There’s a split in the CBD community over how much THC to put in hemp extracts. Although the 2018 US Farm Bill allows manufacturers to include ≤ 0.3 percent delta-9 THC, some customers prefer zero THC in their CBD oils. To cater to different consumer preferences, most CBD brands now offer some products with a bit of THC (aka “full-spectrum CBD”) or zero THC concentration (either broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate).
While a little THC in human-grade CBD oils is generally safe for healthy adults, there are serious questions over whether CBD pet treats should have any THC. Does delta-9 have more harmful effects on dogs than humans? Should pet owners even consider using full-spectrum CBD oil?
Most studies suggest that dogs are more sensitive to cannabinoids than humans. Even a tiny amount of delta-9 THC could trigger severe side effects in a dog, including seizures, vomiting, and even death. For this reason, dog owners should always inspect the THC concentration in their CBD pet treats. Until we have evidence to the contrary, pet owners must treat THC as a toxin for their dogs.
Please note: This doesn’t mean that CBD triggers severe adverse reactions for dogs. While some breeds may experience side effects like diarrhea or lethargy, there’s no evidence that high-quality CBD extract will put a healthy dog in a life-threatening situation. CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and doesn’t bind to CB1 receptors like THC.
Please speak with your vet before feeding CBD to your dog, especially if your pup is on prescriptions. CBD has been known to affect the absorption of pet medications, which could trigger more severe reactions.
It’s only safe to feed dogs CBD products with zero THC concentrations. Customers must also ensure the CBD brand they’re working with says its products are “pet-friendly.”
There are a lot of ingredients besides THC that are OK for healthy humans but poisonous for pups. The sugar alcohol xylitol is one example of a chemical that should never be in a CBD pet treat.
Also, hemp pet treats should have a lower CBD dosage versus comparable human products. It usually doesn’t take as much CBD to impact a dog versus a human, especially if your dog breed is tiny. Expert pet-friendly CBD companies should have considered these dosage concerns when making their items.
The only way to verify your pet’s CBD oil is safe for your furry friend is to request a third-party lab test. Reputable hemp manufacturers should send their CBD products to non-affiliated labs to provide unbiased reports. These Certificates of Analysis give you a glimpse into the overall purity of your pet-friendly CBD products.
If you’re new to analyzing CBD products for dogs, please remember Real Tested CBD scans dozens of pet-approved CBD oils. You can find our current picks for the best pet-friendly CBD treats on RealTestedCBD.com!
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