In recent years, the demand for CBD products has been growing rapidly. The cannabis market is awash with numerous CBD products both for human and animal use. With many options, pet owners now embrace diverse products to promote their pets’ general wellness and manage their health conditions.
However, not all products in the market meet the recommended quality standards. You might buy a product with the wrong ingredients, toxic compounds, or improper dosage information. Therefore, it is vital to understand the factors to look out for when choosing CBD products for your dog. Quality products usually undergo thorough tests to determine their safety before being launched to the market.
This article provides valuable insights for selecting the best CBD product for your dog’s breed and size.
What Is CBD?
CBD is an abbreviation of cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound derived from the cannabis plant. It is an active compound in the hemp variant of weed but without the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) element. THC is the compound responsible for giving users a high feeling. Even though the cannabis plant produces both THC and CBD, cannabidiol has more gentle effects and doesn’t have an intoxicating impact, so it is used mostly in the medical sector.
According to research, CBD contains powerful properties that can help pet owners manage different conditions. These include chronic pain, muscle aches, joint disorders, seizures, and stress-related conditions.
However, you must seek proper advice from your vet before purchasing any CBD product for your dog, regardless of whether the product is specifically meant for managing pain or represents a general-purpose pet wellness treat.
How to Identify Quality CBD for Dogs
Before you purchase a CBD product, you should know what qualities to check when choosing a quality treat. Let us explore these essential pointers in CBD products.
THC-free
One of the most important words you must check is “THC-free.” If you want your dog to get optimal wellness benefits, ensure the product doesn’t contain psychoactive elements. THC-free products are among the best in the pet wellness industry. This label indicates that THC can’t be detected even at minimal levels.
Third-party Tests
Laboratory tests are critical for CBD products to guarantee safety and purity. It is vital to know the ingredients your dog is ingesting to prevent harm. Usually, third-party labs conduct the tests and report with detailed feedback on the contents. Whether it is a CBD oil or treat, it should have a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which is basically a verification document. The main reason why independent labs do these tests is that they will deliver honest and accurate results.
Type of CBD
CBD products are available in three types of spectrum formulas. These include CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD. Depending on your dog’s needs, you can choose either isolate or broad-spectrum CBD since these two types don’t contain the THC compound.
As a pet owner, you should understand the types of CBD formulas used in different products. This information will help you choose the required blend that meets your pet’s specific CBD needs.
CBD Strength
The best products in the market are usually packed in different CBD concentrations. Despite the dog’s breed and size, you may try various CBD strengths like 150mg or 600mg. However, you must know the right amount to give your canine friend for optimal results. The CBD strength affects your pet’s experience tremendously; too much CBD might result in adverse effects, while too little might not work as desired. So, you should work with your veterinarian to establish the CBD amount your dog needs.
Besides, before buying any CBD product, you should examine the packaging label. Inspecting the product’s information is an effective method of establishing its contents, additional components, and the overall concentration of CBD reasonable for your pet.
Below is an overview of the details you should check:
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- CBD strength
- Ingredients and additives
- Weight – quantity
- Batch number (COA Details)
- Production date
- Expiry date
- Instructions – dosage and storage
- Warning
A legitimate product will contain the listed information on its packaging to enlighten the pet owners about what they are purchasing. So, you should be keen and avoid any product that doesn’t have any information because it might be substandard.
Tips to Choose the Best CBD Products for Your Dog
We have outlined how pet owners can identify legit CBD products. So, let us explore insightful tips to help you stay on the right track when shopping for your dog’s CBD treats or tinctures.
Purchase at Reliable Vendors
It is vital to consider the cannabis store or online vendor you want to purchase from. Whether you need an edible or oil bottle, buy from a reliable dispensary. Carry out enough research about the company and determine whether it is licensed. Ensure the vendor provides sufficient details about each product, as mentioned above. You can find more information at https://askgrowers.com/blog/cbd-for-dogs to help you make the right decision.
Hemp Origin
Another aspect you should determine is the hemp origin used to manufacture the product. It is recommended to choose products with hemp grown in the USA farms because the cultivators will meet the required standards set by the states. Purchasing products with hemp from other countries might not guarantee 100% pure CBD products.
Select Organic Products
CBD products have a high absorption rate into the bloodstream. Thus, plants cultivated with toxic pesticides or fertilizers might be passed into your dog’s system when ingesting the CBD product. That is why you need to check the manufacturing practices of the company selling the products. Choose organic products without harmful compounds.
Choose the right CBD Spectrum
As stated above, you should know the right spectrum formula for your desired CBD product. Depending on your pet’s condition, you may use CBD isolate or broad spectrum formula. But you must follow your vet’s recommendations for the best CBD-infused product.
Avoid Products with Additives
Choosing pet products with 100% CBD is recommended by many experts in the industry. Your dog might be allergic to certain compounds in the additives or preservatives. Or the elements might be harmful to your dog and cause irreversible damage. Thus, you should be keen when purchasing products with different additives.
Pick Professionally Packaged Products
Legit companies always provide detailed, informative packaging for their products. You can never go wrong with these vendors since they can’t compromise quality. Choose top-notch products to reap maximum benefits for your dog without adverse effects.
How to Know the Right CBD Dose for Your Dog
Understanding the recommended dose to give your dog after purchasing the product is vital. Allow your vet to assess your dog and issue proper directives about the CBD dosage as per its weight and age. Depending on the condition, you will know how to manage your dog’s daily CBD routine.
You can also begin with small doses while monitoring your dog’s reaction. Increase the dose slowly, as your vet advises, until you find a perfect balance. Or you can journal your pet’s CBD journey daily while noting each dose and reaction. Eventually, you will get a healthy dose that works well for your dog.
Conclusion
Many CBD vendors are selling various pet products in the market. So, you might get confused about the right product to buy for your dog if you don’t know what parameters to check. Ensure you purchase your products from a reputable vendor who provides detailed information through the COA document.
In addition, consult your vet to understand the right spectrum formula and dosage that suits your dog. If you consider the above pointers, you can be sure of choosing the best CBD product for your dog.