A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Jan. 13, 2025
The pet CBD market is exploding. Although which one is best for your dog depends on a number of factors, these are some of the top CBD treats for dogs available.
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Many pet parents swear by the CBD treats for dogs. Whether it’s to calm an anxious pup or provide relief from arthritis, consumers are embracing the pet CBD market, which is exploding at an exponential rate. Yet it is a buyer-beware market (here’s how to spot warning signs that a CBD product is fake), and unless you’re in California, the only state where vets are allowed to discuss CBD, you’re probably proceeding without your vet’s input. Learn more about CBD for dogs.
Below are examples of some of the CBD treats for dogs along with tinctures that are highly rated products from reputable brands that show CoAs on their websites. Note that none of these have been vetted by professionals. Find out why one dog owner is convinced CBD helped her furry friend live longer.
Learn how CBD may help calm your pet’s anxiety, manage pain, and more with expert advice inside our all-new book, The Essential Guide to CBD.
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These chews designed to lower stress were named a top dog calming aid of 2020 by Pet Business. The company claims that they can provide relief in as soon as one to two hours. Each pack comes with 62 chews.
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Aging dogs often struggle with joint stiffness, which is what these chews target. They not only contain U.S.-grown, organic full-spectrum hemp but also chondroitin, sulfate, glucosamine HCL, hyaluronic acid, and Boswellia Serrata Powder to aid the joints. Reviewers say they’ve seen noticeable changes in the activity levels of their aging dogs.
These chicken-flavored chews contain U.S.-grown hemp as well as numerous botanicals including vitamin E, DHA, and elderberry. The chews are designed to help manage stress, aid cognitive functioning, and promote mental alertness as well as relaxation.
The drops, which use organic MCT oil, come in three flavors—beef, chicken, or unflavored—and three strengths (always start with the lowest one). The company grows its organic, non-GMO hemp in Kentucky, and reviewers on its web site give the product high marks, namely for helping older dogs move better.
This Colorado company uses certified-organic American hemp to make its full-spectrum tinctures, which contain organic coconut oil. Pet parents report that the tincture has helped improve conditions including seizures, pain, anxiety, and lack of energy in their pups.
Suzie’s grows its CBD on its USDA-certified organic farm in Fort Collins, Colorado. These chews for small dogs come in original, pumpkin, and apple flavors and are designed to improve overall health, increase vitality, help calm dogs, provide relief from anxiety, and offer neurological support.
Green Gorilla prides itself on using a special formula that allows for quick absorption of CBD, and it sources its hemp from farms that grow it organically. The carrier oil, extra virgin olive oil, is organic. Reviewers on its website show that people have seen anxiety decrease and mobility increase in their dogs.
Holistic Hound uses organic broad-spectrum hemp grown and produced in Colorado. The chews also contain a blend of five organic medicinal mushrooms and organic ashwagandha extract, which is said to improve immunity, calmness, hormonal balance, and joint health.
The turkey-based chews come in three strengths and include calming ingredients like L-Tryptophan, Chamomile, and Passion Flower. Not only will your dog feel calmer, but the company also says the chews can help your dog deal with common daily stressors.
Your dog will not only get a burst of organically grown hemp (and MCT coconut oil) but also omega 3s from wild Alaskan salmon oil. Those omega-3s may help your dog’s coat, skin, and heart.
Even though your vet may not be able to discuss CBD with you, you should still let your vet know that you’re planning on giving it to your dog. Your vet may refer you to a professional like a veterinary cannabis counselor (VCC), a vet tech who has training in cannabis and who can help you evaluate products based on your dog’s medical history. To locate a VCC, visit VeterinaryCannabis.org.
When selecting a CBD treat for your dog, “you should always purchase one from a company that provides a certificate of analysis (CoA), which tells you what the product has been tested for and what’s in it”, says ReAnna Cornell, L.V.T., Michigan-based senior VCC for Veterinary Cannabis’ Consultation Service. That CoA should have a batch or lot number on it and list the total cannabinoids in that product.
Cornell also cautions against falling for marketing buzz words like “organic” (who knows what’s organic in that product?); anything that says it’s “phytocannabinoid-rich” (which it should be anyway since cannabis is a plant); and products that say they’re derived from seeds or stalks (those parts don’t contain cannabinoids). Also, check the ingredients for flavorings, which could include harmful things like xylitol and carrier oils that your pet may have an allergy to.
Karen Asp is a frequent contributor to Reader’s Digest, focusing on pet content as well as health, fitness and nutrition. She is featured regularly in other esteemed publications such as Real Simple, Eating Well, Better Homes & Gardens and Happy Paws.
To ground this article in expert insight, we also interviewed ReAnna Cornell, a Michigan-based senior Veterinary Cannabis Counselor for Veterinary Cannabis’ Consultation Service. With extensive experience in veterinary care and a specialization in cannabis therapies for pets, Cornell provided valuable guidance on how CBD treats can support pet health and wellness. Her expertise helps us deliver trustworthy recommendations for your furry companions.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Reader’s Digest, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul is a former commerce editor at Bob Vila and has written shopping guides since 2021.
To identify the best CBD treats for dogs, we evaluated a wide range of products based on quality, safety and effectiveness. We prioritized treats made with organic, full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD, ensuring they were third-party tested for potency and purity. Ingredient transparency, dosing accuracy and pet-friendly flavors were also key considerations. Additionally, we incorporated insights from ReAnna Cornell, L.V.T., a Veterinary Cannabis Counselor, to assess how these products align with veterinary recommendations. By combining expert advice with thorough research, we’ve curated a list of CBD treats designed to support your dog’s health and well-being.
The best CBD treats for dogs are made with high-quality, organic CBD and free from artificial additives. Look for products that are third-party tested for safety and potency and include natural ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s digestive system.
CBD oil is often considered the most effective form because it can be absorbed quickly when placed under the tongue or added to food. However, CBD treats and chews are a convenient and tasty option that many dogs enjoy, providing similar benefits with proper dosing.
Yes, CBD chews can typically be given daily, as long as you follow the dosage guidelines provided by the manufacturer or your veterinarian. Daily use may help manage chronic issues like anxiety or joint pain, but it’s always best to consult your vet for personalized advice.
Next, read on to learn about using CBD for cats.
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