Best CBD dog treats: top six brands for anxiety and joint relief

best cbd dog treats feature

Many pet owners are surprised to learn how well CBD dog treats work for their furry friends. The scientific literature shows a lot of promise that cannabidiol (CBD) soft chews may relieve conditions like pet anxiety, seizures, itchy skin, pain and inflammation, and digestive issues. Adding a CBD treat to your dog’s daily routine could greatly improve their quality of life if they suffer from certain chronic conditions.

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If you’re curious about adding CBD soft chews for dogs to your pet’s daily routine, we’ve curated a list of the top treats on the market for you.

Best CBD dog treats

Best CBD dog treats

1. Best overall CBD for wellness: Penelope’s Bloom CBD Soft Chews for Digestive Support + Probiotic

penelope's bloom best cbd dog treats

What we love

Penelope’s Bloom has crafted these high-quality CBD chews specifically to target gut health, but they do much more than that. The dose is strong enough that it is suitable for medium and large dogs. In addition to probiotics, these dog treats contain wholesome and tasty superfoods like blueberry and pumpkin to serve as anti-inflammatories. Botanical extracts, vitamins, essential nutrients, and naturally occurring CBD combine to create a tasty treat packed with nutrition and benefits.

Pros:

  • Peanut butter flavor is friendly to a dog’s taste buds
  • Rigorous third-party lab testing
  • Soothing for irritated stomach conditions
  • Suitable for a variety of gut health issues

Cons:

  • Not recommended for small dogs

Specs:

  • CBD Type: Organic full-spectrum CBD oil
  • Sizing: 30 soft chews per container
  • Strength: 20 mg CBD per treat
  • Flavor: Peanut butter

Learn more about Penelope’s Bloom Gut Health CBD Soft Chews today.

2. Best CBD for relaxing and better sleep: R&R CBD Multifunctional Dog Chews

r&r cbd best cbd dog treats for relaxing

What we love

Dogs that have trouble relaxing and sleeping due to pain or anxiety may enjoy better sleep quality from these CBD chews. Each dog treat has 5 mg of certified Organic full-spectrum CBD oil, so the dosage is perfect for any size dog. 

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Give your dog one or two of these chews nightly before bed, and you’ll find that they may relax and fall asleep faster, promoting a more restful sleep in most cases. Dog owners will fall asleep easier, too, knowing that their pet is getting some much-needed R&R. They are also one of the highest value CBD dog treats on the market at their price and discount options.

Pros:

  • All natural ingredients, including chicken and sweet potato
  • USDA Organic Certified Hemp
  • Employee and Veteran-owned company
  • Rigorous third-party lab testing

Cons:

  • Requires a bit of experimentation to find the right dosage for some dogs

Specs:

  • CBD Type: Full-spectrum CBD oil
  • Sizing: 60 soft chews per container
  • Strength: 5 mg CBD per treat
  • Flavor: Chicken

Learn more about R&R CBD Dog Chews today.

3. Best for reducing hyperactivity: Aspen Green Calm Organic CBD Soft Dog Chews

aspen green treats best cbd dog treats for hyperactivity

What we love

Hyperactive dogs can be fun to a certain point, but eventually, they wear their owners out and need to calm down for their well-being and yours. Aspen Green’s Calm Organic Full Spectrum CBD Soft Dog Chews are formulated by a veterinarian team from Colorado to ease pet anxiety and calm hyperactive dogs. For a calming effect that won’t leave your dog feeling lethargic, give these CBD chews a try.

Pros:

  • Made from Certified USDA Organic ingredients
  • CBD oil made by Supercritical CO2 extraction
  • The company is a member of the National Animal Supplement Council
  • Dogs love the tasty bacon flavor of these CBD dog treats

Cons:

  • It may cause diarrhea in some dogs at high doses

Specs:

  • CBD Type: Organic full-spectrum hemp extract and CBD oil
  • Sizing: 30 soft chews per container
  • Strength: 10 mg CBD per treat
  • Flavor: Bacon

Learn more about Aspen Green Organic CBD Soft Dog Chews today.

4. Best for anxiety: CBDfx CBD Dog Treats Calming Chews 600mg

cbdfx calming treats best cbd dog treats for anxiety

What we love

These dog treats from CBDfx are formulated with natural ingredients that support holistic health and have calming effects, such as chamomile, passion flower, ginger, valerian root, ashwagandha, and melatonin. 

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Dogs that suffer separation anxiety or that become frightened by fireworks on the 4th may benefit from the 20 mg dose of CBD oil in these soft chews. CBDfx also makes crunchy hard chews for dogs that help clean their teeth in a tasty sweet potato and coconut flavor that they’ll love.

Pros:

  • Great natural ingredient support for calming effects
  • Dogs love the backyard BBQ smell of the treats
  • Holistic approach to stressful situations for pets
  • Cruelty-free and veterinarian-recommended

Cons:

  • High dosage amounts can be tricky to manage with smaller dogs

Specs:

  • CBD Type: Broad spectrum CBD oil
  • Sizing: 30 soft chews per container
  • Strength: 20 mg CBD per treat
  • Flavor: Natural hickory

Learn more about CBDfx Calming Soft Chews today.

5. Best for chronic pain relief: Soul Relief CBD Dog Treats

soul cbd dog treats for chronic pain

What we love

Soul has a great reputation as a maker of CBD products. If you have a furry friend with joint pain or other signs of slowing down due to age or arthritis, these Relief CBD Dog Treats might be just the ticket. 

In addition to 5 mg of CBD in every treat, there’s also glucosamine HCI and chondroitin sulfate (from shellfish and pork) for joint support. If a lifetime of play has your pet struggling with joint pain, these treats may help it feel like a young and playful pup again.

Pros:

  • May aide with dogs’ mobility and arthritis
  • Suitable for any size dog
  • Effective formulation specifically for pets
  • Company has a great reputation for making CBD treats

Cons:

  • Some chemical ingredients on the label

Specs:

  • CBD Type: Non-GMO CBD oil
  • Sizing: 30 soft chews per container
  • Strength: 5 mg CBD per treat
  • Flavor: Chicken

Learn more about Soul Relief CBD Dog Treats today.

6. Best joint and mobility treats: Medterra Pet CBD Joint Support Chews

medterra cbd dog treats for joints

What we love

If you want to help your pet adapt better to aging and prevent joint problems before they start, these CBD dog treats are a great choice. Medterra’s pet CBD is combined with glucosamine and chondroitin to prevent or slow the rate of joint deterioration. 

Certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to developing joint problems as they age. Pet owners can improve their dog’s health with these joint support chews. They also work well for active pets and pain relief.

Pros:

  • Proven joint support active ingredients
  • Gluten-free, non-GMO, and made from natural ingredients
  • A low dose is safe for your cat, too
  • Certified by the US Hemp Authority

Cons:

  • Large dogs may require up to 10 chews for joint relief

Specs:

  • CBD Type: CBD from hemp extract
  • Sizing: 30 soft chews per container
  • Strength: 10 mg CBD per treat
  • Flavor: Peanut butter

Learn more about Medterra Joint Support CBD Chews today.

Potential benefits of CBD dog treats

Many scientific studies show the health benefits of CBD products for pets. CBD pet treats in testing have been shown to reduce depression. These dog treats may also relieve pruritus (itching and scratching) and other conditions caused by an inflammatory response. Support for joint pain and arthritis in aging dogs allows them to lead a more fulfilling life because they can often go outside to run around and play with their owners again.

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Pet CBD products may also assist with gut health and bodily functions. People with anxious pets have found these dog treats to be especially useful. If a dog struggles with firework anxiety or has trouble with car rides or plane rides, a CBD treat may help calm them down. The stress reduction that CBD oil products offer may provide better heart health for dogs as well.

How we picked the best CBD dog treats

We looked at a lot of selection criteria when picking these CBD dog treats. We looked for providers who use the highest quality ingredients in their CBD treats. We also looked for products with active ingredients that promote well-being and support overall health for pets.

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When it comes to CBD for dogs, there are many different options out there. Not all providers rely on rigorous third-party testing to ensure the purity of their products. We looked for companies that take this seriously so that a pet owner can rest easy knowing their dog is receiving healthy supplements. The companies we chose also make additional products, such as crunchy chews for dental health and CBD oil for dogs. You may want to try some of these additional products to support your pet’s overall health and daily routine.

How to find the right CBD dog treat for your pup

Different CBD dog treats are formulated to help with various bodily functions and behaviors. Look at a CBD company’s marketing materials for treats to find the effects that you are looking for. Just remember that every dog is different, and always consult with your veterinarian prior to starting a CBD regimen.

Also, check the list of active ingredients. Many of the CBD dog chews will have ingredients that are known to promote joint health, for example, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Start with a low dose of CBD dog chew initially. If your dog experiences discomfort or doesn’t seem to like the effects, it could be the wrong dosage size. You’ll also want to find a brand that has a good taste for its treats. 

Take a look at online reviews for the products as well. Does the treat provider have a good reputation with other customers? Does the product provide the benefits you are looking for?

Potential side effects of giving your dog CBD treats

The potential benefits of CBD dog treats are well documented in the scientific literature. With every product, however, there is a risk of unwanted side effects. Some of the most common side effects recorded in clinical studies include dry mouth, lethargy, and appetite changes.

More serious side effects are rare but may happen when a dog is given a CBD dose that is too high for their weight. Check the instructions and weight chart on the product packaging and follow it closely to avoid this. Serious side effects can include a temporary drop in a dog’s blood pressure. A high dose can also lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and distress.

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FAQs

Are CBD treats good for dogs?

A study conducted at the Cornell Canine Health Center found that 83 percent of dogs given CBD chews experienced less anxious behaviors when exposed to stressors like loud noises or separation from their owners. An Australian study by a company called CannPal documented how cannabinoid products reduced dog itchiness and inflammation by 51 percent when administered for eight weeks. Another study by Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that CBD treats are well-tolerated by dogs when administered long-term (up to 6 months).

Do vets recommend CBD for dogs?

Your vet might be legally prohibited from discussing CBD for pets in your state, even though much of the research into these products is extremely promising. While the FDA has not approved CBD for use in any animal products, we would note that both the American Kennel Club and the Humane Society of the United States have declared CBD okay for dogs and cats.

How often should you give a dog CBD treats for anxiety?

It’s recommended that you give your dog CBD treats twice a day for anxious behaviors. Be sure to follow the dosage recommendation on the packaging based on your dog’s weight. As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended that dogs receive 0.1 to 0.2 mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight.

CBD treats for dogs: easy, breezy, & tasty

We all want the very best when it comes to the well-being of our pups. Even if your vet is reluctant to talk about CBD dog treats with you, scientific research is on the side of these treats being beneficial to pet health. Just remember to consult with your vet before starting your CBD dog treat adventure!

Bob Matthews