The best CBD for dogs: We found oils, treats, more plus vet-approved tips

Raise your hand if your pup is anxious, easily stressed, or just seems to need a little TLC like the rest of us. Now do them a favor and read on because every dog (and human) deserves to feel calm, safe, and curled up contentedly in your lap and not pacing the floor during a thunderstorm.

If you’re like me, your dog isn’t just a pet, they’re family and sleep in the most comfortable bed possible. You probably even talk to them, and if you live in an apartment, your neighbors think you’re crazy as they listen in from the bathroom vent.

So it’s gut-wrenching to think they might be in pain, overwhelmed, or struggling with something they can’t communicate. Our pups should be worrying about belly rubs, not battling invisible stressors.

The first step is to visit the veterinarian, as a professional should always assess your pet’s medical condition before starting any treatment. Once seen, your vet may suggest prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, or they may bring up CBD.

Yes, that CBD, the one derived from the hemp plant that also produces other cannabinoids like THC (not for dogs!) and CBG. While CBD can be used for both humans and pets, the brand, formula, and dose may differ, so it is essential to buy a pet-specific brand for your pup, and never share your own stash.

We wanted more information, so we called a vet of our own to get the full scoop on the supplement, making sure to ask about use cases, benefits, and other tips and tricks. Dr. Colleen Lambo, from The Vets mobile vet clinic, shared her thoughts, also reminding readers to consult their vet in addition to the information found in this article. Use the links below to jump to our FAQ section to learn more about if CBD is right for your dog.

The Best CBD Brands for Dogs

Editor’s Pick: Cornbread Hemp Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Pets

Cornbread Hemp’s Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Pets uses only organic, Kentucky-grown hemp and a unique Flower-Only extraction method to stand out in the crowded pet wellness market. Its commitment to quality ensures a product that’s both effective and safe for cats and dogs. The corndog flavor is a delightful touch that pets love, making administration a breeze. Whether you’re looking to ease anxiety, improve mobility, or enhance overall well-being, this CBD oil delivers consistent results. It’s a top-tier choice for pet owners seeking a trustworthy and palatable CBD solution.

Best Overall: HolistaPet

For a holistic approach to care, check out HolistaPet. Their line of CBD products spans those for dogs, cats and even some for horses, should you have an anxious pony on your hands. Available in oil tinctures, chews and treats, it’s easy to give to your pet in the form they prefer.

Best Variety: ElleVet Sciences

We prescribe… peanut butter flavor! The CBD and CBDA dog chews are a bestseller from ElleVet, made with yummy peanut butter flavor that dogs love. The brand also sells flavorless capsules, oils and even a paste for cats, should you want to share the love with your felines, too.

Best Chews and Treats: CBDFx

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Give Fido a treat, oil or a rub-down with some CBD balm. The pet offerings at CBDFx include bone-shaped treats, chicken and bacon flavored oils and a moisturizing pet balm.

Best CBD Bites: Calm Hemp Bites for Dogs

Soothe your pup’s stress naturally with these peanut butter-flavored Calm Hemp Bites. This formula was created to support emotional balance and promote relaxation during common triggers like travel, separation, or loud noises such as fireworks and garbage trucks. It’s made without allergens or artificial additives and lab-tested for safety.

Best Budget-Friendly: Zesty Pet

We love Chewy for its dog food, pet leashes, and carriers. Now, we also love it for its CBD for pet options. The pet retailer is where we grab Zesty Paws, which has everything from shampoo to hemp to relax your favorite pooch. We love its Calming Bites, which has hemp seed, chamomile, and relaxing melatonin. Best of all, they’re turkey flavor, so dogs will gobble them up.

Best for Anxiety: CBDistillery

We also recommend CBDistillery for our human consumers, but if you want you and your pet to match, you’re in luck. The CBD Pet line includes full-spectrum CBD in an oil tincture, with varying degrees of strength.

Best for Arthritis: Charlotte’s Web

While you shouldn’t give this to your pet pig or spider, you can give Charlotte’s Web products to your dog. The canine collection includes formulas for your pup’s coat, skin, joints and mood, with chews and tinctures available.

Best for Coat Health: Honest Paws

Honestly, we don’t love anything more than our pets. Honest Paws has a whole line of care products, with pre- and probiotics, shampoo, and of course, hemp oil with three levels of potency to choose from.

Best Bundle: Lazarus Naturals Dog Wellness Bundle

Give your pup head-to-tail wellness with this functional trio: calm, digestion, and immune support in one affordable bundle. It includes a CBD Pet Tincture with Omega-3–rich salmon oil for immunity and stress relief, Calming CBD Chews with L-Theanine to soothe nerves, and Digestive CBD Chews with pumpkin and probiotics for gut health. Dogs love the flavors, but just be mindful that it may take a little planning to work all three into their routine.

Why would one give CBD to a pet?

If you’re sensing your dog is anxious, whimpering or showing signs of distress, the first stop is the vet. Then, if they recommend CBD as a calming aid, this is when you can start researching brands and reviews (or scroll to the end of this article for our top picks).

“CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in hemp plants. It has become popular for its potential health benefits in both humans and pets,” explained Lambo. “For pets, CBD is commonly used to help with issues such as anxiety, pain, inflammation, and seizures. However, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any CBD products to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for your pet’s specific needs.”

What are the potential benefits of CBD for dogs?

Just like in humans, sometimes a natural remedy is a wonderful addition to your daily routine, especially if you feel relief from it. In addition to regular walks, playtime and nutritious food, giving your dog CBD may be an effective way to improve their quality of life.

“CBD has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in dogs, such as reducing anxiety, improving joint mobility and comfort, and managing seizures. It may also have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties,” said Lambo.

You also need to be sure you are giving your dog the proper dose in order to get the full effects of the oil, treat or tincture. As stated time and time again, your vet is the person to discuss this with, as they have their most up-to-date vitals and health records handy.

“The recommended dose of CBD for adult dogs can vary depending on factors such as weight, age, overall health, and individual tolerance. In general, it is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed. Some products may provide dosage instructions based on weight or age ranges, but again, it is best to consult with a veterinarian before administering any CBD products to your dog,” she added.

Other vet-recommended tips and tricks about CBD for dogs:

Aside from sit and stay, want some more tricks? Kidding aside, here are a few more tips and tricks from Lambo, which may also help inform what sort of questions you ask at your upcoming vet appointment.

Do your research: “The most important factors in selecting a CBD brand are sourcing and testing consistency,” said Lambo. “These products are not regulated, so the best companies self-regulate by using a consistent crop source and testing their product frequently to verify it meets the advertised potency.”

Water or oil? “Water-soluble products will be more expensive and require refrigeration but are fast-acting. The oil-soluble products usually rely on slowly building up in the system and reaching an effective state after a few weeks,” she said.

Taste matters: “Taste may also be important to your pet, and as always, it is essential to avoid any CBD products containing xylitol for taste, as this is toxic to dogs,” added Lambo.

Call your vet: “Your veterinarian may have a CBD product that will work best for your pet, or know a reliable company in the area,” she said.

What is CBD for dogs and how does it work?

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant. When used in products like CBD oil for dogs, it interacts with your pup’s endocannabinoid system — which helps regulate mood, pain, inflammation, and sleep. That means CBD for dogs may help with issues ranging from anxiety to joint pain, without causing a “high.” Whether you’re looking into CBD for dogs with arthritis, CBD for dog seizures, or simply want to support overall wellness in your senior pup, CBD may offer a natural solution.

Is CBD safe for dogs?

Yes, CBD is safe for dogs when given properly and under a veterinarian’s guidance. Choose pet-specific formulas like CBD treats for dogs or CBD chews for dogs that are third-party tested, THC-free (or under 0.3%), and free from harmful additives (like xylitol). Always start low and go slow. You can also use a CBD oil for dogs dose calculator to help find the right CBD dosage for dogs based on weight and condition.

What’s the difference between CBD oil for dogs and CBD treats for dogs?

The main difference comes down to delivery and dosing. CBD oil for dogs is administered using a dropper, either under the tongue or mixed into food, and tends to absorb more quickly. In contrast, CBD dog treats for anxiety or CBD gummies for dogs come pre-dosed, making them a mess-free and convenient option (especially for picky eaters or travel days). Both formats can be effective; it depends on your dog’s needs, behavior, and your lifestyle.

Can CBD help with my dog’s anxiety?

Many pet parents turn to CBD for dogs with separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or general nervousness. Products like CBD dog treats for anxiety, CBD chews for dogs, or CBD gummies for dogs may help promote calm behavior during stressful events like vet visits, thunderstorms, or fireworks. While results vary, CBD for dogs reviews often indicate a noticeable difference in mood and behavior — especially when used consistently and paired with a calming routine.

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