Seems like you have to have PhD in Biochemistry these days to figure out what hemp or CBD product to purchase. Don't worry, we are working to help pet parents understand the difference between various formulations available and why some are more beneficial than others.
Not all products are created equally; you can find very inexpensive options for pets that contain only 2 ingredients- CBD isolate and MCT oil. When we talk about full spectrum products, the number of active components goes up to 20 or 30! As is often the case, you get what you pay for.
Firstly, there is a lot of confusion surrounding full spectrum versus broad spectrum versus isolate products. Here's a good graphic to clear thing up:
Terpenes can also be included in full and broad spectrum formulations (but not always, so make sure to check with the label or look for a terpene analysis). The combination of CBD, trace cannabinoids (CBC, CBG, CBN, THC), and terpenes are what make a highly effective full spectrum product. Click here for an analysis of VetCS' Full Plant Extract for dogs. Isolate CBD can be therapeutic but does typically require higher doses compared to a full spectrum option. CBD isolate products are much cheaper to produce and thus often inexpensive CBD products are isolate only.
Now, one question comes up often. Will THC in my pet's tincture make them high? No, at doses of less than 0.3% THC, there will be no visible changes but there is a greater benefit of a CBD product with even a slight amount of THC. Commonly referred to as the "entourage effect," there is a greater benefit to animals and humans when the trace cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are combined then their separate parts.
Remember these tips when you're searching for a highly effective hemp product for your pet! Product quality is paramount for helping your dog, cat, or horse feel more comfortable. The most common issue I see as a veterinarian when evaluating dosing and effect is that under dosing and incorrect product types often result in failure to response to therapy. Read more about correct dosing here.
