CBD is the talk of the town, and every pet parent wants to try it on their dogs. But how can you differentiate between good vs. bad CBD? Many unscrupulous marketers use false claims to lure people to buy from them, and understanding the difference between them is important. Read on for more.
Ask for a certificate of analysis.
High-quality firms dealing with the right CBD display their certificate of analysis on their website. The certificate has details about the CBD. Such details include the amount of CBD in their product. Alternatively, you can ask for a copy of the certificate. If you can’t find the certificate on the company’s website and they cannot send you a copy, you are dealing with a fake CBD.
Ensure the CBD is naturally extracted.
Look for CBD that is extracted naturally without using solvents, chemicals, or heat. This method uses TERPEX technology to extract the maximum cannabinoids from hemp. Additionally, the method does not pollute the environment.
Find out where the hemp was grown.
Choose products that are cultivated and produced in the United States. This is because hemp originating in the US has State Department of Agriculture certification. If a company imports industrial hemp oil, it is impossible to know what is contained in the final product.
Read more on Hemp vs. CBD Oil for Pets: Know the Difference.
Go for full-spectrum CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD has all the cannabinoids that work together for maximum benefits. CBD, which is not full-spectrum, does not have all the compounds in the hemp plant. They may also have been extracted using harmful solvents for your pet.
Go for quality.
Price is frequently a good quality indicator like any other natural health product. This is due to the resource requirements of using high-quality plant materials, secure manufacturing techniques, and other quality control methods. If cheaper, you’re much more likely to buy a low-quality CBD product for pets. Additionally, because it may contain pollutants and other dangerous chemicals like THC or chemical solvents, your pet won’t likely benefit from CBD.
Look for the NASC seal.
NASC stands for the National Animal Supplement Council. An enterprise bearing the NASC seal has a quality control manual that has been audited and has standard operating procedures (SOPs) in writing for manufacturing process control. This ensures that the organization constantly produces high-quality goods.
An NASC seal also ensures that a complaint system is in place that continuously monitors and assesses products and that adverse event or reaction reporting has been audited. Companies that display the NASC seal must adhere to strict requirements for all products and types of labeling.
Look for USDA organic.
A plant product must have a USDA organic label if cultivated on a farm that hasn’t used prohibited, non-organic substances for three years. One of the most exacting organic certifications available is USDA Organic. 95% of the components used in a product must be entirely organic to bear the USDA Organic designation.
A USDA Organic logo verifies that the hemp used for pet CBD was grown from organic seeds. Additionally, USDA Organic signifies that no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers were utilized to grow the hemp. Crop rotation is used on USDA organic farms to maintain soil nutrient levels.
Additionally, USDA Organic goes beyond hemp-growing operations. The manufacturing facilities where the pet CBD is produced are also labeled “certified organic.” This indicates that no harmful or non-organic materials are employed in the manufacturing plant.
Look for lot numbers.
Lot numbers prove that the company has quality control measures in place. This makes it easier to determine where each batch’s products came from. Understanding where every product came from makes identifying a batch with poor-quality items easy.
Select non-toxic CBD
Look for CBD firms that do not use herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals on their hemp plants. These additives are harmful to your dog.
Correct labeling
Be sure to thoroughly read the label before making a purchase. Some CBD businesses, particularly pet sector ones, have deceptive labels. For instance, they can assert that their products contain 1700 mg or more.
The amount of CBD or full spectrum CBD should be listed on the label, though, as in many cases, a huge number (like 1700 mg) just refers to the quantity of hemp or hemp seed oil, neither of which contains active CBD. This means that a product with 1100 mg of active full-spectrum hemp CBD will be much more effective than one with 1700 mg of hemp oil, which only contains 150 mg of active CBD.
What Are the Risks of Giving Your Pet Poor-Quality CBD?
Adherence to the guidelines above is important since giving your pup the wrong CBD has consequences. Here are the main risks that come with giving your pooch poor-quality CBD.
- Your dog does not benefit maximally from consuming poor-quality CBD. This is because low-quality CBD does not include all plant components.
- The amount of THC could be higher than 0.03%. Fake CBD products are not tested for quality and safety. High THC levels are harmful to dogs.
- Since there are no safety and quality checks, low-quality CBD products will likely include chemicals and toxic compounds that harm your dog.
What are the signs of poor-quality CBD?
Understanding the signs to watch out for ensures you do not purchase the wrong CBD for your dog. Below are the main warning signs.
- There is no third-party seal like the National Animal Supplement Council or USDA Organic.
- Hemp does not originate in the United States.
- The extraction method involves the use of chemicals and solvents.
- There is no certificate of analysis.
- Low priced CBD
What should I look for in a pet’s CBD?
There are many qualities of a good CBD, but the main ones are a certificate of analysis, the country of origin, which should be the U.S., and a proper non-chemical extraction method.
Is there a difference between CBD and pet CBD?
The two CBDs come from the hemp plant’s stem, flowers, and leaves. The only difference is the ingredients added to pet CBD to improve flavor, fragrance, or texture.
How long does pet CBD last?
Each dose of chews or oil lasts for 4-8 hours. However, this may vary with your dog’s health status, activity level, age, and breed.
Why is pet CBD so expensive?
High-quality pet CBD is expensive because of the high-quality resources used and the safety and quality checks it goes through.
How many drops of CBD should a pet have?
Dosage varies with your pet’s weight, but the general rule is 1-5 mg for every 10 lbs. CBD potencies are different, so you should read the label carefully.
How much CBD should a beginner start with?
Start with small amounts of CBD and gradually increase them. The general rule is 0.2 mg for every pound of your dog’s body weight. Give it until you figure out the right dose.
Read more on CBD Oil for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know.
Is CBD a drug?
Yes. CBD is a drug. However, it does not make your pet “high” because it has low THC concentrations.
Can my dog drink water after taking CBD oil?
Yes. Your dog can drink water after taking CBD. Water cannot interfere with CBD absorption. You can add CBD to your dog’s water, but ensure it consumes all the water.
Sum it up
Knowing the important qualities to look for when buying CBD for your pet. Low-quality CBD puts your dog at risk for other health issues. The incorrect CBD might contain pesticides or excessive THC concentrations, which are dangerous to dogs.
Our thorough guide is a good place to start. Before purchasing pet CBD, make sure all the features are present. By doing this, you can avoid falling for deceptive marketing ploys and buying the wrong product. Now you know. Spread the love by sharing this information with other pet parents so that our pets get the maximum benefits.