The number of dog owners who have tried CBD rose from 4% in 2018 to 12% in 2024, according to an APPA Dog and Cat Report. Among the CBD-using dog owners, 28% use it for anxiety and stress, 17% for pain, and 16% for arthritis/joint pain.

Pet CBD products are spiking in popularity. However, that spike hasn't been matched by increased safety, manufacturing, and labeling regulations.

A Cornell-led analysis of 29 OTC pet hemp supplements found that only 10 of the 27 products were within 10% of the total cannabinoid concentrations of their label claim, and only 18 were appropriately labeled per FDA guidelines.

The gap between CBD's presence in the pet market and its regulation makes it hard to choose a reliable, safe, and effective CBD product for your dog.

In this article, we explain the criteria and evidence for buying pet CBD, so you can objectively evaluate brands and products. To help you make informed decisions, we have reviewed different CBD products for specific needs and use cases.

How We Picked (Criteria Any Brand Must Pass)

Take a look at our portable checklist to learn more about the criteria determining the safety of pet CBD products.

	Batch-Specific COA CBD mg verified by an independent lab. A Certificate of Analysis is non-negotiable.
	USDA Certified Organic Hemp Grown organically and free from pesticides or other harmful contaminants.
	NASC Quality Seal The brand has voluntarily agreed to high industry standards and regular audits.
	Full-Spectrum with ≤0.3% THC A range of cannabinoids for an entourage effect, with THC low enough to be safe for pets.
	Formulation Matched to the Studied Use Case Active ingredients (like passion flower or glucosamine) suited to your dog's specific needs.

Consider the COA and additional certifications, such as USDA and NASC, to find the right CBD for your dog. The pet CBD market is underregulated, and you must rely on objective criteria.

A 2022 Cornell-led study analyzed 29 OTC pet hemp supplements and found that only 10 truly had the CBD content stated on the label, only 18 were correctly labeled in adherence with FDA guidelines, and four were contaminated with heavy metals.

Best Overall: Well CBD Oil

Best Overall

Honest Paws Well CBD Oil

A high-quality, safe, tested, and certified full-spectrum CBD oil formulated to support optimal health. Made from organic hemp and MCT oil for enhanced bioavailability.

$0.09–$0.19 per mg, depending on concentration · 4 strengths (125–1000 mg)

Shop Well CBD Oil

The Well CBD Oil wins as the best overall CBD oil for dogs because the brand tests its products in independent laboratories and has Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for every batch. Plus, it has the yellow NASC seal of quality and uses USDA-certified organic hemp.

HP's Well CBD Oil is a general-use, full-spectrum CBD oil. A randomized, placebo-controlled study reports that daily CBD use at 1-12 mg/kg for 28 days is well tolerated in healthy dogs. The Well CBD oil is available in four different strengths (125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg) for simple dosing for dogs of all sizes.

The Honest Paws Well CBD oil suits dogs of all life stages that don't need specialized functional ingredients but still want pure cannabinoid support for a healthy, active lifestyle.

Best for Anxiety: Calm CBD Oil (+ Calm Bites & Soft Chews)

Best for Anxiety

Honest Paws Calm CBD Oil

Third-party tested, full-spectrum hemp oil designed to maintain a relaxed disposition and help dogs manage external stress. Enriched with chamomile.

Oil: $0.09–$0.19/mg · Soft Chews: $0.23/mg ($1.16/chew) · Bites: $0.18/mg ($0.90 Regular, $0.30 Mini)

Shop the Calm line

The Calm CBD Oil wins as the best for anxiety because it is independently verified, meets strict safety and quality criteria, and is enriched with chamomile, making it condition-specific. It helps make dogs calm without sedation.

A 2023 study found that giving dogs a single CBD dose of 4 mg/kg about 2 hours before the expected stress event helps reduce cortisol levels.

The Honest Paws Calm CBD Oil suits dogs that need gentle relaxation and emotional balance during high-energy or stressful situations. It is safe for dogs of all ages.

HP's Calm line of CBD products also offers Soft Chews and Bites. The CBD-infused treats are perfect for dogs who fight droppers or for more straightforward dosing.

Best for Joint Pain & Older Dogs: Mobility CBD Oil + Mobility Bites

Best for Joint Pain & Older Dogs

Honest Paws Mobility CBD Oil

Independently tested full-spectrum hemp oil, formulated to ease joint stiffness, maintain mobility, and relieve occasional discomfort. Fortified with organic turmeric.

Oil: $0.09–$0.19/mg · Bites: $0.19/mg ($0.90 Regular, $0.29 Mini)

Shop the Mobility line

The Mobility CBD Oil wins as the best for joint pain and older dogs as it is condition-specific, third-party tested, made with USDA organic hemp, and has the NASC quality seal. The formula is fortified with organic turmeric, which is shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

A placebo-controlled trial found improved comfort and mobility in dogs with arthritis following CBD supplementation.

HP Mobility oil is suitable for dogs with reduced flexibility, joint stiffness, and joint discomfort from arthritic or age-related changes, or everyday activity.

The Mobility line also offers CBD-infused bites with natural coconut and turmeric flavor. You can use the CBD bites for dogs with picky appetites or for convenience (when traveling), or the oil for more precise dosing and faster results.

Best CBD Dog Treats: Bites Line-Up

Honest Paws Calm, Well, and Mobility Bites are the best CBD dog treats. They are made with three simple ingredients: 1) USDA organic, full-spectrum CBD oil, 2) organic MCT oil as a carrier, and 3) natural flavor for better palatability.

The hemp used in the bites is third-party tested, US-grown, and free from GMOs, soy, and corn. The organic MCT oil is extra-quality and contains no chemicals, filler oils, or additives. The flavors used are natural and dog-friendly.

Honest Paws CBD bites come in two size/concentration options: regular for large-breed dogs and mini for small dogs.

CBD treats are superior to CBD oils for convenience, taste, extra functional ingredients, and steady release.

Available with a set, pre-measured CBD amount, treats do not require dosage calculations. CBD treats have excellent flavors and suit dogs who dislike the earthy taste of oils or the sensation of droppers in their mouth.

CBD treats are often enriched with functional active ingredients to support different conditions. They take longer to start working (since they have to be digested first), but then cannabinoids are released more steadily in the body.

How to Judge Any CBD Product (Even Ours)

To judge any CBD product, you must know how to read a real COA and understand what USDA organic actually certifies and what the NASC audit actually covers.

Verify the third-party lab issuing the COA before you read it. Look at the lab's name at the top of the document and confirm it has ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. Then, find the batch number displayed on the COA and ensure it matches the number on your CBD product.

Once you've verified the COA's authenticity and legitimacy, proceed with the analysis. Compare the amount of CBD advertised on the product's label with the amount presented in the COA - the two numbers must match closely when presented by weight (in mg) or percentage.

Check the range of cannabinoids and the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) featured in the COA. Full-spectrum CBD products for pets should include a full range of cannabinoids and trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%).

Review the contaminant panel. "ND" means "None Detected" or "Not Detected," and it is a good sign if you can find it next to contaminants, such as pesticides and heavy metals.

A 2022 Cornell-led analysis of 29 pet hemp products found heavy metal (lead) contamination in four of the tested products.

USDA-certified organic means the hemp was grown, harvested, and handled according to strict federal standards, determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program (NOP).

The NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) audit covers quality systems, manufacturing standards, and labeling practices for brands making animal supplements.

NASC members voluntarily agree to high industry standards, FDA-recommended labeling, and regular independent audits. Once certified, brands may display the yellow NASC quality seal.

An independent human-market CBD product testing found that only 31% are accurately labeled. This finding is similar to Cornell-led research from 2020, which reported discrepancies between the actual and marketed amounts of CBD in pet products, as well as failures to comply with FDA-recommended labeling guidelines.

"FDA has not approved cannabis for any use in animals, and the agency cannot ensure the safety or effectiveness of these products."

The lack of FDA approval underscores the need for independent testing and certification when verifying pet CBD products.

"Best Hemp Oil for Dogs" — A Quick Clarification

Hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD oil. Both come from the Cannabis sativa plant, but from different parts, resulting in distinct chemical profiles and uses.

Hemp seed oil is sourced solely from the seeds. It contains no cannabinoids and serves as an omega-rich nutritional oil that supports skin and coat health.

CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, stalks, and leaves. It contains various cannabinoids and has therapeutic potential when used as an add-on to mainstream treatments.

Always verify the amount of CBD expressed in mg on the product's Certificate of Analysis if you are interested in the benefits of CBD for dogs.

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The NASC Quality Seal
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Conclusion — Buy on Receipts, Not Rankings

The Certificate of Analysis, USDA Organic Certification, and NASC seal of quality are the main criteria when choosing a pet CBD product. The formulation (full-spectrum with less than 0.3% THC) is another benchmark.

Honest Paws checks all criteria and is considered a top pet CBD brand. It offers a wide range of CBD-infused products, such as oils, soft chews, and bites. HP CBDs are formulated for general wellness and to support specific health conditions, such as stress and mobility issues.

Buy pet CBD products on receipts, not rankings or hype statements from other pet parents. If you're unsure, consult a veterinarian.