The first dog associated with CBD was almost certainly Scooby-Doo...
Why do you think he always had the munchies? CBD dog treats aren't quite the same as giving your dog the devil's lettuce, but they're becoming more and more common and can be an excellent way to help your pooch out with a myriad of medical maladies.
Let's get this clear from the get-go: commercial CBD pet preparations do not come from marijuana. They come from hemp. Marijuana and hemp are closely-related varieties of the cannabis sativa plant. Both are rich in CBD, but hemp—unlike marijuana—has negligible THC, which is the substance that gets people high. Many of the companies that produce CBD for dogs eliminate even that tiny amount. So rest assured, the pupper gladness that may take hold from CBD is not reefer madness.
CBD has been shown to have a number of positive effects on dogs. One study by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine showed that CBD can dramatically reduce the pain of arthritis. Meanwhile, another study out of Cornell showed that CBD enhanced the effectiveness of canine chemotherapy.
Research at Baylor and Colorado State Universities also bore out the positive effects on arthritic dogs. In a separate study at Colorado State, CBD was found to reduce seizures in dogs with epilepsy. While research on other properties is lacking, anecdotal evidence attests to the power of CBD dog treats for anxiety, poor appetite and itchiness.
Never give your canine compadre a CBD supplement made for humans. For one thing, some people products are flavored with xylitol, which is toxic to animals. And check with your vet before starting CBD. That goes double if your dog is on any medications, since CBD can affect how they're metabolized.
Now, let's check out the top-rated products. Note that many manufacturers and retailers do not use the term CBD on packages. They simply label such supplements as hemp.
Best CBD Dog Treats
Honest Paws Purity Hemp Oil Levels 1, 2, and 3
The product is 100 percent natural hemp oil, made in the U.S. and is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9. (The level is based on your dog's weight. The link above goes to level 3. Here are the links to level 1 and level 2.)
Holistapet Hemp Dog Treats Joint and Mobility Care
Designed to help with arthritic pain, this product adds other anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as turmeric and boswellia, to the 100 percent organic hemp extract. The 30 crunchy treats are pumpkin spice and cinnamon flavored.
Cornbread Hemp Oil for Dogs and Cats
This product is made with USDA certified organic hemp extract, the first company to receive such certification from the state of Kentucky. MCT coconut oil is added, and the finished product supposedly tastes (full disclosure: we haven't tried it!) like a corndog.
Petleaf Edibites Soft Chews for Dogs and Cats
Here's a unique combination of art, foodie flavor and canine wellness! These treats are based on the work of Keith Haring, a pop-artist who created many iconic images of dogs and cats. They come in regular or large breed size and pizza or sushi flavor. Each treat contains 2 mg of CBD.
Petique Eco Pet Elephant Squeaky Hemp Dog Toy
Just for fun, here is a pet product that showcases hemp in its other form—rope! This squeaky toy elephant has no medicinal value at all—other than the wellness perks both you and your pal get from playing together.
Do you have any favorite CBD dog treats? Tell us on the Wide Open Pets Facebook page!
Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Pets are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
READ MORE: CBD Oil for Dogs with Anxiety: What Does It Do, What You Should Know
