CBD Dog Treats of 2023 - 8 Best Picks for Optimal Wellness of Your Furry Friend
CBD is widely favored for its anti-inflammatory, pain relief, and relaxation benefits. As it has become more popular, pet owners have noticed something: CBD works really well for dogs, too. Some dog owners give their pets CBD before stressful events. Others use it daily to combat issues such as joint pain, itchy skin, or chronic stress. CBD dog treats make it easy to give your dog a precise dose of CBD with less spillage and hassle than CBD oil. The best CBD dog treats are both tasty and effective.
So, how do you know which CBD dog treats are the best for your pup? We definitely recommend starting with one of the following treats. We searched the CBD dog treat market, and found these treats to be standouts in the crowd.
Best CBD Dog Treats
- CBDfx - Top Choice: Overall Best CBD Dog Treats
- Holistapet - Close Second: With Vegan Options
- Penelope’s Bloom - Great Value
- The Anxious Pet - Great for Older Dogs
- Honest Paws - Best Flavors
- CBDistillery - Great for Large Dogs
- Receptra Naturals - CBD Dog Chews
- FOMO Bones - Honorable Mention
Best CBD Dog Treats - In-Depth Reviews
Every dog is different. A 5-pound chihuahua has different needs than an 80-pound black lab, and the best CBD dog treats for old dogs may not be the best for young dogs. We kept this in mind as we reviewed various dog CBD treats.
As such, we decided not to select just one winner, but instead multiple winners across several categories. Which one of these CBD dog products is best? Well, they all are — depending on your dog’s needs.
1. CBDfx - Top Choice: Overall Best CBD Dog Treats
CBD can help ease arthritis pain and improve joint mobility. It can also help ease stress and anxiety in dogs. CBDfx offers two types of CBD dog treats: CBDfx Joint & Mobility Pet Treats are formulated to ease joint pain, and CBDfx Stress and Anxiety Pet Treats are formulated to calm down anxious dogs.
CBDfx Joint and Mobility Dog Treats contain 450 mg CBD per bag. They’re crafted with turmeric, another herb known for its pain-relieving qualities. Blueberries and spinach provide a potent source of antioxidants.
CBDfx Stress and Anxiety Pet Treats also contain 450 mg broad-spectrum CBD per bag, along with chamomile, passion flower, and valerian root. These treats also contain GABA and L-tryptophan to help relax anxious dogs.
We were really impressed by the potent, effective formulas of both of these dog treats, which is why we chose CBDfx as our Best Overall winner.
Pros:
- Formulated with broad-spectrum CBD
- Contains other pain-relieving and anti-anxiety herbs
- Organic and soy-free
- Medically reviewed by a veterinarian
- Appealing sweet potato flavor
Cons:
- Older dogs may have trouble chewing these crunchy treats
CBDfx is a renowned CBD company that sends their products out for third-party testing. They stand behind their products with a 60-day guarantee and their customer service team is top-notch. Reviewers agree that these dog treats are excellent for enhancing mobility, protecting the joints, and controlling stress.
Best for Anxiety: CBDfx Stress and Anxiety Pet Treats
Anxiety can cause dogs to pace, lick their paws, and chew furniture. While there are a lot of great CBD dog treats for anxiety management, our top pick in this category was CBDfx Stress and Anxiety Pet Treats.
We appreciate how these treats are specifically formulated for anxious dogs. They not only contain broad-spectrum CBD, but also chamomile, passion flower, and valerian root. All three of these ingredients have calming properties. These dog treats also contain the amino acids L-tryptophan and GABA, which are known to combat anxiety.
CBDfx Stress and Anxiety Pet Treats are THC-free and made with organic, human-grade ingredients. Reviewers say their dogs are noticeably calmer beginning about 30 minutes after taking one of these treats. Some pet parents give these to their dog daily, and others use them for situational anxieties, such as separation anxiety.
Pros:
- Formulated with anxiety-reducing herbs and amino acids
- Made with organic, human-grade ingredients
- Third-party lab tested
- Medically reviewed by a veterinarian
- Backed by a 60-day guarantee
Cons:
- May need to break treats in half for smaller dogs
CBDfx makes a wide array of specialty CBD products for dogs. Each product is carefully lab tested and reviewed by a veterinarian.
2. Holistapet - Close Second: With Vegan Options
If you prefer to give your dog vegan treats, we recommend exploring the options from Holistapet. This company won our Best Vegan Options award because of their awesome selection of vegan treats. They come in three varieties: Calming, Mobility, and Wellness. You can also order a bundle containing all three types of treats.
All of Holistapet’s CBD dog treats are made with natural ingredients. They come in three strengths: 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg. This makes it easy to order treats that are the right dose and size for your dog.
Holistapet Mobility treats contain added turmeric and boswellia for inflammation relief. The Calming treats are formulated with chamomile and L-theanine, and the Wellness treats contain blueberries and flaxseed for improved immunity and heart health.
Pros:
- Multiple size and dose options
- Specialized treats for various ailments and benefits
- Made with 100% vegan, non-GMO ingredients
- Lab-tested for purity and potency
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Chamomile may make some dogs overly sleepy
Holistapet is a California-based company that specializes in natural remedies for pets. Reviewers rave about their CBD dog treats and are often impressed how much happier their dogs are after receiving them. Several reviewers have even given their dogs the Mobility treats after orthopedic surgery to speed up their recovery and ease post-surgical pain.
3. Penelope’s Bloom - Great Value
If you’re looking for a CBD treat that’s effective and well-made, yet affordable, we recommend Penelope’s Bloom. This company offers a few different varieties of CBD dog treats. They’re all potent, affordable priced, and beloved by reviewers.
Penelope’s Bloom Joint + Mobility Pet CBD Treats are a top-seller. Made in the US with plant-based ingredients, they’re baked in small batches for consistency and quality. The formula contains turmeric and chondroitin for anti-inflammatory benefits. These are some of the best CBD dog treats for owners on a budget.
If your dog is stressed out, Penelope’s Bloom Stress + Anxiety CBD Treats are a good choice. Reviewers say they start working in minutes, easing symptoms like shaking and excessive barking. They’re a common choice before fireworks shows and thunderstorms. Penelope’s Bloom even offers a version specifically for large dogs so you don’t have to double up and give them multiple treats.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Lab-tested for purity and potency
- Affordably priced
- Options for large and small dogs
- Tasty, non-GMO, plant-based ingredients
Cons:
- Bag can be difficult to re-seal
Penelope’s Bloom is a California-based company named after the owner’s dog, a Frenchie named Penelope. CBD helped Penelope when she was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease, and her owner was inspired to share the healing power of CBD with others. The company now offers products for both dogs and cats, and they recently began shipping to Canada.
Learn more at PenelopesBloom.com
4. The Anxious Pet - Great for Older Dogs
Older dogs often need softer treats, and they may also need a larger CBD dosage to ease their symptoms. The winner in our Best for Older Dogs category is The Anxious Pet, a brand that offers several varieties of CBD soft chews for dogs. Their Hip & Hop Soft Chews are perfect for older dogs with arthritis and hip pain. They contain added glucosamine and chondroitin to support cartilage and joint health.
The Anxious Pet Relax & Roll Soft Chews are another great choice for older dogs. These delicious, calming treats contain ginger, chamomile, and melatonin for intense relaxation. If you have a smaller dog, you can easily break a treat in half for them.
Reviewers say products from The Anxious Pet are easy to use on-the-go, thanks to the convenient plastic canister they come in. The treats are formulated by veterinarians, so you can have confidence in their safety and effectiveness.
Pros:
- Formulated by veterinarians
- Come in several different formulas
- Soft, easily chewed texture
- Free from common allergens
Cons:
- May need to break treats in half for smaller dogs
The Anxious Pet creates a wide range of calming products for dogs, both with and without CBD. They’re a small company and make their products in small batches, which helps ensure quality. All of their CBD products are lab-tested and backed by a 60-day guarantee.
Learn more at TheAnxiousPet.com
5. Honest Paws - Best Flavors
Is your dog a little picky about the flavor of their treats? Give Honest Paws a try. This company makes several varieties of CBD-infused dog treats in flavors like poultry, peanut butter and creamy coconut. Dog parents say their usually picky dogs enjoy these treats and ask for seconds.
For dogs with arthritis, Honest Paws Mobility CBD Soft Chews are a great choice. They contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and 5 mg CBD each. Honest Paws Relief CBD Bites are great for dogs with occasional aches and pains. They contain turmeric, which works in conjunction with the naturally occurring CBD to ease pain and inflammation.
All of Honest Paws CBD treats for dogs are made in the USA from organic, non-GMO ingredients. They’re also tested in a third-party lab, so you can be confident in their CBD content.
Pros:
- Several appealing flavors to choose from - including peanut butter
- Organic and non-GMO
- Small, easy to chew treats
- Formulated with additional beneficial herbs
Cons:
- Only come in 5 mg potency
Honest Paws is one of the most transparent companies in the pet CBD industry. You can read all about their ingredient sourcing and their collaboration with veterinarians on their website. They source their organic hemp from the best farms in Colorado, and their herbs are naturally sourced, too.
6. CBDistillery - Great for Large Dogs
If you have a large dog, you may not want to give them smaller, crunchy treats that they will swallow whole instead of chewing. CBDistillery has a solution. Their treats are soft and chewy, but large enough that most large dogs will bother to chew them. They recommend 3 chews for dogs over 75 pounds. Smaller dogs can have just one or two chews. CBDistillery CBD dog treats are also affordable, which really helps when you have a big dog eating multiple treats per day.
CBDistillery offers a few awesome CBD pet treats, but we were especially impressed by their Mobility Bites. These roast beef flavored chews offer support for joints and muscles. They are made with non-GMO hemp oil and are lab-tested for quality. Reviewers say their dogs eat them right up and seem looser and more limber afterwards. Some owners give their dogs these treats prior to long hikes or disc competitions.
Pros:
- Good choice for dogs of all sizes
- Lab-tested for purity and potency
- Made with non-GMO hemp oil
- Tasty flavors, like roast beef
- Affordable
Cons:
- Strong scent
CBDistillery is a leading CBD company that makes products for both pets and humans. They’re certified Cruelty-Free and stand behind their products with a 60-day guarantee.
Learn more at TheCBDistillery.com
7. Receptra Naturals - CBD Dog Chews
Recepta Naturals CB Dog Chews are certainly a top-of-the-line choice for picky dogs. These chews have an enticing, peanut butter and bacon flavor that appeals to finicky canines. They’re also made with the very best ingredients, including wild Alaskan salmon oil. This is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory benefits and are great for overall health.
These dog treats come in a plastic jar of 40. Each contains 5 mg CBD, and lab testing has been done to confirm this potency. The jar contains dosing recommendations for dogs from less than 20 to more than 75 pounds. And of course, like all Receptra Naturals products, these tasty peanut butter-bacon treats are made with all natural, non-GMO, full spectrum CBD oil. Reviewers use them for everything from arthritis relief to stress relief, and with excellent results.
Pros:
- Delicious, peanut butter-bacon flavor
- Dosing instructions for dogs of all sizes
- Made with natural, full-spectrum CBD oil
- Packaged in a convenient plastic jar
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil
Cons:
- Slight fish odor
Receptra Naturals was founded in 2015, prior to the CBD boom. They’ve spent many years working to perfect their products for both humans and pets. The company works with independent hemp growers in Colorado and is dedicated to the success of the hemp industry as a whole.
8. FOMO Bones - Honorable Mention
Dogs, like people, can have trouble sleeping when they are stressed-out and anxious. CBD can help with this. Our winner in the Best for Sleep category is FOMO Bones. These calming soft chews are formulated with chamomile, valerian root, passion flower, and L-tryptophan.
All of these ingredients work alongside CBD to help your dog relax and drift off to sleep. The company recommends them for dogs with separation anxiety, but reviewers use them for dogs with many different stress responses.
FOMO Bones contain 5 mg CBD each. The soft texture makes them easy to chew, and dogs love the bacon flavor. FOMO Bones come in bags of 20. Some reviewers give their smaller dogs half a treat in the morning and another at night. Others give their larger dogs a whole treat. These treats also work well to calm a dog down before a vet visit or trip to the dog park.
Pros:
- Formulated with additional calming herbs
- Made in a cGMP facility
- Third-party lab tested
- Tasty bacon flavor
- Soft, easy-to-chew texture
Cons:
- Only available in one strength and size
FOMO Bones goes out of their way to ensure the quality of their products. They follow cGMP guidelines in manufacturing, and their treats are even Kosher Certified. The company is also a member of the Hemp Industries Association and works with other CBD companies to raise awareness about this therapeutic substance.
How We Picked Our Top CBD Dog Treats
How did we decide which CBD dog treats deserved a spot on our list? First, we made a long list of CBD dog treats from reputable companies. We only included treats from companies that source their hemp and other ingredients carefully, lab-test their products, guarantee their products, and offer clear and detailed product descriptions.
The CBD industry is still new and growing, and a surprisingly small number of pet CBD companies actually met these requirements. So, this first step narrowed down our options pretty substantially.
Phase two was all about the dogs. We let them try the various CBD dog treats we’d compiled, and we watched how they reacted. How did arthritic dogs respond to the treats? Were they more willing to jump on furniture or play with their owners? What about stressed and anxious dogs? Did behaviors like chewing and licking subside after taking CBD? The dogs made it pretty clear which treats they liked and how those treats made them feel.
Phase 3 was reading what other people’s dogs thought about the treats on our short list. In other words, we read reviews. This part was time-consuming, and we’d be lying if we said it was all fun and games. However, we did gather a lot of informative reviews that helped us make our final choice and compile this list of excellent CBD-infused treats for dogs.
What To Consider When Deciding on CBD Treats for Your Dog
If you choose one of the quality CBD products above, we’re confident you’ll see improvements in your dog’s health. However, every dog’s needs are different, so we do recommend researching and reading about various CBD dog treats before you pick a product to buy. Here are the key features to pay attention to as you browse your options.
Lab Testing
Make sure the CBD dog treats you’re about to buy have been lab-tested, and that the testing is done at an unbiased, third-party lab. There are two types of lab tests that should be done on CBD products. The first is a test for potency, which tells you how much naturally occurring CBD (and possibly other cannabinoids) the treat contains. The second is a test for purity, which shows the treat is free from harmful chemicals like heavy metals and pesticides.
Most reputable CBD companies share their lab results on their website. Some even share an abbreviated version of the results on their product labels.
Ingredient Sources
You are what you eat, and your dog is what they eat. As such, you want the ingredients in the dog treats to be well-sourced. Look for a treat made with organic and non-GMO ingredients when possible. If you prefer to give your dog vegan foods, there are plenty of vegan and plant-based CBD-infused treats to choose from.
Flavor
You know what flavors your dog likes best. Maybe they go crazy for peanut butter, in which case you’ll want to buy a peanut butter flavor CBD product. Perhaps bacon is their favorite, or maybe they really prefer chicken. If your dog is picky, try reading some reviews to see what other dog owners have to say. If other owners note that their picky dogs love a certain treat, then it’s a good one to try.
Texture
There are two main types of CBD dog treats: soft chews and crunchy treats. If your dog has dental problems or tends to swallow crunchy treats whole, go for a soft chew. If your dog wolfs down soft chews or gets annoyed if they get stuck on their teeth, then crunchy treats are probably a better choice.
CBD Dose
Smaller dogs need less CBD than bigger dogs. If your dog is small or really sensitive to CBD, then look for a lower CBD dosage treat, such as a 3 mg CBD treat. If your dog is on the larger side, look for stronger, 10 mg treats. It’s usually less expensive to give a big dog one or two big treats than a whole handful of tiny ones.
Other Active Ingredients
Many CBD treats are formulated for a specific purpose and contain additional beneficial herbs to help serve that purpose. For example, if you’re giving your dog CBD for relaxation, look for treats made with relaxing herbs, such as chamomile and passion flower. If you’re giving CBD dog treats for joint health, ones formulated with turmeric or curcurmin can be helpful.
Benefits of CBD Treats for Dogs
CBD-infused treats are a convenient way to give your dog CBD. They are less messy than CBD oil and easy to pack in your dog’s bag without worries of spills. CBD dog treats also come in a predetermined dose, so you don’t have to worry about measuring accurately. Plus, dogs tend to love the flavor of CBD-infused treats. Many find CBD oil less appealing in taste.
Here are the primary physical and mental health benefits that CBD treats offer dogs.
Pain Relief
Dogs have endocannabinoid receptors throughout their body. CBD binds to these receptors, which results in relief from pain and discomfort. Pet parents often give their dogs CBD for arthritis and joint pain, but it can be helpful for any kind of acute or chronic pain. In one study, arthritic dogs who were given CBD felt so much better that they started climbing stairs.
Unlike many NSAID pain relievers for dogs, CBD is available over the counter and is quite affordable. Pet owners can modify their dog’s dose, as needed, depending on the level of pain they are experiencing.
Inflammation Relief
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or illness. The body sends lots of fluid and white blood cells to the area, and the area may also become hot and red. Unfortunately, inflammation can limit mobility and also impede the healing process. CBD can help relieve inflammation.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory benefits are really helpful for dogs with arthritis. They also make CBD-infused treats a good remedy for itchy skin, since most itching is associated with inflammation.
Stress Relief
Dogs, like humans, can experience stress whenever their environment or routine changes. Dogs may become stressed out when their owners adopt a new work schedule, or when they move into a new home. Some dogs simply find being home alone stressful! CBD can take the edge off this stress and help dogs adapt to the situation at-hand.
Fewer Behavioral Issues
Does your dog steal and chew on shoes? Maybe they whine whenever you step out of the room, or perhaps they tear up every roll of toilet paper they can get their paws on. Dogs misbehave for many reasons, but they often act out due to stress or anxiety. CBD treats can help calm that anxiety so your dog stops misbehaving. CBD can also help your dog focus and get more out of training sessions, which should improve their behavior over time.
Better Sleep
Dogs need good sleep for memory development, immune system health, and mood control. If your dog is not getting enough sleep, they may act out, get sick more often, or have problems retaining their training. CBD-infused treats can help your dog get better sleep. Treats that contain added chamomile are especially good for this.
How Many CBD Treats Should I Give My Dog?
This depends on the potency of the treats. A good rule of thumb is to give dogs 0.2 mg CBD per pound of body weight. So, a 25 pound dog would need about 5 mg of CBD. Check your treat bag to see how much CBD each treat contains, and administer the treats accordingly.
Most CBD dog treat bags come with dosing instructions on the back. Usually, they’ll recommend giving small dogs 1 treat, medium dogs 2 treats, and large dogs 3 treats. However, this can vary from brand to brand.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
Yes, CBD is generally considered safe for dogs.There are some dogs who develop side effects like lethargy and nausea when given CBD. However, these side effects tend to be minor, and they go away when the CBD leaves your dog’s system.
Some dogs do experience dry mouth when taking CBD. If you notice your dog drinking more after taking CBD, this is why. It’s not generally something you need to worry about, but bring it up to your vet at the next visit to be sure. Lower-dose treats tend to be the best CBD dog treats for those prone to dry mouth.
CBD may interact with certain medications for dogs, such as blood thinners. If your dog is on any prescription meds, check with their vet before giving them CBD treats.
FAQs:
What is broad spectrum CBD oil?
You’ll notice that a lot of dog treats contain an ingredient called “broad-spectrum CBD oil”. This is CBD oil that contains cannabinoids and terpenes in addition to CBD. These other cannabinoids and terpenes may have their own therapeutic benefits, or they may interact with CBD to make it more effective.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil typically has had any traces of THC removed from it.
Is hemp seed powder the same as CBD oil?
If you see a dog treat that contains hemp seed powder or hemp seed oil, that is not the same thing as CBD oil. CBD oil is extracted from the flowers of the hemp, which make CBD. Hemp seeds do not contain CBD. However, hemp seed products can be a good source of fiber and healthy fatty acids, so they are a good ingredient to see in your dog treats. Some CBD dog treats even include hemp seed products for added benefits.
Can you give your dog CBD treats and CBD oil?
CBD-infused treats and CBD oil both contain the same active ingredient: CBD. So in most cases, you do not want to give your dog both products at the same time. Doing so could result in side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.
That being said, it is okay to switch between CBD oil and CBD treats for dogs. You might, for example, want to give your dog a CBD treat before you run out the door in the morning, but then put CBD oil in their evening food before bed.
Can you give dogs CBD oil for humans?
It’s not a good idea to give dogs CBD products intended for humans. Some of these human CBD products contain ingredients and additives that dogs cannot have. The safest choice for your dog’s health is to give them CBD treats and oils formulated specifically for pets.
In Conclusion
CBD can help anxious dogs relax. It can help nervous dogs get better sleep, and it can relieve the pain and soreness arthritis dogs struggle with everyday. CBD dog treats provide dog owners with a consistent, appetizing way to give their dog CBD.
While there are a lot of great CBD pet treats out there, we recommend trying a CBD dog treat from our list above. These products are the best of the best, and we’re confident your dog will agree.
