Best CBD Oil for Dogs
in 2021

Full review – the best CBD oils for dogs 2021

We love that Honest Paws is a pet-specific CBD company. Unlike many brands, they combine their expertise in CBD with a real understanding of dogs’ needs. The result is a range of oils designed to target common canine disorders like arthritis and gastrointestinal irritation.

Honest Paws Wellness is the brand’s general use product. In our analysis of dozens of CBD oils for dogs from 35 different brands, it was the clear-cut winner, dominating all aspects of our review process.

Independent lab tests performed on Honest Paws Wellness CBD oil show a whole-plant extract, with high levels of CBD and a wide range of beneficial cannabinoids. These include CBC, CBG, and CBN.

CBD quality

(Click for a full pdf of the lab report)

Consuming a full spectrum of cannabis compounds alongside CBD improves absorption and overall effectiveness. In our analysis, Honest Paws was one of only three brands to fully live up to the full spectrum label, containing six of seven major cannabinoids.

Because Honest Paws Wellness is a full spectrum CBD oil, it contains traces of THC (0.1% to be exact). THC is a cannabis compound known for creating an intoxicating effect when consumed in high amounts. However, levels under 0.3% are both legal and completely safe for dogs.

In fact, we tend to prefer full spectrum CBD oils with traces of THC, because its presence is a sign of a whole-plant extraction. This means a product isn’t made from highly processed hemp.

CBD accuracy

CBD levels in the lab test for Honest Paws Wellness are a 97% match with the product label. This makes it one of the most accurately labeled CBD oils in our entire review.

While label accuracy might not seem like the most important factor in a CBD product, it’s a great sign of quality control and shows that a brand pays attention to detail. When the amount of CBD in a product varies, it can also become difficult for owners to find the correct dosage, meaning results can vary.

Customer reviews & shopping experience

It’s always nice when a CBD product on paper matches what customers are saying. During our full review of Honest Paws, we found over 500 reviews from Google & Facebook, averaging 4.9/5 across all products. User reviews featured countless testimonials on product effectiveness, mild taste, and efficient customer service.

When it comes to customer service, Honest Paws offers those shopping from their website free shipping on orders over $48, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. A 15% discount is available for those who subscribe to monthly deliveries.

The final woof

We think that Honest Paws Wellness is the best overall CBD oil for dogs. With a high-quality CBD extract made from organic, non-GMO hemp, and a large number of outstanding customer reviews, this CBD oil is definitely a pedigree choice.

CBDistillery checks all the boxes of a great CBD oil for dogs, but we think it’s particularly suited to dogs with arthritis and joint degeneration.

Lab reports for CBDistillery’s full spectrum oil show it contains six of seven major cannabinoids, including high levels of CBD-A, which is known to reduce pain and lower joint inflammation. In our analysis, CBDistillery was one of only four brands to offer products containing CBD-A, and possessed the highest levels of those four.

CBD-A has been shown In clinical studies to decrease inflammation in a similar way to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), but without the well-noted side effects in dogs. CBD-A is also a fragile compound that easily deteriorates when over-heated, so its presence in a product is a sign of a careful extraction.

Other evidence of product quality can be found in label accuracy—we found that CBD contents match the label by 96%. In our full review of CBDistillery, we also noted over 480 positive owner reviews with an average rating of 4.0/5.

We like that CBDistillery uses a premium carrier in the form of hemp seed oil made from non-GMO hemp. Hemp seeds are an awesome source of Omega fatty acids and should help dogs to keep their coats shiny and healthy.

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Read – Our complete list of CBD oils for dogs with arthritis

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CBDistillery carries four different concentrations of CBD oil for dogs, from 150mg for smaller breeds ($30) to 2500mg for the largest pups ($168). The brand also sells CBD soft chews for owners who appreciate a pre-dosed format.

When shopping from the CBDistillery website, customers can access free shipping on orders over $75, and an impressive 20% discount for subscribers.

This pet CBD tincture from Charlotte’s Web contains one of the richest cannabinoid extracts currently available to dogs. Independent lab reports show high levels of CBC and CBG, made from premium Colorado-grown CBD.

Researchers believe that these two compounds in particular can help dogs manage the symptoms of cancer. In some studies, they’ve even been shown to suppress tumor progression.

Charlotte’s Web is one of the founding cannabis companies of the CBD movement, helping to pioneer the market for non-intoxicating cannabis products.

In our full review of the brand, we noted how their years of manufacturing experience have contributed to a product that’s consistent, accurate, and provides great value for money. Prices range from 9 to 12 cents per mg of CBD depending on the bottle size.

Thanks to the careful cultivation of their own hemp strain, Charlotte’s Web’s CBD extract contains all seven major beneficial cannabinoids, making this a truly full spectrum CBD oil. The brand’s hemp is currently sourced from 90% organic fields, though products are expected to be 100% organic by the end of the year.

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Read – Our full list of CBD oils for dogs with cancer

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Charlotte’s Web offers their CBD oil for pets in a chicken flavor option to promote palatability, as well as infusing CBD into several types of doggy treat and a topical balm for direct application.

Shopping from the Charlotte’s Web website gives customers free shipping on orders over $74, and a 10% discount if they sign up for repeat deliveries.

We chose this Calm Oil from Honest Paws as the best CBD oil for dogs with anxiety, due to a combination of high-quality CBD and chamomile, a plant extract that’s long been recognized for its soothing qualities.

Like Honest Paws Wellness, this product is full of secondary cannabis compounds, including terpenes. These are the aromatic, oily parts of hemp flowers that have their own calming effects on dogs, and may help create a more reliable product.

Anxiety is highly common in dogs, from nervousness and phobias to severe separation anxiety, where pups can’t be left alone without panicking. While prescription medications for canine anxiety are available, many owners are wary of potential side effects, and are keen to try less invasive solutions.

Supplementing with CBD oil can help dogs become less sensitive to anxiety triggers and more receptive to training methods like crate training, which gives dogs a way to deal with anxiety in the longer term.

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Read – Our full list of CBD oils for dogs with anxiety

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Honest Paws offers each of their CBD recipes in three edible formats: snack bites, chews, or peanut spreads. Like their Wellness oil, consumers who buy Honest Paws Calm from their website can also get free delivery on orders over $48, and a 15% discount on monthly subscriptions.

Receptra Naturals scores solidly across each of our ranking factors, making it a good all-round CBD product. In our full review, we found their CBD extract contained the highest levels of CBD-V of any product we’ve analyzed. Combined with an organic MCT carrier oil and great value for money, this makes Receptra our top recommendation for dogs with seizure conditions.

In clinical trials on the effectiveness of cannabis against fits and seizures, researchers have discovered that CBD and CBD-V show the most anti-convulsant potential of all cannabinoids.

In a study by researchers at Colorado State University, seizure-prone dogs were given a daily dose of 2.5mg CBD per kg of their body weight. The results? Pets experienced reductions in both the quantity and intensity of convulsions.

Of all the potential uses for CBD, the FDA has approved just one cannabis-based drug for use in humans. Called Epidiolex, it’s designed for people with rare seizure disorders that don’t respond to traditional treatment. The fact that a federal agency moved so quickly in this case is a testament to CBD’s anticonvulsant ability.

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Read – Our full list of CBD oils for dogs with seizures

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Receptra Naturals pet CBD oil is available in two concentrations—16mg and 25mg—with a cost per mg of CBD of 6 cents in the higher concentration. We think this is a great price for such a high-quality extract, and especially good news for owners of dogs with seizures, who may require long-term daily supplementation.

Free, no-minimum shipping is available on all orders made directly with Receptra. The brand also has a 30-day money-back guarantee for anyone who feels unsatisfied with their product.

Being a natural plant product, it makes sense to seek out high-quality ingredients when searching for the best CBD. We think NuLeaf Naturals Organic CBD oil for dogs is a premium option by a brand that pays extra attention to the quality of their hemp and carrier oil.

In our full review of NuLeaf Naturals, we liked how this brand operates on a seed-to-shelf policy, meaning that they’re in control of the entire lifecycle of their product, from sowing seeds to shipping oil to consumers.

NuLeaf Naturals only use organic hemp plants grown in Colorado and irrigated with Rocky Mountain water. They infuse their extract into an organic virgin hemp seed oil carrier, which is full of beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants.

In terms of the extract itself, independent lab reports show NuLeaf’s CBD oil contains high levels of CBD-V—a compound known to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. That’s why we also feature this product in our list of the best CBD oils for dogs with seizure conditions.

Because they offer three different concentrations, NuLeaf can combine their quality manufacturing process with great value for money. Their highest-concentration option costs approximately one cent per mg of CBD.

Larger breeds and dogs with chronic conditions often need considerable amounts of CBD. This can be an issue for owners due to the considerable cost of most CBD products. When it comes to value for money, our pick is Innovet Pet’s PURCBD oil, thanks to their high-quality CBD extraction and large range of concentrations, which lets consumers get the most for their money.

In our full review of Innovet Pet, we found that the brand has the cheapest cost per mg of CBD of any product we’ve analyzed. This is because Innovet offers its CBD oil in six different concentrations, from a 125mg bottle all the way up to a huge 6000mg. At the largest size, customers can pay less than a cent per mg of CBD.

Despite the savings on offer, Innovet still uses a full spectrum extract that contains industry-leading levels of a compound called CBD-A, which is known as a particularly powerful anti-inflammatory. Because of this, we also featured Innovet’s PURCBD in our list of CBD oils for dogs with arthritis and pain.

For consumers shopping directly from their website, Innovet offers free, no-minimum shipping and an impressive 15% discount for customers who sign up for monthly deliveries.

All the CBD oils in this list are safe for dogs, and the products above only contain tiny traces of THC (below 0.3%).

Because this cannabis compound is famous for causing intoxication in higher doses, however, many owners feel uncomfortable with any amount of THC in their dog’s cannabis products. Others may be shopping from locations where only 0% THC oils are legal.

Joy Organics is aware of these needs and has developed a product that offers CBD’s benefits in a zero-THC format. Their CBD oil for dogs contains an organic broad spectrum extraction, meaning it’s been modified to remove THC whilst still retaining good amounts of CBD and other cannabinoids, like CBG.

Because unprocessed, full spectrum CBD oils are considered the most effective CBD products, our scoring system does slightly penalize broad spectrum and isolate CBD oils. However, this shouldn’t be a concern for owners specifically looking for non-THC products:

In our full review of Joy Organics, we liked how this brand makes the different choice of using extra virgin olive oil as a carrier. Olive oil doesn’t have the same fatty acid profile as hemp seed or MCT oil, but it does blend well with food, and many dogs may be more receptive to its taste.

When customers shop directly from Joy Organics, they can enjoy free, no-minimum 5-day shipping. For those who subscribe for repeat orders, there’s a whopping 20% discount on offer.

CBD isolates go further than broad spectrum oils by removing all cannabis compounds except CBD. This leaves an oil that’s highly predictable and easy to dose—if a little less potent than wider spectrum products.

We’ve chosen Medterra as our pick for best isolate CBD oil because of its US Hemp Authority certification, organic hemp, and an impressive number of positive independently verified reviews. In our own Medterra review, we liked how the brand infuses organic flavorings into their oil, with beef and chicken versions to help tempt picky pups.

Owners of the tiniest dogs and those with certain pre-existing conditions may prefer to use CBD isolates because they allow for precisely measured, smaller doses. When shopping from Medterra’s website, customers can enjoy free shipping on orders over $49, and a 25% discount when they use our promo code, COFD.

Here are some other popular Isolate CBD oils for dogs:

• Lazarus Naturals Flavorless Sensitive Pet CBD Tincture
• 4 Corners Cannabis THC-Free CBD Tincture (use promo code COFD for 25% off)

What is CBD oil?

CBD is a natural hemp extract, which is proven to reduce inflammation in dogs and humans. Short for cannabidiol, CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, each with its own soothing properties.

Most CBD oils, and all CBD oils for dogs, are made from hemp plants. Hemp is the legal, non-intoxicating version of cannabis, and cannot cause a high. The mind-altering effects often associated with cannabis come from consuming a different, more potent type of cannabis plant called marijuana.

How does CBD oil work?

CBD works by affecting receptors in a part of humans’ and dogs’ bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is a far-reaching mechanism that plays a role in regulating inflammation across all major organs. It can be triggered by internal or external stressors. For example, a rise in ambient temperature, the presence of a perceived threat, a fever, or an insect bite can all activate the ECS.

Other bodily functions impacted by the ECS include digestion, coordination, immune function, mood regulation, pain, swelling, and sleep.

Taking CBD can support the ECS in returning the body to a state of homeostasis (balance), lowering stress and inflammation, and reducing pain, anxiety, and swelling.

Is CBD right for my dog?

CBD is a relevant supplement for any dog with an inflammatory-based condition. This includes:

• Dogs with joint diseases like arthritis or hip dysplasia
• Dogs with neurological or nerve disorders like epilepsy or seizures
• Dogs with canine anxiety, including phobias, separation anxiety, and OCD
• Dogs with allergies and skin irritations
• Dogs with inflammation due to cancers, injuries, and surgical procedures

Happy dogs showing no signs of anxiety, inflammation, or chronic conditions, shouldn’t take CBD or any other wellness supplement without a good reason.

What’s the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?

To capitalize on the popularity of CBD products, many retailers have started selling hemp oils for humans and dogs. While both products are made from the same plant, hemp oil and CBD oil are not the same.

CBD oils contain cannabinoids extracted from hemp flowers. These are the anti-inflammatory ingredients that make CBD effective against canine disorders.

Hemp oils, on the other hand, are made by cold-pressing the seeds of hemp plants. While these oils are full of healthy polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with vitamins A, C, and E, they are not CBD.

To confuse things further, some CBD extracts are infused into hemp seed oil, making them a combination of both products! For example, this CBD oil from NuLeaf Naturals uses organic hemp seed oil to deliver CBD into dogs’ bodies.

Always read product labels and packaging carefully to check whether an oil actually contains CBD.

What is a CBD carrier oil and which type is best for dogs?

CBD is more effectively absorbed into the body when it’s consumed with quality fats. That’s one of the reasons why we think oil tinctures are better than other pet CBD products like treats or creams.

A carrier oil is the oil into which a CBD extract is infused. The best kinds of carrier oil are full of healthy fats, such as hemp seed oil and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil.

Hemp seed oil is our favorite carrier because it contains a balanced mix of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fats. It’s also rich in antioxidants and amino acids, helping dogs keep their skin and coat in shape. Try NuLeaf Naturals if you’re looking for CBD with an organic hemp seed oil carrier.

MCT oil is also a good choice for carrying CBD. It’s usually made from fractionated coconut, which has a milder taste than hemp seed oil while still aiding digestion. If you’re looking for CBD with an organic MCT oil carrier, Receptra is a good option.

Other, less popular options include olive oil and grape seed oils. For example, Joy Organics uses organic extra virgin olive oil in their products.

Which CBD extraction method is best?

What size CBD oil should I buy?

Most pet CBD brands offer products in several sizes to help owners get the best value for their dog’s needs. Because CBD dosages are calculated by weight, bigger dogs often need a lot more CBD oil than smaller breeds.

Pups with chronic conditions, such as recurrent seizures, may also need larger daily dosages than dogs with infrequent issues like phobias, who might only take CBD once every few months.

Owners of large dogs or dogs with ongoing conditions should look at high-concentration CBD oils. While they are more expensive than smaller-sized products, they usually offer a lower cost per mg of CBD, meaning that you’ll save money in the long run.

We think the best high-concentration CBD oil for dogs is Innovet Pet’s 6000mg PURCBD oil.

Should I buy CBD oils or CBD treats?

We generally recommend CBD oils over CBD treats for two reasons.

First, studies show that consuming CBD alongside high-fat foods can increase absorption into the body by up to four times.

Second, because CBD oils are more versatile than treats. Owners can decide exactly how much CBD their dog should get, and add it to their pup’s favorite foods, treats, or directly into their mouths.

CBD treats do have their benefits, though. Many owners prefer the convenience of a pre-made snack, and infusing CBD directly into foods can help reduce any strong plant flavors.

Here are some popular CBD treat products for pups:

• Honest Paws Mobility soft chews
• Honest Paws Organic Relief Bites
• Lazarus Naturals Sweet Potato Vitality CBD Dog Treats
• HempMy Pet Hemp Dog Treats
• cbdMD Pet CBD Oil Treats for Dogs

Where can I buy CBD oil for dogs?

Is it legal to buy CBD oil for dogs in the US?

Yes. As long as CBD oil is made from hemp, there are no federal restrictions on buying CBD oil for your dog.

Some state-level regulations limit the types of CBD products eligible for sale:

How do I give my dog CBD oil?

How much CBD should I give my dog? (dosages)

Because CBD is unregulated, there are no official dosage recommendations for CBD and dogs. However, most owners begin by giving their dog 0.2 milligrams of CBD per pound of its body weight and move up from there.

So, if your dog weighs fifty pounds, a good starting dose would be 10 milligrams of CBD. If dogs tolerate CBD well without any side effects, then owners can begin to slowly increase dosages until benefits begin to take effect.

While it’s possible that CBD will begin to work soon after an initial dose, many owners find that effects are cumulative, and begin to show around a week or two after a consistent dosage schedule.

Here’s our full dosage guide, which lays out exactly how to give CBD to your dog.

How do I tell if my dog’s CBD oil is working?

Can I give my dog human CBD oil?

Dogs should never be given human CBD products made from marijuana plants (often labeled simply as ‘Cannabis CBD’). They should also never be given CBD oils that contain more than 0.3 percent THC, or pungent terpene profiles.

If a human CBD oil is made from industrial hemp and doesn’t contain significant levels of other cannabinoids or terpenes, it may be ok for dogs to consume. Remember to always follow dosages appropriate for animals rather than humans.

Can dogs overdose on CBD oil?

CBD does have a toxic level, so it is possible for dogs to overdose on CBD. However, that level is extremely high, at around 30 milligrams of CBD per kg of bodyweight. For most dogs, this is equal to more than an entire bottle of CBD oil in a single dose.

A higher dose of CBD doesn’t necessarily lead to stronger effects. In studies performed on humans, doses were found to be condition-specific. For example, higher doses that are effective in treating epilepsy may not affect other conditions such as anxiety, whereas lower doses are.

Does CBD oil for dogs have any side effects?

Compared to most traditional medications for dogs, CBD is extremely safe and has a highly favorable side effect profile. However, a minority of dogs may experience mild side effects when taking CBD. These include:

• Sleepiness, fatigue, or lethargy
• Urinary incontinence
• Vomiting
• Ataxia (coordination issues / drunkenness)
• Hyperesthesia (hyper-sensitivity / overwhelming sensations)

If dogs continue to display these or other side effects after taking CBD products, then supplementation should be stopped.

Will my dog get high on CBD oil?

No. Dogs may feel calmer and more relaxed when taking CBD, but correctly made CBD products are non-intoxicating and incapable of producing a high.

Always ensure your dog’s CBD oil contains less than 0.3 percent THC and is made from hemp plants.

Will my dog feel anything when they take CBD oil?

Dogs may feel calmer, more relaxed, or sleepy after taking CBD oil. Many dogs also show no outward behavioral signs of change.

How does CBD oil work for dogs with arthritis?

Here’s our full list of the Best CBD Oils for Dogs with Arthritis.

How does CBD oil work for dogs with hip dysplasia?

How does CBD oil work for dogs with skin conditions?

How does CBD oil work for dogs with cancer?

Read our full list of the Best CBD Oils for Dogs with Cancer.

How does CBD oil work for dogs with anxiety?

Here are our top 4 picks for the Best CBD Oils for Dogs with Anxiety.

How does CBD oil work for dogs with seizures?

We rounded up the Best CBD Oils for Dogs with Seizures.

Do vets recommend CBD oil?

Because CBD is not yet approved by the FDA, veterinarians cannot prescribe CBD products. But that doesn’t mean animal healthcare experts aren’t acknowledging the benefits of CBD for dogs. Many vets are already using CBD oil with their own pets.

Legislation in a minority of states does allow vets to discuss (but not prescribe) CBD with pet owners.

Can dogs take CBD with other medications?

CBD is compatible with the vast majority of medications. However, dogs being treated with drugs that are metabolized by CYP450 enzymes shouldn’t take CBD.

This is because cannabis compounds have been known to inhibit how these enzymes break down drugs in the liver. This effect can also be caused by other foods and supplements, such as grapefruits and ginger.