CBD Oil vs CBD Treats for Dogs: Veterinarian Comparison Guide
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Time to read 8 min
So you've decided to try CBD for your dog, but now you're staring at two main options: oil or treats. It's like choosing between giving your kid liquid medicine or gummy vitamins - both work, but they work differently.
If you're dealing with a dog that has arthritis (check out our guide on the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis), you might wonder which delivery method gives better results. The truth is, both have their place, but understanding the differences can help you make the right choice for your specific situation.
Table of Content
CBD Oil Benefits and Drawbacks CBD Treats Advantages and Limitations Advantages of CBD Treats: Limitations of CBD Treats: Absorption Rates: Oil vs Treats CBD Oil Absorption: CBD Treat Absorption: When to Choose Oil vs Treats Product Recommendations by Situation Cost Analysis: Oil vs Treats Products Featured In This Blog Related Readings
CBD Oil Benefits and Drawbacks
CBD oil is basically the liquid form of CBD that you drop directly into your dog's mouth or mix with their food. Think of it as the "straight shooter" approach.
Benefits of CBD Oil:
Faster Absorption: Oil gets into your dog's bloodstream quicker than treats. When you drop it under their tongue, it can start working in 15-30 minutes. Even mixed with food, it typically kicks in faster than treats.
Precise Dosing: This is huge. With oil, you can adjust the dose by the drop. Need to give your 45-pound dog exactly 12mg? Easy math with the dropper.
Better Value: Generally, you get more bang for your buck with oil. A bottle of CBD oil typically lasts longer than the equivalent amount in treat form.
No Extra Calories: If your dog is watching their waistline (hello, senior dogs with joint issues), oil doesn't add calories to their diet.
Flexibility: You can mix it with food, give it directly, or even add it to a special treat you make yourself.
Drawbacks of CBD Oil:
Taste Issues: Some dogs hate the earthy hemp taste, even in bacon-flavored versions. Getting it into a picky eater can be a daily battle.
Messy Factor: Oil can be messy, especially if your dog is squirmy during dosing time.
Requires Cooperation: You need your dog to stay still for a few seconds, which isn't always realistic with anxious or hyperactive dogs.
Storage Needs: Oil needs to be stored properly and can go bad if not handled right.
CBD Treats Advantages and Limitations
CBD treats are exactly what they sound like - regular dog treats infused with CBD. It's the "spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down" approach.
Advantages of CBD Treats:
Easy Administration: Most dogs think they're getting a regular treat. No wrestling, no mess, no drama.
Consistent Dosing: Each treat contains a set amount of CBD, so you don't have to measure anything.
Portable: Perfect for travel or when you're out and about. No worry about spills or measuring.
Additional Benefits: Many CBD treats include other helpful ingredients like glucosamine for joints or melatonin for sleep.
Great for Training: You can use them as high-value rewards during training sessions.
Long Shelf Life: Treats typically last longer than oil without refrigeration.
Limitations of CBD Treats:
Slower Absorption: Treats have to go through the digestive system first, so they take 45-90 minutes to start working.
Less Precise Dosing: If each treat has 5mg and your dog needs 7mg, you're either under-dosing or over-dosing.
Added Calories: Treats add calories to your dog's daily intake, which matters for dogs that need to lose weight.
Potential Stomach Upset: Some dogs get upset stomachs from new treats, especially if they have sensitive digestion.
Higher Cost Per Dose: Generally more expensive per milligram of CBD than oil.
Absorption Rates: Oil vs Treats
This is where science gets interesting. The way your dog's body processes CBD depends a lot on how you give it to them.
CBD Oil Absorption:
When CBD oil goes under the tongue (sublingual), it gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissues in the mouth. This bypasses the digestive system entirely, which is why it works faster.
Even when mixed with food, oil still absorbs relatively quickly because fats help CBD get into the system. Most dogs show effects within 30-60 minutes.
Bioavailability: Oil typically has higher bioavailability, meaning more of the CBD actually makes it into your dog's system.
CBD Treat Absorption:
Treats go through the whole digestive process. They get broken down in the stomach, processed by the liver, and then enter the bloodstream. This takes longer, but can last longer too.
The upside? The effects often last longer with treats - sometimes 6-8 hours compared to 4-6 hours with oil.
Research Insight: Studies suggest that CBD given with fatty foods (which many treats contain) can increase absorption by up to 3-5 times compared to giving it on an empty stomach.
When to Choose Oil vs Treats
The "best" option really depends on your specific situation and your dog's needs.
Choose CBD Oil When:
You need fast relief (acute anxiety, sudden pain flares)
Your dog needs precise dosing adjustments
You're dealing with a specific medical condition that requires exact amounts
Your dog is on a restricted diet or needs to lose weight
You want the most cost-effective option
Your dog doesn't mind the taste or you can easily hide it in food
Choose CBD Treats When:
Your dog is extremely difficult to medicate
You need something portable for travel or outings
You want longer-lasting effects
Your dog has a sensitive stomach, and oil causes upset
You're using CBD preventatively rather than for acute issues
You want to combine CBD with other beneficial ingredients
Hybrid Approach: Many dog owners use both. Oil for immediate needs and treats for daily maintenance or when convenience matters more.
Product Recommendations by Situation
For Arthritis Pain: Oil typically works better because you can adjust the dose as needed, and it provides faster relief during flare-ups. Paw Origins Happy-Furever CBD oil allows precise dosing for managing joint pain.
For General Anxiety: Either can work, but treats might be better for daily anxiety management since they're easier to give consistently and last longer.
For Storm/Firework Phobia: Oil wins here because you need fast-acting relief when the weather turns scary.
For Picky Eaters: Treats are usually the way to go. Most dogs can't resist a good treat, even if they turn their nose up at oil.
For Senior Dogs: Oil is often better because you can adjust doses as their needs change, and many senior dogs are watching their weight.
For Puppies (where legally appropriate): Treats might be easier to portion for smaller bodies, but always consult your vet first.
Cost Analysis: Oil vs Treats
Let's talk money because CBD isn't exactly cheap.
CBD Oil Costs:
A typical 30ml bottle of quality CBD oil runs $40-80 depending on strength. If you're giving a medium dog about 10mg daily, a 500mg bottle should last about 50 days, making it roughly $0.80-1.60 per day.
CBD Treat Costs:
A bag of CBD treats with 30 treats at 5mg each typically costs $25-45. If your dog needs 10mg daily (2 treats), that's about $1.67-3.00 per day.
The Math: Oil usually comes out 20-40% cheaper per milligram of CBD. However, if treats prevent daily wrestling matches and ensure consistent dosing, the convenience might be worth the extra cost.
Money-Saving Tips:
Buy larger quantities for better per-unit pricing
Look for subscription discounts
Start with oil to establish the right dose, then switch to treats if preferred
Quality Matters: Cheap CBD often means poor quality. Whether you choose oil or treats, invest in products that are third-party tested and made from quality hemp.
The bottom line? There's no universal "better" choice between CBD oil and treats. It depends on your dog, your lifestyle, and what you're trying to accomplish. Many successful CBD users end up with both in their arsenal, using each when it makes the most sense.
Ready to find the right CBD format for your dog? Visit Paw Origins to explore both high-quality oil and treat options designed specifically for your pet's needs.
This article provides general information and doesn't replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplements for your pet.
Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench
With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.
Products Featured In This Blog
Related Readings
How soon can I expect results?
The response time to CBD Happy-Furever™ can indeed differ from one dog to another, as it is a natural supplement that dogs may need time to adapt to. Many dog parents have observed noticeable positive changes in their pets' behavior and well-being within just a few days of starting the supplement. Common early signs of the supplement taking effect include better sleep, a calmer demeanor, and an increased appetite—all indicators of a content and healthy dog.
As the weeks go by, further enhancements in your dog's health may become evident. You may notice a shinier coat, a reduction in bodily pains, and an increase in energy, evident from bursts of playful excitement like the "zoomies" during fetch.
It's crucial to acknowledge that, like humans, some dogs may require a longer period to fully benefit from natural supplements like CBD oil. Patience is key, and during this time, it's also important to continue reinforcing good behavior.
When CBD helps to bring your dog to a more tranquil state, it's an opportune moment to introduce new habits and work on phasing out any undesirable behaviors. Remember, while CBD can support your dog's well-being, it is not a substitute for consistent training and conditioning.
Keep an eye out for signs of improvement; sometimes, they may not be immediately obvious. Documenting your dog's journey with videos and photos can help you recognize progress that you might otherwise overlook.
Furthermore, improvements might be taking place internally, such as enhanced immune function or reduced inflammation, which aren't always visible. The absence of health issues can often be a silent testament to the efficacy of the supplement, reflecting your dog's overall health and vitality. So, while some benefits of CBD are seen, others are felt—a healthy dog is a happy dog, inside and out.
Will these products make my pet 'high'?
Absolutely not! It's not possible for dogs to get 'high' off our CBD as they contain less than 0.3% THC, which won't cause any intoxicating effects. However, your pup might seem a lot more relaxed, and might be sleeping more - which is a healthy sign! Keep in mind that young puppies and senior dogs should be sleeping for up to 18-20 hours of their day, while adult dogs sleep approximately 16 hours.
The lack of quality sleep can affect their health and anxiety in many ways.
CBD can make older pooches act ‘puppy-like’ and nervous young pups feel calm. The ingredients that makeup hemp contribute to a balanced mood, resulting in a sense of relaxation for your pet.
