Best CBD Oil for Dogs: Organic Hemp Products For Your Pets Review

When you have to give medicine to your dog, it’s usually an ordeal.

Only the luckiest owners have a pup who is willing to open his mouth for a syringe or a pill – even if the pill is wrapped in yummy meat. Even if you put a capsule inside a meatball into his dish, there’s a 50% chance that he’ll eat the meat and leave the capsule still sitting there.

That’s only one reason to consider giving your dog CBD oil when he’s in pain. The other purpose is that it can often provide fast and impressive relief.

Naturally, we’re not saying that cannabidiol (the full name for CBD) can or should replace a visit to the vet when your pet is suffering. If Fido’s withdrawn, whining, lethargic, or limping for no apparent reason, your first move should always be to get him to the doctor so you can find out what’s wrong and what you can do to help.

But even your veterinarian may suggest the long-term use of CBD oil to treat the anxiety, arthritis, or inflammation that could be causing your pet’s discomfort. Many vets stock and sell CBD right on their waiting room shelves.

CBD oil won’t make your dog high since it only contains a minuscule amount of psychoactive THC. It won’t cause dangerous side effects, unlike some of the strong canine meds often prescribed by veterinarians. And it isn’t even habit-forming, so once your dog feels better, he won’t have to go through any type of withdrawal.

What it will do for many pets, according to a large number of anecdotal reports and a growing body of scientific evidence, is to help him feel better.

That is, of course, if you can find high-quality CBD oil stores nearby that are meant specifically for canine consumption.

Here are the ones to choose from.

Best CBD Oil for Dogs Review: Our Top Picks in 2023

1. Royal CBD Oil for Pets

Get 15% off all Royal CBD products.  Use code “CFAH” at checkout.

This company makes outstanding CBD oil for humans and is now using the same carefully crafted manufacturing process to create CBD oil for their dogs. The available potencies are calculated for the average weights of canines, so they aren’t as strong as the oils made for people.

There are three strength levels (4 milligrams per milliliter, 8.5mg/ml, and 17mg/ml) for dogs, as opposed to the four (from 8.5mg/ml to 83mg/ml) that Royal offers for the dogs’ owners.

The company doesn’t cut corners just because they’re taking CBD oils for dogs. The cannabidiol is sourced from organic, American hemp and extracted via the high-end supercritical CO2 method, combined with MCT carrier oil to create a full-spectrum product with the complete entourage effect. There are no added ingredients, so the only available flavor is “natural,” but dogs seem to like it just fine.

If you didn’t know better, you’d think they were using those processes for manufacturing and selling CBD oil for people who can read labels and reviews. But Royal CBD creates its pet CBD oil with the same care because the people buying the products can read labels and reviews – and care about their dogs’ health as much as they care about their own.

Things We Liked:

• Organically-grown hemp from US farmers
• Supercritical CO2 extraction and MCT carrier oil
• Full-spectrum oil
• Dog-friendly natural flavor
• Potencies chosen specifically for pets

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Rather expensive compared to similar products

2. Gold Bee Pet CBD Oil

Just like Royal CBD, Gold Bee uses the same process to manufacture its CBD oil for dogs that it uses for its “human products.” They use hemp sourced from Colorado and California organic farms, supercritical CO2 extraction, MCT carrier oil to produce a full-spectrum cannabidiol product with all of the hemp’s components left in to maximize the CBD’s effects. There are no additives, and as the Royal oil, the natural flavor is just fine for dogs’ taste buds.

The only objection we have to Gold Bee’s CBD oil is the potency selection. They do offer dosages of 8.5mg/ml and higher, but that’s probably way too much for small dogs; we wouldn’t advise owners of Schnauzers or Chihuahuas to go with Gold Bee for the time being. Why just for the time being? We understand that a 3.5mg/ml CBD oil is in the works, and should be available shortly.

Things We Liked:

• CBD extracted via supercritical CO2 method from organic, non-GMO organic hemp
• Full-spectrum
• MCT carrier oil

Things We Didn’t Like:

• No suitable potency choice for small dogs
• Limited production runs mean limited supply available

3. CBD Pure – CBD Pet 100

Here’s the one you may want to check out if Gold Bee’s CBD oil is too strong for your small pet, since it only comes in 100mg potency (which equals 3.5mg/ml); they don’t have any stronger options. It’s a very good product, sourced from organic American hemp, extracted by the CO2 method and combined with a hemp carrier oil (not quite as good as supercritical CO2 or MCT carrier oil, but close).

We do have one caution, though. This isn’t full-spectrum oil, it’s CBD isolate with the additional cannabinoids and other components of the hemp plant removed after extraction. That means it doesn’t have the necessary ingredients for the “entourage effect” that boosts the medicinal power of cannabidiol. Some might think that isolate is better for their dog because it doesn’t contain the minuscule amount of THC that’s left in full-spectrum CBD products. In truth, that amount isn’t enough to negatively affect your pet in any way. But this is good oil, so if you think isolate is “safer” in some way, go for it.

Things We Liked:

• Sourced from organically-grown US hemp
• No unnecessary ingredients

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Only one potency level, too low for small dogs
• CBD isolate
• Co2 extraction not supercritical
• Higher than expected price for a low-potency oil

4. Honest Paws

If you’re looking for a trustworthy manufacturer that makes some of the best CBD oils for dogs, then Honest Paws is a safe harbor. The company specializes in CBD oils and treats for dogs, offering three formulations for different canine needs — mobility, pain relief, and general wellness.

These versions also come in three concentrations, making it easy for pet owners to find the right dosage for their pups. Honest Paws makes 100% organic, full-spectrum CBD oil so that your dog can benefit from the full entourage effect, allowing you to maximize the efficacy of the product. 

We recommend Honest Paws to dog parents who already have some experience with giving CBD oil to their dogs. New users may find the wide range of potencies and formulations a bit confusing.

Things We Liked:

• High-quality, full-spectrum CBD
• Organic hemp
• Third-party tested for quality and safety
• Broad selection of products

Things We Didn’t Like:

• New users may have issues with finding the right dosage and formulation

5. Holistapet

Holistapet is another brand catering specifically to the health needs of dogs and cats. Among its organic, hemp-derived formulations, you can find high-quality full-spectrum CBD oil that you can give your furry friend for a range of health concerns — or as a daily supplement.

Holistapet provides detailed dosage information on its website; you can use it as a good point of reference to get started. The oil comes with a dropper that makes application easy to handle with pets. The Holistapet CBD oil is available in 150, 300, and 600 mg strengths. The last option may be a better fit for larger animals.

The company provides third-party lab reports that show the products are pure and free of solvent residues or other chemicals that are dangerous to your dog.

Things We Liked:

• Non-GMO, organic hemp
• Infused with superfoods
• Three formulations available

Things We Didn’t Like:

• No shipping outside of the USA
• Only one flavor of CBD oil available

6. Medterra

Whether your dog is okay with taking CBD oil or prefers the joy provided by dog treats, Medterra has several products for you to choose from.

The Medterra CBD oil comes in three flavors — beef, chicken, and unflavored. You can choose from three concentrations depending on your dog’s weight: 150 mg (small dogs), 500 mg (medium-sized dogs), and 750 mg (large dogs). On top of its organic broad–spectrum CBD, Medterra has infused its oil with glucosamine, chondroitin, and valerian roots.

Medterra’s CBD is  grown and extracted in the United States, suspended in MCT oil, and third-party tested for potency and purity. This makes them more expensive than most vendors.

Things We Liked:

• Wide range of CBD oils and dog treats
• Organic, US-grown hemp
• THC-free
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Things We Didn’t Like:

• New users may find it difficult to find the right potency and formulation
• A little bit expensive

7. Joy Organics

Joy Organics offers two concentrations of its premium CBD oil: 225 mg and 400 mg. The CBD oil for dogs is sourced from locally-grown hemp and extracted with supercritical CO2. The company uses a broad-spectrum extract that contains CBD, other adjunctive cannabinoids, and terpenes — but without any traces of THC.

If your pet doesn’t like the natural flavor of CBD oil, Joy Organics offers beef-flavored dog treats as an appealing alternative. These dog treats are made with water-soluble CBD powder and natural flavorings. Each chew contains 2 mg of CBD.

Joy Organics has free shipping on all domestic orders with a money-back guarantee, which is a nice nod toward dog parents considering that these aren’t budget products.

Things We Liked:

• Organic hemp and carrier oil
• THC-free
• Third-party tested for potency and purity
• Money-back guarantee
• Free shipping

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Only two products for pets
• More expensive than competitor brands

8. CBDfx

CBDfx is a great choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly CBD oil for dogs. It’s the least expensive CBD oil on this list when it comes to the amount of CBD per milligram. The company offers three strengths of CBD pet oil, including 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg); they all come in different flavors like chicken or beef. You can also choose dog treats if your dog fusses over CBD oil. It’s a great product for dogs of different breeds, sizes, and CBD needs.

That being said, the formula doesn’t contain any special ingredients that could provide benefits for specific health concerns. It’s just a broad-spectrum CBD extract dissolved in MCT oil.

And since there are no trace amounts of THC, the entourage effect is limited.

Things We Liked:

• Broad-spectrum CBD
• Organic hemp
• Different potencies and flavors to choose from
• Third-party tested for quality and safety

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Not many flavor options for the dog treats
• No formulas that could serve a specific purpose

9. Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web is one of the most popular names in the CBD space. The brand makes CBD oil for dogs that provide the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients from hemp. Speaking of which, the entire collection from Charlotte’s Web is tested in a third-party laboratory and their pet products have been certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) for meticulous testing and high-quality standards. Every milliliter of this oil provides 17 mg of CBD in a chicken-flavored or unflavored option. 

Things We Liked:

• Non-GMO, Colorado-grown hemp
• Full-spectrum CBD
• Certified by the NASC
• A well-established name 

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Premium pricing
• Limited potency and flavor options

10. NuLeaf Naturals CBD Pet Oil

NuLeaf Naturals offers high-quality CBD oils for the owners of large dogs because its CBD oil has 60 mg of CBD per milliliter. These products come from organic hemp and are extracted with CO2. Moreover, they’re certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, making them the only CBD oil for dogs to bear that mark.

One serious drawback of the NuLeaf CBD oil for dogs is the lack of other sizes and flavor options, which is a shame considering the premium quality of its hemp extracts.

Things We Liked:

• Organic, non-GMO hemp
• USDA-certified
• Full-spectrum CBD
• 60 mg of CBD per mL
• Third-party tested for potency and purity

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Only natural flavor available
• No potency options suited for smaller dogs

CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know

Research on how cannabidiol affects canines is extremely limited. In truth, a lot more research needs to be done to understand how CBD affects humans, too.

However, experts are learning more and more every year, and signs clearly point toward the effectiveness of cannabidiol in treating several of the most common illnesses and conditions that affect dogs.

Medical Conditions CBD Oil for Dogs Help With

CBD oil for dogs can help with a wide range of chronic ailments. Unfortunately, due to a lack of published research studies on pets, a large group of the veterinary community remains uncertain about its effectiveness. Nonetheless, more and more dog and cat owners are coming out with statements that CBD oil has helped their beloved pets and gave them an entirely new quality of life.

According to Dr. Tim Shu, founder and CEO of VETCBD, the interaction of cannabidiol with the endocannabinoid system in dogs can bring relief in areas similar to humans. By sending the chemical message to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body and brain, CBD is responsible for relieving stress, pain, anxiety, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, even allergies in dogs.

Let’s take a closer look at the most common health conditions CBD oil for dogs can help with.

CBD Oil for Dogs with Anxiety

As mentioned above, CBD oil is like a modulator to the Endocannabinoid System. First and foremost, it stimulates the body to produce more of its natural cannabinoids when the ECS goes out of whack. Remember that the Endocannabinoid System is an “on-demand” mechanism and it does not produce extra amounts of endocannabinoids to store them for later.

Like humans, dogs produce an endocannabinoid called Anandamide. Anandamide is often referred to as a “bliss molecule” and is responsible for many important functions, such as mood control, body temperature, emotions, pain perception, post-exercise relief, hunger, and memory. CBD increases the bottom levels of anandamide, therefore relieving anxiety in dogs.

In addition, CBD inhibits the enzyme responsible for breaking anandamide down. This, in turn, helps this endocannabinoid stay longer in the body and thus produce long-lasting effects.

CBD Oil for Dogs with Pain & Inflammation

CBD accelerates CB2 receptors whose largest concentrations are found in the immune system. When CBD is applied, it strengthens the immune response of your body and reduces inflammation. Inflammatory disorders can vary as much as from skin conditions to gastrointestinal illnesses.

CBD has been proven to support joint health and relieve pain by reducing inflammation. In 1997, a study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology showed that there is, indeed, a strong relationship between the endocannabinoid system and managing pain.

Moreover, since CBD can temporarily stop the absorption of anandamide, the increased amounts of this endocannabinoid help dampen pain signals in the brain, which can be invaluable for temporary pain relief.

Speaking of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil is also able to reduce your dog’s painful arthritic pain and inflammation.

CBD Oil for Dogs with Neurological Disorders

Perhaps one of the best health benefits of CBD oil for dogs is its ability to help control seizures, spasms, tics, and tremors. That’s because CBD works as a natural (and powerful) anticonvulsant.

Cannabidiol has been studied in numerous aspects when it comes to seizures caused by epilepsy, as well as spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, research also suggests that CBD can help reduce the tics and tremors caused by Tourette’s syndrome.

Although it isn’t quite clear how CBD works as an anticonvulsant, the Internet is full of success stories shared by pet owners who decided to give CBD oil a shot. One owner claims that his dog has been on several pharmaceuticals and couldn’t even walk anymore, but when given CBD systematically, his health improved to the point where he was able to go on long walks.

Such stories fill us with the hope that if we manage to finally legalize cannabis nationwide, more research will emerge on the subject of CBD oil for dogs.

Research: Dogs and CBD

Only a few reputable studies focusing on canines and CBD have been published so far, but they have clear implications for owners who are considering giving CBD oil to their dogs.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis suffered by dogs and one of the most common causes of canine pain. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons reports that the disease affects approximately 25% of all canines in the U.S.  A group of dogs suffering from OA was given either CBD oil or a placebo; the results showed that the pets treated with cannabidiol experienced substantial pain relief and increased mobility.

Another recent study that has so far produced only preliminary results was conducted at Colorado State University. It looked at CBD’s ability to treat canine epilepsy, the most common neurological disease seen in dogs (and the only human condition for which CBD treatment has received government approval). The early findings show that 89% of the pets receiving cannabidiol showed a reduction in the frequency of their seizures.

And in a study. with more far-reaching implications, CBD was found to possibly be effective as a canine cancer treatment such as lymphoma in canine.

That research is promising. Just as promising are the results of studies on the ability of CBD to treat animals and humans.

Research: CBD and Its Medical Benefits

There’s a growing body of research examining the effect that CBD oil can have on illness, disease, and pain. Importantly, many of the studies deal with issues that commonly afflict dogs.

• A general survey of the research into CBD and pain reports that cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), can be effective against a wide range of difficult-to-treat issues including nerve pain, joint pain, and cancer pain.
• CBD administered transdermally to arthritic rats significantly reduced their joint inflammation, swelling, and pain.
• Of particular interest, because inflammation is a significant cause of canine pain: a full review of cannabinoids and their ability to act as anti-inflammatory agents found a large number of conditions that could benefit from CBD treatment, including arthritis, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
• Anxiety may not cause physical pain, but dogs suffering from the disorder often display symptoms indistinguishable from pain. In one study, well over two-thirds of canines exhibited signs of anxiety. And CBD has shown great promise as an effective treatment for anxiety and stress.

To put it more simply, even though there’s no definitive body of work showing that cannabidiol will relieve your dog’s pain, soreness, or anxiety – there’s an enormous amount of evidence that it could. And if you ask dog owners (and many vets) who’ve tried it, there’s no doubt in their minds that CBD oil is worth trying.

Won’t CBD Oil Hurt My Dog?

Nope.

You may be thinking about the warnings you’ve heard not to give your dog pot (or let him near it), which are valid. Marijuana may not kill dogs, but it can get them high – and they’ll have no idea what’s happening to them, so they’ll get scared and anxious. Even worse, weed can be poisonous to dogs, requiring emergency veterinary care.

CBD isn’t weed; it’s only one of the cannabinoids that are found in the marijuana plant. It’s not psychoactive, won’t get your dog high, and won’t endanger him.

Here’s why. There are two types of cannabis plants, marijuana and hemp, and the CBD oil you’ll purchase for your dog will be made from the hemp plant, not the pot plant. By law, cannabidiol sold after being extracted from hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC, nowhere near enough to affect your pup.

You can be sure that there’s only a minuscule amount of THC in the CBD oil by checking the COA (certificate of analysis) that should come with it. It shows the results of third-party testing, proving that the oil contains the promised amount of CBD and no significant THC content.

There are only a few minor side effects associated with CBD use in dogs: dry mouth, drowsiness, and lower blood pressure. And the last two have only been observed with large doses of cannabidiol, higher than anyone would probably give their pet.

Feel better?

Different Ways to Give CBD Oil to Your Dog

Alas, despite all the benefits of CBD oil for dogs, it won’t make your companion drool at the thought of swallowing the characteristic, bitter taste of the oil. After all, it’s a far cry from a slab of cooked chicken breast or a platter of bacon.

Thankfully, if you’re smart enough, you will know exactly how to smuggle that necessary dose of CBD into your dog’s meal.

When it comes to different forms of CBD, it can be applied as:

• Tinctures (for virtually immediate relief from symptoms)
• Topicals (for rashes, skin allergies, arthritis, and other forms of aches/joint pains
• Edibles (for long-lasting effects and, of course, sensual pleasure)

Speaking of edibles, you might want to consider adding some CBD Dog Treats to your hound’s diet.

CBD for Dogs is Now More Enjoyable With CBD Dog Treats

Exactly! Now, you can make your dog fall in love with Cannabidiol thanks to high-quality CBD dog treats that are storming the market right now.

The number one benefit, and the most obvious one, is that your dog will love their taste. CBD companies are creative when it comes to flavors, so you will surely find something to please your dog’s belly big time.

Another advantage of CBD dog treats is that they vary in size and doses. If you’re not sure how much CBD should you give to your dog, worry not – most will be labeled right on the package, with weight/size indicators. It’s invaluable for determining a proper dose, something which is pretty troublesome with tinctures.

The only voice of uncertainty comes from people who are a little wary of how effective some of the treats and pet edibles actually are. The CBD market is a very attractive one, and some companies sell bogus products with false claims about their effectiveness. This leaves people with serious doubts about using CBD oil for dogs.

This is why it’s of paramount importance to find a trusted CBD company. We will get to it later, though. For now, let’s focus on the proper CBD dosage for your four-legged buddy.

Is CBD Oil or Treat Better for Your Dog?

If you see CBD dog treats sold at the vet’s office or online, your first thought might be: “That would be a much easier way to get my dog to take his CBD!”

It certainly might be easier. But it’s not the best way to give him CBD.

When you administer CBD oil with a medicine dropper, you’re in control of how much cannabidiol he receives. The label on the dog treat simply tells you how much was put into the treat before it was cooked or baked – and exposure to heat drastically reduces the potency and effectiveness of cannabidiol. Oil calculated to include 5mg of CBD will have 5mg of CBD. You have no idea how much CBD will be in a 5mg dog treat, or how effective it will be. And dog treats rarely come with a COA.

Additionally, CBD oil isn’t fattening. Dog treats and biscuits are. It may be that your dog needs the extra calories, but most pups don’t. And to give him the right dose of cannabidiol, you may have to feed him several treats, boosting his calorie intake even more.

You do have to calculate the dosage for your pet when you use CBD oil, an issue you don’t face when giving him a treat. But dosing isn’t difficult when you get the hang of it.

The optimal dose of canine CBD is based on the dog’s weight, and the best approach is to ask your vet. Don’t be afraid to ask; giving a dog CBD isn’t illegal or even questionable these days, and most vets are more than happy to provide advice. Otherwise, start with the recommended dose on the packaging.

Use the lowest possible dose if they suggest a range like “2.5mg-5mg” or “2-4 drops.” You can always increase the dose if necessary since there are no dangers of overdose or substantial side effects. If you’re still having trouble figuring it out, there are lots of canine CBD dosage calculators online.

(Just one advisory: if you put the oil into your dog’s food instead of dropping it into his mouth, it may take longer to act and may not be quite as effective.)

Now, let’s figure out how to choose the right oil.

How to Dose CBD Oil for Dogs?

There is no one-fits-all solution when it comes to dosing CBD oil for dogs. The amount of CBD oil you will give to your pup largely depends on its weight.

There are many different opinions on this subject, but according to Greencamp, one of the most trusted medical cannabis blogs, the best way to dose CBD oil for dogs is to take baby steps. In other words, the best thing you can do is to take a steady and reliable approach that gradually increases the amount of Cannabidiol until you see your dog’s health improving.

The 3-tier CBD dosage plan for dogs goes like this:

• Tier 1 (low): 0.05mg x lb / twice a day
• Tier 2 (medium): 0.125mg x lb / twice a day
• Tier 3 (high): 0.25mg x lb / twice a day

Start dosing CBD oil with Tier 1 and observe how your dog reacts for a week; then, decide whether to move on to Tier 2 or stick to Tier 1 for a bit longer. Keep in mind that getting the right balance is of the essence when it comes to CBD oil for dogs, as high-quality CBD oil can be expensive.

What to Look for When Buying CBD Oil for Your Dog

You wouldn’t want to buy an essential medication from a no-name Chinese manufacturer. And you certainly don’t want to give your best friend low-quality CBD oil when you’re trying to help him through pain or a chronic illness.

The way to know you’re getting the best cannabidiol for your dog is to make sure the manufacturer adheres to the critical rules for producing CBD oil.

1. Organic Hemp

There’s a reason that organic produce is the best you can buy; it hasn’t been exposed to pesticides or other potentially hazardous chemicals, so it posts the least danger to your body. In the same way, high-quality CBD oil will be sourced from organic hemp, preferably grown in America, where farmers have to adhere to stricter standards than in other nations. It should be non-GMO, too.

2. Supercritical CO2 Extraction

There are several ways that companies can extract cannabidiol from the hemp plant. Supercritical CO2 extraction is the most expensive method but also preserves the highest amount of CBD’s potency. Cheaper methods (in their order of desirability) like CO2 extraction, steam distillation, cold-press extraction, and extraction with natural solvents produce weaker CBD. Extraction with hydrocarbons produces CBD that could harm your dog.

3. Full-Spectrum Oil

When cannabidiol is extracted from hemp, it usually brings with it the other important of the hemp plant: terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids (including <0.3% THC content). They all work together to provide an “entourage effect” that enhances the CBD’s performance. Some manufacturers isolate just the CBD, however, for a product that’s not surprisingly called “CBD isolate.” It’s not quite as effective, but it does relieve any unfounded fear that a dog could react negatively to even a tiny amount of THC.

4. No Additives

The only ingredients that should be in CBD oil for dogs are cannabidiol and the carrier oil needed to help distribute the CBD. (MCT oil is the best choice for a carrier.) CBD oil produced for humans often contains natural essential oils for flavoring, but even those additives might harm your dog and should be avoided. And needless to say, no artificial ingredients should ever be acceptable when your pet’s health is involved.