The medicinal benefits of CBD are becoming more and more apparent by the day. What you may not have realized is that it can treat not just humans but canines, too. If that sounds surprising, there are a few things to consider.
For one, it can help treat chronic pain and even canine arthritis. That’s not even mentioning the impact that it has on other common ailments that dogs face, such as anxiety. Finding the right CBD dog treats is important, though.
CBD dog treats are a great way to get your pup to take their dose of CBD without having to trick them into doing so. Here are some of the best CBD dog treats currently on the market today.
Our Top 3 Brands for CBD Dog Treats Reviews
1. Royal CBD Dog Treats
When it comes to the best CBD dog treats, there is no debate about it: the consensus is that Royal CBD is hands down the best treat maker out there. First and foremost, they are all-natural and sourced from organic Colorado hemp.
Even better, they are voted as the top CBD brand for dogs in 2021 by famous publishers like Redmond Reporter, Herald Net, Modern Dog Magazine, and more. They produce start-to-finish in the same facility, so there is no doubt about its processing.
With less than 0.3% THC, there is no need to worry about that “high” that you may have been told about. If that weren’t enough, Royal CBD dog treats are also dairy- and gluten-free to make them an even healthier choice.
There are also different flavors for the different offerings. Pumpkin and cinnamon spice treats are for those dogs that have arthritis, mobility, or joint issues, and have turmeric and other supplements that promote joint health. Meanwhile, peanut butter and green have chamomile to help dogs that suffer from anxiety and stress. Finally, the sweet potato and blueberry treat put a focus on the immune system and heart health.
What We Liked
- Organic hemp extraction
- Produced start-to-finish in the same local facility
- All-natural, gluten- and dairy-free, vegan
- Full-spectrum CBD
- Multiple flavors, different supplements that address specific issues
What We Didn’t Like
- Dosage may be too much for smaller dogs
- More expensive than some of the others
2. Gold Bee CBD Goofy Bones
Despite what the name implies, these aren’t the kind of treats that will leave your dog feeling goofy. Gold Bee has removed any trace of THC from their whole-hemp cannabidiol that they use to make Goofy Bones.
A full-spectrum CBD contains flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids that provide the full entourage effect of cannabidiol. The big difference between Gold Bee and Royal CBD is the extraction process. The latter uses CO2 extraction, whereas Gold Bee uses cold-press methodology. That makes Gold Bee slightly less medically effective than Royal CBD.
Despite the difference in extraction, they are not only quite effective, but they also have a slightly higher CBD content than Royal CBD. With organically grown, high-quality hemp, and different flavor options such as pumpkin and bacon, these treats are a great alternative.
What We Liked
- Organic US hemp
- Larger dosage for bigger dogs
- Bacon flavoring
- Full-spectrum CBD
What We Didn’t Like
- Limited flavor options
- Slightly less potent than the CO2 extraction method
3. Hempure CBD Pet Chews
What separates the Hempure CBD pet chews from the Goofy Bones is that they are in a much softer, more chewable texture. There is also another major difference here: whereas the two previous products feature 5 mg and 6 mg of CBD alike, Hempure Chews have just 2 mg in each piece.
There are similarities, though. They have all traces of THC taken out of their full-spectrum CBD products. They use the CO2 extraction method of Royal CBD while also ensuring that their products are GMO-free. There are a few ingredients – glycerine, sodium alginate, brewer’s yeast – that get added to the mix, so check the label before buying.
Still a good product, the biggest hang-up is the extra ingredients. Those with smaller dogs will appreciate the much smaller 2 mg dosage per chew, making it the perfect alternative. Just make sure that you know the ingredients being added prior to purchase.
What We Liked
- Lower price point
- Uses CO2 extraction for organically-grown hemp
- A softer, chewy texture that may be better for some dogs
What We Didn’t Like
- No THC content at all, which lessens the entourage effect
- Not a gluten-free option
- Only one flavor
- Additives that the others do not contain
- Smaller dosage than other CBD dog treats
How to Choose the Best CBD Treats for your Dogs?
Not every dog faces the same challenges. Bigger dogs – labs and German shepherds – tend to have a higher susceptibility to osteoarthritis. Dogs that are up there in age are at risk for their own set of painful diseases.
In the past, vets would have recommended certain supplements such as chondroitin or glucosamine. There were also pet versions of things such as Novox or Rimadyl to provide inflammation and pain relief for those arthritic ailments.
But CBD is becoming a more popular option for helping pets treat those chronic conditions. It makes for a great way to help your dog live more comfortably and manage their arthritis pain without the nasty side effects that can come with medication.
Even better, there are a ton of different ways (aside from treats) that you can implement CBD into your dog’s life. A little bit of hemp oil in their food or under the tongue, topical creams, and even capsules can be given to your dog safely.
But the easiest and most satisfactory method is through hemp dog treats. Your dog will generally gobble them up. Moreover, you don’t have to fight with them to put drops on their tongue or mask anything in their food. Besides, they will know. They always know.
Making the right choice is important, though. Knowing all there is to know about CBD and how it can impact your dog is also smart. Here is what to know.
Why CBD Is a Good Idea
Though there have only been a few studies specifically surrounding the impact of CBD on animals, they have been quite positive. They point to the effectiveness of CBD in treating a comprehensive and common range of medical conditions that dogs typically contend with.
There are even some findings that are specific to dogs themselves. For one, dogs suffering from osteoarthritis can experience increased comfort and even lead to improved activity.
For dogs that battle seizures caused by epilepsy, CBD can help reduce the total number of said seizures. CBD and cannabis have a long-standing history of being used by humans to combat the seizures caused by epilepsy.
CBD has also shown the potential to slow the growth of cancer in both humans and dogs. Where CBD bridges the gap between humans and dogs is that it helps to relieve chronic pain associated with arthritis, cancer, and neurological issues.
CBD, in particular, is excellent at treating and reducing chronic inflammation. Moreover, it can help to reduce and ease the effects caused by inflammatory diseases. It may even be able to help with the treatment of anxiety orders.
There certainly are prescription medications or supplements that you can give to your dog to help treat these issues. That said, CBD products do not have many (if any) side effects whereas those medications can produce side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and so on.
CBD Oil or CBD Treats?
In some of the sections above, we touched on the various ways that you can introduce CBD into your dog’s diet. While treats are the advisable method, they certainly are not the only way to provide CBD to your dog.
It is important to realize the drawbacks of each method for administering CBD to your dog. When it comes to treats, it is important to note that the biggest drawback is in the potency. Simply put, CBD treats are generally less potent than using CBD oil for your canine friend.
Another thing to consider is the heat of the food should you use oil. Too much heat can potentially break the CBD down. For instance, when the temperature hits the 350-degree mark, cannabidiol can be rendered useless. Dog treats that get the low and slow treatment, theoretically safer for preventing dilution, still have reduced potency.
Another thing to consider is that most of the treat producers aren’t exactly giving instructional videos on their production methods. What does that mean? Well, you don’t truly know just how reduced the potency may be.
It may also take a little bit of trial and error when you are figuring out dosages for your dog. Despite what the package suggests, there is a chance that your dog may be getting a smaller dosage than what is needed to be truly effective.
Another thing to keep an eye out for is artificial or added ingredients. There are some natural additives that can help to boost your dog’s health – think turmeric for lower inflammation and increased mobility, or chamomile to help relieve anxiety and stress.
But there may be artificial preservatives or flavors in the treats as opposed to the capsules or oil. Make sure that you always check the label to read the ingredients before making your choice. Go with the choice that is as natural as can be to ensure that your dog gets the greatest benefit.
What to Look for When Choosing From CBD Dog Treats
Simply picking the best packaging is not the only thing required when buying dog treats. For instance, the type of cannabidiol that the producer uses will determine just how effective those CBD treats will wind up being.
There are also a few other considerations to keep in mind. When choosing from CBD products, those made from organic hemp are much more preferable to those that are not. Non-organic hemp can have toxins or pesticides in them. Moreover, US hemp farmers are held to much higher standards than just about anywhere else.
The extraction method is another important thing to keep an eye on. Generally, those using the carbon dioxide extraction method (supercritical CO2 or CO2 extraction is preferable) have a better distillation process than those using cold press or steam. Any CBD that has been extracted using solvents should be avoided.
If you have any questions about the CBD dog treats that you are purchasing, just check the COA. All CBD products – yes, that includes dog treats – will come with one. It is a certification of analysis that third-party lab evaluations produce. The COA guarantees the amount of THC, CBD, and any other components within the product. The COA also guarantees that the manufacturer is confident in what they are selling, enough so to let an outside company test it.
Full-spectrum CBD (also known as broad-spectrum) tends to be the superior option. It retains most of the flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids within the hep plant. They all work to boost the medicinal power of the CBD through what is known as the “entourage effect.”
Finally, the best CBD dog treats out there will come from reputable companies that have an established track record. Customers will have used them, left reviews, and will stand behind the product. If you have to question the manufacturer, you can likely find a better CBD dog treat.
Conclusion
There is plenty to consider when buying CBD dog treats. The key is to offer multiple flavors to ensure that your pup is getting what it needs. Depending on the choices available, you can even target specific points of wellness with the right treats.
Dogs are just like us in that they deal with chronic issues, pain included. Giving them a way to feel better and manage those ailments is critical to their long-term health and happiness.
Being able to make the right choice for your dog is also crucial. Knowing the best choices available on the market today can mean the difference in a happier, healthier lifestyle for your pet. You will never go back to those general treats again.
