Best CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats

While most CBD products are specifically marketed to us humans, more and more people are using CBD to help their pets. Veterinarians and animal lovers alike are talking about how CBD can benefit pets, especially cats, dogs, and horses.

Although more research should be conducted, there are a few promising studies that show how CBD can help pets, especially dogs.

A 2018 survey of veterinarians found that many veterinarians have noticed that CBD seemed to reduce anxiety and pain in dogs. Another study suggested that CBD could help with atopic dermatitis (an allergic rash) in dogs. A promising 2017 study found that CBD might be able to reduce seizures in epileptic dogs, too.

The available research suggests that CBD is safe for dogs. With that said, we strongly recommend talking to a veterinarian before giving your pet CBD (or any new health product). A CBD-friendly veterinarian will be best equipped to advise you on whether CBD will help your pet. They can also offer suggestions on dosage, products, and more.

There are a wide range of CBD products for pets out there, from tinctures and treats to balms, salves, and creams. Because interest in CBD has increased, more companies are creating pet-specific CBD items, which means we’re spoiled for choice. If you’re shopping for CBD pet products, you might be overwhelmed by all the choices out there.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a list of the best CBD products for cats and dogs. We’ve focused on quality, price, and other factors. After all, your pet deserves the very best.

How we chose

Our product recommendations are always based on quality, transparency, price, brand reputation, and numerous other criteria. We use these criteria to compare thousands of different CBD products spanning over 150 different brands.

In order to assess these products, we rate all brands and products out of 100 points using an unbiased ranking system. The ranking system takes the above criteria into account before we score it. If you’d like to learn more about our selection criteria and how we choose our product recommendations, this page explains it further.

Our articles are written and reviewed by a team of CBD journalists and healthcare practitioners to ensure that we provide you with accurate, helpful information.

Our picks

Best Overall — One Farm USDA Organic Water-Soluble CBD for Pets

This incredible product wins overall because of its convenience and quality. It’s water soluble, which means that it can be added to your pet’s water. This is far more convenient than dropping it directly into your pet’s mouth. In general, water-soluble CBD is absorbed more quickly by the body. As an added benefit, this Water-Soluble CBD for Pets has been made using organic hemp.

This product has been tested by a third-party lab. The test results confirm that it contains the stated amount of CBD. The lab reports are available on the website.

This CBD is extracted from hemp grown in Boulder, Colorado. The hemp is certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This product contains full-spectrum CBD.

In addition to CBD, this product includes spring water and Arabic spray (which is used to emulsify the liquid).

The price works out to $0.11 per miligram of CBD. Water-soluble CBD tends to be more expensive, so this price is quite good compared to similar products. They also have a subscription offer where you can get a discount by purchasing it once a month.

Best CBD oil for dogs — R+R Medicinals CBD Pet Tincture

This CBD Pet Tincture from R+R Medicinals is a simple, high-quality product. The full-spectrum CBD in the tincture was derived from organically farmed, US-grown hemp. The tincture also contains grapeseed oil, which is rich in omega fatty acids.

This product has been tested by a third-party lab. The test results confirm that it contains the stated amount of CBD. The lab reports are available on the website.

R+R Medicinals uses Colorado-grown hemp. They are certified as organic by the US Department of Agriculture and registered with the US Hemp Authority.

This product contains full-spectrum CBD.

This product only contains grapeseed oil and full-spectrum CBD extract.

This product works out to around $0.06 per miligram of CBD, which is relatively cheap.

Best CBD oil for cats — CBD Dog Health EASE CBD Oil For Cats

CBD Dog Health has three kinds of CBD oil for cats: Calm, Heal, and Ease. Along with 550mg of CBD, Ease includes added turmeric and frankincense. These anti-inflammatory ingredients are intended to help with joint pain, allergies, and arthritis.

This product has been tested by a third-party lab. The test results confirm that it contains the stated amount of CBD. The lab reports are available on the website.

CBD Dog Health uses hemp that has been grown in the US using organic farming practices.

This CBD oil is full-spectrum.

In addition to full-spectrum CBD, this CBD oil contains turmeric, frankincense, hemp seed oil, and MCT coconut oil.

This product works out to around $0.18 for each miligram of CBD, which is a little on the pricey side. They also have an option to subscribe and save.

Best CBD dog treats — Lazarus Naturals CBD Dog Treats

These CBD dog treats from Lazarus Naturals include ingredients that are intended to relieve inflammation, soothe pain, and promote overall wellness. Each dog treat contains 5mg of CBD. This product is ideal if you struggle to drop oil in your dog’s mouth, and it’s perfect for a dog with arthritis, joint pain, or a similar condition.

This product has been tested by a third-party lab. The test results confirm that it contains the stated amount of CBD. The lab reports are available on the website.

Lazarus Naturals uses Oregon-grown hemp. Part of their farmland was certified organic by the USDA in 2020, and they’ve stated that they plan to have all products certified organic in 2021.

This product includes full-spectrum CBD.

These dog treats include a range of beneficial ingredients, including organic pumpkin, wild Alaskan salmon oil, fish collagen, turmeric extract, and coconut oil. These ingredients are said to have anti-inflammatory properties.

This product works out to around $0.10 per miligram of CBD. This is an excellent price, especially when you consider the price of dog treats in general. Lazarus Naturals also has a generous assistance program, offering a 60 percent discount to veterans, people on long-term disability, and low-income families.

Best CBD cat treats — cbdMD Soft Chews for Cats

Compared to CBD dog treats, CBD cat treats are a little harder to find. However, these treats are perfect if you have a fussy cat that could use some CBD. Since these chews are soft, they’re also easy on your cat’s teeth. This product contains added chicken and catnip.

This product has been tested by a third-party lab. The test results confirm that it contains the stated amount of CBD. The lab reports are available on the website.

The cbdMD website states that they use US-grown hemp farmed using organic practices. In 2020, cbdMD earned NSF Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Registration, which is only given to companies that follow the strictest safety protocols.

This product contains THC-free, broad-spectrum CBD.

In addition to CBD, these cat treats contain catnip and chicken.

The price works out to around $0.11 or $0.16, depending on which strength you choose. This is quite a decent price considering the price of most cat treats. cbdMD also has a subscribe-and-save option as well as a generous discount program for military personnel, first responders, and people with disabilities.

Best CBD topical for pets — Penelope’s Bloom CBD Pet Balm for Dogs and Cats

CBD topicals are often used to reduce pain or address skin conditions. This CBD-infused pet balm has been designed to moisturize your dog’s snout, paws, and elbows, but can be used all over the body. It’s suitable for cats, too, and it comes in two different potencies and sizes: 150mg (1oz) and 300mg (2oz).

This product has been tested by a third-party lab. The test results confirm that it contains the stated amount of CBD. The lab reports are available on the website.

Penelope’s Bloom uses CBD extracted from non-GMO, US-grown hemp.

This product contains full-spectrum CBD.

This balm contains a long list of hydrating ingredients, including sunflower oil, shea butter, vitamin E, jojoba oil, candelilla wax, and roman chamomile oil. It also includes lavender and rosemary oil, which are known anti-bacterial agents. This product is vegan.

The price works out to roughly $0.10 or $0.13, depending on which potency you opt for. This is a good price. They have a subscribe-and-save option as well as free shipping.

Best extra strength CBD — Austin and Kat Extra Strength CBD Oil for Dogs

In some cases, your furry friend might need an extra-strong dose of CBD. In this case, a potent tincture might be best. Austin and Kat’s Extra Strength CBD Oil for Dogs comes in two variations – 600mg and 1200mg – so that you have two options depending on your dog’s needs. It has added beneficial ingredients.

This product has been tested by a third-party lab. The test results confirm that it contains the stated amount of CBD. The lab reports are available on the website.

Their website states that they source their hemp from Treehouse Hemp, which was the first hemp extract supplier approved by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). Their CBD is sourced from hemp grown in Oregon, Washington, and Colorado using organic farming practices.

This tincture contains full-spectrum CBD.

In addition to full-spectrum CBD, this product contains hemp seed oil, black pepper extract, and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Black pepper improves CBD absorption. CoQ10 is naturally produced by the body and is beneficial for the heart and nervous system.

The price works out to between $0.08 and $0.11 – a good price considering the added beneficial ingredients. They have subscription offers and a rewards program, which can save money.

Best CBD for pain in pets — Upstate Elevator Supply CBD for Pets – Hemp Chewy Joint Bites

CBD is often given to pets with painful conditions, whether it’s arthritis, cancer, or an injury. This simple tincture combines full-spectrum CBD with a range of ingredients that are said to soothe pain and inflammation, such as glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane, both used to soothe arthritis, and omega 3 fatty acids.

This product has been tested by a third-party lab. The test results confirm that it contains the stated amount of CBD. The lab reports are available on the website.

Upstate Elevator Supply CBD uses US-grown hemp farmed using organic practices. In 2019 and 2020, they partnered with Pete’s Greens, a USDA-certified organic hemp farm. More recently, they became founding members of Nordic Farm, a Vermont-based hemp farm.

This product contains full-spectrum CBD.

In addition to CBD, this product contains glucosamine HCl (derived from shellfish), methylsulfonylmethane, Alaskan salmon oil, hemp oil, and more.

The price works out to around $0.27. This is quite pricey, even when you consider the added ginger. There is, however, a rewards program.

Best CBD for itching in pets — CBDfx Calming and Moisturizing Pet CBD Balm

CBD-infused salves are often used to soothe dryness and itching. This salve from CBDfx has been developed for irritated, dry skin. It’s ideal for dogs with any sort of itchy or inflamed skin condition. It includes a range of beneficial ingredients, including Alaskan salmon oil, shea butter, and essential oils.

This product has been tested by a third-party lab. The test results confirm that it contains the stated amount of CBD. The lab reports are available on the website.

CBDfx uses hemp that has been grown in the US using organic farming practices.

This salve contains broad-spectrum CBD.

In addition to CBD, this product includes moisturizing Alaskan salmon oil and shea butter. It also contains essential oils, including lavender, Roman chamomile, and rosemary

This product works out to around $0.05 per miligram of CBD, which is a good price.

Best CBD for calming dogs — Paw CBD Pet CBD Calming Soft Chews for Dogs 300mg 30ct

If your dog tends to be anxious or if you’re anticipating a stressful event – such as a move or a new pet – CBD might be helpful. This particular product includes a range of ingredients that are said to promote calm, including passionflower, chamomile, ginger, and more. It’s turkey-flavored. Paw CBD is a part of cbdMD.

This product has been tested by a third-party lab. The test results confirm that it contains the stated amount of CBD. The lab reports are available on the website.

Paw CBD uses CBD extracted from US-grown hemp.

This product contains broad-spectrum CBD.

These CBD dog treats contain calming ingredients, like chamomile, passionflower, and ginger. It also contains flaxseed, oat flour, rice flour, and more. 

This product works out to around $0.13 per miligram of CBD, not too bad considering it’s a complete treat on its own. They have a subscribe-and-save option and a reward program. There’s also a military and disability discount program.

Best CBD for senior dogs — Honest Paws CBD Calm Peanut Butter for Dogs

Senior dogs may especially benefit from CBD, especially as older dogs are more prone to chronic conditions. These dog treats from Charlotte’s Web are specially formulated for senior dogs. They contain ingredients like elderberry and vitamin E – natural supplements that support cognition and healthy aging.

This product has been tested by a third-party lab. The test results confirm that it contains the stated amount of CBD. The lab reports are available on the website.

Charlotte’s Web uses Colorado-grown hemp farmed using organic practices.

This product contains broad-spectrum CBD.

In addition to CBD, this product contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), elderberry and vitamin E.

This product works out to around $0.23 per miligram of CBD, slightly pricy. They have rewards and assistance programs.

How to choose the best CBD products for pets

Before purchasing a new CBD product, you should consider the following factors:

• Third-party testing: This is the most important thing to look out for. You should only purchase products that have been tested by an independent lab. The lab report, also known as a certificate of analysis (COA), should confirm the amount of CBD in each product. It should also show that the product contains no harmful contaminants such as molds, pesticides, or heavy metals.
• Type of CBD: You’ll notice that CBD products are either labeled isolate, broad spectrum, or full spectrum. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes that are found in the plant, including THC. Broad-spectrum CBD contains all cannabinoids except for THC, which has been purposefully removed. CBD isolate is pure CBD.
• Added ingredients: Many CBD pet products contain added beneficial ingredients. CBD pet treats, for instance, usually contain healthy and tasty ingredients. If your pet has any allergies or sensitivities, keep them in mind.
• Species-specific products: Some pet products are specifically created for both cats and dogs, but others are species-specific. Many everyday ingredients that are fine for dogs are toxic to cats, so keep that in mind.
• Price: CBD should be taken on a daily basis. This is true for both humans and animals. You should keep this in mind when looking for products, as you want something you can afford to give your pet on a daily basis. One tip is to look at how much one miligram of CBD works out to. and keep in mind that products with added beneficial ingredients might be pricier, but worth it.
• Dosage: There’s no single dosage that works for every pet. Factors like weight, symptoms, and metabolism play a role in how much CBD your pet will need. It’s usually recommended that you start with a low dosage and gradually increase it until it seems to work. We recommend talking to a veterinarian before you give your pet CBD or any other health product.

Need more help on choosing a good CBD product? Our detailed guide includes handy tips for finding great products from reputable brands.

Safety and side effects

According to the available research, including a 2018 study published in the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, dogs usually tolerate CBD well.

However, side effects are possible. For example, the 2018 survey of veterinarians mentioned above notes that some dogs experience side effects, such as sedation (sleepiness), an increase in appetite, and increased anxiety. Judging from the survey results, side effects are generally uncommon.

It’s worth noting that very little research has been conducted on the safety of using CBD for cats.

It’s a good idea to talk to a veterinarian before using CBD for your dog or any other pet. An excessive CBD dosage can increase your pet’s chances of experiencing side effects, so it’s best to get an expert’s opinion.

Legality

Is it legal to give your pet CBD? Yes – there aren’t any laws preventing you from administering CBD to your pet.

CBD is, generally speaking, legal in the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp federally legal, and hemp-derived CBD is also legal. Hemp is defined as a plant that contains 0.3% or less THC – products with a higher level of THC are still illegal in many states.