CBD oil or Treat: Which is Better for Your Dogs?

Since CBD is rising in popularity among consumers, it only makes sense that they’re also wanting to give CBD to their beloved pets. In fact, according to The Brightfield Group, the hemp-derived CBD market is poised to reach $16 billion by the year 2025. Previously in 2018, the group estimated the market to reach $22 billion by this year. Pet parents are buying CBD for their four legged friends to help them deal with and make it through difficult health issues. Because of this, the CBD market for pets is skyrocketing in sales. But this rise can also make it difficult for pet owners to discern high-quality products from lesser quality ones. 

What’s the Difference Between CBD Oil and CBD Dog Treats?

CBD oil and CBD dog treats are similar in that they both contain cannabidiol, one of the main cannabinoids found in the hemp and marijuana varieties of the cannabis plant. Brands then use various methods to extract cannabidiol and other cannabinoids,  terpenes, and phytonutrients from the hemp plant. These extracts are then turned into CBD oils, creams, salves, soft gels, gummies, and CBD dog treats. 

CBD Oil for Dogs

CBD oil for dogs typically comes in dark glass bottles with a dropper that is used to administer an exact dose to dogs. CBD oil can be tricky to give to dogs because while some dogs let their owners drop the oil into their mouths, others will not. Owners, therefore, have to dispense the oil onto the dog’s food. When measured up against CBD dog treats, oils have higher concentrations of CBD and other cannabinoids like CBG, or cannabigerol, CBN, or cannabinol, and CBC, or cannabichromene, terpenes, and flavonoids. 

CBD Treats for Dogs

CBD dog treats can be made with either CBD isolate or broad spectrum CBD. Isolates contain 99% pure CBD, as the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients have been filtered out. Broad spectrum extracts contain all the components of the hemp plant, but have had all of the THC filtered out. CBD treats for dogs are an excellent option for dog owners because they’re easy to administer. In fact, you can pretty much give your four-legged friend(s) these treats at the veterinarian’s office, during car rides, immediately at the onset of a thunderstorm that makes them anxious, and any other location/time when your dog needs some help calming down. Dosing of CBD dog treats is easy too, as the amount of CBD per treat has been predetermined. 

What are the Pros and Cons of CBD Oil and CBD Dog Treats?

There are many pros and cons to both CBD oil and CBD treats for dogs. Those include: 

CBD Oil for Dogs Pros:

• Oil dosage is precisely measured with a dropper
• Can be given directly into the dog’s mouth or dispensed onto food
• Higher concentrations of CBD and other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids
• The dosage can be adjusted 
• Oil contains other types of cannabinoids, phytonutrients, and terpenes

CBD Oil for Dogs Cons:

• Can be difficult to administer inside your dog’s mouth
• Takes more time to give your dog oil than giving them a CBD dog treat

CBD Treats for Dogs Pros:

• CBD dog treats are like a reward or treat for your dog
• Easy and quick to administer
• Fixed concentration of CBD
• Fixed CBD dosage
• Are made with dog-friendly flavors like apple, peanut butter, and bacon

CBD Treats for Dogs Cons:

• Fixed dosage of the treat does not allow you to easily adjust it over time
• Concentrations of CBD in treats can be lower than those of hemp-derived oil

Can Oil and Treats Be Given Together?

The short answer is, yes, these two products can be used together. A more detailed explanation is that dog owners often purchase oil and treats together and give both to their dogs in an alternating manner. Some dog owners give their four-legged friends a dose of CBD oil in the morning and then a couple of CBD dog treats throughout the day. Other owners give their dogs oil when they’re at home and treats when they’re on the go. 

What Should You Look for in a CBD Product for Your Dog?

CBD dog treats are an excellent quick and easy alternative to CBD oil for your dog. Oils are preferred by pet owners because they may be able to help dogs with more difficult health issues, can be precisely dosed, and are more easily absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream. One major drawback to CBD oil for dogs is that it’s sometimes more difficult to administer and requires extra time. Doses must be carefully measured and possibly dispensed onto food if your dog has an aversion to the taste. CBD dog treats, like the Calm & Cool Crunchy CBD Dog Treats made at FAB CBD, are fantastic because the dosing is predetermined, are made in a host of dog-friendly flavors, and can be given to your dog just about anywhere. 

When it comes to choosing a high-quality product for your dog, you should do the same research as you did when you were looking for CBD products for yourself. Find out where the brand sources its hemp from, what kind of extraction method is used, and if products are tested by an independent lab. Read any and all third-party lab reports, verified customer reviews, and publications by respected niche experts and CBD journalists. In other words, do everything that you possibly can to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product from a respected and reputable brand. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns regarding CBD oil or CBD treats for dogs, then you should never hesitate to reach out to your dog’s veterinarian. He or she will be able to offer advice and/or guide you on your journey to finding and giving the best type of CBD product to your favorite four-legged friend. Lastly, you should always follow the directions on the package or bottle when trying to figure out what the best dosage may be for your dog, as it will most likely be determined by your dog’s size.