CBD
Full vs Broad Spectrum CBD Oil For Dogs?
You’ve probably searched “which CBD oil for dogs is better.” If you have, you must have come across several types of cannabinoid spectrum choices. There are three main types:
- Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains all the naturally occurring cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes in hemp. It also has CBD (Cannabidiol) and CBG (Cannabigerol).
- Broad-Spectrum CBD: Similar to full spectrum, just that it has zero THC levels.
- CBD Isolate: Has very high concentrations of CBD.
Understanding these labels helps you recognize the cannabinoid ingredients in your pet's CBD oil or dog treats. Each has unique benefits depending on your dog's needs and preferences. This article focuses primarily on the comparison between full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD so you can choose the best option for your dog.
CBD Oils Have Other Ingredients Besides CBD
CBD and oil aren’t the only ingredients in CBD oil. Cannabis sativa synthesizes more than 100 phytocannabinoids. While THC and CBD may be at the top of its most-recognized cannabinoids, there are other essential ones like CBG and CBN.
When purchasing a CBD oil product, the product identifies as broad-spectrum or full spectrum. This tells you the levels of THC to expect. The product also states whether additional cannabinoids like CBG and CBN are present in the mix.
CBD Extraction Processes
Raw hemp is stripped of flavonoids, cannabinoids and terpenes during extraction. These chemical substances are then infused into carrier oil. However, your CBD oil's cannabinoid profile may be altered depending on the strain of cannabis used during the extraction process.
For instance, hemp-based extracts usually have THC levels below 0.3%. Because of this, they are non-intoxicating and retain high levels of CBD.
The final product will either be labeled as a broad spectrum or full spectrum, depending on how CBD brands handle the extracted cannabinoids. Sometimes, it could be labeled a CBD isolate.
What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD has all plant compounds in the hemp plant. Besides CBD, it has other less-known cannabinoids, terpenes and other essential plant compounds. All plant compounds in hemp coordinate to generate the entourage effect.
This is when cannabinoids and terpenes combine efforts to improve each other's potency and effectiveness.
Because full-spectrum CBD has all the compounds of hemp, it has a more significant effect on your dog's health condition. It also enhances the entourage effect. The components of full-spectrum CBD oil are highlighted below:
- CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD oil’s main component.
- CBG (Cannabigerol): Possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
- CBN (Cannabinol): Stimulates appetite and helps calm your dog.
- CBC (Cannabichromene): Has anti-inflammatory properties, among others.
- CBD-V (Cannabidivarin): Helps with epilepsy and seizures, and nausea symptoms.
- CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid): This is a CBD precursor with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Terpenes: Help improve bioavailability and cannabinoid strength.
What Are Terpenes?
These are aromatic molecules produced by some plants, including the cannabis plant. They give a plant or flower its characteristic colors, scent and flavour. Besides, they have several medicinal properties that can significantly benefit your dog.
What Are Flavonoids?
They are an antioxidant-rich phytonutrient responsible for the color of many vegetables and fruits. Flavonoids, like terpenes, contribute to the flavor and aroma of plants while also providing special therapeutic advantages.
The flavonoids in cannabis have cardio-protective and immunoprotective benefits, among others.
The Entourage Effect
Numerous studies show that when phytocannabinoid-rich extracts, flavonoids and terpenes are left unrefined, they provide the best therapeutic effects. The active compounds in hemp in full-spectrum CBD function together to enhance the health benefits of individual cannabinoids.
The entourage effect is a result of the combined effects of the chemicals and cannabinoids.
Although CBD can function independently, its medicinal properties are more potent when used with other synergistic compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenes. A 2011 study found that when terpenes were used in conjunction with cannabinoids, great benefits were witnessed.
What Is Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Like full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD also utilizes cannabidiol and the other compounds in hemp. However, an active ingredient referred to as THC is removed after extraction.
The main goal of this CBD spectrum is to achieve a THC-free product. Many other cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBN, are still present in this CBD range. And because it also features additional flavonoids and terpenes, broad-spectrum CBD oil can create the entourage effect even without THC.
It is ideal for pet owners that want a zero-THC product but also want to give their furry friend a broad range of hemp compounds such as terpenes and cannabinoids. Because broad spectrum CBD oil products are constructed, they offer dog owners consistency they may appreciate.
However, as a pet owner, you must be careful as some broad-spectrum CBDs may still have THC. This is why you should always ask for the certificate of analysis (COA) before purchasing.
What Is a CBD Isolate?
This is a pure form of CBD. It contains no other cannabinoids, flavonoids or terpenes. And while pure CBD oil exclusively uses isolates, extracting it is a strenuous process. As mentioned earlier, the extraction process of raw hemp removes all the beneficial ingredients alongside its flavonoids and terpenes.
The extraction to separate CBD from all the other cannabinoid compounds goes a long way to ensure the resulting oil is safe for your pet.
CBD isolates have the highest CBD concentration. Typically, an isolate contains up to 90% CBD. This makes it potent in CBD content. However, this doesn't mean that isolates have incredible benefits.
One upside of CBD isolates is that you can mix them with food for your dog. CBD oil with only CBD isolate doesn't utilize the full ingredients of hemp. Therefore, it doesn't offer the benefits of the entourage effect. This and its costly extraction process makes it a less viable CBD oil option.
Comparing Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil
The major difference between these two lies in their THC levels and how they are made. The legal THC quantity in hemp is negligible (about 0.3%). This amount is minimal and therefore has no impact on your pet.
And most of the time, it is even lower to the point that it cannot be detected. In their final forms, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oils are similar. When produced properly, they will contain a number of terpenes and cannabinoids that work together to provide the entourage effect.
The other plant compounds, terpenes and additional compounds make full-spectrum CBD effective.
Full- And Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil: Which CBD Oil for Dogs Is Better?
Determining which CBD oil for dogs is better can take time and effort. If you can’t decide between either, remember it doesn't have to be a competition. Pets' bodies process CBD differently depending on several factors.
First, ask yourself which of these options best suits your dog’s needs. Your dog’s health and lifestyle greatly influence how they react to cannabinoids. Full-spectrum CBD oil is ideal for dogs and a go-to supplement for most pet owners.
It contains more of the plant compounds in hemp than broad-spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD causes the entourage effects, which combines the abilities of the cannabinoids and terpenes to create a more effective and potent product.
Often, broad-spectrum CBD is made under heat. The heat damages the final CBD product. This damage is not worth the minimal benefits of removing THC. The THC in full-spectrum CBD is lower than 0.3%, so it is often undetectable.
Full-spectrum CBD undergoes less processing than broad-spectrum CBD. Broad–spectrum CBD has to go through multiple processes to extract the beneficial components of CBD while eliminating the THC.
Furthermore, it's simple to get a full-spectrum CBD product for your pet because it's widely accessible. Whether you opt for broad- or full-spectrum, only buy CBD products from ventures that show you their certificate of analysis (COA). A COA shows the cannabinoids in the products and the THC levels.
Benefits of Using Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Here are some of the pros of full-spectrum CBD Oil:
- Using it causes the entourage effect
- It has slight traces of THC, which many pet owners may prefer
- Provide more significant benefits than CBD isolates
Benefits of Using Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Here are the benefits of broad-spectrum CBD oil:
- It doesn’t possess psychogenic effects
- It also provides the benefits of the entourage effect
- Delivers greater benefits than CBD isolates
Purchasing a CBD Product For your Dog
The CBD industry is not regulated. Therefore, you need to be vigilant as it is easy to fall victim to dishonest retailers.
Here are tips to help you establish which CBD oil for dogs is better:
1. Consider a Broad- Or Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
The label on your product should have “broad-spectrum” or “full-spectrum”. This indicates that besides CBD, the product contains other essential naturally occurring cannabinoids like CBG and CBC.
These cannabinoids have been studied for their medicinal properties.
2. Ensure the Oil Was Extracted Using CO2
During CO2 extraction, pressure is exerted on the hump to release CBD oil. The final product has a higher CBD concentration, meaning your pet gets more out of the supplement.
An alternative to CO2 extraction is solvent extraction. It utilizes chemical or natural solvents, but the final product isn't as beneficial.
3. Check the Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A COA is a document showing the type and quantity of cannabinoids in the product. A third-party laboratory should issue it. Looking at a CBD product's COA before purchasing it protects your four-legged friend from toxic products.
4. Buy From Reputable Companies
Consider getting your CBD oil from a reputable company that has existed for a long time. If a company has existed for years and boasts a huge clientele base, it shows it is doing things right.
The company should also be transparent about its product collection. One way they can achieve this is by availing a certificate of analysis for each of their batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Symptoms Does CBD Oil Help With in Dogs?
CBD oil has several health benefits for your dog. Here are some symptoms it can help with:
- Joint Problems
Joint issues in dogs could be developmental or genetic. Although pain meds can be prescribed to ease your dog's pain, most pose severe effects. This is why more and more pet parents are turning to CBD oil, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
It is also non-toxic and poses no adverse side effects. It helps ease inflammation and any related pain. CBD oil helps with arthritis, torn ligaments and hip dysplasia in dogs, among other joint problems.
- Seizures and Epilepsy
CBD is known to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures. It binds to receptors in the brain, gaining control over the nervous system's functioning.
- Stress
CBD oil can help manage stress in dogs. It works quicker when administered sublingually. If your pup is prone to stress, it is advisable to administer CBD daily.
Where Can I Buy CBD Oil?
As aforementioned, the manufacture and sale of CBD products aren't regulated. For this reason, there are no specified places to get the supplement. You can buy it anywhere, provided it is safe and effective. To ascertain this, always ask for a COA.
Which CBD Oil Product Is the Best?
CBD is available as tinctures, CBD bites and dog treats and topical applications. While all these are effective forms of CBD, tinctures are deemed more reliable. This is because your pet ingests all of the CBD and reaps most benefits.
How Do You Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil?
Do you think it is time your dog jumped on the CBD bandwagon? If so, you must discuss it with your veterinarian first.
Here are talking points to guide you:
- Tell the vet the breed of your dog
- Tell them your dog's weight. A dog's weight is an excellent determinant of amount needed.
- If your dog has an illness, inform your vet. While some pet parents may start their dogs on CBD because of ailments, some do so as part of a wellness routine.
- Tell them how familiar you are with the working of CBD products
- Ask your vet how well they understand CBD. If they are going to offer advice, they should be knowledgeable on the topic.
CBD oils can be full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or just isolates. The main difference between these categories is their THC levels. It is difficult to determine which CBD oil for dogs is better.
You may prefer one spectrum over the other because of your dog’s lifestyle and health needs. When the plant components in hemp and cannabinoids synergistically combine, they create an entourage effect.
At Honest Paws, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive collection of CBD products that offer different results. Besides, all our ingredients are organic. You are welcome to explore our choices and place orders.