Best CBD Oil for Dogs with Arthritis

By Amber SmithAug 1, 2023 6:00 AM
Dog arthritis

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Arthritis is one of the most common issues amongst older and larger dogs.

As their joint cartilage deteriorates, it becomes harder and harder to walk. The inflammation caused by arthritis is incredibly painful for dogs, and can lead to a debilitating life. However, early research has shown that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties could actually help tremendously.

As CBD is an over the counter supplement, it’s not only easy to obtain but also much less toxic than many other solutions...even some that are prescribed by a veterinarian. To help you understand what type of CBD oils you should consider for your dog with arthritis, we compiled a buyer’s guide as well as our top three recommendations. Check them both out below:

The Best CBD Oils or Dogs - Top Brands

1. Penguin: Best Overall

2. Honest Paws Mobility Oil Runner Up

3. Colorado Botanicals- best value

4. Penelope’s Bloom CBD Oil 5. HolistaPet: Highest Quality CBD 

What We Look For In Quality

When creating this list, we took into consideration why people were giving their dog CBD oil for arthritis, as well as what stood out about the top products in the industry. This wasn’t just about designing items that hosted CBD, but other ingredients to help enhance the treatment process as well. Furthermore, we also put under scrutiny the sourcing, manufacturing, and customer experience. Here’s what we came up with:

Hemp Source

The hemp source is the primary driver of a CBD oil's value. If you're not familiar, CBD comes from the hemp plant, which is a part of the cannabis family. After the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, industrial hemp became legal for the first time in practically a century. As the Cannabis family also hosts marijuana, for hemp to be federally legal, it has to contain less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive ingredient that gets you 'high').

Although a different plant than marijuana, hemp is grown similarly. For this reason, we not only look at sources of CBD who have been in the cannabis growing industry in general but also those who have maintained sustainable farming practices. This includes following regulation as well as ensuring there's no pesticides or excess chemicals used. As the hemp eventually ends up in your dog's body, sourcing from those who take an all natural approach is vital to both your pet's health and CBD experience.

Extraction Methods

CBD oil is extracted using a number of different methods, but the most popular is CO2. As a cost effective but clean process, it leaves a great yield while preserving the original integrity of the plant.

With CO2 extraction, a compressed liquid carbon dioxide is used to pull the CBD compounds from the plant. The CO2 then evaporates, which leaves behind the clean oil.

Brands that use CO2 extraction should be of note because it's practically industry standard, as well as creates a safer product.

Extract Types

When buying CBD oil, there are three primary types of extracts:

Full-Spectrum

Full-Spectrum oils are the least processed of the three and contain the most complete range of cannabinoids (and other plant products). Although they contain THC, it's often less than the 0.3% federal guideline. As full spectrum oils contain the other plant products, they give off what's called an "entourage effect", where users report an enhanced experience compared to other extracts. Many believe this to be similar for their dogs, where they also get a heightened effect.

Broad-Spectrum

Broad spectrum oils provide a happy medium. Processed slightly more than full spectrum, they still contain many of the original cannabinoids from the plant, however, often seeks to remove all THC.

Isolate

Finally, isolate is the purest form of CBD, having gone through the process of removing all the other cannabinoids. This leaves behind only the CBD, which while not containing the other components of the plant (and thus not hosting the entourage effect), it does leave what you'd expect only out of CBD. Some dog owners love this since it's easier to start out with.

Potency

A CBD's potency is measured in milligrams (mg). This usually is the standard for dosing a product per its volume, which includes not only oils but edibles and other items as well.

Potency is important to measure because it also gives you the most accurate eyeball test on if a CBD is worth your money or not. For your dog with arthritis, potency plays a much more significant role when it comes to their breed and size, which will determine how much you should give to them.

Lab Results

Lab results are commonplace in the CBD industry, often as an update every few months. These are almost always found on their website, which verifies how much CBD is in the container as well as if their product is worth taking. Any company that doesn't provide lab results probably isn't worth your time.

Size Variations

As we mentioned above with dosages, the size of a CBD oil will help determine the potency.

Essentially, a good rule of thumb for the size is to follow how big the dog breed is between small, medium, and large. Sometimes it's recommended to give your dog a higher dosage depending on their size and current inflammation level.

Overall Effectiveness

Trying the product and assessing if it's effective is a must. This includes looking at the consistency and if the CBD oil actually encourages relief of inflammation.

Ingredients Quality

Beyond just measuring quality in hemp source, the ingredients list is also a main indicator. In particular, the ingredients should either enhance the CBD experience or be stripped down of only the natural necessities. Any excess filler or materials that act as preservative is something to be weary of, especially with how it doesn’t give you an honest assessment of how the CBD will be.

Brand Reputation/Customer Reviews

A brand’s reputation in the CBD industry is everything. Not only do we interact with these companies ourselves, but we also scour the internet for answers on how their customer service is. By going through Reddit, Twitter, and other online forums, we’re able to decipher who really cares about their customers versus who is faking the funk. Finally, we also cross-reference with other industry experts on their opinion of a company as well.

Brand Transparency

Similar to what we stated about third-party lab testing, brand transparency is vital. Beyond testing, this also includes checking social media to see the types of answers they give customers with concerns or complaints, as well as back check their public relation answers as well.

Customer Service

Customer service is a big part of why we do business with any company. In particular with your dog’s arthritis, seeking out a CBD company that understands the importance of this being an ongoing customer relationship is crucial. As no one wants to leave their precious animal suffering, knowing that the team supplying your CBD oil is on the ball will help you be at peace.

Customer Policies

As CBD is a relatively premium product, knowing that you have options in case you don’t like it is vital. This includes shipping policies as well, as being taxed on top of the CBD you’re buying can feel like a lot. Instead, we find customer policies that are accommodating with building a relationship with a CBD brand.

Price Value

The overall value of the CBD oil you buy will likely be determined by the sourcing, extract type, extra ingredients, and size. All of this together will ultimately be the equation for figuring out pricing value, where a good starting point is the price per MG. From there, look into the extra ingredients as well as quality of the product.

Just because something is expensive doesn’t make it the best in its class as much as something that’s cheap is a throwaway. The focus is on ensuring quality value, which while takes research, is worth the time and effort.

Subscriptions and Reward Programs

As CBD oil is something people repurchase for themselves or their pet often, most companies have a subscription option or rewards program. This is a must have, with savings ranging from 10-25% (sometimes more). The biggest benefit of subscribing is that you not only save money but also can anticipate when your shipment will arrive, which is helpful when portioning out dosages.

Website Experience

Finally, the overall buying experience online needs to be streamlined and succinct. Not only does it need to feel easy to buy on your laptop but tablet and smartphone as well. With most of us hosting an on-the-go lifestyle, a CBD company’s website needs to follow suit. Those that don’t invest in a good website probably aren’t worth your time, as this is also the first tool of customer service.

1. Best Overall: Penguin

Penguin has been on a quest to prove what the best deal in CBD looks like, with their CBD oil for dogs as no exception.

Although they don't offer a specific CBD oil designed for dogs like Verma, their Natural selection is a particular favorite amongst dog owners, and to be specific, those with arthritis. Touted on forums online as a best of the bunch, don't sleep on Penguin just because they came in as our number two...as there's a ton to love about this brand. Let's go over some of the basics:

Hemp Source

Sourcing their hemp from Oregon, Penguin gets their product from a top-tier supplier that’s been in the industry for quite some time. With zero pesticides used, Penguin also aims to dedicate their practices towards eco-conscious decisions that demonstrate sustainable farming practices. Especially considering they source from a state that’s had relaxed marijuana laws for some time, Penguin certainly has a tried-and-true product that lives up to its word.

Extract Type

For their 250mg-600mg Natural CBD oil, Penguin uses a broad-spectrum oil. Similar to Verma’s, this formula gives off the added benefits of an ‘entourage effect’ for your dog. With a raw approach to extraction, their product is refined and controlled without sacrificing any of the added benefits of CBD for your dog.

Lab Results

Penguin’s lab results are up to date and included on their website. All of the results are also itemized for each product, making it easy to streamline the information you need. For Penguin’s Natural variety, the CBD per unit came out to 272.5mg.

Website Experience

Penguin’s website is relatively easy to use, with it hosting a functional design for mobile, tablet, and desktop. All of the features are easy to navigate and use. Not much issue in this department.

Size Variation

As Penguin doesn’t have a specific dog-centric brand, their Natural variety between 250mg and 600mg is suitable for dogs (particularly midsize to large breeds). Check in with some sizing guides for specific breeds to ensure you're getting the best results.

Customer Policies

Penguin has a wonderful customer service that enables customers to send back their product regardless of any reason for 30 days. Additionally, their team is prompt and answers to complaints quickly.

Click here to buy Penguin's CBD oil.

2. Runner Up: Honest Paws Mobility Oil

Honest Paws Mobility Oil is a CBD oil product designed to support mobility and joint health in dogs. The oil is made from organic, full-spectrum hemp extract and is formulated with other natural ingredients, such as turmeric and glucosamine, to enhance its effectiveness. The CBD oil is designed to reduce inflammation and alleviate joint pain, helping to improve your dog's mobility and quality of life. It is also third-party tested for purity and potency, ensuring that it is safe and effective for your furry friend. Honest Paws Mobility Oil is a popular choice among pet owners who are looking for a natural and effective way to support their dog's joint health and mobility.

Hemp Source: Honest Paws Mobility Oil is made from organic, full-spectrum hemp extract sourced from farms in Oregon, Colorado, and North Carolina. The hemp plants are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers, ensuring that the final product is pure and free from harmful contaminants.

Extract Type: Honest Paws Mobility Oil is made from full-spectrum hemp extract, which contains all of the natural compounds found in hemp, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This extract type is known for its ability to provide the maximum benefits of CBD, as all of the natural compounds work together in what's known as the entourage effect.

Lab Results: Honest Paws Mobility Oil is third-party lab tested for purity and potency. The lab results are available on the company's website and show that the oil is free from harmful contaminants and contains the advertised amount of CBD. This ensures that the product is safe and effective for your furry friend.

Overall Effectiveness: Honest Paws Mobility Oil is known for its overall effectiveness in supporting joint health and mobility in dogs. The oil is formulated with natural ingredients, such as turmeric and glucosamine, to enhance its effectiveness. Many pet owners report that the oil has helped to reduce inflammation, alleviate joint pain, and improve their dog's mobility and quality of life.

3. Best Overall:Colorado Botanicals

Since 2017, Colorado Botanicals has continued to push the limits of premium CBD oils. Some research suggests CBD may help people with inflammation and pain. CoBo wants your pet also to enjoy these potential benefits, so they created what is arguably the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis.

Colorado Botanicals Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats may seem like a generic product. However, the care and attention from seed to sale outdoes the competition. From natural sourcing to rigorous quality control, Colorado Botanicals actively works to create the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis and other conditions.

Hemp Source 

Colorado Botanicals sources its extract from expert hemp growers in Colorado. All crops are certified and tested by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Enviorment, ensuring that the hemp is cultivated using approved, safe methods. Colorado Botanicals actively controls the entire farming process, starting with regular soil testing for microbes, fungi, chemicals, and heavy metals. This practice allows Colorado Botanicals to screen its products before reaching the lab testing phase.

Extract Type

To maximize the benefits of their CBD oil for dogs with arthritis, Colorado Botanicals created a broad-spectrum formula. Animals are more sensitive to THC than humans, so avoiding THC is critical for all pets. But while Colorado Botanicals gets rid of this unwanted compound, what sets them apart is how effectively they retain every other beneficial compounds that are other brands are not capable of. Thanks to a proprietary CO2 extraction process, Colorado Botanicals created a technique that retains natural terpenes, flavanoids, and other cannabinoids. This is in sharp contrast to other vendors, who are forced to add botanical terpenes to their final products that don’t produce the same effects.

Lab Results

Soil testing is the only screening process Colorado Botanicals uses. Third-party lab evaluations are standard practice among reputable vendors, so it’s no surprise that Colorado Botanicals makes this a common practice. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing, with precise, detailed results available on the company’s website. 

Website Experience

Colorado Botanicals has one of the best websites we’ve seen. The pages are easy to navigate, with a simple design that makes shopping quick and seamless.

Size Options

Colorado Botanicals currently offers a single 30 ml bottle option containing 750 mg of CBD. According to their product information, the extract is concentrated enough for dogs ranging from five to over 100 pounds. Depending on your dogs weight, you fill up the dropper to the precise dose based on their recommendation.

Customer Policies

Colorado Botanicals reputably offers excellent customer service and the best product guarantee we’ve found. Clients can try Colorado Botanicals CBD for dogs with arthritis backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee on opened or unopened products.

Click hereto buy Colorado Botanicals CBD Oil for pets.

4. Best Value: Penelope’s Bloom CBD Oil

Hemp Source - Penelope's Bloom sources its hemp from certified organic farms in Colorado and Oregon, and each batch of their CBD products is third-party lab tested to ensure quality and potency.

Extraction Methods - Penelope's Bloom uses a CO2 extraction method to extract the CBD and other beneficial compounds from the hemp plant, which is considered one of the safest and most efficient methods of extraction that preserves the purity and potency of the final product.

Ingredients - The ingredients in Penelope's Bloom CBD oil depend on the specific product, but their standard full-spectrum CBD oil contains only three ingredients: organic hemp extract, organic MCT oil (derived from coconuts), and natural flavorings.

Customer Service and Reviews - Penelope's Bloom products have generally received positive reviews from customers, with many praising the quality and effectiveness of their CBD products, as well as their excellent customer service and commitment to transparency.

Price Value - Penelope’s Bloom’s 250mg bottle of CBD Oil for dogs sells at only $29.99. Their 500mg CBD Oil is at $44.99, and their 1000mg CBD Oil is a steal at  $74.99 a bottle.

Overall Effectiveness - Penelope's Bloom offers CBD products specifically formulated for dogs, and while the effectiveness of their CBD oil may vary depending on the individual dog's needs and health conditions, many customers have reported positive results in using their products to manage various issues such as anxiety, joint pain, and inflammation in their furry companions.

5. HolistaPet: Highest Quality CBD 

Intro

HolistaPet incorporates CBD into the broader world of health and wellness. They were founded out of concern for the lack of health-conscious cannabis products on the market. They have since established themselves as a leader in organic, plant-based hemp products. Their support for local farmers and commitment to eco-friendly production methods are particular highlights. 

Hemp Source

HolistaPet sources their hemp from farms in Oregon and Colorado. Domestically-grown hemp has to pass through rigorous quality testing. This testing ensures a safe and potent crop, supporting local farmers in the process. 

Extraction Methods

HolistaPet uses a clean, eco-friendly CO2 extraction process to derive CBD from hemp flower. They use no solvents, guaranteeing an unsullied extract and a better yield. 

Ingredients

“Less is more” sums up HolistaPet’s CBD oil. It contains just two ingredients: CBD extract and hemp seed oil. The hemp seed provides additional nutrients as a rich source of plant-based protein and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Customer Service and Reviews

HolistaPet has a formidable reputation in the CBD industry. They have been featured in:

●      Observer

●      LA Weekly

●      Chron

●      Fox News

●      SF Weekly

They have also received thousands of five-star reviews across Google Reviews, Amazon, and Trustpilot that speak highly of their CBD oil’s effects. Reviews also highlight their customer service team, citing fast responses and knowledgeable representatives. 

Price Value

HolistaPet offers five strengths of CBD oil for dogs, tying them with Penguin for the broadest selection. HolistaPet stands out for its pricing as well, offering more choices at lower costs than most competitors:

●      150mg bottle of CBD oil from HolistaPet: $25.95

●      300mg: $39.95

●      600mg: $58.95

●      1200mg: $79.95

●      3000mg: $144.95 

All products come with the option to subscribe and save 25%. 

Customer Policies

HolistaPet offers free shipping to all 50 states. There is no minimum order required so that you can try any of their products risk-free.

If you aren’t satisfied with your CBD oil, they have a 30-day money-back guarantee with an additional 15-day grace period. You don’t need to return your package unopened. In fact, HolistaPet asks that customers try their products for the full 30 days before requesting a refund. 

Overall Effectiveness

HolistaPet’s CBD oil has a slew of rave reviews to back up their promise of a premium product. Their founders have a background in the organic food industry, which explains their commitment to sustainable farming practices and clean production methods. They have all their products tested by independent labs to verify potency and purity and make the reports available on their website. 

HolistaPet can cater to dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes by offering a wider variety of strengths than most other CBD brands. Their CBD oil is particularly popular, but they offer a much wider range of CBD products for dogs, including treats and capsules. Their mobility treats, enriched with turmeric and boswellia, specifically target joint pain. 

Click here to get the best deal on HolistaPet’s CBD for dogs. (Get 25% OFF when you sign up for Holistapet's email newsletter)

The Benefits Of CBD Oil For Dogs With Arthritis

CBD oil has been known to host anti-inflammatory properties, which help tremendously with arthritis.

Similar to humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system which deals with our central nervous system. Essentially, CBD (and it’s cannabinoids) behave with these receptors in the brain, which deal with pain, as well as have been noted to help with cancer, stress, neurological disorders, and anxiety management.

In particular to dogs with arthritis, the anti-inflammatory agents have worked wonders so far. While more studies are being conducted, word-of-mouth has been positive, and the general consensus is that CBD’s benefits outweigh the cons.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Arthritis?

A common condition for older dogs and large breed, arthritis symptoms are similar to those with humans. This includes:

-       Trouble walking, climbing on furniture, or getting up the stairs.

-       Trembling or limping when walking.

-       Difficulty standing up.

-       Discomfort on walks.

-       Other signs of general pain (yelping, irritability, etc).

We’ll note that it’s important to speak with a veterinarian about these symptoms before self-diagnosing your dog with arthritis. As there can be a number of different issues, it’s much safer to get a professional opinion to map out a treatment plan. From there, consult with them about taking CBD as well as what dosage might be best for you.

How Should I Administer CBD Oil?

Regardless of the dog, most of them hate having anything dropped into their mouth. For this reason, we recommend putting the CBD oil in their food or a treat. This will help with swallowing, as well as making sure they actually take all of it. Mixing CBD oil won’t dilute or make the effects weaken but rather might have a slower release depending on how quickly they ingest the full dose.

How Do I Dose Out The CBD?

The standard practice for dogs is to give them around 0.25mg of CBD per pound of body weight. Depending on intent and use, your dog might need more. It’s best to start slow and work your way up, ensuring that they have the proper dosage for their needs.

What Happens I Give My Dog Too Much CBD?

While every dog is different, most dogs simply fall asleep or become lethargic if they have too much CBD. Occasionally, symptoms that include diarherra or vomiting may occur, however, those instances are rare.

How Do I Choose The Right CBD?

To review, some key components to buying the right CBD include:

-       Seeking out all-natural products, especially organic ingredients.

-       Look for companies that grow within the United States.

-       Be mindful of what’s being used to enhance the product versus what might just be filler.

-       Always see that the company has included a third-party test.

-       Read customer reviews and expert opinions.

As finding the perfect CBD oil for you might take some research, it’s also a worthwhile process. Take our guide as an initial foundation, as well as solid recommendations.

One Final Thought - The Best CBD Oil for Dogs With Arthritis

While there are a lot of CBD oil companies out there, the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis has to be Penguin CBD, Verma Farms, or Evn CBD. These three brands all source from top-tier suppliers, as well as offer the best final product after the extraction process is complete. An overall great group of companies, these three are setting the standard for quality CBD.

If you’re trying to equip yourself with CBDbrand that’s made by dog lovers, for dog lovers, then Verma Farms, Penguin, and Evn CBD are the best to get your dog up and moving again. We highly recommend trying them as a first step towards a happier, more healthy life with your pet.

One last tip. To get the most out of CBD for your pet it needs to be paired with plenty of exercise, good sleep, and a great diet. Great food is not easy to find but can make all the difference in the health of your pet, not to mention the absorption of the CBD. Don’t skimp on the quality, they are part of the family too.

Looking for the best CBD you can find? Check out our awards for the best CBD Gummies, best CBD Oil, Best CBD Oil For Dogs, and Best CBD Oil for cats.

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.