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.
Why It’s Better Than the Rest
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.
| 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
FABCBD Pet Drops
✔️ Nonpsychoactive
✔️ Two Delicious Flavors: Bacon & Chicken
✔️ Full-Spectrum of Cannabinoids and Terpenes
✔️ Sufficient for One-Two Month’s Use
✔️ No Artificial Flavors, Colors, or Sweeteners!
✔️ 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
FABCBD Dog Treats
✔️ Nonpsychoactive
✔️ Tasty Peanut Butter Flavor No Dog Can Resist!
✔️ Free of Corn, Wheat, Soy, and Dairy
✔️ Easy-to-Follow Dosage Chart for All Size Dogs
✔️ Not Too Hard, Not Too Soft, Delightfully Crunchy
✔️ 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
CBDA, or cannabidiolic acid, is one of the lesser-known compounds of the cannabis plant. While…
While it’s tempting to combine multiple CBD products, the result of doing so may or…
If you’re a regular user of CBD oil, you might wonder whether food and water…
CBD isolate powder is used to treat a wide range of health conditions from inflammation…
CBD gummies pack much more of a punch than other products in terms of longevity…
THC, found in marijuana, is infamous for its ability to send you to the kitchen…