What Type of CBD is Best for Dogs?

As pet owners increasingly turn to CBD products to support their dogs' health and well-being they are confronted with a choice: Should they opt for a full-spectrum, a broad-spectrum, or a CBD isolate products? 

Each type of CBD offers unique benefits that your dog may benefit from. The answer is often a combination of your knowledge and understanding of your dog (or dogs), paired with expert advice from your veterinarian. The first step to understanding what type of CBD type may best suit your dog, is to learn more about what types of CBD and CBD combinations are commonly available!

Understanding the Types of CBD for Dogs

The first step to finding the best type of CBD oil for dogs involves familiarizing yourself with commonly used CBD formulas:

• Full-spectrum CBD: This contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in the hemp plant, including a small amount of THC (less than 0.3%).
• Broad-spectrum CBD: This includes the same components as full-spectrum but without any THC.
• CBD isolate: This is the purest form of CBD, devoid of other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids.

These three combinations of CBD provide the foundational basis for most CBD products. Each one is currently being explored by researchers for potential benefits and effectiveness in helping with medical conditions, behavioral conditions, etc.

What Type of CBD is Best for Dogs

The Full-Spectrum Option

Full-spectrum CBD offers the "entourage effect," a synergistic interaction of the hemp plant's components. Studies suggest this can enhance CBD's effects, although research continues (Pamplona, F. A., da Silva, L. R., & Coan, A. C. (2018)). Keep an eye on updates about what type of CBD is best for dogs to ensure you make an informed choice.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is a THC-free option, ideal for pet owners concerned about any THC content. This makes it an entry-to-mid-level choice among the types of CBD for dogs, as it minimizes the risk of any potential 'high'. Full-spectrum CBD offers what is known as the "entourage effect." This term refers to the theory that all the components of the hemp plant work together synergistically to maximize any potential health benefits. Studies suggest that the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes can enhance the effects of CBD, although research on this topic is still ongoing (Pamplona, F. A., da Silva, L. R., & Coan, A. C. (2018). Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis). It’s important to stay up to date on information about CBD so that you can ensure your dog gets the best possible result from their CBD products! Be sure to keep an eye on industry developments whenever possible.

CBD Isolate for Dogs

CBD isolate is perfect for those who want only CBD without any other components. As the purest form of CBD, isolates are excellent for pet owners who want to ensure their pets are only getting CBD without any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids. Some studies suggest that CBD isolate might still provide significant benefits, although it does not benefit from the supposed “entourage effect” (Linares, I. M., Zuardi, A. W., Pereira, L. C., Queiroz, R. H., Mechoulam, R., Guimarães, F. S., & Crippa, J. A. (2019). Cannabidiol presents an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in a simulated public speaking test). This means that there is potential for benefits to still be present in products made with CBD isolate, though the research is quite young and still in progress.

Consulting Your Vet: The Best Type of CBD for Your Dog

Choosing the best type of CBD product for your pet, whether it's CBD oil, CBD treats for dogs, or chews, relies on your pet's specific needs and your veterinarian's advice. Always opt for high-quality, third-party lab-tested products, such as those offered by Honest Paws or other well-known brands.

Quality Matters in Types of CBD for Dogs

Remember: quality matters, regardless of the type of CBD you choose. Always look for products that are organic, third-party lab tested, and specifically formulated for pets, like those offered by Honest Paws. You can always review the product’s COA to gain a better understanding of all the ingredients within a product. Don’t know how to read or find a COA? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered: Click here to learn more about COA’s and how to read them.

Finding What Type of CBD is Best for Your Dog

The best type of CBD for dogs isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your dog's unique requirements and your comfort level, supplemented by expert advice from your vet. For quality and transparency, look no further than Honest Paws, your trusted resource in the world of pet wellness. For what’s best for your dog specifically, look no further than your vet!