The scarcity of research on how CBD affects dogs and cats matches the abundance of marketing.
Cannabidiol (CBD) supplements and additives for pets rank high on the list of most popular, and promoted, dog and cat product trends. However, the scarcity of research on how CBD affects dogs and cats matches the abundance of marketing. A scientist with one hemp CBD oil-infused pet treat and supplement company, ElleVet Sciences, collaborated with other researchers from several universities to examine how CBD intake influenced dogs’ and cats’ blood composition, as well as the animals’ behavior. In the experiment, CBD supplementation seemed safe for healthy, adult dogs, but a few issues arose in cats that may need further observation.
“Research on the use of things like CBD is still in its infancy despite the very promising anecdotes and affirmative marketing seen in media today,” Christian Kjaer, CEO of ElleVet Sciences, said. The scientists used ElleVet’s hemp CBD oil product in the research.
“Because we are a 'science first' company, we have a commitment to supporting as much of the science being done as possible,” he said.
Research on hemp CDB oil pet supplements
In October, the journal Animals published the results of that study on how CBD-rich hemp nutraceuticals in pets’ diets affect their blood chemistry. The researchers gave two mg/kg total CBD concentration orally to eight dogs and eight cats twice daily. After 12 weeks of this regiment, the dogs showed no clinically significant changes. However, the cats did show some behavioral changes, including excessive head shaking and licking. One cat had increased levels of a certain enzyme. The study authors suggested that CBD receive further study when used with cats to parse out how CBD dosage and other variables affect felines. CBD seemed safe for healthy, adult dogs though.
“Dosing of CBD can be different among different species, but also each individual animal depending on what we are trying to support,” said Kjaer.
ElleVet Sciences is attempting to pinpoint a good starting dose, he said, one that is measurable in the animal’s body with clinical trials and safety studies.
Tim Wall covers the dog, cat and other pet food industries as senior reporter for WATT Global Media. His work has appeared inLive Science, Discovery News, Scientific American, Honduras Weekly, Global Journalist and other outlets. He holds a journalism master's degree
from the University of Missouri - Columbia and a bachelor's degree in biology.
Wall served in the Peace Corps in Honduras from 2005 to 2007, where he coordinated with the town government of Moroceli to organize a municipal trash collection system, taught environmental science, translated for medical brigades and facilitated sustainable agriculture, along with other projects.
For several years, the pet food industry has celebrated the market’s growth outpacing that of many other consumer goods categories, even during the pandemic.
