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CBD oil is all the rage. And although I've been using CBD oil with my dogs for a couple of years (I think), I still have a lot to learn. Recently, I realized that I didn't understand full-spectrum CBD oil and isolate CBD oil. For some reason, I thought that full-spectrum was best and didn't pay attention to anything else.
Now I'm not so sure.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD (Cannabidiol) oil is oil extracted from either the hemp plant or the marijuana plant. The hemp plant is primarily CBD, so I look for this when shopping for my dogs. Marijuana plants also have CBD, but they are primarily THC, which my dogs don't need. The CBD is diluted with carrier oil. So far, I've seen CBD oil in salmon, coconut, and hemp seed oil.
CBD oil companies are being criticized for touting several benefits, including anti-cancer benefits. I give my dogs CBD oil to ease anxiety, inflammation, and overall wellness. I've also read that it helps dogs maintain homeostasis, which means that the body is in balance.
That being said, I see full-spectrum and isolate on the market, and I'd love to know which is better for my dogs. Here's what I've learned.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil vs. Isolate CBD Oil
I go into more detail below, but a quick answer about the difference between full-spectrum CBD oil for dogs and an isolate is the source and amount of CBD in the oil. Isolate CBD oil can be as much as 90% CBD oil with no THC, making it a better option if you live in a state that hasn't legalized marijuana.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs
Full-spectrum CBD oil is made from the full hemp plant and contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes. Some believe that full-spectrum is better than isolate CBD oil because our dogs benefit from the cannabinoids working together to make the CBD oil more effective.
The downside to full-spectrum CBD oil is the trace amounts of THC. While THC doesn't negatively affect our dogs, if a human is taking full-spectrum CBD oil, the THC may come up on a drug test. And if you live in a state where marijuana is illegal, then full-spectrum CBD oil may not be available.
Isolate CBD Oil for Dogs
Isolate CBD oil contains only CBD, no other cannabinoids, and, more importantly, no THC. When I attended a CBD oil expo, I learned that isolates contain more CBD than full-spectrum, as much as 90% with some brands. If we're looking for CBD's health benefits, then an isolate is a great option. Plus, it's more readily available and won't appear on a drug test (no THC).
Some people disagree that isolate CBD oil provides the same health benefits as full-spectrum CBD oil because the isolate lacks the other cannabinoids and terpenes. Using the whole plant produces a more powerful and effective product.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
While learning about CBD oil, the term “broad-spectrum” came up, and some feel this is the best of full-spectrum and isolates. Like full-spectrum, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains multiple cannabinoids. And like isolates, broad-spectrum CBD oil doesn't contain THC. So, if you're looking for the benefits of the full plant working together without any THC, then broad-spectrum may be something to consider.
I've only used full-spectrum and isolate CBD oils with my dogs and cat. And because the THC is stripped from broad-spectrum products, I wonder how effective it can be compared to full-spectrum CBD oil.
CBD Oil for Pets or Humans?
So many CBD oil companies are on the market, and most of them have a pet line, which is more expensive than human products. I don't care if a CBD oil product is for pets or humans; I'm more interested in its quality and effectiveness.
In my research, I learned that pets have more receptors than humans, so CBD oil is effective in smaller amounts, so we see mostly 200 mg and 300 mg options.
That being said, I've tried 1000 mg for my dogs too. As I understand, this is usually for bigger dogs or dogs with serious issues when the lower milligrams just don't cut it.
Whether it's easier (or more affordable) to give your dog a pet or a human product, the dosage doesn't change.
CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs
You can get the dosage from your manufacturer (or on the bottle); however, the most common guideline is 1 mg every 10 pounds. In my research (and experience with CBD oil), I've found that 1 mg equates to 3 drops of CBD oil. Counting drops is annoying and a waste of time for me. So, after some trial and error, I dose my dogs (large dogs) based on the following guidelines.
- Rodrigo is 60 pounds – 1 full dropper of the Horse EASE CBD oil, once daily
- Scout is 74 pounds – 1 full dropper of the Horse EASE CBD oil, twice daily
- Zoey is 64 pounds – 1 full dropper of the Dog EASE CBD oil, once daily
- Apollo is 70 pounds – 1 full dropper of the Dog EASE CBD oil, once daily
I use the Horse product for Rodrigo and Scout to keep their immune system strong. Rodrigo is a geriatric, and this product is slowing the symptoms of aging. And Scout is living with cancer. Although Zoey and Apollo don't have any health concerns, CBD oil keeps them healthy.
I double the dose for my dogs during thunderstorms and fireworks. None of my dogs have experienced any negative side effects from the above-dosing amounts.
CBD Oil Products that Work for My Dogs
Not all CBD oil and other products work for every dog, so there may be some trial and error to determine what works for your dog. The products I recommend provide high-quality CBD, have clean sources, conduct third-party testing from reputable labs, and are well-educated about CBD and its uses/benefits.
The following are products that I'm currently giving to my dogs:
