Best CBD Dog Treats for Anxiety: Top Products to Calm Your Pup
CBD dog treats are taking the market by the storm — with more and more dog parents choosing them instead of CBD oil for issues like anxiety or hyperactivity.
CBD modulates the largest self-regulatory system in dogs, humans, and all mammals: the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is engaged in regulating a vast range of essential bodily functions, from pain perception to sleep cycles, stress response, immune function, etc.
CBD dog treats take away the distinct hempy taste of CBD oil that not every dog enjoys.
They also come with a premeasured dose of CBD in each serving.
But how do you find the best CBD dog treats for anxiety and make sure they contain only carnivore-appropriate ingredients?
Follow us in this guide, and you’ll always make an educated decision.
Best CBD Treats for Dogs with Anxiety
1. Royal CBD Dog Treats
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We consider Royal CBD to be the best brand for dogs with anxiety for two reasons:
- The treats are designed specifically with dogs in mind; they come in dog-friendly potencies.
- They’re available in three different formulas that address specific symptoms.
- The CBD extract in the treats contains above-average levels of anxiolytic cannabinoids, such as CBG, CBC, and CBN.
Royal CBD uses the same award-winning CBD oil in its dog treats as in the human collection. These extracts have been mentioned by big media outlets, such as Weed News, Metro Times, SF Weekly, Observer, and WeBeHigh.
The Royal CBD dog treats are formulated with organic ingredients that support your dog’s health on many levels. You can choose from three different types of treats:
- Active – CBD, Boswellia, Hemp Seed, Turmeric (cinnamon and pumpkin spice flavor)
- Calming – CBD, Chamomile, Hemp Seed, L-theanine (apple and peanut butter flavor)
- Hearty – CBD, Blueberries, Hemp Seed, Flax Seed (sweet potato and blueberry flavor)
The certificates of analysis indicate a higher-than-average content of CBG, CBC, and CBN, all of which are known for their anxiety-relieving properties.
We’ve been testing the Royal CBD dog treats for two months on our dogs with great results. Our dogs became calmer and more resistant to environmental triggers. The only downside was how quickly they ran through their first package.
2. Gold Bee Goofy Bones
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Gold Bee is another great company that prioritizes quality and well-thought-out formulas over profits. The brand started out selling superfoods, but in 2019, it transitioned to the CBD market, including some of its staple ingredients (raw honey and organic MCT oil) in its line of CBD products.
Since the Gold Bee CBD dog treats are made in small batches and come from one production facility, their quality is rigorously maintained. The Gold Bee Goofy Bones feature 10 mg of CBD per treat (2x stronger than Royal CBD) and come in a tantalizing peanut butter flavor.
However, they contain a broad-spectrum extract instead of full-spectrum CBD, so their potency is slightly reduced. They also come in only one formula and flavor, so you’re not spoiled for choice.
How We Chose the Best CBD Treats for Dogs with Anxiety
When it comes to your dog’s health, you only want the best CBD products to protect it against anxiety and help maintain good health. As caring dog parents ourselves, we used our own strict criteria to decide whether these treats do the job and are safe for our pooches.
Whenever we came across a product containing wheat, artificial colorings, or excess amounts of carbohydrates, we eliminated them from our prospects. Having narrowed down our list to 5 manufacturers, we ended up with two brands that make safe and effective CBD supplements for dogs.
Here’s what we looked at:
Hemp Source
Hemp has a tendency to absorb and accumulate all substances from its environment — including the good and bad ones. CBD hemp oil for dogs should be free from pesticides and heavy metals, as these toxins damage the nervous and immune system in the long run. Since the gut and brain are interconnected, the wrong product can actually worsen your dog’s anxiety. The brands we selected for the list of the best CBD dog treats source their extracts from non-GMO, organic hemp grown on healthy American soil.
Extraction Method
Manufacturers of cheap CBD dog treats often use hazardous solvents to minimize the cost of extraction. While undoubtedly less expensive than CO2 extraction, hydrocarbon solvents like butane or propane are highly flammable and difficult to purge from the end product. As a result, your dog may ingest toxic solvent residue that’s left in the extract — and with CBD treats, it’s impossible to spot that residue with a naked eye. CO2 extraction is more financially demanding, but it yields incomparably cleaner and more consistent products.
Type of CBD
CBD comes in three main types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD contains all phytonutrients from hemp, including CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, essential fatty acids, and traces of THC (0.3% or less). Such low levels of THC aren’t enough to get your dog high, so you don’t need to worry about their safety (as long as they come from a reputable source). Together, these compounds create a unique synergy known as the entourage effect, where the supportive molecules enhance the therapeutic properties of CBD.
Broad-spectrum is almost the same as full-spectrum CBD, except for the lack of THC. The psychoactive cannabinoid is removed from the end product after initial extraction.
Isolate is just pure CBD. It’s odorless, flavorless, and carries the highest dose of CBD per serving. Unfortunately, isolate-based CBD dog treats aren’t the best choice for anxiety because they lack the entourage effect. Such products are less predictable when it comes to dosing and may turn out cost-prohibitive in the long run.
The products on our list of the best CBD dog treats for anxiety contain full-spectrum CBD.
Ingredients
Dogs are obligatory carnivores. They thrive on meat, organs, animal fats, and occasional berries. You don’t want to feed a natural-born hunter with substandard ingredients such as wheat, sugars, starchy vegetables, and synthetic colorings. Plants are full of defense chemicals, preventing your dog from absorbing nutrients properly and causing inflammation throughout the body — not to mention a high-carb diet triggers insulin resistance in dogs, increasing the risk of obesity, arthritis, and heart disease.
The CBD dog treats included in our ranking for anxiety contain biologically appropriate ingredients for dogs. They use pet-friendly alternatives to grains, such as coconut flour, healthy fatty acids, adaptogenic herbs, and berry fruits.
Additional Superfoods
A general CBD formula is good if you’re looking to support the general well-being of your dog. But, for addressing specific symptoms and conditions, you’ll need a dedicated formulation that contains other supportive ingredients capable of complementing or boosting the health benefits of CBD. Here we included four different versions of CBD dog treats so that you can feel spoiled for choice.
Third-party Testing
A product without a certificate of analysis from a third-party laboratory is an instant red flag. Independent laboratories analyze samples of CBD products in terms of their CBD content, entire cannabinoid and terpene profile. They also check for common contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and mycotoxins.
Each CBD treats mentioned in our list of the best CBD products for dogs with anxiety comes with a batch-specific certificate of analysis, with complete results for quality and safety.
Brand Reputation
When you look for CBD products for yourself, you can leave some room for experiments. However, dogs are more delicate than humans, so you need to take that into account. When preparing our guide, we included only the most reputable brands. If you feel experienced enough, you can do your own research and pick a decent ‘newcomer’ based on the criteria outlined in this article. But if you’re in a rush and don’t want to throw blind guesses, our top 2 picks guarantee the highest quality and safety for your four-legged friend.
Why Do Dogs Get Anxious? (Types of Anxiety in Dogs)
Similar to humans, dogs can go through episodes of anxiety. The only difference is that dogs have limited ways of expressing their anxiousness. They won’t tell you about it or signal you to take action.
However, they will display some symptoms that can help you guess the root of the problem.
They’ll also determine the type of your dog’s anxiety, such as:
- Fear-related Anxiety – dogs have a different way of understanding the world. They also react differently to loud noises. Firework, thunder, and construction work — all can disrupt your dog’s stress response.
- Separation Anxiety – dogs get attached to their human parents. Everything they value in life is associated with humans, including walks, food, playtime, and more. When their friends leave, it may cause a strong fear of losing their close person. Separation anxiety is the most common type of anxiety in dogs, especially if your buddy is used to having you around all the time.
- PTSD-related Anxiety – dogs that have suffered from trauma in the past may show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) throughout their life. If your dog has an abusive past, experienced abandonment at a young age, or was bothered by aggressive dogs, it may have taken a toll on its mental health.
- Age-related Anxiety – aging spurs neurodegenerative processes in your dog’s brain. In other words, less neurons are formed as the dog ages, leading to problems with cognition, emotional processing, and stress levels. The major side effects of dog aging are stress and anxiety. CBD helps in the formation of new neurons and improves brain plasticity, hence its potential in treating age-related anxiety.
Common Anxiety Symptoms in Dogs
Dogs that suffer from anxiety demonstrate certain signs of their discomfort, including:
- Aggression
- Constant pacing
- Compulsive behaviors
- Depression or lethargy
- Excessive barking
- Urinating or defecating at home
- Repetitive drooling or licking
Once you notice these symptoms, try to identify the triggers. Whether these are disturbing noises, the presence of other dogs, or separation anxiety — you’ll need to address these causes.
You can use CBD oil to calm your anxious dog down during stressful events or prevent anxiety before it gets worse by regulating its nervous system through the endocannabinoid network.
Can CBD Treats Help with Dogs’ Anxiety?
CBD isn’t a depressant or sedative, so it won’t make your dog lethargic or sleepy in normal doses. It does, however, offer significant calming effects on the mind, producing them through the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
As mentioned earlier, the ECS is a complex system that controls a wide range of physiological processes and helps your body remain in a state of equilibrium — where each process and organ functions optimally.
Whenever your dog’s neurons are firing out of control — it happens with every anxiety attack — CBD interacts with the ECS to balance neurotransmitters and increase the levels of the body’s naturally produced endocannabinoids. This, in turn, allows the dog’s stress response to recalibrate.
CBD boosts the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain. It also increases GABA levels, which the nervous system uses to slow down during exposure to distractors and stressors. Last but not least, CBD reduces cortisol levels throughout the body, inducing relaxation.
Where to Buy CBD Treats for Dogs with Anxiety
CBD treats show great promise for treating anxiety in dogs. Now you know what makes a decent CBD product, but where can you buy these treats?
CBD is one of the most popular health supplements right now. You can find CBD products in local wellness stores, head shops, cannabis dispensaries, and pet shops.
However, such products are usually overpriced — and you have no control over their quality. Most store owners ignore the importance of certificates of analysis, selling products that meet their personal criteria (whatever they might be) for high-quality treats.
The best way to find decent CBD dog treats nearby is to look for a trusted online vendor. Online stores offer better deals on their products because there’s no middleman involved. They’re also more transparent than their local counterparts — not to mention a wider product range.
Make a screenshot of these questions and always ask them when buying CBD treats locally and online:
- Is hemp non-GMO and pesticide-free?
- Does the product contain less than 0.3% THC?
- Has it been tested by an independent laboratory for potency and purity
- Where can I see the lab reports?
- Do the treats contain dog-appropriate ingredients?
- Do they come in pet-friendly flavors, such as beef, chicken, bacon, or peanut butter?
- What are the shipping and return policies of my supplier?
- Does the product contain full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or pure CBD?
How to Give CBD to Dogs with Anxiety
CBD dog treats are one of the best formats to address anxiety in dogs, but they don’t come without downsides. CBD oil is a more common alternative to treats — let’s see which one is better.
Is CBD Dog Treats Better Than Oil for Anxiety?
When it comes to ease of use, convenience, flavors, and duration of effects, it’s a “hell yes!”
Dogs love treats, and CBD treats are no different than regular ones — except for the extra CBD content.
You don’t need to measure out the dose because every treat comes with a fixed amount of CBD per serving.
And you can choose from plenty of dog-friendly flavors.
But, when it comes to bioavailability and onset, CBD oil has the upper hand.
CBD oil is absorbed through sublingual glands located in your dog’s mouth. From there, the CBD travels to the bloodstream, producing its calming effects within 15–30 minutes after administration. CBD treats need about 30 minutes to kick in, so oils turn out better if you’re looking for a relatively fast way to curb anxiety.
CBD treats need to pass through the digestive system before the body can use them, hence the delayed onset. Not only that, but the treats lose some of their potency and bioavailability on the way. The bioavailability of oral CBD products has been measured at 5–20%, while oils provide 35%.
How Many CBD Treats Should You Give Your Dog?
There are no official CBD dosage guidelines for dogs because CBD isn’t an FDA-approved veterinary drug. However, manufacturers usually provide their own dosage recommendations based on the dog’s size.
It’s best if you follow those instructions when giving your dog CBD treats for anxiety for the first time.
A safe dosage range for dogs is 0.2 – 0.5 mg of CBD for every pound of bodyweight. From there, you can adjust the dosage to reach the optimal dose.
It’s easy to tell if the treats are working. Your dog should become calm, and their breathing will slow down. The arousal should give space for mental and physical relaxation.
Most dogs are okay with 1–2 treats daily.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs with Anxiety?
Yes, CBD is safe for dogs. It doesn’t cause life-threatening side effects and is well-tolerated even in very high doses.
That being said, a few mild side effects can occur if your dog eats too many treats. You may notice the following symptoms:
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
- Irritation
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
If your veterinarian prescribed dog medications for anxiety or any other conditions, talk to them about adding CBD to your dog’s routine. CBD interacts with many pharmaceutical drugs, so a consultation with an integrative veterinarian should help you avoid negative CBD-drug interactions.
Check out other alternative remedies for dogs with anxiety.
CBD Dog Treats for Anxiety: FAQ
Still, hesitating? Read our FAQ section to learn more about using CBD dog treats for anxiety.
What are CBD dog treats?
CBD dog treats are one of the many pet-friendly versions of CBD. Similar to CBD oil, they contain a full-spectrum hemp extract, but unlike oils, they don’t have that strong, earthy taste.
CBD treats for dogs are formulated with appealing flavors to make supplementation more enjoyable than with traditional formats (oils and capsules). They also come with a fixed dose of CBD in each piece, taking away the stress associated with measurements.
Why should I give my dog CBD treats?
CBD is a versatile tool for improving the quality of life in both humans and dogs. Both species share similar endocannabinoid systems, so the health benefits of CBD for humans translate into therapeutic effects in our four-legged friends.
People give their dogs CBD to:
- Reduce anxiety
- Ease pain
- Curb inflammation
- Improve joint health and mobility
- Support gut health
- Regulate sleep cycles
- Reduce hyperactivity
How long does it take for CBD dog treats to take effect?
CBD treats need more time than CBD oil to kick in. It may take anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours until your dog shows signs of relief. They also last longer than CBD oil — up to 10 hours (with peak effects after 3–4 hours from consumption).
How do I know if CBD dog treats are working?
Carefully observe your dog once you give it CBD treats for anxiety. If you take CBD for similar reasons, you know how your body responds to its anxiolytic effects. The flight-or-flight response manifests in dogs in the same way as in humans — and so do signs of relief.
Does CBD calm hyper dogs?
The only studies on CBD and hyperactivity have been conducted on humans so far. However, if your dog is hyperactive due to anxiety, CBD dog treats may help by addressing the underlying cause.
Can I give my dog too much CBD?
While it’s impossible to fatally overdose on CBD — this applies to both humans and dogs — giving your dog too many CBD treats may result in a few mild side effects, such as appetite fluctuation, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and diarrhea. None of them is life-threatening, and they’re almost nonexistent in normal doses.
Key Takeaways on the Best CBD Dog Treats for Anxiety
CBD dog treats are one of the best health supplements for anxiety. Unfortunately, many companies in the CBD space churn out substandard products on the market; some of them contain significantly less CBD than advertised, while others are downright dangerous due to contamination with toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and toxic solvent residue.
If you want to make sure you’re buying a clean product with declared amounts of CBD and THC, always buy your dog treats from reputable suppliers who deliver up-to-date lab reports with complete results for potency, quality, and safety.
Our top 2 picks for the job are Royal CBD and Gold Bee. Both companies make premium-quality CBD dog treats that not only work for anxiety but are also made with top-shelf ingredients and support your dog’s overall well-being.
In the meantime, we encourage you to do your own research on the best CBD products. You’ll have a bigger picture of this market, not to mention the priceless experience that will help you make a well-informed decision with each purchase.
Sources:
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- Bakas, T., van Nieuwenhuijzen, P. S., Devenish, S. O., McGregor, I. S., Arnold, J. C., & Chebib, M. (2017). The direct actions of cannabidiol and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol at GABAAreceptors. Pharmacological research, 119, 358–370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2017.02.022 [3]
- Appiah-Kusi, E., Petros, N., Wilson, R. et al. Effects of short-term cannabidiol treatment on response to social stress in subjects at clinical high risk of developing psychosis.Psychopharmacology237, 1121–1130 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-019-05442-6
- Lucas, C. J., Galettis, P., & Schneider, J. (2018). The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 84(11), 2477–2482. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.13710 [5]
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