Different dogs have different personalities and quirks, but one truth that applies to all dogs is that they love treats. Though as a responsible and loving dog owner, it can be tricky picking the best treats for your dog. Many treats are high in calories or may contain ingredients that aren’t necessarily good for your dog.

Choosing healthier options and being selective about the frequency with which you give your pet treats is vital to their health and wellbeing. One option that is soaring in popularity is CBD dog treats and CBD cat treats. The benefits of CBD for humans are well-established, and it turns out that CBD is equally beneficial for pets as well.

In this article, we’ve outlined what you need to know about CBD dog treats so that you can make the best decision for your furry friend. 

What are CBD treats for pets?

CBD treats for pets are just that – animal treats infused with CBD. For many pet owners, CBD treats are preferable to CBD pet oil. This is because many pets are resistant to being fed with a dropper, and some animals are averse to the taste of CBD oil, which can be bitter. 

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However, if you find that your dog enjoys the effect of CBD oil, and you are curious to try CBD treats, you can mix and match treats and oil. In other words, CBD dog treats can be used in conjunction with CBD oil as long as you are careful about the dosage.

What are the benefits of CBD treats?

Occasionally giving your pet a treat is a great way to bond with your animal, and serves as a reward for good behaviour. However, treats are often high in calories and may not be healthy for your dog. CBD treats are a great solution because they allow you to treat your dog to a tasty snack while also helping to boost their health and wellness in a number of ways. 

One benefit of CBD is its positive effect on your dog’s mobility. As your dog ages, they can begin to experience stiffness in their joints due to arthritis or just old age. CBD can help reduce inflammation and swelling, thereby improving mobility.  

Another benefit is overall pain relief. CBD doesn’t just relieve joint pain, but it can also assist with muscle pain and chronic pain. CBD can be a safe alternative to traditional, prescription medicine since it is naturally occurring and easily metabolized. 

CBD can also help manage anxiety and promote mental wellness in your pet. As sensory animals, dogs can be disturbed by a number of stressors. CBD treats can lessen tension and will allow your dog to relax and may even ease separation anxiety. Like humans, stress in dogs can harm their well-being and happiness. For this reason, finding ways to manage your dog’s stress is essential to their health and well-being. CBD dog treats can also boost your pet’s immune system so that they are better able to ward off illness.

What should I look for in pet treats?

There are many different treat options available for your dog and each type has its own unique advantages. The dog treats you choose should be based on a combination of your dog’s preference and your better judgement regarding the ingredients used. 

Reading the label of the treats you are looking to purchase for your dog is critical to your pet’s health. In general, you should look for a limited ingredient list: fewer ingredients is generally considered better because it means there is less of a chance for your dog to develop an irritation or allergic reaction to the treats.

Another important factor is whether or not the treat contains high-quality ingredients and where in the ingredient list they are placed. When ingredients are listed first or closest to the beginning, it means that there is more of that ingredient in the treats. 

Finding treats that are made of locally sourced ingredients may also be a factor to consider. For one, it is a more environmentally conscious and sustainable decision. However, it may also prove to be beneficial for your dog because home-grown ingredients may be safer and more reliable.

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It is important to avoid synthetic sweeteners and instead opt for natural sweeteners like honey. In addition, try to avoid chemicals, artificial additives, and colours. The easiest bet is to avoid any ingredients that you can’t pronounce. Be wary of chemical preservatives that have potentially harmful effects such as butylated-hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxtoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin. Finally, Chemical humectants such as propylene glycol, which are used for maintaining moisture, should be avoided. 

What should I look for in CBD for pets?

If you are new to CBD treats, shopping for them can be a bit overwhelming. It’s hard to know what you’re looking for. There are a few qualities that you should search for when buying CBD treats. These factors will ensure that you purchase a high-quality product that is safe and healthy for your dog. 

When buying CBD for pets (oils or treats), it is recommended to reach for broad-spectrum CBD. This is preferable to full-spectrum or CBD isolate options. Broad-spectrum gives you the comprehensive benefits of CBD because it retains compounds like terpenes and flavonoids (unlike isolate) but does not contain any THC, so you don’t have to worry about any psychoactive components. 

If you are looking for a product that contains CBD hemp oil, be sure that CBD is present on the label. While hemp oil is healthy, especially for your dog’s coat, it does not contain the full benefits that can be gained from CBD. 

When looking for anything CBD related for your pet, whether that’s oil or treats, make sure that the product is THC-free. For animals, the only safe option is hemp extraction, and more specifically, a broad-spectrum. The CBD oil that is extracted from traditional cannabis (aka marijuana) is typically higher in THC. This is important because the THC level should not exceed 0.3% as THC can be toxic for animals.

Furthermore, the extraction method of the oil can make a massive difference in the quality of the final product. For this reason, choosing CBD treats or oil that was extracted using the CO2 extraction method is important because it ensures the maximum purity of the product. If you are suspicious, check with the manufacturer to learn which extraction method they use. resolveCBD uses only C02 extraction.

When looking for the perfect treat, make sure you’re also scoping out for a “COA” or Certificate of Analysis. Reputable brands boast this certificate, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to obtain. A COA is a certificate that is presented to a company by a third-party lab that conducts product testing and ensures that results are impartial and reflect the truth of that product. Once you obtain the COA, you can check the potency of the various cannabinoids included, the percentage of THC, and ensure the omission of harmful chemicals. 

How should I administer pet treats?

Most dog owners can agree that it’s sometimes difficult to restrain yourself from giving your dog too many treats. Treats are meant to be an occasional snack, but your dog can’t get enough of them. However, giving your dog extra treats is not advised as experts recommend that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet.

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Being moderate with respect to how you reward your pets is key. Though it can be difficult to keep track, it’s important to your pet’s health. CBD pet treats can be a great way to hold yourself accountable for how often you administer the treat. Though it is safe to give your dog CBD treats every day, many people give their dogs these treats to help with their health. This will assist you in measuring the amount that you’re feeding your dog treats. 

Regarding how often you should be giving CBD treats to your dog — it depends on many factors including how your dog reacts to the treat and whether they enjoy them. It’s important to start slowly and see how your pet responds. You can increase once you have a better idea of how your dog responds to CBD treats.

Conclusion

CBD treats can be a great alternative to the typical treats on the market. Unlike the treats that are available for your pet, CBD treats carry health benefits that can improve your dog’s well-being. With that said, every dog is different, and they will respond to food and treats in different ways. Be sure to pay attention to your dog’s preferences to help guide you in your quest for the best dog treats.