You can find the certificate of analysis for both concentrations directly under the product description – The Anxious Pet keeps it simple for your convenience.
Learn more at TheAnxiousPet.com
5. Petly – Vet Inspired Formula
Pros:
- Multiple concentrations available
- Broad-spectrum hemp extract
- Helps to improve mobility
- Promotes a sense of calm
Cons:
- Currently no promotions for first time customers available
The pet hemp CBD offered by Petly is available in three different concentrations: 125 mg for small dogs, 250 mg for medium dogs, and 500 mg for large dogs. Similar to other offers, you can choose to subscribe and save 20% off your orders. These dog droppers were scientifically crafted and formulated with an organically grown hemp plant. All the formula contains is broad-spectrum hemp extract and MCT coconut oil.
This formula is proprietary and artfully blends the naturally occurring compounds and terpenes that are regularly found in broad-spectrum hemp oil. They always test their formulas through independent labs to confirm they’re non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and completely THC free. They skip past additives and preservatives and use human grade MCT oil. This formula is veterinarian approved and Petly CBD recommends that you use one full dropper once per day for your pet.
You can sign up for “pupdates” to be the first to receive information about new product releases and to gain access to exclusive promotions.
How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Pups?
There are a couple of factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best CBD products for your dog.
- First, look at the CBD source. There are three main types of CBD: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Since THC can affect dogs differently, for full-spectrum CBD be sure to confirm that there are only trace amounts and that the CBD oil you’re looking at is specially formulated for dogs.
- Second, make sure you verify the potency of the CBD oil. Proper dosage makes a difference between a product that is essentially useless and one that works miracles. Don’t make the false assumption that all CBD oils are the same.
- Third, look at the ingredients. The shorter the ingredients list, the better for your pup. Generally, you should only be looking at CBD oils that contain the two main ingredients: cannabinoid oil and a carrier oil, like MCT oil or hemp seed oil.
- Fourth, always confirm that the manufacturer is sending their CBD products out for third-party lab testing. You should be able to easily access lab results and a certificate of analysis that details the potency of each of their CBD products and the contaminant testing results. Read through the information to confirm that the CBD oil passes tests for heavy metals, molds, and pesticides, as all of these can be harmful to your dog.
Benefits of CBD Oil in Dogs
In order for you to understand how CBD oil benefits your dog, you should first understand what the endocannabinoid system is. Both you and your pup have this system in your bodies. This is the system that affects everything from your cognitive function to your heart health to your stomach health and even helps to regulate your mood. Just like it works for you, your dog’s endocannabinoid system also works for his whole body’s health.
A hemp plant contains cannabinoids and it’s no coincidence that the name sounds like “endocannabinoid”. Your dog’s body also naturally makes its own cannabinoids and this is why CBD oils are able to make such a wide reaching impact when ingested.
There are a growing number of clinical studies that are confirming how amazing CBD oil is with helping pets live extraordinary, healthful lives. Plus, there’s an overload of anecdotal evidence that tells of how effective CBD can be for alleviating a number of different conditions.
Since both you and your dog have the same endocannabinoid system, the studies that have been conducted on humans also show promise for how CBD oil can further impact dogs. In humans, CBD oil helps with alleviating symptoms associated with depression, it helps to increase appetite, it’s known to alleviate glaucoma, and it even helps with sleep disorders, like insomnia. As you read this, more and more studies are being conducted to confirm the many benefits CBD oil offers dogs.
What’s the Best Way to Give a Dog CBD Oil?
If you’re looking for fast results, the best way to give your dog CBD is to pour the CBD oil directly into his mouth. However, some dogs don’t like the natural flavor of CBD oils and may not want to ingest it this way.
Fortunately, you have several other alternatives. You can easily mix it in with their favorite dog food, you can sprinkle it on top of their treats, you can pour it into their water bowl, and you can even apply topically for spot treatments. Ultimately, the best way to give your dog CBD oil is the way he receives it best. We know some dogs are super picky, and you have to get creative especially when administering natural medicine. Even if you have to pour the CBD oil onto a piece of sizzling bacon and administer it that way, you do what you have to.
CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs
This is one of the most common questions pet parents ask when they first start a CBD oil regimen for their dog. How much CBD oil should you use? Manufacturers usually have a dosage chart that you can look at to determine what the best starting dose is. Usually this is based on weight and sometimes age. But just like your dog is your one and only, the way his body responds to CBD oil may be different to how another dog of the same breed, size, and weight responds.
Since many different factors can affect how CBD oil impacts your dog, keep an open mind when dosing. Start with the manufacturer’s recommended dose and allow a trial week to see how the effects show up for your pup. Depending on the type of ailment you’re treating, you may need to increase how much CBD oil you use. Some dogs may need just a little, while other dogs can handle a higher concentration and heftier dose. The best you can do is start slow and steady, observe how your dog responds, and then go from there.
To get more specific, the rule of thumb when calculating the right CBD oil dosage for dogs is to use .25 mg per pound. For instance, if you have a small dog that weighs 20 pounds, you may require 10 mg of CBD oil to help him manage his symptoms. If you notice that your dog isn’t experiencing the desired results, you can slowly increase the dose by .5 mg of CBD oil per pound.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs?
Yes, CBD oil is safe for dogs. So long as you’re purchasing from a reputable supplier and the formula does not contain any more than minute, trace amounts of THC, all your dog will experience are the many wellness benefits of CBD oil.
The overall safety of CBD oil for your dog is dependent on how much care and time you put into shopping for the right product. Some manufacturers cut costs to increase production and end up using artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals that can be very harmful for your pet. Along with using toxic compounds, many hemp farms also use genetically modified seeds which are inorganic and unhealthy for your dog’s body.
The best way for you to make sure that your pet isn’t consuming any of these toxic substances is to complete your due diligence when shopping for a good CBD oil for your pet. The manufacturers that we listed in this article meet all of these standards.
FAQ
Is CBD oil legal?
CBD derived from the hemp plant is fully legal in all 50 states. Local CBD businesses are becoming more commonplace, and online pet retailers like those listed in this article carry high-quality CBD tinctures created specifically for your canine companion.
How long before CBD starts working?
CBD can take as little as a few minutes and up to 45 minutes to start working on dogs. It depends on how quickly your dog’s body processes the CBD, which can be affected if he has a full meal already in his belly. Monitor for signs of relief after providing your pup with the recommended dose and adjust as needed until he’s calm and contented.
Can a dog overdose on CBD?
While it is possible to give your pet more CBD than is necessary, the most common negative effect is drowsiness. Don’t give your dog too much CBD if you want it to work correctly. Similarly, it’s important that you don’t under-dose. To obtain the intended results, CBD must be provided at the optimal dose.
Can you consult with your vet for CBD dosage recommendations?
Currently, federal and state regulations prohibit your veterinarian from providing you with any kind of formal for CBD products. Different veterinarians take different approaches, however. Many veterinarians avoid addressing CBD oil with clients because they don’t want to deal with any legal issues.
Other vets may not mind and may be more than willing to speak with you about CBD oil in a general way, without making any specific recommendations. No matter your vet’s stance on CBD, you should certainly let them know if you want to start your dog on CBD oil. It’s critical that your vet is aware just in case there are any potential interactions with other medications your pet may be taking or conditions he may be dealing with.
Is it better to shop for CBD online?
Both online and in-store purchases of CBD oil have advantages and disadvantages. Shopping for CBD oil online is a lot more convenient and grants you greater access to a wide variety of brands and products. You’re also able to easily view third-party lab test results with just a click on your mouse. Finally, before making a purchase, you can read reviews and learn more about a company’s reputation from the comfort of your own home. You can take advantage of coupon codes and other promotions and most brands offer free shipping – unless you love in-store shopping, finding your CBD oil online is a no-brainer.
Conclusion
Nobody knows your dog better than you and nobody loves your dog as much as you do. His food? Only the best. His toys? You don’t even want to know how much you’ve spent. The snuggles? Let’s not even get started on how much you love those. Dogs are man’s best friend for a reason – and caring for them is a complete joy. Part of that care, however, means being ready to deal with any health conditions that may arise. That includes vet bills, tough days, difficult emotions, and big decisions.
If you’re ready to give your dog CBD oil, you have a great set of manufacturers to choose from. If the bacon-flavored dog CBD oil sparked your interest, give it a shot! If you’re more drawn in by a flash sale, then place that order before the savings are no longer available. The best CBD oil for your pet is waiting to be shipped to your front doorstep.
Remember, the online marketplace for CBD products can get harrowing and confusing. Stick with well-vetted reputable companies that desire only the best for your pet. We can’t say enough good things about the CBD products we chose to share with you in this article and we hope you and your favorite lifetime companion can enjoy the benefits of CBD and enjoy long lives together.