Pharmaceutical pain medications carry with long-term use. Therefore, this is why more pet parents are turning to natural options like CBD (cannabidiol) to provide safe, plant-based pain relief for their pups. But with so many CBD dog treats on the market, pick the right. Dog treats are made with broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate, not full-spectrum extracts. While full-spectrum CBD contains a range of cannabis compounds, it also contains trace amounts of THC – the psychoactive component of cannabis. Dogs are especially sensitive to THC, which is toxic for them. Broad-spectrum CBD retains various terpenes and cannabinoids from the hemp plant, minus the THC. CBD isolate is pure CBD only. Both provide therapeutic effects without the risks of THC exposure.
Check the source of the hemp
Quality CBD dog treats are made from hemp grown under strict guidelines. Domestic hemp is regulated for safety, purity, and CBD content. The best CBD treats use organic hemp free of pesticides and contaminants. You may also come across treats made with imported hemp – it’s safer to avoid these. Also be sure the hemp strain is selected just for its CBD potency. Industrial hemp grown for other uses contains very little cannabidiol.
CBD dosage for your dog’s weight
The optimal dosage of cbd dog treats depends on your dog’s body weight. Make sure the CBD dog treats you select offer specific dosing guidelines tailored to the weight of your pet. The packaging should provide recommended serving sizes and CBD content so you adjust the dose as needed. Start with a low dose (2-5 mg CBD per 10 lbs body weight) and increase incrementally to find the most effective amount. Adhere to the suggested dosage sizes to avoid issues.
Choose natural, high-quality ingredients
The best CBD dog treats will use natural flavorings and high-quality ingredients free of fillers, artificial additives, and potential allergens. Look for treats made with wholesome ingredients like organic oils, coconut oil, turmeric, honey, and peanut butter. Avoid corn, soy, preservatives, and other low-quality ingredients. Higher-end CBD treats may cost a bit more, but they provide superior nutritional value. Check reviews to confirm palatability and taste appeal for picky pups.
Go for trusted brands with testing records
Due to the lack of regulation in the CBD industry, it’s crucial to purchase treats made only by reputable companies that back up their quality claims. Look for brands that have each batch of CBD dog treats tested by an independent third-party lab. It confirms the CBD levels per treatment and screens for impurities and toxins. Brands should provide access to recent Certificates of Analysis online validating CBD potency and purity. This transparency ensures the safety of their CBD dog treats.
Look for veterinarian-formulated products
CBD dog treats are made with guidance and oversight from a licensed veterinarian. Therefore, this ensures the CBD and dosage levels are tailored specifically for pets. Veterinarian-formulated treats combine CBD with other proven ingredients to target canine pain and mobility issues. These may include glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, boswellia, and more. Combining CBD with natural pain-fighting ingredients provides superior relief results.
