You’ve probably heard about the myriad of benefits CBD oil can offer you, like relief from inflammation, pain, and more, but did you know there are similar benefits to using CBD Oil for dogs? Pet owners are more frequently turning to natural remedies to support their dogs in living their best life, and CBD oil tops the charts as one of the most useful plant-powered therapeutics available for pups. Here, we’ll dive into the science behind CBD for dogs and give our recommendations for the best CBD products for dogs with anxiety, arthritis, and more. First, let’s dive into the basics:

What is CBD?

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a hemp-derived compound that’s been found to have a wide range of therapeutic effects in both humans and animals. It lacks the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis, which makes it a more acceptable treatment for dogs. It shouldn’t be confused with cannabis or marijuana, which contains large amounts of psychoactive THC and should not be given to dogs. 

Brands Selected

  • LolaHemp – Best Overall CBD Oil For Dogs
  • Verma Farms – Best CBD Oil For Dogs  Anxiety
  • cbdMD – Best CBD Oil For Dogs With Arthritis
  • Joy Organics – Best CBD Oils For Small Breeds
  • CBDfx – Best CBD Oil For Large Breeds
  • Charlotte’s Web – Best CBD Dog Treats

How We Review Brands

In light of the inconsistencies in hemp industry regulations, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to hold brands accountable for their products’ quality, purity, and efficacy. We independently test products using a strict vetting process designed to identify the best hemp-derived products on the market. We only recommend CBD that is safe and of the highest quality by first ensuring that the CBD companies we recommend meet these requirements:

Brand Reputation

It’s clear to see that some brands have made a name for themselves within the industry. Many of the brands we feature are leading the industry in quality and innovation. Of course, many smaller brands make the cut based on the quality factors below. If you’re unsure, looking at other user reviews is sometimes an excellent way to find safe, effective formulas.

Third-Party Lab Testing

Checking the third-party lab test results, or the Certificate of Analysis, for a product before you buy is the one most important step you can take towards ensuring quality and safety. These tests should come from a third-party (not in-house) laboratory, and they should detail cannabinoid potency and product purity, like the absence of heavy metals, pesticides, microbials, and other harsh chemicals. 

Hemp Source

We prefer brands that use pesticide-free (or organic) U.S. grown hemp that is tested for quality before manufacturing. 

Extraction Method

A safe extraction process is required to produce a safe product. The most popular is supercritical CO2 extraction because it requires no solvent. Food-grade ethanol extractions also produce high-quality formulas as long as the final product is tested to ensure that it is solvent-free. 

Ingredients

A safe CBD product must also contain only safe ingredients. In the case of CBD for dogs, all ingredients must be skin-safe. You should also check the ingredient label for potential allergens that may affect you. 

Potency

Product potency varies from product to product, but sometimes product labels can be misleading. Check to see if the total potency refers to the total amount of hemp extract or specifically to the CBD content of the product.

Based on our personal experiences and the criteria above, we’ve compiled a list of the best CBD products for dogs. We’ll discuss what makes them stand out, why we support the product, and which pets may benefit the most from it. 

Glossary 

  • Broad-Spectrum CBD: A CBD formula that consists primarily of CBD and contains a “broad spectrum” of natural hemp cannabinoids. Broad-spectrum CBD formula has all detectable traces of THC removed through a unique refinement process. 
  • Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes from the original hemp material, including up to 0.3% THC. 
  • CBD Isolate: A type of CBD formula that is carefully refined to remove all minor cannabinoids besides CBD.
  • COA: COA is an acronym for Certificate of Analysis – otherwise known as a third-party lab test result. 

Things to Consider Before Buying CBD Oil for Dogs

Things To Consider Before Giving Your Dog CBD

Is the CBD Oil THC-Free?

Although CBD may be an excellent therapeutic option for pets, THC should not be given to animals. Dogs are much more sensitive to THC than humans, and a mild to moderate dose of THC can cause psychoactive effects that last for days. 

Of course, most CBD products are made from federally legal hemp material, which means they contain less than 0.3% THC, which is not enough to cause any psychoactive effects. 

Is Broad-Spectrum, CBD Isolate, or Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Best for Dogs?

There are many opinions on the best type of CBD formula for dogs. The truth is, different formulas may work better for various ailments, and we don’t currently have enough evidence to say one formula is superior to another. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil and broad-spectrum CBD oil formulas are usually regarded as “more effective” because they offer the synergistic benefits of the entourage effect. However, CBD isolate still contains CBD and could be a cost-effective option for giving larger doses to your pet. 

What’s the Best CBD Dosage For Dogs?

The current recommendation is to give your dog up to 5 mg of CBD per 2.2 lbs of body weight. By this recommendation, the maximum daily dose for a dog that weighs:

  • 10 lbs: approximately 22 mg
  • 35 lbs: approximately 79 mg
  • 50 lbs: approximately 113 mg 

Keep in mind that this is a maximum dose estimate, so you may want to start with lower doses and slowly increase the dose over a few days or weeks. You should also divide the dose into several doses each day, usually one dose every 8-12 hours. 

What are the Risks of CBD Oil for Dogs?

The risk of side effects is minimal when following a proper dosage protocol, but side effects of CBD for dogs may include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Lowered blood pressure
  • Drowsiness
  • Decreased appetite

If you notice these side effects for a prolonged period, or if you notice severe side effects after starting CBD, contact your veterinarian.

The 5 Best CBD Products You Can Give Your Dog

1. The Overall Best CBD Oil for Dogs

CBD Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Risks, & Our 5 Favorite Products

LolaHemp Regular Strength Large CBD Oil

LolaHemp is a CBD brand that’s wholly dedicated to pet health. They offer a collection of pet products made with organically sourced, whole-plant hemp extract, which means they offer the boosted benefits of a full-spectrum oil. 

This 600mg Regular Strength Hemp Oil is a perfect example of its superior quality. The large bottle is designed to offer a 1-month supply for large pets (50 lbs or more) but offers an excellent value for pets that need smaller doses. Plus, a portion of every LolaHemp purchase goes toward supporting a local animal shelter. 

Pros

Cons

- Large bottle, good value
- Great for small and large pets
- Organically sourced

- Unflavored, which may make it less appealing to picky pets

Read Product Review


Brand: LolaHemp | Product Type: CBD Oil | CBD Type: Full-Spectrum | Price: $69.99 | Potency: 600mg CBD per Bottle| Size: 60 mL. | COA: On-Site

15% off code: K2C

2. Best for Dog Anxiety

Verma Farms Best CBD For Dog Anxiety

Verma Farms Salmon 300mg CBD Dog Oil

Verma Farms is focused on providing premium quality hemp products, not just for humans but for pets too. Every product starts with organic, pesticide-free, non-GMO hemp. The brand’s manufacturing process is designed to preserve the integrity of hemp’s natural cannabinoid selection. Then, CBD is paired with minimalistic, natural ingredients to create a well-rounded product that pets will love.  

Verma Farms Salmon 300mg CBD Oil for Dogs wins our support as the best CBD Oil for dog anxiety not only because it contains 300mg of broad-spectrum CBD oil but also other balancing ingredients, like probiotics, vitamin D3, and Vitamin E. The chef-inspired flavor comes from wild salmon oil, so it’s a delight even for picky pups. 

Pros

Cons

- Organic hemp
- Includes probiotics and vitamins
- Real salmon flavor

-Lower potency may not be convenient for larger pets 

Read Brand Review


Brand: Verma Farms | Product Type: CBD Oil | CBD Type: Broad-Spectrum | Price: $50.00 | Potency: 300mg CBD per Bottle| Size: 30 mL. | COA: On-Site

Shop Now!

3. Best CBD Oil for Dogs with Arthritis

CBD Oil for Dogs

cbdMD Pet CBD Oil Tincture for Dogs

cbdMD is one of the most well-known brands in the industry, and we’re happy to report that the same quality goes into their pet products as the products they make for humans. Their CBD pet line is veterinarian formulated and made only from USA-grown hemp. 

The cbdMD Pet CBD Oil Tincture is available in five different potency options, so it’s a fantastic option for pets of all sizes. The broad-spectrum CBD Oil with the peanut butter flavor is an added bonus (we’re sure your pup will agree!)

Pros

Cons

- Multiple potency options
- Broad-spectrum, THC-free
- Peanut butter or natural flavor option

- Not organic

Read Product Review


Brand: cbdMD | Product Type: CBD Oil | CBD Type: Broad-Spectrum | Price: $69.99 | Potency: 750mg CBD per Bottle| Size: 30 mL. | COA: On-Site

15% off code: KEY15

4. Best CBD Oil for Small Breeds 

Joy Organics USDA-Tincture Pet CBD Oil

Joy Organics Premium CBD Oil For Dogs

Joy Organics offers consistently superior quality, and they are one of the only brands on the market to offer a USDA-Certified Organic CBD oil for dogs. 

Like all of Joy Organics products, this Premium CBD Tincture for Dogs is made from simple, high-quality ingredients, including organic olive oil and organic broad-spectrum hemp extract. The broad-spectrum formula offers the benefits of cannabinoid synergy with none of the risks of THC. The 450mg broad-spectrum CBD bottle provides a 15mg dose that works for smaller pups. 

Pros

Cons

- USDA Certified Organic
- Broad-Spectrum
- Simple ingredients

- Unflavored, which could make it difficult to give to picky pets

Read Product Review


Brand: Joy Organics | Product Type: CBD Oil | CBD Type: Broad-Spectrum | Price: $44.95-69.94 | Potency: 450-900mg CBD per Bottle| Size: 30 mL. | COA: On-Site

20% off code: KEY20

5. Best CBD Oil for Large Breeds

cbdfx pet tincture

CBDfx Bacon Flavored Pet Tincture

CBDfx is known for offering a bountiful selection of broad-spectrums CBD formulas, flavors, and product styles made according to superior quality standards. This product is no different, and the bacon flavor is sure to entice any pup. 

According to a veterinarian’s review, the CBDfx Bacon Flavored Pet Tincture has 1,000mg of CBD and is “great for large dogs, over 60lb,” per a veterinarian’s review. Plus, this broad-spectrum CBD Oil is made with human-grade ingredients, so you don’t have to question the quality of anything you’re feeding to your pet. 

Pros

Cons

- Pre-measured for convenience
- Perfect for picky dogs
- Targeted benefits for nervous pets

-Low dosage may not be convenient for large pets 

Read Brand Review 


Brand: CBDfx| Product Type: CBD Oil | CBD Type: Broad-Spectrum | Price: $79.99 | Potency: 1000mg CBD per Bottle| Size: 30 mL. | COA: On-Site

15% off code: K2C15

6. Bonus: Best CBD Dog Treats

Charlotte's Web Calming Chew

Charlotte’s Web Calming Chews For Dogs

If you see a tincture dose getting a little messy or think your pup will decline a drop of CBD oil on its food, a CBD dog treat may be the way to go. Luckily, these Calming CBD Dog treats come from an industry-leading brand. Like all products from Charlotte’s Web, these chews are made from non-GMO, USA-grown hemp. 

In addition to 2.5mg of full-spectrum CBD per piece, these Calming CBD Chews for Dogs contain a unique botanical blend that includes valerian root, passionflower extract, and chamomile. These chicken flavored treats are designed to calm your pup’s nerves without the strong sedative effects of many prescription solutions. 

Pros

Cons

- Pre-measured for convenience
- Perfect for picky dogs
- Targeted benefits for nervous pets

-Low dosage may not be convenient for large pets 

Read Product Review


Brand: Charlotte’s Web | Product Type: CBD Dog Treats | CBD Type: Full-Spectrum | Price: $19.99 – 34.99 | Potency: 2.5mg CBD per Chew| Size: 30-60 count | COA: On-Site

10% off code: K2C10

The Health Benefits of CBD Oils For Dogs

If you’re interested in supporting your pups’ health with plant-powered medicines, but wondering “What does CBD do for dogs?” we’ll explain. 

CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System, a regulatory system that’s found in all mammals. That means that many of the amazing effects of CBD for humans may translate to canines. Research regarding the use of cannabidiol for animals is still limited, but here’s what we know for now:

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common inflammatory conditions in dogs, and up to 60% of dogs will experience some degree of arthritis in their lifetime. Clinical research has found that CBD may be a solution because of its impact on inflammatory pathways. One study concluded that a dose of “2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with OA.”

Pain

These same anti-inflammatory benefits lead experts to believe that CBD could be useful for managing pain, as seen in one experimental human study. This may be especially true in the case of pain caused by inflammatory conditions, though no research currently exists to verify this benefit. Common inflammatory conditions that cause pain in dogs include dermatitis, conjunctivitis, colitis, and pancreatitis. 

Epilepsy

CBD as a treatment for epilepsy is well studied in humans, but less evidence exists for dogs. One study does suggest that CBD could reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy alongside their regular medications. 

Anxiety

Many anecdotal reports claim that CBD can help manage anxiety in dogs, but there is currently no evidence to support this claim. CBD has been highlighted as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders in various human studies, however. 

Cancer

Various studies have confirmed the benefits of using CBD for managing the side effects of cancer treatments, and research has even found CBD to have anti-cancer effects in in vitro studies. 

Studies concerning the use of CBD for managing cancer in dogs are much more limited. One study found CBD to be effective at slowing cell proliferation in canine tumors. The anti-nausea effects that benefit cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have also been documented in animals, though the research focused on rats and not dogs. 

Can Vets Prescribe CBD Oil for Dogs? 

CBD products for dogs, cats, and other pets are not currently FDA approved. Therefore, veterinarians are not allowed to recommend or prescribe CBD at this time. However, you can still ask your vet about the risks and benefits of hemp extract for dogs. Because CBD is still a relatively new therapeutic option for dogs, you may need to find a vet who has experience with the cannabinoid. 

Where Can You Buy CBD for Dogs In-Store & Online

Because the 2018 Farm Bill effectively legalized hemp-derived CBD products (when made according to specific guidelines), many CBD companies can ship their products anywhere in the United States. You may also find CBD for dogs in local stores, but you should be skeptical of any products that don’t come with third-party lab results. 

It’s often better to buy CBD online, where you have the opportunity to compare products and dig deeper into the brand’s quality standards. We’ve reviewed many different brands and products to make the choice easier for you. Check out our CBD Pet Product Reviews to see some of the best products the industry has to offer. 

Kat Austin

Kat Austin

After a difficult pregnancy, simultaneously worsening back injuries, increased anxiety, and more intense migraines, Kat was seeking relief but was being offered a myriad of prescriptions that left her, like many others, with unwanted side effects. Upon discovering the medical benefits of cannabis and CBD, she has seen a complete transformation in her life. Through her writing, extensive research, and analysis, Kat hopes to give you the tools you need to design your most effective health regimen.

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