Popular brands of CBD oils (cannabidiol oil) and pet parents who try it say that mixing the oil with food is a foolproof method that yields great results. While the opinions and reviews of other people are usually a great guide on what to do and what not to do, they do not tell us how safe the method or the product is.

This is why you should always listen to the words of an expert first. This time, the expert you should seek answers from is a veterinarian!

We want what is best for your dog, so we’re compiling the best guide for you based on the advice of vets. We’ll discuss

• The potential benefits of CBD oil in dog food
• Why pet food with CBD oil could be a good choice for a dog’s body
• The advice of vets on CBD oil and risks associated with it
• Why vets do and don’t recommend using CBD products

The Potential Benefits of Pet Food + CBD Oil

This is all about the method of cannabis oil administration. Why would this be a good choice for your dog over other methods

• It is easier to give than oil straight from a spoon. Food is associated with pleasure in a dog’s brain while the medicine is not. They expect the food to be tasty, so they may take the CBD oil better with their dinner.
• Even a small amount can be spread pretty evenly into your dog’s food if done properly.

Why Food With CBD Oil Could Be a Good Choice

Now let’s get into why CBD oil products in pet food would be beneficial. CBD oil:

• Could lessen the duration and frequency of seizures in dogs with epilepsy. This is being studied and reviewedby a team of vets and the American Kennel Club.
• Has the ability to calm dogs with anxiety. CBD in humans is shown to produce these effects, and researchers now believe that the same could be said of dogs as well.
• Can ease the chronic pain of cancer, arthritis, and other injuries. It can also help ease inflammation.

Other effects are studied less but have the potential to work in dogs as they work in humans!

What Vets Say About CBD Oil and Pet Food

The treatment of ailments in dogs with CBD products is new to the world of veterinary science. Some are hopeful of the benefits, and some are skeptical. Both sides agree that there are potential benefits and risks associated with it.

Pro CBD Vets

Most pro-CBD veterinarians take this stance because they have seen the effects for themselves. Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA has written an article about why she believes that CBD products can be effective for treating ailments in dogs even though it is currently illegal to give these products out herself.

“For my part, I’ve chosen to flout federal law in favor of patient care. Most of the patients I’ve medicated with CBD oil have thrived. After recommending it to hundreds of patients (I carry it in-house now), I’ve not yet observed an adverse reaction. Sure, some patients have balked at its delivery, but that’s about it for negatives.”

Dr. Gary Richter has also been outspoken on the issue, hoping that the regulations on the use of medical CBD oil will change soon.

Anti CBD Vets

Those on the opposite side of the debate are mainly concerned about the lack of medical evidence surrounding the use of CBD for pets. More research is being done all the time, but it isn’t enough yet to get everyone on board with the positive effects of cannabidiol.

Dr. Jerry Klein, though he does not strongly oppose the products, warns that there just isn’t enough evidence to support using it as a form of medicine yet.

“Currently, most of what veterinarians know about CBD oil and dogs is anecdotal, and there is limited scientific evidence about the effects of its use.”

Risks of Using CBD Oil on Dogs

Many vets agree that there are risks associated with giving your dog CBD products just as there is with any medicine. These include:

• Low blood pressure. This can make a dog tired or disoriented
• Increased drowsiness. CBD products may cause fatigue in some dogs
• Dry mouth.
• Lowered liver enzyme activity. This changes the way that dogs metabolize some medicines

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide for yourself whether you will take the plunge and give your dog CBD oil and pet food or not. A veterinarian can’t stop you, but they can warn you or encourage you about the effects of CBD. Talk to yours and see what they may have to say on the subject.