Best CBD Oils for Dogs in 2023 : Top Rated Products Reviewed
Dealing with an anxious pooch? Don't worry; we've all been there.
From out-of-town work to weekends with friends, situations will always require you to take some time away from your pet. And if you are worried about your dog showing symptoms of anxiety and restlessness, you should not be. Studies show that 7 in 10 dogs suffer from separation issues, with 72.5% displaying some form of anxiety.
How Did We Pick These CBD Oils for Dogs?
As natural as this response is, we've also compiled a list of the best CBD products to help your pet deal with this stress. Since your pooch's biology differs from yours, the type of CBD oils they need also varies.
For our selection, we've selected products from reputable brands like Joy Organics, CBDistillery, Endoca, Green Roads, and more. To ensure each of these items is safe for your pet, our list includes only those oils that fellow dog lovers have favorably reviewed as yourself.
List of the 10 Best CBD Oils for Dogs on the Market
- Best Rated CBD Oil for Dogs: The Anxious Pet
- Best Broad Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs: CBDFx
- Best Full Spectrum CBD Tincture for Dogs: CBDistillery
- Most Famous CBD Oil for Dogs: Charlotte's Web
- Best Organic CBD Oil for Dogs: Joy Organics
- Best CBD Oil for Small Size Dogs: Green Roads
- Best CBD Oil for Large Size Dogs: Endoca
- Best Flavoured CBD Oil for Dogs: Medterra
- Newly Discovered: Nuleaf CBD Oil for Dogs
- Cheapest CBD Oil for Dogs: Miraflora
From potentially calming anxiety and aggression to helping with joint inflammation, the following CBD oils are some of the most effective cannabidiol-infused products currently available. Backed by industry renown and customer satisfaction, you will surely find a satisfactory product for your pet from among these brands.
1. Best-Rated CBD Oil for Dogs: The Anxious Pet
As a top emerging brand, CBD oils for dogs by Anxious Pet are sure to be of high quality. For example, the company's products are third-party lab tested to ensure complete transparency. In addition, the brand's CBD oils use a full spectrum of CBD and fractionated coconut oil.
The latter ingredients help the CBD be absorbed better into the pet system as they are specially formulated into minute particles. The added 60 days satisfaction guarantee attached makes these CBD oils a dream purchase.
Pros:
- Specially Fractionated Carrier Oil
- Full Spectrum Blend
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
Cons:
- Pricier Product
2. Best Broad Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs: CBDFx
Few brands offer CBD oils for dogs with strengths varying from 250 mg to 2000 mg – CBDfx is one of these companies. The four strength variations target dogs of different sizes, ranging from small to extra large breeds.
The brand's broad spectrum oils are available in natural chicken flavor and are infused in coconut MCT oil to make them more palatable to your pets. All their products are vegan, organic, and GMO-free.
Pros:
- Available in Four Strengths
- Organic, Vegan, GMO-Free
- Verified Potency
Cons:
- Broad Spectrum Does Not Suit All Dogs
3. Best Full Spectrum CBD Tincture for Dogs: CBDistillery
If a full spectrum CBD oil is on your list, you should not miss a chance to try CBDistillery's CBD oils for dogs. All of the brand's products are made in the US using GMO-free ingredients. In addition, CBDistillery's CBD oil is third-party lab tested and offers 20 mg CBD per 1 ml serving.
Pros:
- Hemp Authority Certified
- Cruelty-Free Product
- 10 mg CBD Per 1 m of Product
Cons:
- Can be pricey
4. Most Famous CBD Oil for Dogs: Charlotte's Web
A full spectrum blend and chicken flavor are always a winning combo in pet CBD products. Charlotte's web's CBD oil for dogs is a classic pet item made from GMO-free US-grown hemp.
The brand uses no toxins like pesticides when rearing their hemp to avoid harming your pet. In addition, the oil is tested for quality more than 20 times before being approved for sale.
Pros:
- Quality tested
- Chicken Flavor
- GMO-Free
Cons:
- Limited Flavors
5. Best Organic CBD Oil for Dogs: Joy Organics
The organic label for Joy Organics' CBD Tincture for dogs isn't just an unsubstantiated claim. This brand is one of the few countries possessing a USDA Certified Organic certification for pet oil. The brand uses minimal, high-grade organic ingredients to achieve this important certification.
The only components of Joy Organic’s pet CBD oil are organic olive oil and broad spectrum hemp extract. Because of this bare makeup, these tinctures can easily work with food, water, or dog treats.
Pros:
- USDA Certified Organics
- Organic Broad Spectrum Oil
Cons:
- Higher Priced Product
6. Best CBD Oil for Small Size Dogs: Green Roads
These Pet Drops from Green Roads are targeted at small-sized dogs with a body mass of up to 15 pounds. The dosage of these oils is also measured to match the size of your pet at 2 mg CBD per ml of product.
Green Roads uses no artificial flavors or colors in their products, instead keeping the oil gluten-free. To ensure faster and more effective delivery, the ingredients are kept to a minimum and limited to only CBD and carrier oils. This formulation is perfect for small breeds, as evidenced by Nikki M's review – “definitely helps my chihuahua relax.”
Pros:
- Targeted at Small Dogs
- Mild Formula
- Vegan
Cons:
- Misleading Discounts
7. Best CBD Oil for Large Size Dogs: Endoca
Endoca's Raw CBD Oils are your best bet if your problems involve a large dog. Each 150 ml bottle from this brand contains 1500 mg CBD. Other cannabinoids, omegas, vitamins, and minerals are also present in this blend.
Endoca's range is organic, vegan, gluten-free, and GMO-free for top-notch purity.
Pros:
- Impressive Terpene Profile
- Lab Tested
- Well-Developed Delivery Routes
Cons:
- Involves Foreign Shipping
8. Best Flavoured CBD Oil for Dogs: Medterra
Which dog can resist the flavor of meat? Keeping this in mind, Medterra offers chicken, beef, and original variants. Since the brand uses an organic MCT oil, these flavors are enhanced by natural fatty acids.
To ensure maximum grade purity, Medterra uses lab-tested CBD that is 99.6% pure. Aided by the full spectrum blend and four strength variations, these products make for an attractive addition to your pet's routine.
Pros:
- Available in Four Strengths
- Flavors Include Beef and Chicken
Cons:
- Not Always Effective
9. Newly Discovered: Nuleaf CBD Oil for Dogs
Available in three strengths of 300 mg, 900 mg, and 1800 mg, the Full Spectrum CBD Oil for NuLeaf is quickly becoming a favorite among pet owners. The anxiolytic benefits of this product are very real, as evidenced by anecdotal data – Shaeleigh W writes, “actually works for my dog with seizures and anxiety.”
All of the brand's products are made to ensure utmost purity – their hemp is organically grown in Colorado and extracted using a CO2 extraction. And with 60 mg cannabidiol per ml of product, these CBD oils for dogs are a no-brainer as an all-rounder item.
Pros:
- US Grown Hemp
- 60 mg CBD Per ml
- Full Spectrum, Organic Oil
Cons:
- May Cause Gastrointestinal Disturbance at First
10. Cheapest CBD Oil for Dogs: Miraflora
If price is an issue, Miraflora's CBD Dog Tincture is your product. Despite prices starting as low as $34 per pack, the brand does not scrimp on quality. All of their CBD products are made from US-grown single-source hemp.
The brand also possesses a USDA Organic Certification for its natural farming practices and hemp cultivation.
Pros:
- Attractive Prices
- 100% Single Source Hemp
- USDA Certified Organic
Cons:
- Limited Brand Exposure
How Can CBD Oil Works for Dogs?
Even though humans and dogs have varying biological makeup and constitutions, the effects of CBD oil are remarkably similar. The chief component of CBD oil is the compound cannabidiol. It is one of the 120+ phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, second most populous only to THC.
This substance can replicate all the beneficial effects of cannabis without reproducing the unrequired psychotropic side effects. For example, CBD use in dogs can help with joint inflammation, anxiety, behavioral issues, and more. This compound offers all these benefits without causing any hallucinogenic after effects.
In both humans and dogs, cannabidiol works by targeting the endocannabinoid system. This system functions based on compounds called endocannabinoids. The EDS, also called, is a vast collection of neurotransmitters and hormones carrying messages and responses throughout the body.
These external, plant-based compounds, called phytocannabinoids, help regulate the functioning of the body's various systems. When you administer CBD oil to your dog, the cannabinoids (including CBD) in the product react with the cannabinoids existing within the body. This interaction promotes overall wellness and balance in your pet's health.
Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil for Dogs
Dogs have a more sensitive constitution than humans, especially regarding CBD use. If used incorrectly, cannabidiol oils can cause side effects like
Drowsiness
Studies on human participants show that when used in excess, CBD oil has the potential to cause lethargy and drowsiness. Sedation is a common symptom of excessive CBD use, and anecdotes from dog owners verify this.
Administering large amounts of CBD oil can make your dog sleepy, temporarily affecting your pet's motor function.
Dry Mouth
CBD oil, especially when administered, can cause your dog to have a dry mouth. These products contain many cannabis plant matter, including terpenes, which affect the mouth's saliva production. This, in turn, causes dryness in the mouth.
However, this is a minor, temporary condition, and saliva production returns to normal once the effects of the XBD oil have faded.
CBD Oil for Dogs Reviews: What Do Vets Think About it
Surveys conducted by the Veterinary Information Network reveal a disparate and somewhat fragmented reaction of the vet community to CBD oil. Despite 80% of veterinarians agreeing that CBD has minimal to no adverse effects, most doctors are hesitant to directly recommend CBD for your pets.
Due to the absence of concrete, reliable data, the US Food and Drugs Administration has not officially given the green light for CBD products. One of the main reasons behind this is the FDA's refusal to recognize CBD as a medical product. No cannabidiol-infused items, including oils, have been authorized for human and dog use.
Despite their obvious benefits, vets are reluctant to prescribe CBD oils for dogs because many studies conducted on CBD are human-based. The few research surrounding animals use laboratory rats or placebos, making them unfit for real-world applications. The hesitation to prescribe CBD oils for dogs also arises from the lack of canine-specific research.
However, despite these blockages to CBD oils for dogs, the Veterinary Information Network survey highlights that 62% of the vets believe that CBD oil can treat anxiety, and 79% even agree that it could help with chronic pain.
How To Choose CBD Oil for Your Dog?
When it comes to CBD oils and CBD products, generally, dogs tend to have a higher sensitivity than humans. Therefore a similar amount of cannabidiol is likely to have a different effect on your dog than it would on you. For these reasons, you must be extra vigilant when choosing CBD oils for dogs.
One of the most important precautions is avoiding giving your pet CBD oils for human use. You should only use pet-targeted products on your pooch, as the ingredients found in oils for human use can be toxic for dogs. For example, xylitol is a commonly used substance in CBD oils, and while this does not affect humans, on dogs, the substance can cause issues like
- Hepatic Failure
- Loss of Motor Functioning
- Seizures and more
In addition, THC or tetrahydro cannabidiol, which primarily produces psychotropic reactions in humans, can be toxic for dogs. This compound is known to produce effects like
- Urinary Inconsistency
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Hyperactivity
It is best to consult a vet before choosing your CBD oil to avoid issues like this.
When purchasing cannabidiol-infused oils, you should look for a broad-spectrum product. The ingredients in full spectrum products include terpenes, flavonoids, cannabinoids, natural fats, and more. These items tend to have the full benefits of the cannabis plant. And according to the “entourage effect,” CBD performs better when used alongside all the cannabis components.
Besides providing access to all these hemp compounds, broad-spectrum CBD oils also have no THC. This quality helps avoid unnecessary health risks and potential run-ins with the law. The US FDA allows only 0.3% of THC in CBD products, and a THC-free broad spectrum CBD oil helps avoid violating these rules.
However, if your dog is particularly sensitive, even to the terpenes in broad spectrum oils, you should consider switching to a CBD Isolate oil containing only pure cannabidiol. These products are perfect for smaller dogs or pets with many allergies.
How To Correctly Give CBD Oil to Your Dog?
As with humans, CBD oils for dogs are most effective when used undiluted, and the sublingual/oral intake method is the best way to administer the oil to your pet. However, just like you, your dog may not find the taste of hemp. Using raw CBD oil also causes dry mouth, which may be uncomfortable for your furry friend.
In such cases, you can try mixing CBD oil in dog treats before feeding them to your pet (or buying the best CBD treats for dogs). This method allows your pooch to consume the product without experiencing the lasting aftertaste of hemp. For a better measure, you can also add the product to their drinks.
If you plan to use your CBD primarily in the food, you should opt for an alcohol-based tincture rather than an oil-based CBD. Since these products are water soluble, cannabidiol is likely to be absorbed better by both the food and the body.
However, if your dog can get used to the taste, a dropper-based system is still recommended to administer CBD to your pet. This system helps regulate dosage easily (via the marked glass dropper) while ensuring direct and unconcentrated product delivery.
Though there is no uniform dose recommended dose for CBD oil for dogs, 0.09 mg per pound of your dog's weight can be a sensible measure to use. However, these factors often change depending on your dog's size, breed, and symptoms. For this reason, it is best to see a vet before using CBD oil for your dog.
Pros & Cons of Using CBD Oil for Your Dog
Pros
Easy Dosage: Depending on their size, breed, and symptoms require varying levels of CBD oil. For example, A mastiff is more likely to require higher amounts of CBD oil than your average chihuahua. With some CBD products, this dosage is difficult to adjust because they are available in pre-packaged doses.
CBD oils for dogs help you avoid such issues as these products let you adjust the intake amount as per your needs. The marked glass dropper makes administering CBD easy, convenient, and precise.
Minor Side Effects: Because of their relatively fewer and less potent side effects, CBD oils have the potential to be an effective alternative to pharmaceuticals. Vets typically prescribe drugs like trazodone to treat anxiety in dogs. The side effects of trazodone include disorientation, paralysis, seizures, and even death.
The dizziness and drowsiness caused by improper CBD use seem minor.
Cons
Uncertain Effect: One of the downsides of using CBD oil for dogs is the lack of proper research. Most brand benefits are based on anecdotal evidence rather than cold, hard scientific facts. CBD-based research is primarily human-oriented, and the few studies into the effects of cannabidiol on animals are based on rat-based experiments.
As a result, there is always an air of uncertainty when using CBD oils for dogs.
Conclusion: What is the Best CBD Oil for Dogs?
The best CBD oils are aimed chiefly and only at dogs. There is a common misconception that the cannabidiol-infused oils you use can also be effective for your pets. While this can be true, human-use products may contain ingredients like THC and Xylitol, which can have severe, even fatal, consequences for your dogs.
To avoid such issues, you should always buy from reputable brands offering third-party testing results for their products.
Sources:
- https://www.procon.org/headlines/marijuana-for-pets-top-3-pros-and-cons/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/does-cbd-work-for-dogs/
- https://amcma.org/blog/article/the-pros-cons-of-using-cbd-with-your-pet
- https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2302&context=open_access_theses
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/trazodone
- https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/marijuana-toxicity-in-dogs/
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs
I have been writing several articles on the Internet about natural products and eco-friendly ways to help with general wellbeing. I became interested in CBD when I traveled to the US. I believe everyone should have access to reviews and testimonials to obtain quality and certified products.
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