Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Dog Health & Care

4 Best CBD Dog Treats in 2026 - Reviews & Top Picks

Genevieve Dugal
By Genevieve Dugal · Reviewed & fact-checked by Dr. Maja PlatisaVet Approved
Dr. Maja Platisa
Reviewed & Fact-Checked byDr. Maja PlatisaDVM MRCVS (Veterinarian)
Maja joined our team in March 2023 as one of our in-house veterinarians. She is passionate about animals and their health and loves to help the readers with any issues or questions they have regarding their four-legged friends and other animal companions. Her passion is small animal medicine and emergency work, while she also has a great interest in animal welfare.View authorThe information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more
Updated on July 4, 2026
Share
CBD and medical marijuana treats for pets

Is your beloved pooch a tangled ball of nerves?

Then giving him some CBD just might help soothe him. But before diving into the myriad of products on the market, keep in mind that CBD dog treats still lack scientific evidence as to their effectiveness and safety.1 That being said, there are anecdotal reports from dog owners suggesting that CBD and hemp products can help with pain relief, seizures, and anxiety.2 Moreover, research in the field is promising.

It’s important to understand that CBD dog treats are not the same as hemp products for dogs, and there is a legal reason for this at the moment. Hemp seed products are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins E and A, which can promote a shiny, healthy coat and support overall health. This can be a dietary supplement to add to your dog’s overall health, but it doesn’t compare to CBD products’ claimed ability to support healthy joints, normal brain function, normal digestion, and calmness.

The reason for the lack of actual CBD products for dogs is that the DEA still considers marijuana a Schedule I drug, meaning it is not considered to have any medical use. Even in states where medical marijuana is legal for people, it is not legal for pets. CBD is regulated by the FDA and currently, there are no FDA-approved CBD products for pets.3

Many companies are marketing products for pets as hemp-based products to skirt the current legal status of marijuana and CBD for pets. However, since these products are not FDA-approved, they do not undergo the same quality control measures as medications do, which could potentially prove to be problematic.4

Knowing this, is it worth buying CBD treats (or more accurately, hemp treats) for your dog? Well, although it's impossible to know how your pup will react, most owners notice positive effects on their pets. Take a look at our reviews below to determine if you want to give hemp dog treats a try.

Important note: Always consult your veterinarian before giving your pets any supplements or medications.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2026 Update)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
PetHonesty CalmingHemp PetHonesty CalmingHemp
  • Contains organic ingredients
  • No GMOs, wheat, corn, soy, and preservatives
  • Can help reduce excessive barking and chewing
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Green Gruff Relax Green Gruff Relax
  • Budget-friendly
  • Organic ingredients
  • It is possible to request the certificate of analysis (COA) of the company
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Zesty Paws Calming Bites Zesty Paws Calming Bites
  • Contains organic ingredients
  • Most dog owners noticed their pups were significantly less anxious
  • Contains a clinically studied ingredient (Suntheanine) believed to help promote calmness
  • NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments
  • Made in the USA
  • Gentle enough to use every day
  • The 4 Best CBD Dog Treats:

    1. PetHonesty CalmingHemp – Best Overall

    PetHonesty CalmingHemp
    Top ingredients:Valerian root, organic chamomile, organic hemp seed powder, Ashwagandha, L-Theanine
    NASC certified:Yes
    Lifestage:All

    PetHonesty Calming Hemp chew treats contain organic hemp oil, which may help calm anxious dogs. They are indicated for dogs with nervousness, hyperactivity, discontentment, or environmental stress. These treats are made with organic ingredients, but also contain other ingredients like oatmeal and brown rice syrup, which increase the caloric content. Still, it shouldn't make your dog obese if you stick to the suggested doses (one treat per day for dogs under 25 pounds). Ashwagandha root helps in reducing signs of stress and anxiety, acts as an antioxidant (by removing harmful molecules in the body), helps support the function of the immune system, and reduces inflammation.5 L-Theanine has been shown to have a calming effect on dogs and cats.6 This amino acid is a component of green tea and is involved in dopamine neurotransmitter function, allowing your pet to feel pleasure and satisfaction.

    Keep in mind, however, that every dog reacts differently and yours may not have any change in behavior. This is also the case for all types of supplements sold over the counter.

    Pros

    • Made in the USA
    • Contains organic ingredients
    • Can help reduce excessive barking and chewing
    • No GMOs, wheat, corn, soy, and preservatives
    • Soft and easy to chew even for dogs with bad teeth
    • Natural chicken flavor

    Cons

    • Some dog owners have noticed no difference in their pet's behavior

    2. Green Gruff Relax – Best Value

    Green Gruff Relax
    Top ingredients:Organic hemp seed powder, organic chamomile, organic cricket flour, Ashwagandha, L-Theanine
    NASC certified:No
    Lifestage:All

    Green Gruff Relax is safe and works well for small, anxious dogs, but appears to have no effect on large breeds. However, these soft chews are rich in protein, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help support your dog's overall nutritional health.

    Their low price is also a plus, as it allows you to test their "relaxing power" on your dog without having to break the bank. However, only one flavor is offered (smoked coconut) which may not appeal to the palates of some more finicky dogs.

    Pros

    • Made in the USA
    • Organic ingredients
    • It is possible to request the certificate of analysis (COA) of the company
    • Budget-friendly

    Cons

    • Coconut flavor is unpalatable for some dogs
    • Seems to be less effective on larger breeds

    3. Zesty Paws Calming Bites – Premium Choice

    Zesty Paws Calming Bites
    Top ingredients:Organic Hemp Powder, thiamine (Vitamin B1), organic chamomile, Ashwagandha, L-Theanine
    NASC certified:Yes
    Lifestage:All

    Zesty Paws Calming Bites are other soft chews made with organic ingredients (hemp oil, chamomile, ginger root, L-Theanine, Ashwagandha) that are meant to soothe your pup, help stimulate calming brain waves in dogs, and lessen anxiety behaviors. Several dog parents have noted significant differences in their pet's level of anxiety, which is encouraging.

    However, this product is more expensive and may not work with your doggie. So, we advise trying with a smaller container first.

    Pros

    • Contains organic ingredients
    • Made in the USA
    • Most dog owners noticed their pups were significantly less anxious
    • Peanut butter flavor
    • Soft and easy to chew

    Cons

    • Expensive
    • Ineffective on some dogs

    4. NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments

    NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments
    Top ingredients:Hemp seed oil, hemp seed powder, chamomile
    NASC certified:Yes
    Lifestage:All

    NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments contains hemp seed oil and powder, L-tryptophan, and soothing melatonin to help reduce stress and tension. The added ginger is an interesting ingredient that can calm an upset stomach.

    These bites can help temporarily calm your pup during stressful situations (like long car trips, moving houses, or the arrival of a new pet in the house). On the other hand, their flavor seems to leave some dogs indifferent, probably because of the addition of ginger.

    Pros

    • Made in the USA
    • Gentle enough to use every day
    • Soft and easy to chew

    Cons

    • Some dogs dislike the flavor
    divider single dog paw oct 2024

    Buyer's Guide - Choosing the Best CBD Dog Treats

    What Is the Difference Between Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil?

    Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are very different products.

    • Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is made from the stems, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant. These parts of the plant have a higher concentration of CBD, which has many potential health benefits.
    • Hemp seed oil comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. These seeds contain little to no CBD, but they do contain some great nutrients, like omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins B and D. However, hemp seed oil does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the marijuana high. That's why your dog won't get high on hemp seed oil (which is included in most calming dog treats).
    Image Credit: Aedka Studio, Shutterstock

    What Is THC?

    THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is responsible for the psychoactive properties of marijuana. Under no circumstances should marijuana be fed to your dog (or any other pet) as it is highly toxic. Unfortunately, with the now easier access to marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, veterinarians are seeing an increase in cases of pets being poisoned with THC. Some of the common signs of toxicity in dogs are drowsiness, staggering, urine dripping (incontinence), drooling, slow heart rate, dilated pupils, and overreactiveness to noise. If you suspect your dog has come in contact with THC, consult your vet immediately.

    Why Use CBD Treats for Dogs?

    CBD, in the form of oil or treats, is becoming increasingly popular with both humans and their canine companions. Its use could be helpful in improving several chronic conditions, such as pain management, arthritis, anxiety, seizures, and even cancer. Although research in humans has demonstrated the benefits of CBD for certain medical conditions, the scientific evidence for its beneficial effects in dogs is still lacking.

    One of the possible benefits of CBD oil is reduced itchiness and chewing in dogs with allergic skin diseases. Recent study results were encouraging, showing that 65% of the dogs had at least a 50% decrease in itching and chewing. Of those dogs, half recovered from all signs of itchiness while being treated.

    A clinical study published in 2018 that observed the effects of CBD in 16 dogs with osteoarthritis suggested that 2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis, without any reported side effects by owners. However, a small increase in alkaline phosphatase enzyme was noted. This enzyme is produced mostly in the liver, but also in the intestinal tract, the kidneys, the placenta, and bone.

    Besides, according to PetMD, perhaps the biggest misconception is that CBD is helpful in managing a dog's anxiety. In theory, it's possible that CBD, by reducing pain and inflammation, could indirectly reduce anxiety caused by this pain or inflammation. But since CBD is not psychoactive, it is unlikely that CBD will have the ability to directly treat canine anxiety compared to certain medications prescribed by a veterinarian. A recent study into using CBD oil for noise-related phobia failed to prove its efficacy for this purpose, but the authors have questioned whether the amount of time between administering the CBD oil and the loud noise event needs to be reduced. Recent work with oral CBD products demonstrated the time of maximum CBD concentration to be around 1.5 hours after administration and the half-life of elimination to be between 1 and 4 hours, after which time the concentration of the drug is already halved in the body.

    So, using CBD to treat anxiety in dogs still needs a lot of research to prove its true efficacy and establish an adequate dose. Nevertheless, many dog owners report a beneficial change in their pups after giving them CBD treats or hemp oil. A study that looked into consumer perception of hemp products for animals, questioning 457 dog owners who have used or are currently using hemp products for their dog, reported that the positive impact of using hemp was highest for relief from pain (64.3%), followed by helping with sleep (50.5%), and relief from anxiety (49.3%).

    Are CBD Dog Treats Safe?

    Although the actual effects of CBD in dogs have not yet been well demonstrated, it appears to be safe. This study reports that oral administration of CBD was well tolerated, and no gastrointestinal adverse events were observed.

    However, other studies evaluating the safety of oral administration of CBD in dogs have reported the potential for adverse effects including lethargy, gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea, and biochemical blood changes such as the increase in liver enzymes.

    The most frequently reported side effects of dogs using hemp products were sedation (22.0%) and increased appetite (15.9%). For dogs, the most common reason to discontinue a product was the expense, followed by ineffectiveness.

    Image By: James Davis, Writer

    What to Look for in CBD Dog Treats

    If you want to try CBD treats for your dog, be sure to do your research beforehand. Indeed, since the FDA does not regulate CBD and hemp oil products for pets, it can be difficult to make a good choice. Here are some tips that can help you find the perfect product for your pooch:

    Certificate of Analysis

    Companies that are able to provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to their customers should be preferred. This will give you a detailed description of all the ingredients, and it shows you the transparency of the company. So, don't buy dog treats from a company that is reluctant to show its customers its COA.

    Organic Ingredients

    Organic ingredients are a must. You'll have peace of mind knowing that the treats your pup eats are GMO-free and haven't been contaminated with pesticides or other toxins.

    NASC Quality Seal

    Look for the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal on bags of CBD treats for dogs. This assures you that you are buying from responsible suppliers who have successfully passed a full third-party audit, have an adverse event reporting system, and maintain continued compliance with NASC's rigorous quality requirements.

    Image By: PRO Stock Professional, Shutterstock

    Can Veterinarians Prescribe CBD Products for Dogs?

    According to PetMD, U.S. veterinarians are forbidden from prescribing and dispensing CBD, and cannot encourage or instruct clients to purchase CBD products.

    However, they will tell you about the potential risks and benefits of this type of product. So, if you're considering giving your dog CBD, talk to your vet.

    Our Selection Process For Best CBD Dog Treats

    To create this buyer's guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the CBD dog treats we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the CBD dog treats. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed CBD dog treats to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.

    Why Trust Dogster?

    Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with CBD dog treats. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.

    divider single dog paw oct 2024

    Conclusion

    So, what's the final verdict? Should you buy CBD dog treats, even though research in the field is still in its infancy? Since the potential beneficial effects outweigh the adverse effects, it's worth trying it out with your pup. PetHonesty CalmingHemp is an NASC-certified choice that contains organic ingredients and has been reported to have calming effects by many dog owners. We also recommend Green Gruff Relax if you have a smaller dog.

    You may also want to read:


    Featured Image Credit: Dzmitry Sarmont, Shutterstock

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

    Genevieve Dugal
    Authored by

    Genevieve Dugal

    What Are CBD Treats for Dogs? Usage, Pros & Cons (Vet-Verified)

    What Are CBD Treats for Dogs? Usage, Pros & Cons (Vet-Verified)

    Cannabidiol (CBD) is used for several human health conditions, like anxiety, chronic pain, and even epilepsy. Dogs can be affected by these same health issues,…

    Chantelle Fowler
    By Chantelle Fowler · 2 weeks ago
    Debunking Myths About CBD Pet Chews (Vet Answer)

    Debunking Myths About CBD Pet Chews (Vet Answer)

    One of the great ironies of modern medicine is watching clinicians (me included) who have considered alternative and ancient therapies to be less advanced, and…

    Dr. Karyn Kanowski
    By Dr. Karyn Kanowski · 2 weeks ago
    Can CBD Help My Dog With Anxiety? Vet-Verified Facts, Dosage & FAQ

    Can CBD Help My Dog With Anxiety? Vet-Verified Facts, Dosage & FAQ

    Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. According to the NHS, everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in thei…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove · 2 weeks ago
    Holistapet CBD Dog Treats Review 2026: Our Expert's Opinion

    Holistapet CBD Dog Treats Review 2026: Our Expert's Opinion

    CBD has grown in popularity substantially over the past few years. While this holistic remedy was first touted for humans, there are now many different pet com…

    Kristin Hitchcock
    By Kristin Hitchcock · 2 weeks ago
    July 4, 2026

    How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog? Dosing Guide

    The health effects of CBD oil have prompted the rise in various CBD products including oils, drinks, foods, and various infused foods. And since the legalizati…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove
    How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog? Dosing Guide
    June 17, 2026

    Hemp Oil for Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Benefits & Uses

    Hemp and CBD (cannabidiol) oil for dogs are widely available, but their effects have not been studied enough to prove their effectiveness. Claims of anxiety re…

    Beth Crane
    By Beth Crane
    Hemp Oil for Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Benefits & Uses
    June 17, 2026

    Does CBD Help Dogs With Separation Anxiety? Vet-Reviewed Science & Info

    Separation anxiety is the most common type of anxiety disorder in dogs, and it can be very severe. Dogs are known to experience separation anxiety when their g…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove
    Does CBD Help Dogs With Separation Anxiety? Vet-Reviewed Science & Info
    June 17, 2026

    How Long Does It Take CBD To Work In a Dog? Facts & Dosage Info

    CBD has become extremely popular over the last couple of years, and people use it to relieve all sorts of health problems. However, CBD is not only beneficial…

    Visnja Radosavljevic
    By Visnja Radosavljevic
    How Long Does It Take CBD To Work In a Dog? Facts & Dosage Info
    June 17, 2026

    Will CBD Calm My Hyper Dog? Facts & FAQ

    We’ve all seen hilarious videos online of dogs running wildly back and forth throughout their home or doing laps around their yard at superhuman speed. It’s fu…

    Chantelle Fowler
    By Chantelle Fowler
    Will CBD Calm My Hyper Dog? Facts & FAQ
    June 17, 2026

    How to Give CBD Oil to Dogs: 5 Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks

    CBD oil may help dogs in numerous ways. Current studies on its efficacy are somewhat promising yet inconclusive, though many pet owners decide to give it a sho…

    Kristin Hitchcock
    By Kristin Hitchcock
    How to Give CBD Oil to Dogs: 5 Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks
    June 17, 2026

    6 Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil for Dogs: Read This First!

    CBD has become one of the biggest wellness fads in recent memory. Cannabis compounds were illegal until only recently, and CBD was the first to receive the pra…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove
    6 Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil for Dogs: Read This First!
    June 17, 2026

    How Long Does CBD Oil Stay in a Dog’s System? Vet-Reviewed Benefits, Risks & More

    CBD oil has become a popular natural remedy for many common ailments, and it is now being used to treat some conditions in dogs. CBD oil is known to be safe an…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove
    How Long Does CBD Oil Stay in a Dog’s System? Vet-Reviewed Benefits, Risks & More

    Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

    Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.

    You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

    The Dogster app on a phone