If boosting your pet’s health and wellness with CBD is your goal, are you better off reaching for a treat, oil, or neither? The answer can be complicated.
Many pet owners find that the flexibility and control of CBD oil makes it a better option for dogs, but others like the convenience and fun that come with CBD treats. Which is best for your dog depends on their needs, but also on your preferences as their owner.
It’s wise to really think about what to give your dog before you make any purchases, both for your pet’s sake and the sake of your wallet – CBD pet products can be pricey and challenging to find. But, with some experimentation and effort, it’s possible to come to a conclusion about which type of CBD product is ideal for your household.
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CBD Treats vs. CBD Oil for Dogs: Pros & Cons
Choosing between CBD treats and CBD oil for your dog depends on your pet’s health needs, your lifestyle, and how you prefer to administer supplements. Both forms have unique advantages and drawbacks, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision.
Comparison Table: CBD Treats vs. CBD Oil
| Feature | CBD Treats | CBD Oil (Tinctures) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very easy—dogs see it as a treat | Requires measuring and administering via dropper |
| Dosing Control | Fixed dose per treat; less flexible | Highly adjustable, precise dosing possible |
| Speed of Absorption | Slower—must be digested first | Faster—absorbed directly via mouth/gums |
| Potency | Typically lower; best for mild/occasional issues | Higher; better for chronic/serious conditions |
| Additional Ingredients | May include functional ingredients (e.g., chamomile) | Usually fewer ingredients; some are pure CBD and carrier oil |
| Palatability | Highly palatable; dogs enjoy eating them | Some dogs dislike taste; can be mixed with food |
| Cost | Often more expensive per mg of CBD | More cost-effective for higher doses |
| Convenience | Great for travel, training, or as a reward | Less convenient, but more versatile |
| Risk of Degradation | Heat processing may degrade CBD content | Less processing, maintains cannabinoid profile |
Pros & Cons of Each
CBD Treats
Pros:
Simple and enjoyable for dogs—can be used as a reward or during training.
Fixed CBD dose per treat, making dosing straightforward for most dogs.
Often include other beneficial ingredients for specific health issues (e.g., chamomile for anxiety, ginger for digestion).
Convenient for travel or quick administration.
Cons:
Less flexibility in adjusting the dose, which can be a drawback for dogs needing precise amounts.
Slower onset of effects, as treats must be digested before CBD is absorbed.
CBD content may be reduced or altered by manufacturing processes (e.g., heat).
Some treats may contain lower-quality ingredients, excess sugar, or fillers.
May be less cost-effective for larger dogs or higher doses.
CBD Oil (Tinctures)
Pros:
Allows for precise, adjustable dosing—ideal for tailoring to your dog’s specific needs.
Faster absorption, especially when administered directly into the mouth.
Typically higher potency, making it suitable for dogs with chronic or severe conditions.
Usually contains fewer ingredients, reducing the risk of unwanted additives.
More cost-effective for long-term or high-dose use.
Cons:
Some dogs dislike the taste, making administration challenging.
Requires measuring with a dropper, which can be less convenient than giving a treat.
Not as “fun” for the dog as a treat.
Additional Considerations
Product Quality: Both treats and oils can vary widely in quality. Unregulated products may contain inaccurate CBD levels or unwanted contaminants like THC, which is toxic to dogs. Always look for products with a certificate of analysis (COA) from a reputable lab.
Veterinary Guidance: Research on CBD for pets is still limited, and no CBD products are FDA-approved for animals. Consult a veterinarian familiar with CBD before starting any regimen.
Combination Use: Some owners use both treats and oil for different situations—treats for daily wellness or training, oil for acute or more severe issues.
Which one is right for your dog?
Choose CBD treats if you want convenience, ease of administration, and your dog enjoys treats, especially for mild or occasional issues.
Choose CBD oil if you need precise dosing, faster results, higher potency, or are managing chronic or more serious conditions.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your dog’s health needs, preferences, and your ability to administer the product. Always consult your veterinarian to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How do CBD treats compare to CBD oils in terms of effectiveness?
Speed of Effects
CBD Oil: Acts faster (30–45 minutes) due to direct absorption under the tongue or through oral mucosa, bypassing digestion. Ideal for acute issues like sudden anxiety or pain flare-ups.
CBD Treats: Slower onset (1–2 hours) as they must be digested first. Effects may last longer due to gradual release during digestion.
Potency and Absorption
CBD Oil: Higher potency per dose with efficient absorption, especially when using carrier oils like MCT for bioavailability. Better suited for severe/chronic conditions requiring precise, adjustable dosing.
CBD Treats: Fixed doses per treat, potentially lower potency due to heat processing. Absorption varies based on digestive health and treat composition.
Practical Considerations
Dosing Precision: Oils allow incremental adjustments, critical for tailored treatment. Treats simplify administration but limit flexibility.
Palatability: Treats mask CBD’s natural taste, ideal for picky eaters. Oils can be mixed with food if taste is an issue.
Verdict:
Choose CBD Oil for faster results, precise dosing, and higher potency.
Choose CBD Treats for convenience, palatability, and mild/moderate issues where timing is less critical.
What kind of CBD Is best for dogs?
Most dogs benefit from either a full- or broad-spectrum CBD formula regardless of product type. That’s because the presence of other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other parts of the plant can enhance the effects of CBD itself and create a more well-rounded experience.
It’s important to be aware of the difference between CBD oil options, though, as some dogs may benefit from other product choices.
- Full-Spectrum: Full-spectrum CBD oil for dogs contains far more than just CBD, though it is still formulated with levels of THC that are so insignificant that they won’t affect your pet or their health.
- Broad-Spectrum: Featuring no THC whatsoever and a simpler formula, this type of CBD oil is ideal if you’d like to limit your pet’s exposure to things other than CBD without sacrificing the potential of the entourage effect.
- Isolate: For those looking to use only CBD and nothing else, CBD isolate oil is the way to go. Other than the carrier oil itself, this type of product features only the CBD that you’re after.
Final thoughts
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding between CBD pet treats and CBD pet oil, but there is certainly a more logical course of action to take, at least in most cases.
To figure out whether CBD treats or oil is better for your dog, you’ll need to think about things like:
- Your dog’s personal needs and limitations, which may influence what sort of things you’ll want to avoid and which to seek out.
- The strength of the effects you’re after; if you need a more potent product, opt for those that have enough CBD in them to deliver a strong dose every time.
- Your routine, which determines what level of convenience you may need in a product.
- Your preferences for dosing; if you’d like to be as specific as you can be, CBD oil is likely your best bet. In terms of an easy-to-use, consistent dose, though, CBD treats take the cake.
No matter what you end up choosing, our directory is a wonderful resource to use. Whether you want to get a feel for what’s out there, compare products and brands, or view new recommendations entirely, we’ve got you (and your furry friend) covered.
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