#3 – Choose a Product With “No Detectable” THC While all CBD from hemp should contain low THC (under .3%) we strongly recommend purchasing a product that contains zero detectible THC on the certificate of analysis. Dogs react much differently to THC than humans, and although under .3% would never make human “high”, even trace amounts of THC can have negative effects on small animals. Again, this information should be viewable on the COA. (see point #1) #4 – Only Purchase an Organic Hemp Product As many of us already know, buying organic matters more for certain kinds of plants. Because hemp has the unique ability to pull toxins from the soil, choosing an organic product is absolutely crucial. If a product is not organic, simply skip it and choose a better option. #5 – Low Price May Be a Red Flag If the price of a CBD oil is significantly lower than others, odds are the company is cutting corners on quality, or the amount of CBD is very low. #6 – Beware of Products Labeled Only as “Hemp Oil” Many manufacturers skirt regulations by not putting the term “CBD” on their product label, and call it only “hemp oil.” If you cannot verify the amount of CBD in a hemp product, DO NOT buy it. Again, this information should should be verified and located on the seller’s COA. Also, note there’s a significant difference between “Hemp Oil with CBD” and “Hemp Seed Oil”. Hemp seed oil is a perfectly acceptable medium as long as it also contains added CBD. However, hemp seed oil alone does not contain enough CBD to be therapeutic. #7 – Choose Full-Spectrum Instead of CBD Isolate You may come across the term “full-spectrum CBD oil” or “CBD isolate”. A full spectrum product uses the many cannabinoids and terpenes found naturally in hemp, while a CBD isolate product contains only CBD. We believe nature knowns best, and using a product that more closely mirrors what nature designed is ideal. Many believe the whole plant offers an “entourage effect” where your dog benefits from a more complete variety of the phytochemicals found in hemp. #8 – For Therapeutic Use, Only Buy as a Tincture CBD infused dog treats and chews have their place, but to ensure maximum potency and purity, we recommend only purchasing pure CBD oil in a tincture. Using a dropper, you’ll be able to more effectively control the dosage of CBD without having to give too many calories. In addition, many CBD treats are processed with heat, which damages the potency of the precious cannabinoids, rendering them less effective on your dog. Some people have concerns about using a tincture when administering CBD to their dog. While the dropper can be placed directly in your dog’s mouth, we find its easier to drop the oil directly on your dog’s food or favorite treat. Which CBD Oil Does iHeartDogs Recommend? The team at iHeartDogs helped develop the Cannanine™ brand of CBD Hemp Oil for Dogs. In addition to taking into account each of the 8 points above, the Cannanine ™ is the only product that supports animal shelters with each purchase. Every bottle provides 14 meals for shelter dogs! |