Hemp chews for dogs are generally safe and may offer support for nervous behavior. Shop for high-quality products and consult your vet before use.
Yes, hemp chews are safe for dogs.
While CBD dog treats rise in popularity, pet parents should question the safety behind dog CBD products. Remember that the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD, so it’s especially important to look deeper into the safety of the CBD products you see on shelves.
Are Hemp Calming Treats Safe?
Yes, hemp-calming treats formulated for dogs are generally safe to use. Most are usually made with broad spectrum hemp extract or CBD isolate, meaning they don’t have THC in them.
Since dogs can be more sensitive to THC than humans, these options can give dog owners even more peace of mind.
Here are some features of hemp chews we look for when purchasing CBD chews for dogs:
Formulated for Dogs, Not Humans
You shouldn’t share your cannabis treats with your pet. CBD treats for humans often have higher doses of CBD that might be too much for your dog to handle and may contain other ingredients that could be toxic for our furry friends.
If you're interested in making your own treats, cook a homemade hemp treat that includes premium ingredients and is easy to follow.
Check the Brand Reputation
Brand reputation is important, especially regarding what we put into our dogs’ bodies. Third-party testing, organic ingredients, and premium hemp are indicators that you’re purchasing CBD chews from a legit store and high-quality brand.
Treat Dosage
While the recommended dosage of treats is generally safe for dogs, giving your dog too many treats can cause discomfort to your dog. If given too much CBD, they can experience adverse side effects and should be taken to a veterinarian if you observe any.
Do Hemp Treats Calm Dogs?
It depends on the ingredients. Some brands market hemp seed oil treats for pets, which do not contain cannabinoids. Cannabinoids like CBD in treats help our dogs' endocannabinoid system feel calm. With added calming ingredients in a CBD product for dogs, it may also help promote healthy sleep habits.
Some hemp treats can provide calming effects by adding other herbal ingredients associated with calming effects, such as ashwagandha or chamomile.
While more research is needed on the effects of CBD and hemp chews on dogs’ bodies, a survey conducted in 2022 found that approximately half of dog owners who gave CBD to their dogs found it to reduce fear and anxiety responses effectively [1].
Most dogs can expect to feel the effects of a hemp chews within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Understanding how CBD works in your dog’s body can help you better gauge its calming effects, especially if your dog is acting hyper and needs soothing.
We also have a review from a long-time customer who shared the effects of our hemp treats:
“The hemp treats enable our 7-month-old doodle puppy to remain calm yet productive. They don’t “drug” her or make her sleep, just keep her calm. We also don’t give them to her all the time … only when she needs to be relaxed.”
The Takeaway: How Safe Are Hemp Chews for Dogs?
If you have an overactive or anxious dog, you may feel tempted to grab the first calming chews you see.
While hemp chews are generally safe for dogs, there are quality and efficacy discrepancies between brands, dosages, and ingredients. It’s important to choose hemp chews from brands that prioritize safety and quality.
As we said, hemp chews are not FDA-approved to treat or cure medical conditions. If you’re interested in implementing hemp chews into your dog’s wellness routine, it would be wise to discuss this choice with a veterinarian.
References:
- Corsato Alvarenga, I., Panickar, K. S., Hess, H., & McGrath, S. (2023). Scientific validation of cannabidiol for management of dog and cat diseases. Annual review of animal biosciences, 11, 227-246.
