Because of CBD’s popularity, interest in CBD chews and treats is increasing. Generally, CBD chews and treats are a great food for your pet. They are convenient to give and most pets tolerate them well.
But, do chews benefit your dog? That’s the million-dollar question! And even if these treats are the best thing in the world for your furry best friend, how would you gauge dosage, and consider other important factors? In this article, we’ll review these topics comprehensively and nudge you in the right direction.
The Benefits Of CBD Chews for Pets
CBD, short for cannabidiol is one of the main descendants of Cannabis Sativa species. Another compound belonging to this family is THC. However, CBD is different from THC in one important aspect: it’s non-psychoactive. This is great because THC’s psychoactive properties have a whole host of psychological problems, such as hallucinations and delirium. CBD has an excellent safety profile and doesn’t pose serious complications, except for some mild side effects.
Scientific Evidence Of CBD’s Benefits Is Scarce. However, Existing Research Shows That The Compound May Help With:
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Anxiety
- Digestive issues
- Neurological disorders (such as seizures and epilepsy)
- Blood disorders
- Tumors and cancers
That’s a lot of things! And knowing your dog could benefit from CBD’s ability to treat various conditions, why wouldn’t you think of giving CBD chews to your pets? Pets are plagued with many serious issues today, from seizures and anxiety to cancer. So, it’s only fair that you try every option in the book to save your pet’s life.
CBD Dog Chews: Concerns
CBD is a safe compound. This has been corroborated by the World Health Organization. However, it’s important to know what your pet is consuming. Since chews are so in style, confusion may arise, and you go for a subpar product. Here’s what you need to ask yourself when choosing CBD treats:
- Does the product contain high-quality hemp CBD?
- How do I figure out the potency of the product?
- Does the cooking process affect CBD in any way?
CBD chews are altered during the cooking process. At 200 degrees or above, CBD starts to denature and is completely degraded at 350 degrees. At this stage, the compound’s bioavailability takes a serious hit, making absorption impossible for your pet. So, as a general recommendation, always bake the chews at low temperatures. Also, choose a brand that runs testing after baking. This will let you know how heat has affected the CBD content in the product.
Dosage isn’t an issue when you’re feeding CBD as a treat. However, if you’re using CBD chews for cancer, arthritis, or some other condition, then you need to know the accurate dosage to get the best results. This is something you have to take into consideration before buying a CBD product.
Another thing you have to keep in mind is the ingredients in the chew other than CBD. Incorporating CBD in your pet’s regimen won’t matter for much if the product contains other harmful additives, such as pesticides and heavy metals.
Always choose a company that’s transparent and posts independent third-party lab results on their website. This is the only way you can ensure you’re buying the best product on the market for your dog.
Potency and Dosage for CBD Chews
Gauging the dog with CBD chews and treats can be tricky. Generally, the recommended dose is 1 to 6mg of CBD per 10lbs of body weight. The dog breed also matters. Large dog breeds will require more CBD, while the smaller ones will feel the effects kicking in at lower doses. You’ll also need to figure out the potency of the CBD treats.
The intended use or underlying condition is also another critical factor. For anxiety and health prevention, lower doses will do the job. However, if your pet is immunosuppressed or lives with chronic pain, you’ll have to ramp up the dosage.
That said, it’s always best to start with a lower dose. Gradually, you can pick things up depending upon your dog’s reaction to the chew. If things still don’t work out, consult your holistic wet. Together, you can work out the best CBD chew dose for your pet.
When choosing CBD treats or chews for your pet, it’s important to know the difference between high-quality and low-quality CBD oil.
High-quality CBD oil will be extracted through supercritical CO2 extraction. This superior means of extraction ensures that plant matter is completely swept off, and all that’s left is therapeutic cannabis compounds, such as CBD and terpenes.
You should also look into the carrier oil your CBD is preserved in. Good quality oils, such as MCT or concur oil, ensure high bioavailability.
If your dog has problems with psychoactive THC, you’ll also have to find a CBD pure product. Some pets who live with seizures may feel worse after consuming CBD with high THC content.
CBD DIY Chews and Treats
Dogs are weird. Some dogs will not take a chew or a treat unless it’s in a bowl. The good news is that you can make your own CBD dog chews in your kitchen. And you don’t have to be an expert chef to do this. There is a whole host of CBD treat recipes on the internet. From CBD gummies and CBD candies to CBD kibble and a whole lot more, the options are vast and sundry. Just make sure you’re not overcooking the chews, since this will denature the CBD, and will not yield any benefits for your dog.
Final Thoughts
CBD chews may be the best thing for your pet. However, you have to tread carefully. There’s a lot to keep in mind before you go ahead and serve your dog with a bowl of yummy gummies. It’s best to talk to your vet before making any decisions. While some pets may benefit from kibble, others may not react as favorably. It’s always best to stay on the safe side.
