CBD isn’t just for humans anymore! Dog owners are increasingly realizing the benefits of CBD oil for their furry companions. CBD can help anxious dogs relax. It can also ease pain and inflammation, and many dog owners find it keeps older dogs more limber. If you’re going to give your dog CBD oil, it’s important to use a product made specifically for pets. The best CBD oil for dogs really depends on your dog’s particular needs.
To help you make a wise choice for your canine pal, we reviewed the most popular pet CBD oil products. We quickly discovered there were a lot of great options, but we managed to whittle down the options to what we believe are the five best CBD oil for dogs products. Every one of our picks for best CBD oil for dogs listed here is potent, reliable, and well-liked by canine and human customers.
Top 5 CBD Oils for Dogs
- Penelope’s Bloom – Best Choice: CBD Oil for Dogs
- Holistapet – Best For Small Dogs
- CBDfx – Best Variety
- CBDistillery – Best Tasting
- MedTerra – Great Support
Reviews: Best CBD Oil for Dogs
Many CBD companies have begun branching out and offering products made for pets. They formulate these CBD oils and treats with ingredients that are safe for dogs. They also make sure the products taste great and that the potency is well-suited to dogs’ needs. We have to admit — choosing just 5 products to feature here was not easy. However, we’re confident each one of these oils has something unique to offer while still offering the same, consistent relaxation and relief you can expect from CBD.
1. Penelope’s Bloom – Best Choice: CBD Oil for Dogs
When you have a very large dog, you sometimes need to give them multiple droppers of a less-potent CBD oil. If you have to give them too large of a dose, they may not like it.
Penelope’s Bloom solves this problem. They have a 1000 mg CBD oil made specifically for extra large dogs in addition to their four other sizes.
The company sources their ingredients carefully and is transparent in their marketing. Since they specifically make CBD products for pets, and not for humans, they’ve taken the time to perfect their formulas — including their CBD oil-infused peanut butter that dogs are obsessed with.
Pros:
- Comes in multiple strength for dogs of all sizes
- Contains chamomile for enhanced relaxation
- Fast-acting and easily absorbed
- Full-spectrum CBD oil
Cons:
- Must close dropper bottle carefully to prevent leaks
Top Products to Try
Penelope’s Bloom Pet CBD Oil is an excellent choice for anxious, nervous, and restless dogs. It’s formulated with chamomile, a herb that works well with CBD to enhance its calming properties. Many reviewers find this oil helps their dogs relax prior to a walk or visit to the dog park. Penelope’s Bloom Pet CBD Oil for dogs is vegan and all-natural. You can use the included dropper to dispense the oil directly into your dog’s mouth or into their food bowl.
Learn more at PenelopesBloom.com
2. Holistapet – Best For Small Dogs
Dogs need different doses of CBD oil depending on their size. Most brands offer a few different potencies, including one for smaller dogs. However, Holistapet goes above and beyond on this aspect, which is why we chose them as the Best for Small Dogs. Their dog CBD oil comes in a 150 mg strength for tiny dogs — something not all brands offer.
We were also impressed with Holistapet’s formulas, which contain superfoods, 100% natural ingredients, and zero preservatives or additives.
Pros:
- THC-free, broad-spectrum CBD oil
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Made with organic superfoods
- Comes in multiple potencies, including options for tiny dogs
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Only one flavor option
Top Products to Try
Holistapet CBD Oil for Dogs receives rave reviews from customers. Some use it to keep their dogs calm and deter bothersome behaviors while they’re not home. Others find it helpful for calming down anxious dogs. This is a broad-spectrum CBD oil for dogs that uses protein-rich hemp seed oil as a carrier oil. The 150 mg strength works well for tiny dogs such as chihuahuas and miniature pinschers. While the oil has a natural hemp flavor, most dogs happily eat it in their food.
If you have both dogs and cats, we recommend trying Holistapet CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats. It’s also a broad-spectrum CBD oil with no THC and has the added benefit of CBG. Customers enjoy the convenience of being able to give their dogs and cats the same CBD oil tinctures. It comes in three strengths: 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg.
3. CBDfx – Best Variety
CBDfx is a heavy-hitter in the human CBD industry, and their pet CBD line has received a lot of well-deserved attention lately, too. They offer a good selection of CBD oil for dogs and cats. All of their products are cruelty-free and backed by a 60-day guarantee. We were also impressed by their medical review process and the fact that they send their oils out for third-party lab testing.
Pros:
- Human grade ingredients
- CBD oils come in multiple potencies
- Vegan, non-GMO, organic CBD oil
- Delicious chicken and bacon flavors
Cons:
- Some users find the droppers hard to squeeze
Top Products to Try
One of our favorite CBDfx products is their Dog Tincture. Reviewers say this organic CBD oil helps their dogs relax during stressful episodes such as fireworks or trips to the vet. Some use it to keep older, arthritic dogs pain-free and comfortable. CBDfx Dog Tincture comes in multiple potencies, ranging from 250 mg to 2000 mg. It’s vegan, but dogs seem to love the chicken flavor.
CBDfx Pet Tincture is another good option. This oil can be used for both dogs and cats, making it a good option if you have both kinds of pets. The natural bacon flavor entices even the pickiest of dogs. This CBD oil also comes in four strengths: 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg, and 2000 mg. Reviewers use it for everything from stress relief to inflammation control. You can give it to your dog straight from the dropper or drizzle it over their food.
4. CBDistillery – Best Tasting
CBD is a wonderful pain reliever for dogs because it is natural, affordable, and does not cause worrisome side effects. If you’re giving your dog CBD oil specifically for pain, we recommend trying a product from CBDistillery. This company uses only non-GMO hemp grown with natural farming practices. They stand behind their products with a 60-day guarantee, and they’re an active member of U.S. Hemp Roundtable. CBDistillery has an excellent selection of full-spectrum CBD oil for dogs, which tends to be most effective against pain. Their products are also very affordable and priced lower than a lot of competitors — another reason why this is the best CBD oil for dogs in pain.
Pros:
- Full-spectrum CBD options for enhanced pain relief
- Multiple strengths available
- Affordably priced
- Made with cold-pressed, non-GMO hemp oil
- Third-party lab tested
Cons:
- No flavored options; only natural hemp flavor
Top Products to Try
Whether you’re using CBD oil for pain, anxiety, or behavior modification, CBDistillery CBD Pet Tincture is a great choice. Although this CBD hemp oil is not flavored, pet owners say their dogs willingly eat it on their food. The oil comes in two strengths, so you can pick the one best suited to your dog’s needs. Since it’s a full-spectrum CBD oil, it contains other cannabinoids in addition to CBD. These compounds work with the CBD to enhance its pain relieving effects. Dogs with serious arthritis and painful injuries do well with this CBD oil for dogs.
Learn more at TheCBDistillery.com
5. Medterra – Great Support
Most dogs don’t mind the natural hemp taste of CBD oil, but some do. If your dog is one of them, we recommend trying a dog CBD oil from Medterra. This company sells their CBD oils in three flavors: unflavored, beef, and chicken. Choose your dog’s favorite, and watch them enjoy their new remedy.
Medterra sends all of their CBD products for lab testing, so you can be confident in the potency of the oil you order. They offer three different concentrations in 30 mL and 15 mL bottles.
Pros:
- Multiple flavor options
- Choose from three product strengths
- Lab tested for potency and purity
- Made with human-grade ingredients
Cons:
- No broad-spectrum or full-spectrum options
Top Products to Try
Whether your dog is in pain or acting out, Medterra Pet CBD Drops is one of the best CBD oils to try. Choose the strength needed based on your dog’s weight, and pick out their favorite flavor. Reviewers say this oil kicks in quickly and works even better when given on a daily basis.
Medterra recommends giving it with food, so most customers use it to top-dress their dogs’ meals. Medterra Pet CBD Drops are made with CBD isolate, so they’re a good choice for dogs who become too drowsy with a full-spectrum CBD oil or broad-spectrum oil.
How Did We Select Our Top CBD Oil for Dogs?
With the dog CBD oil market growing so quickly, we had to be pretty selective in creating this list. We enlisted the help of our own canine companions and those of a few associates. As we sampled and tried various CBD products, here are the key things we paid attention to.
- Did the dogs seem to like the taste?
- How quickly did the effects set in?
- Did the dogs seem more relaxed and at-ease after being given the CBD oil?
- What changes in behavior did we notice after giving the dogs the CBD oil?
- Did dogs with arthritis seem more comfortable after taking the product?
In addition to doing our own assessments, we read a lot of reviews. If numerous customers seemed to like a pet CBD oil for specific reasons, we took that seriously. Sometimes, a pattern emerged in the reviews, making it clear that a certain product had great advantages over others.
Company integrity was also really important to us. In particular, we only selected companies that lab-test their CBD products. We also looked for companies with an established track record of good customer service, transparent marketing, and detailed labeling. Companies that go out of their way to source organic, vegan, and non-GMO ingredients got extra “points” in our book.
Things to Consider When Buying CBD Oil for Dogs
When buying CBD oil for your dog, it is important to read product descriptions and reviews closely. Compare and contrast a few different oils, and select the one that best suits your dog’s needs. Here are the key things to pay attention to as you consider various CBD oils.
Potency
The larger and heavier your dog, the more CBD they will need for relief. Small dogs only need a tiny dose of CBD. Large dogs need quite a lot. So, it is important to buy CBD oil tinctures with a potency suited to your dog’s size. This way, you won’t find yourself having to give your large dog 5 droppers of less-potent oil or your small dog half a drop of highly concentrated oil.
Every brand designs their lineup of CBD products a bit differently. In general, though, you will want a CBD oil around 150 to 250 mg for a smaller dog. For a medium dog, a 300 or 500 mg oil works well, and large and extra-large dogs generally need an 800 or 1000 mg option.
Flavor Options
Some CBD companies sell only natural, hemp-flavored CBD oil for dogs. There is nothing wrong with this, and most dogs will eat the oil readily if you add it to their food or drip it onto a tasty treat.
If you want to dispense CBD hemp oil directly into your dog’s mouth, then it’s worth looking for a flavor option. Various CBD companies sell beef, chicken, and even bacon-flavored oils. If you give your dog flavored CBD oil, they will come to enjoy the experience. Giving them CBD oil will then become easier over time. If your dog is already anxious or nervous, giving them a tasty CBD oil will be easier than giving them one they simply tolerate.
Pet-Specific Formula
Do make sure the CBD oil you buy is made specifically for pets. Some human CBD oils contain added flavorings, colorings, or herbs that are not safe for dogs.
Ingredient Sourcing
Where does the company source their hemp? The best CBD oil for dogs is made by companies that are transparent about their sourcing. Look for a company that uses USA-grown hemp. If you can find one made with organic, non-GMO hemp, that is even better.
Check where the other, inactive ingredients in the CBD hemp oil come from, too. For example, if the CBD oil for dogs is made with hemp seed oil as a carrier oil, check where the company sources that hemp seed oil. Carrier oils sourced from local, organic farms are often more pure and beneficial than those sourced internationally.
Lab Test Results
Only buy dog CBD oil from a company that sends their CBD products for third-party lab testing. The results should be shared openly on the company’s website.
Lab testing is important for dog CBD oils, in particular, because dogs should not have too much THC. They are more sensitive to it than humans. So, you want to review the lab results to confirm the CBD oil you’re about to buy is THC-free or, if it’s full-spectrum CBD oil, it has very small trace amounts. The lab results should also show that the oil is free from contaminants and impurities, such as heavy metals.
Company Affiliations
The CBD industry is growing and changing. Companies that are on the forefront of that growth tend to make higher-quality, more effective CBD products.
How do you tell whether a CBD company is “involved”? One way is to look for company affiliations. A CBD company that is affiliated with the U.S. Hemp Authority, US Hemp Roundtable, or a comparable state hemp organization is likely to be well connected and involved in the latest hemp research and development. With companies like this, you can typically count on the best CBD oils and great customer service.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
Most experts agree that CBD oil for dogs is safe, overall. A 2017 report by the World Health Organization found it to be safe and well tolerated by animals. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind.
Dosing
CBD can cause side effects like nausea and drowsiness, and these are more likely to occur at larger doses. These side effects are not terribly dangerous, but can be unsettling to a dog since you have no way of telling them that they’ll feel better as soon as the CBD wears off. So, if you decide to give your dog CBD, be very careful with the dose. Give the smallest effective dose, and keep extra CBD treats and CBD oil where your dog can’t reach them.
Liver Health
Some dogs do experience elevated levels of certain liver enzymes after taking CBD. There does not seem to be evidence of actual liver damage in these dogs, and liver enzyme levels tend to return to baseline once the dog is off the CBD. However, vets often err on the side of caution and advise owners not to give their dog CBD if they have a history of liver disease.
What Does CBD Oil Do For Dogs?
Some people give their dogs CBD daily. Others keep it on-hand to use in certain situations. Which approach is best for your dog will depend on the specific benefits you’re seeking from the CBD. Here are some of the most common benefits of the best CBD oils for dogs.
Relief From Anxiety
Dogs, like humans, can suffer from anxiety in certain situations. Separation anxiety is common in dogs. They may feel nervous and on-edge when their owners are not home. Other dogs become anxious when they know they are going to the vet or when guests visit the home.
Dogs with anxiety often pace back and forth. They may hide, pant excessively, whine, or lick their paws. CBD can help ease all of these symptoms.
If your dog experiences anxiety, such as separation anxiety, on a daily basis, then you may want to give them CBD every morning. If their anxiety is situational, you can simply give them a dose of CBD oil before a situation that may trigger their anxiety.
Better Sleep
Dogs, like humans, may struggle to fall asleep when they are in a new home. Some dogs become restless if a guest stays overnight in your home, or after you bring home a new baby. A well-rested dog is a happy and well-behaved dog. Giving your dog CBD oil about an hour before bedtime can help them drift off more peacefully.
Fewer Destructive Behaviors
Does your dog chew the sofa, urinate in the house, tear up toilet paper rolls, or display any other sort of destructive behaviors? Often, dogs do these things because they are feeling nervous, anxious, or on-edge. Giving them CBD products can help.
Often, the best approach in this situation is to give your dog CBD daily. Once they are calmer and more relaxed, you can implement training to deter these destructive behaviors. The CBD will help your dog focus and take in the training. As your dog’s behavior improves, you may be able to wean them off the CBD, eventually using a lower dose or administering it less often.
Appetite Control
Dogs with excessive appetites can gain weight rapidly, which is not good for their overall health. They may also “steal” food from their companions or beg for your food, neither of which are pleasant. It’s a good idea to have a vet look over your dog to ensure their ravenous appetite is not due to a hormonal imbalance or other medical problem
If the vet rules out illness, your dog’s appetite may come down to stress. Just like some humans stress-eat, so do dogs! Taking CBD oil can help lower your dog’s stress level and moderate their appetite, helping to prevent future weight gain and the health consequences that may come with it.
Pain Relief
CBD binds to certain receptors on your dog’s cells known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. When it binds to these receptors, it decreases the number of pain signals sent by the brain. So, CBD can be a pretty potent pain reliever. It’s a safe, natural pain reliever for dogs with arthritis pain. It also works well for dogs who are sore after a long hike or walk, and for those recovering from surgery or an injury.
For the most effective pain relief, you want to keep a constant level of CBD in your dog’s system. Usually, this means consistently giving them CBD oil every morning and night.
Reduced Inflammation
CBD can also help reduce inflammation. For this reason, it is really helpful for treating arthritis, which is essentially a painful inflammation of the joints. Its anti-inflammatory effects tend to build over time. So, you’ll want to give your dog CBD oil every day if your goal is to relieve inflammation.
Itch Relief
Does your dog have itchy skin? Often, skin itchiness is due to seasonal allergies. It can be hard to determine what plants your dog is allergic to. Some dogs are even allergic to indoor allergens, like dust mites. The itchiness comes from inflammation in the skin that is triggered by the allergies. CBD helps relieve inflammation, and it can thereby help make your dog’s skin less itchy.
For best results, give your dog CBD at the first sign of itchiness. This way, you can prevent them from scratching and licking too much, which may only serve to make the itchiness worse long-term. Look for a CBD oil formulated with hemp seed oil, which offers additional moisturizing benefits for the skin
How to Give Dogs CBD Oil
There are several good ways to give CBD oil to dogs. Most pet owners experiment with two or three different methods to find the one that works best. Regardless of how you give your dog their CBD oil, it is also important to ensure you’re giving them the right dose.
Determining Your Dog’s Dose
There is no universal dosage for CBD oil for dogs. The larger your dog, the more CBD oil they will need. Some dogs have faster metabolisms and need more CBD than others. And dogs with more serious symptoms may need a larger dose of CBD than those with milder symptoms.
A good general guideline is to give your dog 1 – 3 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. So, if you have a 10-pound chihuahua, you should start off giving them just 1 mg of CBD. See how they respond to this. If they don’t get as much relief as you’d like, you can try giving them 2 mg of CBD the next time around. If that’s not enough, then try 3 mg the next time.
Large dogs can require significant doses of CBD. For instance, a 100-pound dog typically needs between 10 and 30 mg of CBD per dose. To avoid having to give your large dog multiple droppers of CBD oil, make sure you buy a strong product. If you buy a 1000 mg CBD oil in a 30 mL bottle, for instance, your 100 pound dog will only need between 1/3 and 1 dropper of that oil.
Giving CBD Orally By Dropper
One way to give your dog CBD is by using the dropper to dispense it straight into their mouth. This works best if you have a flavored oil that your dog enjoys. Hold the dropper in front of your dog’s mouth as they tilt their head back. Slowly squeeze the dropper to dispense the oil into their mouth. Then, follow up with a treat so your dog knows you appreciate their good behavior.
Mixing CBD With Dog Food
If your dog won’t let you put the CBD oil into their mouth with a dropper, then try mixing it with their food instead. This works best with wet dog food. Put the food in the bowl, dispense the CBD oil on top of the food, and stir it all together with a spoon. If you know your dog to be picky, start with a small dose the first time you do this. Gradually increase the amount of CBD you use as your dog adapts to the flavor.
Mixing CBD With Peanut Butter
Most dogs love peanut butter and will eat it off a spoon. Peanut butter does a good job of masking the flavor of CBD oil, and it also mixes well with CBD oil thanks to its high fat content. If you choose this method, make sure the peanut butter you use is free from xylitol. This artificial sweetener is toxic to dogs.
Possible Side Effects of CBD in Dogs
Most dogs don’t experience any side effects from CBD oil as long as you give them a reasonable dose. However, some dogs do experience the following side effects, which are generally minor.
Drowsiness
If you give your dog CBD before bedtime, you might count this drowsiness as a good thing. On the other hand, if you give your dog CBD to calm anxiety before a hike or disc competition and they end up drowsy, you could consider this a side effect.
Try giving your dog a smaller dose of CBD. Also check to be sure the CBD you’re giving your dog does not contain additional relaxing herbs, like chamomile. Save those products for evening use, only. The best CBD oil for daytime use is generally one without any additional therapeutics.
Dry Mouth
If you ever notice your dog drinking a lot after taking CBD, that could be because their mouth is dry. CBD can temporarily reduce saliva production. This is not usually a big deal as long as your dog has access to water. However, it’s still worth reducing your dog’s CBD dose a little to see if that helps.
FAQs:
What is full-spectrum CBD oil for dogs?
CBD oil is extracted from the flowers of the hemp plant. If a company simply presses the oil from the hemp flowers and adds that oil to their CBD product, it’s known as full-spectrum CBD. This oil contains more than just CBD. It also contains the other cannabinoids and compounds from the hemp. Some of these compounds, like CBG, can make CBD even more effective.
Full-spectrum CBD oils can be a good choice for dogs, but only if they are formulated specifically for dogs.
What is broad-spectrum CBD oil?
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is CBD oil that has had one or more compounds removed from it. Usually, the company removes traces of THC from the hemp oil extract. Broad-spectrum CBD oil is a really common choice for dogs.
Can you give a dog CBD for seizures or epilepsy?
CBD oil for dogs can be a good remedy for dogs with seizures or epilepsy. One recent study found that dogs who were given CBD for 12 weeks experienced fewer seizures and less severe seizures than those who were given a placebo. Furthermore, the owners of those dogs did not report any adverse reactions to the CBD.
Although CBD shows a lot of promise in managing seizures, it’s still wise to check with your vet before giving your dog CBD for this purpose. Your vet will want to ensure CBD does not interfere with any other medications your dog is on. Do not stop giving your dog any prescription medications without first checking with your vet.
What if your dog does not like CBD oil?
If your dog does not allow you to put CBD oil directly into their mouth, try mixing it with their food instead. Start with only one quarter to one half of the desired dose. If your dog eats that, then you can increase the dose a little the next day. Keep increasing the dose, a little at a time, until you are administering the full recommended dose for your dog’s body weight.
If your dog won’t eat CBD mixed with their food, then consider trying a different brand. For example, if they are not eating honest paws CBD oil, then set aside the honest paws CBD oil and purchase a different brand instead. Each brand of CBD oil for dogs tastes a little different. Some brands flavor their dog CBD oils like chicken or beef, which appeals to picky dogs.
Concluding Thoughts
CBD can be an excellent addition to your dog’s routine. A daily dose of CBD oil can help ease separation anxiety, minimize itching, and put an end to behaviors like chewing and digging. Dogs with arthritis may enjoy greater mobility with CBD oil, and those with seizures often enjoy fewer episodes.
There are many CBD oils for dogs, but the best CBD oil for dogs depends on your dog’s size, symptoms, and taste preferences. Start by trying a CBD oil from one of the companies featured above, and go from there. We took great care in creating this list, and we know these are companies you and your canine companion can count on.
