CBD dog treat recipes: Calming treats for dogs
As more pet owners explore natural options for their dogs' well-being, CBD has emerged as a popular choice. Known for its ability to promote relaxation, CBD offers a non-psychoactive way to help dogs experience relief from tension and reduce everyday stress.
While many commercial CBD products are available, making your own CBD dog treats at home ensures you have control over the ingredients, dosage, and quality.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of CBD for dogs and share simple recipes for creating calming, CBD-infused treats that support your furry friend’s overall sense of ease.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in hemp plants. Unlike THC, which is also derived from cannabis, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce a "high" sensation.
For dogs, CBD interacts with their endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in maintaining balance and regulating processes such as mood, relaxation, and overall comfort. This makes CBD appealing for pet owners looking to support their dog's emotional and physical well-being.
What are the benefits of CBD for dogs?
CBD is commonly used to promote a calming effect in dogs, helping them manage stress in various situations, such as thunderstorms, car rides, or changes in their routine.
Additionally, many pet owners find that CBD can help reduce discomfort in older dogs, supporting overall mobility and ease in daily activities. While research is ongoing, the growing anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD can be a valuable part of a dog's wellness routine.
Safety Considerations
Before introducing CBD into your dog’s diet, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian, especially if your dog has any pre-existing conditions or is on medication.
Proper serving sizes are key for ensuring your dog gets the most benefit without unwanted side effects. When choosing a CBD product, always opt for a pet-specific oil that’s free of THC and has been third-party tested for purity and potency. Starting with a small amount and monitoring your dog’s response can help you find the right balance for their needs.
Why make homemade CBD dog treats?
Making your own homemade CBD dog treats can have a few key advantages. Here’s what to know.
Control Over Ingredients
One of the biggest benefits of making your own CBD dog treats is the ability to control exactly what goes into them. Store-bought treats often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and other ingredients that might not be ideal for your dog’s health.
By making treats at home, you can choose high-quality, natural ingredients that you know are safe and nutritious. Whether your dog has dietary restrictions or sensitivities, homemade treats allow you to cater to their specific needs, such as opting for grain-free flours or using fresh, organic produce.
Dosage Control
Another key benefit of homemade CBD dog treats is the ability to customize the dosage based on your dog’s size, breed, and individual needs.
Ideal CBD servings can vary depending on the dog, and homemade treats allow you to adjust the amount of CBD oil in each batch, ensuring consistency and accuracy. This is particularly helpful if your dog requires a lower or more precise serving size than what store-bought treats offer.
By having full control over the CBD content, you can make treats tailored to your dog’s wellness routine, giving you peace of mind that they’re receiving the appropriate amount.
Cost Effectiveness
Making your own CBD dog treats can also be more cost-effective in the long run. Pre-made CBD pet products can be expensive, especially if you’re purchasing them regularly. Buying ingredients in bulk and making larger batches at home can significantly reduce the overall cost per treat.
Also, when stored properly, homemade treats often have a longer shelf life, allowing you to prepare them in advance and save money over time. This makes DIY CBD treats a smart, budget-friendly option for dog owners who want to provide their pets with high-quality, calming snacks.
What ingredients to include in CBD dog treats?
If you’re gearing up to make your own CBD dog treats, here’s a rundown of some crucial ingredients you’ll want to have on hand.
CBD Oil or Tincture
The most important ingredient in any CBD dog treat is, of course, the CBD oil. Choosing a high-quality, pet-specific CBD oil or tincture that is safe for dogs is crucial. Look for products that are organic, free from harmful additives, and third-party tested to ensure purity and potency.
Pet-specific CBD oils are formulated without THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, so your dog will experience calming benefits without any intoxicating effects. The right CBD product should clearly indicate dosage instructions, making it easier to measure and control the amount in each treat.
Dog-Safe Ingredients
When making homemade CBD treats, you’ll want to use ingredients that are not only tasty but also safe and healthy for dogs. Some common, dog-friendly ingredients include peanut butter (unsalted and free from xylitol), pumpkin puree, rolled oats, and sweet potatoes.
These ingredients are nutritious and easy to work with, providing a great base for your treats. Avoid ingredients like chocolate, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners, as these can be toxic to dogs.
Sticking to wholesome, natural ingredients ensures your dog is getting a healthy treat that complements the calming effects of CBD.
Supplementary Calming Ingredients
To enhance the calming properties of your CBD dog treats, consider adding other natural ingredients known for their soothing effects.
For example, chamomile is a herb often used to promote relaxation and can be added in small amounts to your recipes.
Turmeric, known for its soothing benefits, can also support your dog’s overall comfort, especially for older dogs with joint stiffness. Valerian root is another popular option for promoting relaxation. When combined with CBD, these ingredients can create a well-rounded treat that helps your dog feel more at ease in stressful situations.
What To Know About CBD Supplements for Dogs
When choosing CBD supplements for your dog, it’s crucial to prioritize quality and safety. With the growing popularity of CBD, many products have flooded the market, but not all of them meet the standards necessary to ensure your pet’s well-being.
To safeguard your dog’s health and provide them with the most effective CBD benefits, purchasing from reputable and transparent brands is essential.
Importance of Buying From Trusted Brands
High-quality CBD products for pets are typically sourced from organically grown hemp, free from harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals. Reputable brands take the extra step of testing their products through third-party labs to verify purity, potency, and safety.
These lab results, commonly provided as Certificates of Analysis (COAs), allow consumers to confirm that the CBD content is accurate and that the product is free from THC, which can be harmful to pets. This level of transparency and attention to detail ensures that your dog is getting a safe and reliable product that will deliver consistent results.
What To Look for in a CBD Product
When selecting a CBD supplement for your dog, there are a few essential factors to keep in mind to ensure you’re making the best choice:
- Third-Party Testing: Products that undergo independent lab testing are more trustworthy, as these tests confirm the accuracy of the CBD dosage and the absence of harmful substances. Always look for brands that provide up-to-date lab results for their products.
- Organic and Natural Ingredients: CBD supplements should be free of artificial additives and preservatives. Organic hemp ensures that no harmful chemicals are present, and natural ingredients are gentler on your dog’s system, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
- Broad Spectrum CBD: THC is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, and it can be harmful to pets. It’s important to choose CBD products labeled as “broad spectrum” or “CBD isolate,” as these are guaranteed to contain negligible amounts THC, making them safe for dogs.
- Pet-Specific Formulations: Look for products specifically designed for pets, which often include flavors that appeal to dogs, such as peanut butter or bacon, making it easier to administer. Pet-specific formulations also take into account the appropriate dosage for dogs based on their size and weight.
Why Sunmed Stands Out
At Sunmed, we are dedicated to providing premium CBD products that are specifically designed with pets in mind.
We believe in full transparency, which is why all our products undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure safety, purity, and consistency. Our CBD supplements for dogs are made from organically grown hemp and are free from THC, so you can trust that your pet is receiving a product that is both safe and effective.
In addition to ensuring the highest quality standards, Sunmed offers pet-specific formulations, including CBD oils and CBD chews, that are tailored to your dog’s needs. Our products not only deliver the calming and soothing effects of CBD, but they also come in flavors your dog will love, making them a hassle-free addition to their wellness routine.
Our award-winning Chillin' Out CBD Pet Chews and our Movin' Easy CBD Pet Chews are also formulated by veterinarians with guidance from the National Animal Supplement Council. We go the extra mile to bring pets (and their owners) premium wellness products that enhance everyday quality of life.
By choosing Sunmed, you are opting for a trusted brand that prioritizes the health and comfort of your dog, ensuring that every CBD supplement we offer meets the strictest standards of quality and safety.
Support Your Dog's Well-Being With Quality CBD
Providing your dog with high-quality CBD supplements can make a significant difference in their daily comfort and relaxation. By choosing to create your own treats or simply purchasing trusted, pet-specific CBD products, you can ensure your furry companion gets the best care possible.
At Sunmed, we are committed to delivering safe, effective CBD solutions tailored to your dog’s needs, offering peace of mind with every product. With the right CBD routine, you can help your dog enjoy a more relaxed and balanced life.
Sources:
The Endocannabinoid System of Animals | NIH
Long-term daily feeding of cannabidiol is well-tolerated by healthy dogs | NIH
Use of cannabis in the treatment of animals: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials | NIH