Pet owners are looking for more ways to enhance the health of their dog, and it makes sense. You want your dog to be as healthy as possible and that often means turning to natural remedies to help. You might not want to ply your dog with medications when there are other options out there, especially if you feel any particular way about medicines in their life but always check with your veterinarian if your dog is taking medication before changing their routine.
CBD oil tinctures and CBD treats stand out as options for dogs’ health. Trying to decide between CBD chews vs tinctures for dogs, however, is not an easy decision to make. Understanding the differences and benefits between CBD treats vs CBD oils for dogs can help you to decide which one to give your pet pooch. Both of them offer health benefits, but they do differ in their form, administration and effects. When you understand the differences, you can make a better, more informed decision for your dog.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol is a natural compound that was found in the cannabis plant. You might have heard it in the context of CBD treats for humans, but CBD is not like THC: it doesn't give you a high in the same way, so you can be assured that your dog won’t be high, either. Instead of making you or your dog high, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in animals and that can work to regulate various physiological processes like mood, pain and appetite.
CBD Oil Tinctures for Dogs
What are CBD Oil Tinctures?
A CBD oil tincture is a liquid extract of CBD. Typically, CBD tinctures are a combination of CBD plus oil from either coconut or hemp seed and is taken with a dropper.. They come with their own sets of benefits, including the following:
Precise dosage control
It’s one of the biggest advantages of using CBD oil tinctures. The droppers allow you to measure the exact amount of CBD your dog receives..
Faster absorption
CBD oil tinctures are administered under the tongue first and then swallowed which helps to improve the absorption of CBD, making it an easy and effective way to get this effective supplementinto your dog. Your dog will then benefit from having their diet supplemented this way.
A versatile option
CBD oil tinctures can be mixed right into food or given directly, so if your dog isn't cooperative for medicines under their tongue, you have another option that will work. This makes it so much easier to incorporate CBD into your dog’s routine. If you have a picky eater who will turn his nose up at a dropper, you’re going to find it easier to mix it into his food.
Things to Consider for CBD Oil Tinctures
There are a couple of things to consider when administering CBD oil tinctures, and that’s the challenges with administration. Your dog may fight against having the dropper under their tongue, but that’s why it’s easier to mix into food. You might also come up against the fact your dog won’t like the taste.
Some CBD oil tinctures are flavored with pooch-friendly flavors like peanut butter, but others have that natural, earthy taste that’s may be less tasty.
CBD Treats for Dogs
What are CBD Treats?
Edible products infused with CBD are CBD treats. They can come in a range of flavors, shapes and sizes and this makes them more appealing for dogs and easier for them to want to take their medicine. They’re designed for convenience, to be more palatable and an easier way to administer the treat itself. As with the CBD oil tinctures, they come with their own set of benefits to include:
Easy to use
CBD treats are easier to give to dogs. Dogs - for the most part - love treats, so they can take their supplements without fuss.
Tasty
You can feel confident in giving CBD treats to your dog because they come in a range of flavors you know your dog will like. Beef, chicken, peanut butter - these are just a few of those flavors and they’re more appealing to dogs.
Pre-dosed
CBD treats are made with the right amount of CBD which eliminates the need to measure and provide a consistent amount of CBD. It’s been done for you, which makes life so much easier.
They’re portable
Treats can be taken and administered wherever you are, which makes it easier to give meds when out and about or on the road.
Things to Consider for CBD Treats
A couple of things to be aware of include the fact that CBD treats are slower to absorb compared to the oil tinctures, since they are ingested and have to get through the digestive system before entering into the bloodstream. It’s also important to realize that while treats are made ready to give the right amount of CBD to your dog, it isn't always easy to adjust the dosage if they require a specific amount of CBD.
Treats can also be fairly calorific, so you have to be aware of the risks of weight gain in your dog if they eat too many treats.
Comparing the Benefits
Health Benefits
Both CBD treats and oil tinctures offer similar health benefits for dogs and those health benefits include:
Pain relief
CBD is known for being something that reduces pain and inflammation, which is great for dogs with joint pain or mobility issues.
Reducing anxiety
CBD can alleviate stress in dogs, so if yours is having trouble being away from you or is easily scared with strange or loud noises, it’s a good option.
Improved appetite
CBD can stimulate appetite and help your dog to stay strong when they’ve lost their appetite.
Efficacy and Speed of Effects
CBD oil tincture
CBD oil tinctures offer much faster effects as the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream directly under the tongue. These are great for quick relief during acute anxiety episodes or pain.
CBD treats
These take longer to manifest as they have to pass through the digestive tract but the effects can last longer as the CBD releases more slowly during the digestive process.
Dosage and Administration
CBD Oil Tinctures
Precise dosage control makes it ideal for dogs with specific health requirements. However, it can be a challenge to get the tincture into your dog’s mouth.
CBD Treats
Easy to administer, easy to use but treats with a preset quantity could make adjusting the amount of CBD your pet needs more complex.
Making the Right Choice for Your Dog
When choosing between CBD oil tinctures vs CBD treats, you have to consider the specific needs of your dog. You have to consider your preferences, your lifestyle and your budget, too. There are so many factors to think about when making the right decision for your dog and those factors include:
Pooch preferences
If your dog is a picky eater, or doesn't like the taste of CBD oil, treats are the better option. If they have dietary restrictions, however, or they need a very precise dosage, you might consider oil tinctures more suitable.
Convenience
If you’re busy, you might want to choose treats as it’s easier to give your dog what they need. Tinctures are not as versatile as treats so they take a little more effort to administer correctly.
Both options are good for dogs, and understanding the differences in absorption rates, administration, cost and ease of use can ensure that you make the right decision for your dog.