Written by Jen Keehn
Pet owners everywhere are discovering the benefits of CBD for their dogs.
While there isn’t much clinical evidence to support the benefits of CBD for dogs, preliminary research on the effectiveness of CBD for dogs shows some serious promise.
Take Me to The CBD Dog Treats Product Reviews
CBD clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of CBD for dogs with seizures at Colorado State University have been dubbed “encouraging.”1
A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science was conducted to determine how well CBD worked for the pain in dogs suffering from arthritis. Researchers found that giving dogs CBD twice daily can “increase comfort and mobility” in arthritic dogs.2
CBD dog treats are a fun and easy way to give your canine companion a regular serving of CBD, without the fuss of using a tincture.
Whether using CBD dog treats for joint pain, CBD dog treats for anxiety, or to help control unfortunate seizures your poor pup might be experiencing, there’s a likely chance they can help.
What Are CBD Dog Treats?
If you’ve got a dog, you’re well aware that most dogs go crazy for treats. What about giving them a treat that doesn’t just encourage them to sit and stay, but actually supports their overall wellbeing?
CBD dog treats are just like regular dog treats, only they’re infused with CBD. They’re available in an array of different flavors and textures, much like dog treats formulated without hemp. Think bacon, beef or peanut butter flavored goodies that come in the form of crunchy biscuits or savory soft chews.
CBD dog treats are designed much like other CBD pet products. They’re made to support your pet’s endocannabinoid system and return their health to a state of balanced harmony.
If your dog is anything like our dogs, they’re bound to love any type of treat you give them. Do CBD dog treats really work, though?
Is CBD Effective for Dog Anxiety and Pain?
Learn About CBD for Pet Thunderstorm Anxiety
We’ve found that most dog owners are interested in CBD to manage pain and anxiety.
Does CBD dog treats for anxiety really work though?
What about CBD dog treats for joint pain?
CBD Dog Treats for Anxiety
As we mentioned, there are too few clinical studies to make a claim that CBD is truly effective for dog pain and anxiety. The studies that have been done using CBD on dogs, however, show serious promise that CBD is an effective natural way to support canine wellbeing.
While clinical evidence may be lacking, anecdotal evidence is another story.
There are quite a few pet parents that praise CBD for its effects on their dogs’ anxiety and pain.
When it comes to anxiety, our male dog reigns king. Sometimes we even think he’s scared of his own shadow. All 75+ pounds of him.
We’ve found that 20mg of CBD twice a day is his sweet spot. We’ll switch this up between a tincture and CBD dog treats, and it really seems to calm his frazzled nerves.
We’re not the only ones who’ve found CBD dog treats for anxiety work like magic.
Take Jane Shaus, who told CNBC that after trying everything to ease the thunderstorm anxiety of her 11-year old Australian Shepard named Skid, she found CBD. Shaus maintains that after a few weeks Skid’s panic attacks stopped.3
According to Shaus, “He just didn’t even notice the storm. I can’t say it’s completely fixed him because if we get a huge thunderclap he does get a little nervous.”
Severe anxiety during a thunderstorm to being “a little nervous” seems like a huge improvement to us.
CBD Dog Treats for Joint Pain
What about CBD dog treats for joint pain and other pain issues?
In the same study we mentioned earlier that found giving dogs CBD helped improve comfort and mobility in arthritic dogs, it was discovered that there was a significant decrease in pain in 80% of the dogs CBD was administered to.
Reports online from dog owners that have used CBD for their canine’s pain also support the idea that it’s an effective solution to alleviate their dogs’ discomfort.
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How We Chose the Best CBD Dog Treats
If you’re familiar with CBD, you’re well aware that not all CBD products are created equal. When choosing CBD dog treats (or any CBD product), it’s imperative to choose transparent CBD brands dedicated to quality and safety.
Whether it comes to choosing the best CBD products for humans or pets, we always make sure to keep the following requirements in mind:
Reputable CBD Brands
We only choose transparent CBD brands with a solid reputation in the industry that are dedicated to providing quality products. These brands have some longevity to the amount of time that they’ve been providing quality CBD products and they choose to be an open book with regards to how they allow consumers to learn about their products.
Natural/Non-GMO
The brands we feature believe that our dogs deserve quality ingredients the same way humans do. The products must be made from all-natural, non-GMO hemp grown in the U.S. We’re not saying you should dig into a pack and enjoy the treat, but you probably could!
Third-Party Lab Test Results
Products must contain third-party lab test results to ensure the cannabinoid levels in the product match what is claimed on the label and there is no presence of heavy metals, molds, or pesticides. Third-party tests are important as they hold a brand up to a certain level of quality.
Active and Inactive Ingredients
We look at all active and inactive ingredients to ensure you’re getting the highest quality CBD products available. When we say “active ingredient” we are referencing the CBD that is present in the product. An “inactive ingredient” is the additional ingredients that make up the product.
When possible, we prefer to recommend natural products made without any artificial ingredients.
Potency
Different people (and their pets) have different needs when it comes to using CBD. We look for products with different potencies to meet the needs of as many individuals as possible. We list the amount of CBD that is included in the box or bottle, along with the amount of CBD that is in each treat or serving size.
Variety of Price
We like to include a variety of products at various prices to meet the needs of anyone’s budget. When looking at the price of each product, keep in mind that they will vary depending on strength, serving size, volume, and any other added ingredients.
Extraction Method
We prefer to only recommend products that are created using clean, safe extraction methods.
Keeping all this in mind, the following are CBD School’s picks for the best CBD dog treats available on the market.
Best CBD Dog Treat Reviews
Best Tasting CBD Dog Treat
Canna-Pet
Advanced MaxCBD Maple Bacon
POTENCY
8.4mg of CBD per biscuit (37-40 biscuits per box)
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
These treats are made with minimal organic ingredients and don’t contain any wheat that we know can be upsetting to a dog’s digestive system.
Read More
What dog doesn’t like maple/bacon flavor? The taste and size of these CBD dog treats is perfect to satisfy anyone’s pet, finicky eaters and all.
They contain a higher milligram content than many other CBD dog treats on the market, which is great for people like us who have 70lb.+ dogs.
Pros
Minimal, human-grade organic ingredients.
Read More
They contain 3x more CBD than Canna-Pet’s other CBD dog treats.
Cons
The higher milligram count may not be suitable for smaller-sized dogs.
Canna Pet does not give third party lab test results on their product page, instead they offer third-party lab testing information.
Made with all-natural, minimal organic ingredients including: organic barley flour, cured bacon, organic maple powder, organic cinnamon and organic hemp.
Read More
Designed for dog owners looking for maximum hemp content.
Each biscuit contains a minimum of 8.4mg CBD.
Biscuits are made “with the same quality standards as the food you would feed to your human family.”
Best to Share with Other Pets
cbdMD
CBD-Infused peanut butter
POTENCY
150mg jar (5mg CBD per serving); 300mg jar (10mg CBD per serving); 600mg jar (20mg CBD per serving)
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
This CBD-infused peanut butter designed for dogs is different than any other dog CBD treat on the market.
Read More
It mixes in easily with dog’s kibble or can be given as a separate treat.
Third party lab tests COAs are available on the website and can be attained by entering the product’s batch number.
Pros
A fun way to switch up your dog’s daily treats.
Read More
Different strengths are available to fit the varied needs of different dogs.
Cons
Peanut butter can be messy, and this is not the simplest option for giving your dog a treat.
Peanut butter designed for dogs with three simple ingredients: peanuts, MCT oil and hemp-derived CBD.
Read More
No additives or synthetic ingredients.
Available in three different strengths to help dogs of various sizes with different needs.
Best for Joint Support
Medterra
CBD Pet joint support
POTENCY
300mg CBD per bag (10mg CBD per chew)
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
The ingredients contained in these CBD dog treats are all intended to support joint health.
Read More
Medterra offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you (or your dog) isn’t satisfied with their product.
The 10mg of CBD in each treat is a great option for larger sized dogs like our own.
Third party lab test results are available and easy to find on the product page and pop up in a separate PDF window.
Pros
The soft chews are a great option for dogs who might have trouble chewing harder foods or treats.
Read More
Specially formulated with ingredients known to support joint health.
Cons
10mg CBD per chew may be too much for smaller dogs.
Formulated with CBD, glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin, all of which have shown to support joint health.
Read More
Peanut butter flavor.
10mg CBD per chew.
Best for Added Ingredients
King Kanine
King Kalm Crunch
POTENCY
Approximately 2-3mg CBD per treat (approximately 30 treats per bag)
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
We’ve given several different CBD dog treats to our own dogs and King Kalm Crunch Apple Cinnamon is their absolute favorite.
Read More
They don’t contain any wheat ingredients that we know can be upsetting to a dog’s digestive system.
Third party lab test results are available on the website.
Pros
Gluten-free
Read More
Great taste dogs love.
Cons
With 3-4mg CBD per treat, you may need to give larger dogs quite a few treats for them to feel the effects.
All-natural organic ingredients.
Read More
Formulated by King Kanine’s licensed holistic physician and nutritionist.
Rich in vitamins and omega-3s and baked at low temperatures to ensure nutritional value is maintained.
Great source of macro/micronutrients and antioxidants.
3-4mg CBD per treat.
Best for Small Dogs
Joy Organics
Premium CBD Dog Chew
POTENCY
60mg CBD per jar (2mg CBD per chew)
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
Joy Organics is one of the most trusted brands in the industry, and we know that every product they offer is one of the highest quality on the market.
Read More
Soft chews are made with all-natural, pet-friendly ingredients.
Third party lab test results are located right on the product page.
Pros
Soft chew formula is good for all dogs.
Read More
The water soluble formula ensures your dog absorbs as much CBD as possible.
Cons
At 2mg CBD per chew, larger dogs that benefit from a higher dose would have to eat quite a few chews.
Beef flavored CBD dog treats containing 2mg broad spectrum CBD per chew.
Read More
Soft chew formula.
Made with water soluble CBD powder to increase absorption.
Best for Multiple Quantity Offerings
LolaHemp
Omega Hemp Soft Chews
POTENCY
15mg CBD per bag option; 90mg CBD per bag option and 180mg CBD per bag option (3mg CBD per chew in all bag options)
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
60 count bag offers more chews than many other brands provide.
Read More
Each purchase benefits local animal shelters and rescues.
Made without soy or wheat ingredients.
Soft chews are easier for some dogs to chew.
Third party lab test results are available on the product page and can be accessed by entering in the product’s sample ID.
Pros
Products are shipped in one business day.
Read More
LolaHemp offers 30-day money back guarantee if you (or your pet) aren’t satisfied with these chews.
3mg per chew means they are suitable for smaller dogs.
Cons
People with larger dogs may have to give their dogs multiple chews before their pet feels an effect.
Bacon-flavored soft chews with 3mg CBD and extra added omega fatty acids for optimal health.
Read More
Made with all-natural ingredients.
Soy and grain free.
Best for Additional Vitamins
Innovet
Advanced Multivitamin Soft Chews
POTENCY
90mg CBD per bottle (1mg per chew)
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
We love the option of a multivitamin formula made for dogs in mind that includes CBD. Like most pet owners, our fur babies are family, and we want to do everything we can to support their health and wellbeing.
Read More
Dosing guidelines are offered for all of Innovet’s products.
Pros
Great for smaller breeds that only require a low dose of CBD
https://cbdschool.com/refer/innovet-multivitamin-soft-chews
Full of beneficial ingredients to support canine health.
Cons
This formula was out of stock at the time of this review.
Third party lab test results were not available for this particular product (perhaps because the item is out of stock). Note: Third party lab test results are available for all of Innovet’s other CBD pet products.
Not the best choice for large breeds who might benefit from a higher serving of CBD.
Bacon flavored multivitamin CBD soft chews blended with probiotics, COQ10, krill oil, glucosamine and more.
1mg CBD per chew
Contains 20 essential minerals, vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids.
How Much CBD Should You Give Dogs For Anxiety and Joint Pain?
Learn the Proper Way to Determine How Much CBD to Administer
There aren’t any recommended dosing guidelines for dogs when it comes to using CBD for anxiety and joint pain.
That being said, there are recommended guidelines by veterinarians on how much CBD to give your pets.
Most vets agree to start with the lowest dose possible and work your way up until you notice the effects you’re looking for.
Dr. Gary Richter is an Oakland, CA vet who recommends 0.5-5mg CBD per 10 pounds of body weight twice daily.
Richter encourages pet owners to start low and slowly increase the dose every 4-7 days.4
He maintains that “doses near the lower end of the range are effective” and “higher doses of CBD may be beneficial in certain circumstances.”
When using CBD dog treats, your best bet is what is typically recommended to people when they begin using CBD: start low and go slow.
For more information on serving sizes for dogs, you can read CBD for dogs’ article here.
How Long Do The Effects Of CBD Dog Treats Last?
Every dog is unique with its own special needs and body chemistry, meaning how long the effects of CBD dog treats last will vary.
When using CBD dog treats for anxiety or as an anti-inflammatory, you might expect the effects to last between 2-4 hours.
Keep in mind, however, that CBD affects every dog differently. How long the effects of CBD dog treats last in one dog could be significantly different from the next.
CBD Legality
When CBD is sourced from the hemp plant and meets certain legal requirements, it is considered legal under federal law. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD products must contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.
CBD Safety and Side Effects
Discover What the Side Effects of Using CBD Oil Products Are
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), naturally occurring CBD is considered safe and well-tolerated in humans and animals.5
There are no clinical reports of the side effects of CBD in dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) asserts that some of the side effects of CBD that may be seen in dogs include those that are seen in humans, including6:
- Dry mouth
- Lowered blood pressure
- Drowsiness
Final Thoughts About The Best CBD Treats For Dogs
CBD treats for dogs are a great way to give your favorite fur baby a regular serving of CBD in the fun form of a treat they’ll love.
We believe the best CBD dog treats are those made all-natural ingredients, premium CBD and a whole lot of love.
Whether you’re interested in CBD dog treats for anxiety, CBD dog treats for joint pain, are looking for a natural anti-inflammatory or simply want to support your dog’s overall wellbeing, the CBD dog treats listed here are all designed to help your dog naturally live his or her best life.
References
1Guiden, M. (2019, May 21). Results from CBD clinical trial to assess efficacy on seizure frequency in dogs ‘encouraging’. News from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
2Gamble, L. J., Boesch, J. M., Frye, C. W., Schwark, W. S., Mann, S., Wolfe, L., Brown, H., Berthelsen, E. S., & Wakshlag, J. J. (2018). Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Frontiers in veterinary science, 5, 165. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165
3LaVito, A. (2019, May 5). Pets are the hot new cannabis customer as owners use CBD to ease pain and thunderstorm anxiety. CNBC. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
4Richter, G. (2019, May 1). CBD & Cannabis for pets in pain. Project CBD. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
5Staff, World Health Organization. (rep.). Cannabidiol (CBD) Pre-Review Report Agenda Item 5.2 (Vol. Thirty-ninth Meeting, pp. November 6-November 10, 2017). Geneva.
6Staff, A. K. C. (2021, October 23). CBD Oil for dogs: What you need to know. American Kennel Club.