As faithful owners to faithful canines, it’s our responsibility to give only the best for our best friend.
Whether it be vitamins, annual trips to the vet, dentist visits, and spa days, our dogs deserve only the best. This counts to their treats as well. These snacks are not only a delight for your canine but also a source of much-needed vitamins and beneficial minerals.
Never heard of CBD treats? That’s a surprise for us! According to AAHA’s (American Animal Hospital Association) recent blog, pet treats infused with this compound have risen significantly since the Farm Bill of 2018. The market boasts a booming $7 billion at the end of last year. A projection shows doubling this number by the end of 2020.
What Is CBD?
Your treats are made of CBD—cannabidiol in other names—which is a phytocannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It’s a potent compound able to aid your (and your dog’s) ECS (Endocannabinoid System) in maintaining homeostasis. This means it plays a role in making sure everything in the body is normal, which includes temperature, inflammation, sleeping patterns, and hormones.
Hemp is abundant in cannabidiol and scarcely has Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is why this type of cannabis is a preferable source for CBD-products. What makes THC undesirable is its ability to affect the nervous system as a psychoactive. It’s the main reason marijuana is a schedule 1 substance; marijuana is inverse with hemp in terms of CBD-THC ratio.
In this industry, it’s important to make sure any products—especially dog treats since they’ll be ingested— to have no THC content whatsoever. Trustworthy companies, like pethempcompany, makes sure of this through thorough lab testing and undergoing another, 3rd-party lab test. Doing so will make sure their formula is pure and safe for use.
But why do companies go through such lengths just to offer CBD for dogs? That’s because THC is highly toxic to dogs and other animals as well. This is especially dangerous if ingested since THC will have the chance to be metabolized in the liver, and it will be almost impossible to remove. It will cause nausea, vomiting, aggression, restlessness, coma, and eventually death if addressed too late.
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What Can My Pet Benefit From CBD?
A lot! Dogs with osteoarthritis and other joint pains can make use of CBD dog treats because of its anti-inflammatory effect on the body. This works by acting as a suppressant to the inflaming site, repelling WBC, and making sure cytokines (proteins that worsen inflammation) do not stick to the area.
Another use of CBD is its anti-epileptic effect. Lately, the FDA has approved of a CBD-derived drug named Epidiolex, an anticonvulsant for pediatric patients. According to FDA stated here: https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2018-08/fda-approves-cannabis-for-treating-pets-sort-of/, there’s no restriction in its use with animals, although veterinarians are advised to follow AMDUCA and federal policies in handling the drug. Research is still ongoing and just like before, more research is needed to fully anchor this claim.
Lastly, this compound is used to increase appetite and lessen nausea and vomiting. This is to ensure malnutrition and dehydration doesn’t happen to a recuperating or currently ill canine. Aside from diseases, cannabidiol is great if maintained for fur growth and shine in dogs. It can also boost the immune system and increase stamina.
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The Challenge With CBD Dog Treats
The problem with treats is how high the heat needs to be to ensure your treats can still be both edible and potent. CBD can’t take too much heat or its bioavailability in the treats disappear completely at 350 degrees.
As a consumer buying your treats, this is your greatest concern. How does your chosen company bake the treats? Because the only way to maintain CBD’s potency and making sure you aren’t feeding your dog a raw cookie is to bake it at low temperature, slowly.
It is important that you find quality cbd dog treat manufacturers. Research their quality standards, liability insurance, manufacturing location, and tour availability.
This needs to be addressed by the company directly. Otherwise, these aren’t for treating joint pains or illnesses, but just another treat with added benefits. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to buy them as an investment for your furry friend. A strong immune system, good cardiovascular system, and a great appetite is still a win-win situation at the end of the day.
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