There are so many new CBD products for dogs on the market, so it's important as a dog parent that you know what to look for! Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Purity
Look for “CBD Rich Hemp Oil” instead of “Hemp Oil”
You're probably thinking, what's the difference? There actually is a HUGE difference.
Most "hemp oils" are extracted from hemp seeds, which contain minimum amounts of CBD. This is usually why you see the "hemp" products on the market for a much lower price.⠀
CBD Rich Hemp Oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and even the stems of mature hemp plants. The extraction process is expensive and sophisticated, but it is necessary to ensure quality and quantity of CBD. The higher the quality and purity, usually the higher the cost.
Look for test results
When you are researching or looking into a product, make sure the products have been tested by a third-party, ensuring that there is less than 0.3% THC.
THC is one of the cannabinoids that is responsible for the "high" feeling when ingested and in high doses can be toxic for pets. CBD derived from the hemp plant has less than 0.3% THC. In other words, your pup will not get high.
You also want to see test results to insure you are getting a product that has good amounts of CBD in it.
Know your extraction methods
There are many ways to extract CBD oil from the cannabis plant, each has its pros and cons. Some methods are safer and more effective than others. The best extraction method is supercritical (or subcritical) CO2 extraction. This process uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperatures to assure the purity of the extracted oil. It’s the most expensive extraction method, producing a non-toxic, pure, natural, non-flammable product. The extract also has a cleaner taste.
Avoid any products made with solvents like propane, butane, pentane or hexane (toxic flammable hydrocarbon gases found in petroleum). Inhalation can cause cardiac and respiratory problems.⠀
Make sure the product is organic
Why is this important? Well, hemp is naturally resistant to pest and other pitfalls, so hemp is grown most of the time without using pesticides and herbicides. However, most people don’t realize the hemp plant actually cleans the soil. Because of hemp’s amazing ability to clean and absorb materials, it is vital that industrial hemp is grown in good, organic soil. Organically grown hemp needs soil that is free of toxins, so those toxins don’t show up in the finished product. In other words, it is important to make sure your pups CBD product is made with organic hemp so that is it free from toxins and therefore safe!
Taste
Obviously, you want to make sure your dog will actually take the CBD you purchase! Go for flavor-infused CBD oil – our Joint Formula chewable tablets our beef-flavored, so your dog will just gobble them right up! Treats are an easy way to make sure your dog will take the CBD; however, accurate dosing can be tricky sometimes (depending on how it is made and the manufacturer).
Dosage
CBD products are typically available in 3 different forms: tinctures, capsules, or treats. The most widely known method of administering CBD oil to your pets is through tinctures – it is easy to measure dosage.
- Using the tincture, you can put the CBD oil directly into your dog’s mouth. However, since most dogs are not a huge fan of that and it could get messy, you can just drop the oil into your dog’s food or treats.
- Capsules/tablets are another option for your dog as it can be a much easier way to administer a proper and effective dosage, and is less messy!
- CBD treats are another popular way of administering CBD because you will most likely not have any issues getting your pup to gobble up the CBD – however, it is possible dosage will not be as consistent depending on the manufacturer process.
Find what works best for your dog and stick with it!
As you can see, it is important to do your research before purchasing a product for your dog, so you can ensure that the product is safe and effective.
Have any more questions? Contact us!