Best CBD for Dogs with Cancer
Updated: March 12th, 2024
In our search to find the most effective CBD options for pets with cancer, we carefully evaluated lab reports, testimonials, and first-hand experience with CBD oils and treats from over 40 leading brands.
The best CBD products for dogs facing cancer must feature:
- a rich spectrum of supportive cannabinoids
- organically cultivated hemp
- thorough and independently verified lab results
- positive customer reviews
- easy palatability
Ranking factors (overview):
Points Scored
Best CBD for Dogs with Cancer in 2024
5
Best Mobility CBD Treats
Innovet Advanced Mobility Support Chews for Dogs
* best broad spectrum – effectiveness score takes cannabinoid profile into account, so this score will always be lower
Best CBD Oil for Dogs with Cancer
Effectiveness Score: 9.7 / 10
- Cannabinoid Diversity: CBC | CBDa | CBDV | CBG | CBN | Δ9-THC
- Cannabinoid Density: + 13%
- CBD Concentration: 108%
Transparency Score: 9.3 / 10
- Hemp Source: Colorado
- Growing Practices: USDA Certified Organic
- Safety Testing: Pass
- Lab Report Recency: May 2023
Reputation Score: 9.9 / 10
- Review Rating: 4.9 / 5
- # of Reviews: 593
- Money-back-guarantee: 30 days
What Stands Out
As far as CBD products go to support your dog with cancer, Honest Paws Calm Oil is made with the highest care, particularly for dogs facing the challenges of cancer.
What sets this oil apart is the variety of cannabinoids it includes, with more types than many other canine products out there. This means it can offer a wider range of benefits, which might help your dog feel better overall, especially if they’re dealing with symptoms related to cancer or the aftermath of chemotherapy.
The source of the hemp is another big plus. It comes from USDA organic hemp grown in Colorado. This isn’t just a detail; it’s important because it assures you of the product’s quality and safety. Knowing that the hemp is grown in the United States, and specifically in a state known for growing natural hemp, can give you peace of mind.
When it comes to customer feedback, Honest Paws Calm Oil has an excellent track record. With over 500 reviews and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5, it’s clear that many dog owners have found it to be beneficial. This kind of consistent, positive feedback is reassuring, especially when you’re trying to find the best support for your dog’s health.
Safety is another critical factor, and this oil passes all major safety tests, including checks for heavy metals and pesticides. This thorough testing ensures the oil is safe for your dog to consume, which is crucial, especially when their health is already compromised.
Lastly, the oil includes organic MCT carrier oil and chamomile. These ingredients not only improve the taste but also provide additional calming effects. For dogs that might be experiencing stress due to their illness or treatment, these added benefits can be really helpful.
For all of these reasons, Honest Paws Calm Oil is the CBD oil we most confidently stand behind for dogs dealing with cancer. Its richness in supportive cannabinoids, high-quality hemp source, positive reviews, rigorous safety testing, and extra calming ingredients are all designed to support your dog’s well-being and quality of life during a difficult time.
Best CBD Oil for Small Dogs
Effectiveness Score: 9.6 / 10
- Cannabinoid Diversity: CBC | CBDa | CBDV | CBG | Δ9-THC
- Cannabinoid Density: + 22%
- CBD Concentration: 108%
Transparency Score: 8.7 / 10
- Hemp Source: USA
- Growing Practices: Organic
- Safety Testing: Pass
- Lab Report Recency: October 2023
Reputation Score: 7.5 / 10
- Review Rating: 4.9 / 5
- # of Reviews: 19
- Money-back-guarantee: 30 days
What Stands Out
Lolahemp Hemp Oil for Pets is another good option for dog owners, particularly for those with smaller dogs. It doesn’t have as many different cannabinoids as Honest Paws, but it’s still packed with a significant amount compared to other top-tier CBD oils.
Its 5 additional supportive cannabinoids aren’t just fillers; they make up an additional 22% of total cannabinoid content, on top of the CBD. These cannabinoids work together to provide a more comprehensive relief, which might be just what your dog needs to feel more comfortable.
The hemp used in Lolahemp Oil is organically grown in the USA. While they don’t specify exactly where in the country it’s from, knowing it’s domestically sourced gives a good sense of its quality. Organic farming practices also mean the oil is cleaner and safer for your dog, which is again especially important when they’re already facing health challenges.
Taste can be a big deal, especially for dogs who might be feeling unwell. Lolahemp has managed to create an oil with a smooth taste, thanks to its MCT carrier oil. This will make it easier to give to your dog, as compared to a hemp seed carrier oil, which is especially important if they’re already not eating as much as usual.
Now, let’s talk about price. Lolahemp’s smaller 150mg tincture is pretty wallet-friendly at $0.20 per mg of CBD when compared to $0.34 for Honest Paws’ 125mg oil. For smaller dogs, this helps to manage costs while still providing your dog with quality support.
For larger dogs, however, Honest Paws is the less expensive option. Their pricing tiers favor the larger concentrations. While Lolahemp’s largest tincture is $0.12 per mg of CBD, Honest Paws falls slightly below at $0.10.
Although Lolahemp doesn’t have as many reviews as some other brands, the feedback it does have is very positive, with a 4.9 out of 5-star rating from 25 reviews on Google. This tells us that people who have tried it really see a difference in their pets.
To summarize, Lolahemp Hemp Oil for Pets strikes a good balance between quality and affordability when it comes to lower CBD concentrations. It might not top every chart, but its solid mix of cannabinoids and positive reviews show potential to support dogs dealing with cancer.
Best Budget CBD Oil for Dogs with Cancer
Effectiveness Score: 9.0 / 10
- Cannabinoid Diversity: CBC | CBDV | CBG | Δ9-THC
- Cannabinoid Density: + 14%
- CBD Concentration: 103%
- Calming ingredients: no
Transparency Score: 7.4 / 10
- Hemp Source: Colorado
- Growing Practices: organic
- Safety Testing: Pass
- Lab Report Recency: March 2022
Reputation Score: 9 / 10
- Review Rating: 4.8 / 5
- # of Reviews: 156
- Money-back-guarantee: 30 days
What stands out
Receptra Pet Tincture is our budget-friendly choice for dogs suffering from cancer. It offers a good blend of quality and affordability, making it an attractive choice for many pet owners.
The lab report shows 4 additional supportive cannabinoids, providing 14% more cannabinoid content on top of the CBD. While this doesn’t compete with HP Calm Oil’s 7 additional cannabinoids, it still provides an above-average cannabinoid range and content.
Priced at $0.08 per mg of CBD for its 16mg/ml tincture (480 mg total concentration) and $0.07 for its 750mg concentration, it is less expensive than our top two recommendation above.
As with most human-focused CBD brands, Receptra does not offer as many sizes for pets, but these concentrations do accommodate dogs of most sizes.
The hemp used in Receptra Pet Tincture is organically grown in Colorado. This single-state sourcing is a plus because it often leads to more consistency in the CBD extract from one batch to another. Although it doesn’t have the USDA organic certification like Honest Paws, the commitment to organic practices in Colorado’s hemp cultivation is still a significant mark of quality.
The taste diverges from Honest Paws and Lolahemp, as Receptra uses an ethanol extraction method – a more cost-effective extraction method that is good for preserving cannabinoids and terpenes, but adds a more distinct, bitter taste.
That said, Receptra uses MCT carrier oil, which is known for its smooth taste, making the tincture more palatable than a CBD oil using a hemp seed or olive oil carrier oil.
Customer feedback is generally positive, with the brand holding a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from over 150 Google reviews. Most of these reviews are for its human CBD line, and only one recent review has been posted in the last year, but this is still a strong average score.
This recent review complained about customer service, which mirrors our own experience of finding them less than amazing. When we had an issue with a QR code leading to an error page, their response was helpful but lacked acknowledgment of the problem itself. They simply responded with, “Here is an updated PDF for the Pet 16.”
Despite some minor customer service hiccups, Receptra’s Pet Tincture offers solid cannabinoid profile, organic Colorado hemp sourcing, palatable taste, and competitive pricing. We consider it to be a worthy consideration for dog owners seeking supplementary support for the struggles that come from canine cancer and cancer treatments.
Best Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs
Effectiveness Score: 7.0 / 10
- Cannabinoid Diversity: CBC | CBDV | CBG | CBN | Δ9-THC
- Cannabinoid Density: + 5%
- CBD Concentration: 105%
Transparency Score: 9.6 / 10
- Hemp Source: Wisconsin
- Growing Practices: Organic
- Safety Testing: Pass
- Lab Report Recency: December 2023
Reputation Score: 8.9 / 10
- Review Rating: 4.9 / 5
- # of Reviews: 76
- Money-back-guarantee: No, only if unopened
What Stands Out
For dogs or owners that are highly sensitive, or opposed, to even the most minimal levels of THC, Batch’s 0% THC Pet CBD Tincture is our recommended choice. However, due to the higher efficacy, cannabinoid richness, and more natural state of full-spectrum CBD oil, we are a bit hesitant recommending broad-spectrum CBD oils, especially for dogs with more severe cancer symptoms.
Nonetheless, as far as broad-spectrum CBD oils go, we like Batch for a few reasons.
Hemp source is one of its highpoints. The company uses organically grown hemp from Wisconsin. It’s one of the few broad-spectrum options that emphasize organic cultivation, which is a big plus as hemp has a higher absorption rate for heavy metals and pesticides than other plants do. Thanks to the organic nature of all the products on our list, no traces of these toxins have appeared on any of the CBD lab reports.
Batch’s CBD oil shows 3 additional supportive cannabinoids, adding up to 6% more cannabinoid content alongside the CBD. While both these numbers are below the average, this is pretty standard for broad-spectrum CBD products.
As with Receptra, Batch uses an ethanol extraction method., meaning a stronger hemp taste.
To combat this, they’ve flavored their pet-line of CBD oil with chicken, salmon, or bacon options, improving the palatability for pets.
On the pricing front, it is a more affordable product. With concentrations ranging from 375mg to 1500mg of CBD, and prices between $0.06 to $0.09 per mg of CBD, it’s positioned as a budget-friendly choice.
Customer feedback, is again heavily skewed towards their CBD products for humans. Yet, with over 70 reviews and a 4.9 out of 5-star rating, the brand enjoys a very positive reception. This suggests a high level of customer satisfaction with Batch’s products, even if detailed reviews of the pet-specific tinctures are less common.
In summary, Batch CBD Pet Tincture is a strong contender for those specifically seeking a THC-free option for their dogs. Its use of organically grown hemp, consideration for taste, and competitive pricing make it an appealing choice, though the lower cannabinoid richness plays a significant role behind the potential benefits your dog may receive.
Best Mobility CBD Treat for Cancer
Effectiveness Score: 8.8 / 10
- Cannabinoid Diversity: CBC | CBG | CBN | Δ9-THC
- Cannabinoid Density: + 19%
- CBD Concentration: 109%
Transparency Score: 6.9 / 10
- Hemp Source: Oregon & Colorado
- Growing Practices: USDA Organic
- Safety Testing: Incomplete
- Lab Report Recency: August 2022
Reputation Score: 9.8 / 10
- Review Rating: 4.8 / 5
- # of Reviews: 467
- Money-back-guarantee: 30 days
What stands out
Innovet’s Advanced Mobility Chews stand out for wide range of supportive cannabinoids, including CBD, THC, CBG, CBC, and CBN. This lineup is more comprehensive than any other CBD dog treats we’ve come across, making them a potent choice for managing inflammation, which can be crucial for dogs with cancer.
Another positive is the additional supplements in their ingredient list, specifically chosen to support dogs struggling with high levels of inflammation. The list includes glucosamine, MSM, hemp seed powder, green-lipped mussel, chondroitin sulfate, wild Alaskan salmon oil, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid.
Each of these ingredients plays a role in supporting joint health and reducing discomfort, which can be a game-changer for dogs with mobility issues related to cancer.
One of the great things about these treats is their form. They’re soft chews, which not only makes them more palatable for dogs who might be off their food due to illness but also easier to eat for older dogs who might have dental problems. The ease of consumption is a big plus.
Our experience ordering these chews was smooth. We opted for express shipping and received our package in just three days. Upon opening, we were greeted with a strong salmon scent, a nod to the primary ingredient, which seemed to indicate freshness and quality. The package contained 90 chews, all looking fresh and with a “best by” date well into the future.
The main downside was in terms of complete transparency. The QR code on the container, which should have led to a specific lab report for our batch, instead directed us to a general Certificate of Analysis page on Innovet’s website.
The most recent lab report available didn’t match our lot number, which raises some questions about up-to-date testing transparency.
Despite these concerns, Innovet’s Advanced Mobility Chews comprehensive blend of cannabinoids and targeted supplements are significant, especially for older dogs with cancer experiencing mobility challenges.
What size CBD oil should I buy?
Selecting the right size of CBD oil for your dog involves considering several factors, especially when managing conditions like cancer.
These include (1) your dog’s weight and dosage needs, (2) your budget, and (3) the importance of dosage precision for both you and your pet. Here’s a breakdown:
- Your dog’s weight/dosage requirements: This is straightforward. Most CBD brands provide dosage recommendations based on your dog’s weight. Typically, for every 10 pounds your dog weighs, it’s advised to choose a tincture with about 100-200 mg of CBD. This guideline can help manage the symptoms associated with cancer, ensuring your dog receives the right amount for their condition.
- Your budget: Opting for tinctures with larger concentrations usually offers better value. For example, Honest Paws Well Oil’s smallest 125mg CBD tincture costs $0.34 per mg, whereas its 1000mg tincture costs $0.10 per mg. Similarly, Lolahemp’s 150mg CBD tincture is priced at $0.20 per mg, but its 600mg option averages $0.12 per mg of CBD. This means purchasing higher concentrations can be more economical over time, a crucial consideration for ongoing cancer management.
- Dosage precision importance: If your dog requires a precise 5 mg of CBD daily, measuring this dose is simpler from a 150mg tincture than from a 1000mg one due to the concentration differences. However, given the nature of cancer and the potential for varying dosage needs, opting for a slightly higher concentration can be beneficial.
CBD oil versus CBD dog treats for cancer:
CBD oils are preferred for managing cancer due to CBD’s higher absorption rate when combined with a fatty substance, as well as CBD oil’s adaptability in dosing, both of which are critical for addressing the varying symptoms and conditions associated with cancer in dogs.
While CBD treats offer convenience and may be more palatable, we recommend using them in unison with a CBD oil regimen.
Where to buy CBD oil for dogs with cancer in the USA:
Selecting a reliable source for CBD oil is vital for dogs with cancer, considering the need for high-quality, safe products:
- Online CBD Retailers (Highly Recommended): Purchasing from reputable online brands is advantageous for accessing detailed lab reports, ensuring the CBD oil is free from harmful contaminants that could compromise a dog’s health. These platforms also provide further advice, subscription discounts, a wider selection, satisfaction guarantees, and shopping convenience.
- Pet Supply Stores (Somewhat Recommended): While convenient, the selection and transparency about product testing might be limited in chain stores, making it harder to ascertain product quality.
- Local Pet Stores (Possibly): Independent stores may offer CBD oil, but verifying the quality through lab reports is essential and not always feasible.
- Veterinarian Clinics (Rarely): Though direct sales are uncommon, some vets may offer guidance on using CBD for cancer treatment and recommend reputable products.
- Amazon (Not Recommended): Due to Amazon’s policy against CBD sales, products found here may not be accurately labeled or tested for safety, presenting risks for dogs with cancer.
Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum vs. Isolate CBD for dogs with cancer:
- Full-spectrum CBD offers the most natural and beneficial form of CBD for dogs. It includes several cannabinoids from hemp, including trace amounts of THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD retains some cannabinoids, but uses more processing to remove all the THC. For dogs, especially ones with painful symptoms stemming from their cancer, trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%) offer more benefits than the majority of other cannabinoids.
- Isolate CBD is pure CBD, which has undergone intense processing to remove all other cannabinoids. Not recommended for dogs with severe symptoms, as it is the least effective type of CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD oil is often recommended for its “entourage effect,” where the combined cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work synergistically, potentially offering greater therapeutic benefits for dogs with cancer than CBD alone.
This is believed to work in a similar way that its easier to absorb vitamins and minerals by consuming whole foods than it is taking a vitamin tablet.
The science behind CBD and cancer
There’s a lot of information surrounding CBD and cancer, including the idea that CBD can be used to directly treat tumors.
While this isn’t exactly true, there are several interesting studies that show an association between CBD supplementation and reduced tumor progression.
Recent research on CBD and cancer
Researchers have found that CBD interacts with a part of dogs’ bodies called endocannabinoid receptors, which are responsible for controlling inflammation.
When a 2011 review looked at the relationship between endocannabinoid receptors and cancer, it found that they can be “targeted to suppress the evolution and progression of breast, prostate, and bone cancer as well as the accompanying pain syndromes.”
In a 2018 study on mice undergoing radiation therapy, those given CBD in addition to their treatment experienced greater reductions in cancer cells than mice using radiation therapy alone.
A similar 2018 study found that mice treated using a combination of CBD and chemotherapy lived almost three times longer after being diagnosed with cancer than the control group.
CBD’s supportive cannabinoids
Clinical studies show that hemp compounds produce different effects on endocannabinoid receptors depending upon their molecular structure.
Besides CBD, two cannabinoids are known to be particularly relevant to dogs with cancer: these are CBG and CBC.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Like CBD, Cannabigerol is an active hemp compound with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It’s most abundant when hemp plants are blooming.
In a 2014 study, CBG was shown to inhibit the growth of grafted tumors and chemically induced colon cancer.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
Pharmaceutical company CNBX recently demonstrated CBC’s anti-tumor properties in clinical trials. Researchers found that CBC could penetrate tumor cells and initiate necrosis (tissue death).
Can CBD affect tumor progression?
No one should be promoting CBD oil for dogs as a cure for cancer, and recent discoveries about cannabis compounds don’t replace the need for traditional treatment options.
Instead, it’s best to think of CBD products as helpful supplements that support dogs with chronic diseases such as cancer.
Researchers believe that CBD may protect DNA inside cells from oxidative stress, a primary cause of age-related cancer and even a possible route to slowing cancer progression.
Treatment vs supplement
Just like cancer in humans, no two cases of canine cancer are the same. Dogs may need different combinations of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Likewise, dogs with cancer will use CBD in different ways – some may respond so well that it becomes part of their primary treatment, while others will use CBD as a supplement to reduce symptoms and medication side effects.
Owners and vets should work together to find the treatment plan that most benefits their dog.
CBD compared to other medications
Because CBD helps reduce pain and inflammation, it may be a viable alternative to some prescription medications that can cause side effects in some dogs.
NSAIDs and opioids are two classes of medication that are regularly prescribed to dogs with cancer to help deal with pain, swelling, and discomfort. However, they come with a risk of unwanted side effects:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause gastrointestinal distress and decreased activity levels in some dogs.
- Opioids offer strong pain relief but carry the risk of lethargy, fast tolerance formation, and potential overdose.
Unlike NSAIDs, CBD stimulates the ECS into a natural anti-inflammatory response without the risk of GI issues. And while CBD can’t compete with the pain-relieving power of opioid drugs, it can help reduce discomfort without creating dependency, even during long-term use.
How does CBD oil work with cancer?
Cancer and other chronic diseases can cause stress and internal inflammation, which leads to discomfort, swelling, pain, and anxiety.
By acting on the inflammatory and immune systems, CBD can help return the body to homeostasis, the medical term for a state of internal balance.
Researchers believe that CBD and other cannabinoids may also directly affect the growth of tumors. However, studies on the anti-cancer properties of cannabis compounds are in their early stages and haven’t yet reached a firm conclusion.
Can dogs take CBD with other cancer medications?
When combining supplements like CBD with pharmaceutical treatments for cancer and other canine health issues, consulting with a vet is essential. In most cases, however, CBD can be safely paired with existing treatment plans.
One of the main uses for CBD in dogs with cancer is as a supplement or alternative to common medications like NSAIDs or opioids, intended to reduce inflammation and pain. CBD can be taken alongside both of these medications.
Disclaimer:
When products are purchased through our site, we may receive a commission. Always check manufacturer websites for the most up-to-date information. All our product recommendations are based on our experts’ opinions and thorough consumer research, including our list of best CBD oils for dogs in 2024.