If you’re reading this article, we’re guessing you’re a dog lover. So you probably understand or may have first-hand knowledge that dogs can experience some of the same problems that we do, including stress and anxiety, discomfort, pain, sleep disorders, hyperactivity, and even dry skin. Furthermore, as our dog buddies age, they can suffer from joint and mobility issues. Many dog owners turn to CBD to provide pain and anxiety relief, and help restore their wellness in order to give their pup a happier, better life.
The reason CBD, or cannabidiol, has become such a popular natural supplement for dogs and other pets is the way in which CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system exists not only in people, but in all vertebrates, including pets like dogs, cats, and even your pet chicken. CBD interacts with the ECS to help the body to regulate critical functions, like pain management, stress, mood, sleep, memory, motor control, appetite, and others.
This is why CBD has become so incredibly popular as a wellness product, and that includes CBD for dogs.
Top 5 CBD Pet Treats of 2022
Let’s take a look at our top 5 recommended CBD treats for dogs that are available in 2022, and then we’ll dive into what it is that makes these particular CBD dog treats so good. We will tell you in advance that each of these CBD treats meets our standards of organically grown hemp, CO2 oil extraction, and the transparency of a third-party lab report. But more on pet CBD quality standards later. Let’s get to the CBD pet treats!
CBDfx CBD Dog Treats for Stress & Anxiety
A trusted name in CBD since their start in 2014, CBDfx offers a variety of quality CBD hemp products for cats and dogs. CBDfx prides themselves in offering CBD pet products that are made with organic, non-GMO, and pesticide-free hemp, and each of their pet CBD products is all-natural, vegan-friendly, and made with human-grade ingredients. Plus, every CBDfx product comes with a third-party, independent lab report so that you know exactly what’s in every bag of your dog’s CBD treats.
CBDfx’s CBD Dog Treats for Stress & Anxiety not only deliver all of the usual benefits of organic broad spectrum CBD, but also mood-boosting ingredients L-tryptophan and GABA, and soothing botanical extracts — perfect for easing nerves and calming any stress in your dog buddy. And your pet will love the sweet potato and blueberry flavor of these potent biscuits.
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CBDfx CBD Dog Treats for Muscle and Joint
Joint pain happens in older dogs — just as it does in older people — but it isn’t purely a senior dog issue. Joint pain can affect older dogs and active younger dogs alike, and joint issues can be degenerative or developmental in nature. When this happens, such pain and discomfort can impact the quality of life for your pet.
Luckily, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help relieve the aches and pains your dog may be experiencing. And CBDfx’s CBD Dog Treats for Joint and Mobility could be just the right chews to get your dog running at full speed again. Packed with effective natural ingredients, organic broad-spectrum CBD, and other human-grade nutrients and antioxidants, like blueberry, parsley, turmeric and spinach, these dog CBD treats offer better joint health and a happier hound dog. With added sweet potato, these crunchy dog treats have a flavor that will please any pet.
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Koi Immune Support CBD Dog Treats
Koi CBD offers three veterinarian-approved formulas in their all-natural, non-GMO dog treats. This particular dog CBD formula made our “best treats” list for its focus on boosting your dog’s immune system. With a blend of delicious and wellness-promoting ingredients like sweet potatoes, blueberries, and flax seed, infused with high-quality, organic full-spectrum hemp extract and added hemp seed for an optimal ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6, these gluten-free and dairy-free treats for dogs are rich in antioxidants, for supporting immune system function and circulation.
Koi CBD works with accredited, independent labs to test their USA-grown hemp oil extracts. Their CBD dog products are also tested multiple times throughout the manufacturing process, and to further maintain transparency, Koi CBD makes all of their test results publicly available.
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Medterra CBD Joint Support Pet Chews
With the delicious peanut butter flavor dogs love, and healthy ingredients like glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin, Medterra’s CBD Joint Support Pet Chews offer support for your dog’s joint health.
Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage, and is often used to alleviate joint pain and help with daily wear and tear on your dog’s hips, knees, elbows, wrists, and other areas that can be a source of joint discomfort. Chondroitin promotes water retention and elasticity in the cartilage, and MSM is a natural, non-prescription pain reliever. Together, these ingredients work in harmony with 10 mg of CBD in each chew to provide soothing care to your dog’s joints. And with that peanut butter flavor, it’s definitely a dog treat your pet will be happy to eat.
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Lazarus Naturals Calming Support CBD Dog Chews
Rounding out our “best treats” list are quality CBD chews from Lazarus Naturals that offer the traditional calming support that CBD is known for. Lazarus Naturals Calming Support CBD Dog Chews will help soothe your hyperactive or anxious dog with 10mg of CBD per treat. These third-party-tested, grain-free CBD dog treats are flavored with scrumptious peanut butter, and are infused with a full-spectrum hemp extract as well as natural ingredients, reishi mushrooms, L-tryptophan, and L-theanine, which have been long used to support relaxation and stress relief.
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So, that’s our five favorite CBD dog treats on the market for 2022. But before administering CBD dog treats to your pup, there are two very important steps to take:
- Ask your veterinarian about CBD dog treats
- Get a better understanding of what CBD is, including the benefits of CBD and how it affects dogs
What Is CBD and How Does It Work for Dogs?
As mentioned at the top of this article, CBD (or cannabidiol) is a molecular compound known as a cannabinoid. It’s just one of more than one hundred that naturally exist in cannabis plants, including the low-THC form of cannabis called hemp.
In nearly all animals, including humans, cats, and dogs, exists an endocannabinoid system, which is a cell-signaling system that is closely integrated with the body’s central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as other crucial systems and organs. And every vertebrate animal’s endocannabinoid system produces a number of compounds fittingly called endocannabinoids, which are important for a number of everyday functions, including pain response, immune response, stress, mood, memory, appetite, and others. Cannabinoids, like CBD, interact with the endocannabinoid system in much the same way as the body’s own endocannabinoids, helping to support the ECS and its functions.
The wellness benefits produced by this interaction are the reason CBD has become such a popular health supplement in recent years, with products as diverse as CBD gummies and other CBD edibles, CBD capsules, CBD cream for pain, CBD cream for skin nourishment, CBD mushroom extract, CBD oil tinctures, CBD vape oil, CBD vape pens, and other CBD oil products — including dog treats.
The hemp plant is packed with cannabinoids — not only CBD, but also CBN, CBC and CBG. When cannabinoids from hemp interact with receptors in our endocannabinoid system, they pass on the cannabinoids’ effects. On top of that, each individual cannabinoid works in conjunction with its cannabinoid siblings to achieve what is called the Entourage Effect, affecting each other’s interaction with the body while simultaneously creating a more potent overall CBD effect.
Are Dog Treats With CBD Safe for Dogs?
Yes, CBD oil products for dogs and other pets are safe to use. In 2017, the World Health Organization declared that CBD is safe for animals. So, it’s perfectly safe to give CBD products such as dog treats to your adult dog (but not your puppy!).
Cannabidiol (CBD) can be derived from either hemp or marijuana. However, the only CBD safe to use for your pet is the one derived from hemp. Marijuana contains high levels of THC, which is toxic to dogs.
Will CBD Treats Get My Dog High?
As noted above, the reason CBD for dogs must be derived from hemp and not marijuana is because marijuana contains large amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly called THC), and this substance is what causes a “high” in people and can be toxic to pets. CBD, however, is not psychoactive for dogs or humans, and will not cause a “high.” Always look for CBD dog treats labeled as containing hemp CBD oil or being hemp-derived to ensure your pup is getting a safe CBD product.
What Else Is in CBD Dog Treats?
You should always closely read all of the ingredients on any CBD products for dogs you’re thinking about purchasing. Sadly, some CBD companies use secondary additives and artificial flavors that can not only alter the product’s efficacy, but could also harm your pet. Always look for products that have all-natural, organic ingredients to confirm you’re purchasing only the highest quality CBD pet product.
What Are the Benefits of CBD Products for Dogs?
Pain relief (specifically, joint pain relief) and anxiety are the two most commonly cited reasons pet parents may choose CBD dog treats as a natural supplement for their dog’s wellness.
Pain Relief: Like many animals, dogs are quite adept at hiding their pain. And by the time you finally notice it, whatever is causing your dog’s pain may have already worsened. No pet parent wants to see their dog baby in any kind of discomfort. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve some of the painful symptoms your pup may be experiencing. CBD may also support healthy cellular activity and encourage muscle recovery, so CBD dog treats can be just the thing to get your dog up and moving again.
Joint Pain: Not just a problem for older dogs, joint pain can affect active younger dogs as well. Yes, these issues can be degenerative, but they can also be developmental in origin. Joint pain can slow down your dog and make your pet’s life unpleasant. Certain dog breeds are more prone to joint issues than others, and these issues can cause chronic discomfort that will only continue to get worse with time. Keeping in mind that the research into the use of CBD for chronic pain in dogs is ongoing, a Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine study cited by The American Kennel Club found that “dogs given CBD at a rate of 4.4 mg per pound twice daily for a month showed significant improvement in pain relief and quality of life.”
Mobility: With age, dogs can experience changes in their mobility. You may find that your dog has stopped being so enthusiastic about their daily walks, or your once-perky pet may have trouble climbing the stairs in your home or trotting around the neighborhood. Not only do CBD dog treats support pet mobility, but they also can help to support bone health and relieve occasional stiffness.
Stress Management: Just like us, dogs can experience symptoms related to daily stressors, like separation anxiety, strangers approaching the home (like the mail carrier or delivery drivers), thunderstorms, or even fireworks. These stressors affect a dog’s nervous system, potentially resulting in bouts of anxiety, and can lead to destructive behavioral issues, which is why CBD is a very popular option for those of us with anxious dogs, as it’s helpful in relieving stress and anxiety in dogs. CBD produces a calming effect and promotes a relaxation response, allowing your dog to feel a sense of ease. According to The American Kennel Club, “the calming effect of CBD can also cause slight drowsiness,” which is also true of some common ingredients found in dog treats formulated for stress, such as passion flower and chamomile. In addition, if your dog buddy is routinely hyperactive, CBD can help maintain a more relaxed mood on a regular basis.
Wellness: CBD does not necessarily need to treat a specific issue; it can be used to supplement an already healthy regimen to maintain wellness throughout your pet’s life. CBD boosts immune system response and supports normal cardiovascular functioning. In addition, CBD improves neurological functioning to create a healthy lifestyle, even into your dog’s senior years.
It’s important to note that research is still ongoing on the effects of CBD, and the FDA does not yet permit brands to make medical recommendations regarding the use of CBD, even for dogs. So, nothing in this dog treats article should be construed as medical advice. Please consult your veterinarian before you add CBD or any other health supplement to your dog’s routine.
Shopping for CBD Hard Chews, CBD Treats & Other CBD Dog Items
When shopping for CBD dog treats for your pup, here are just a couple of important things to keep in mind.
CBD for Dogs: Insist on Organic CBD
One of the more fascinating properties of the hemp plant is its ability to siphon pesticides, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals from the soil in which it grows, thus acting as a phytoremediator.
This ability, however, means that all of those chemicals and pesticides end up in the hemp plant itself. So, you should always choose CBD treats for dogs — or CBD products in general — that are made with organic, pesticide-free, and non-GMO hemp.
Likewise, only buy CBD pet treats or other hemp products that contain CBD oil that has been extracted from the hemp with clean carbon dioxide. Unlike many cheaper methods of oil extraction, such as solvent oil extraction, CO2 doesn’t leave behind any potentially harmful toxins in your CBD oil.
Spectrums of CBD for Dogs
Seeing which cannabinoids are present in the final CBD dog treats (or other CBD products) is how you can determine the CBD spectrum of that product. CBD treats for dogs that are labeled as containing “full-spectrum CBD” contain all cannabinoids in cannabis hemp, including low levels THC, which is legally allowed up to 0.3%. Full-spectrum CBD oil also contains all of the hemp plant’s terpenes and flavonoids, which have their own wellness-boosting effects.
You can give your dog all the benefits of CBD, and the Entourage Effect discussed earlier, but still avoid THC entirely, by choosing broad-spectrum CBD dog treats. Products labeled as “broad-spectrum CBD” have filtered out THC completely, leaving a THC-free, but still effective and robust CBD oil dog treat.
Third-Party Confirmation
You always want to choose CBD products — whether it’s treats for your pet or CBD gummies for yourself — that come with a lab report provided by an independent, third-party lab. This report will inform you of the exact compounds (and their amounts) that are present in that particular hemp product. This is how you can be assured that the CBD treats you’re giving to your pet are free of toxic pesticides and THC. If the dog treats you’re considering don’t come with a third-party lab report, do not buy those treats.
What CBD Dosage Should I Give to My Dog?
Knowing how much CBD to give to your anxious pet can seem like a daunting decision. And factoring in other variables like the varieties of concentration of CBD across different products, as well as your pup’s particular size, breed, and metabolism, it can be hard to decide which product and dosage of CBD is right for your pet pal.
Adding to the confusion, the internet is chock full of various CBD dosage recommendations for dogs, causing even more uncertainty.
To know what’s best for your dog, always ask your veterinarian first. Second, you want to be sure you’re following the specific instructions on whichever CBD product you administer. And starting small, with a low dosage, is always the safest move for your pet.
Some CBD dog treats contain 5mg of CBD, some 10mg CBD … some 150mg CBD. And some companies recommend giving your dog portions of a single treat, rather than an entire treat at once, so read the instructions carefully. Always start with a low CBD dose, and closely monitor your pet after giving them any CBD product to watch for possible side effects (like nausea) or any signal at all that your dog is not enjoying the CBD experience.
Giving Your Dog CBD
Yes, CBD treats are safe for your pet. And no, legal dog CBD chews or treats will not get your dog high.
Whether your pet needs some help with symptoms of anxiety, joint pain, or you’re looking for a general wellness product to supplement your pet pal, the CBD dog treats in this “best products of 2022” list are great choices.
Talk with your veterinarian and always listen to your pup’s behavior and body by monitoring how they react to CBD treats for dogs.
Finding quality CBD dog treats that you can trust can be overwhelming. We hope this information helps you make a more educated decision when you shop — and helps you to give your dog a happier, healthier life!