Which Type of CBD is Best for Dogs? | Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum

If you're new to hemp products for pets, seeing all of the different terminology might be a little overwhelming. How are you supposed to know the difference between broad and full-spectrum, and what in the world is the spectrum, anyway?

This guide will give you a clear understanding of the differences between these products, how they will impact your dog's results, and what to look for as you shop.

Let's take a closer look & find out what your dog's perfect hemp product will be.

Understand Hemp, Marijuana, & THC Content
The Three Types of Hemp-Derived CBD for Dogs
From Extract to Tincture: Adding a Carrier Oil
Conclusion: What's Your Pet's Best Option?

<p>If you're new to hemp products for pets, seeing all of the different terminology might be a little overwhelming. How are you supposed to know the difference between broad and full-spectrum, and what in the world is the spectrum, anyway?</p>
<p>This guide will give you a clear understanding of the differences between these products, how they will impact your dog's results, and <a href="https://lolahemp.com/collections/dog-cbd" title="This page lists a selection of high quality full-spectrum CBD products for dogs.">what to look for as you shop</a>. </p>
<p>Let's take a closer look & find out what your dog's perfect hemp product will be. </p>

<h2>Understand Hemp, Marijuana, & THC Content</h2>
<p>CBD products for pets should always be hemp-derived, <strong>not marijuana-derived.</strong></p>
<p>Hemp and marijuana, the two forms of cannabis on the market, are distinct from one another in terms of their THC content. THC, which is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. In other words, THC is what causes marijuana to be a high-inducing plant in addition to being the source of its legal ambiguity.</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
  <img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0030/7435/9366/files/Hemp_vs_Marijuana.jpg?v=1753208939" alt="This image depicts the difference between hemp and marijuana" style="max-width:100%;height:auto;">
</div>
<p>Hemp has less than 0.3% THC content, and this is determined by law. Rather than being a species-based or botanical distinction, the distinction between hemp and marijuana is primarily legal. Hemp and marijuana are the same species of plant, grown and bred to have different levels of cannabinoids, most importantly, THC.</p>
<p><strong>This is important for pet owners, </strong>because <a href="https://lolahemp.com/blogs/dog-health/thc-oil-dogs" title="This article discusses THC for dogs and its risks.">THC is toxic to dogs</a> and cats at levels higher than those in hemp. You should never give your dog marijuana, but giving them weight-based dosages of hemp products can be very beneficial. </p>

<h2>The Three Types of Hemp-Derived CBD for Dogs</h2>
<p>There are three primary types of CBD products for dogs: <strong>full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.</strong> The differences between these exist in the amount of THC and other cannabinoids that are present in the product, and that influences the manufacturing processes used to create those products.</p>
<p>Each of these tends to provide a different quality of results, so your decision matters. Let's look at each in detail, and discuss which dogs might be best suited for each respective option.</p>

<h3>1. Full-Spectrum CBD for Dogs</h3>
<p>Full-spectrum CBD products tend to offer the most robust and distinct results for dogs, and they have the cleanest manufacturing processes in general.</p>
<p><strong>Full-spectrum hemp products contain the full range of cannabinoids in the hemp plant.</strong> This means they have high CBD content, as well as less than 0.3% THC content. A full-spectrum product also contains the full range of more than 100 known cannabinoids in hemp as well as other compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.</p>
<p>These secondary cannabinoids aren't present in high amounts, but their overall presence influences the dog's cannabinoid system holistically. The culmination of these cannabinoids creates what is known as the "<a href="https://lolahemp.com/blogs/pet-cbd/what-is-the-entourage-effect-of-dog-cbd" title="This article discusses the entourage effect in dogs.">entourage effect</a>," where all of the cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC, function to create a net positive effect. </p>

<h4>Manufacturing Processes of Full-Spectrum Hemp Oils</h4>
<p>Full-spectrum hemp oils undergo minimal processing in order to retain the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the plant. The process used to extract the plant's compounds is typically cold CO<sub>2</sub> extraction, also known as subcritical or supercritical CO<sub>2</sub> extraction.</p>
<p>This method is clean and solvent-free, leading to high-quality extracts, tinctures, and CBD pet products.</p>

<h3>2. Broad-Spectrum CBD for Dogs</h3>
<p>Broad-spectrum CBD products contain the full range of cannabinoids and compounds in the hemp plant, only leaving out THC.</p>
<p>Broad-spectrum products can still be very effective for dogs. The key downsides are the lack of THC, as well as lack of research into the benefit profile of broad spectrum products.</p>
<p>While the influence of THC is small in the therapeutic effects of hemp, <a href="https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=53912" title="This study looks at the benefits of adding THC to CBD treatments.">research has shown</a> that its presence can encourage the other compounds to integrate and function more effectively with the endocannabinoid system.</p>

<h4>Manufacturing Processes of Broad-Spectrum Hemp Oils</h4>
<p>Broad-spectrum oils are typically run through the same CO<sub>2</sub> extraction as full-spectrum oils, but they undergo additional processing. These steps can include chromatography or distillation to remove THC, and sometimes winterization to remove fats and waxes.</p>
<p>These processes can shed some of the terpenes and beneficial compounds present in full-spectrum hemp.</p>

<h3>3. Isolate CBD for Dogs</h3>
<p>CBD isolate is typically 99% (or more) CBD after extraction. This means all other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and plant compounds are removed.</p>
<p>These products are often the most affordable, but also the least natural and most processed. Isolates are ideal for those who need zero THC content—such as pets that are highly sensitive to plant compounds, on certain medications, or have been advised by a veterinarian to use isolates.</p>

<h4>Manufacturing Processes for Isolate CBD Products</h4>
<p>Isolates go through multiple refinement processes including winterization, filtration, distillation, and crystallization to create a pure isolate. The result is a white, odorless, flavorless powder that is blended in with a carrier oil.</p>

<h2>From Extract to Tincture: Adding a Carrier Oil</h2>
<p>Once the hemp extract is obtained—whether full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate—it’s typically blended with a <a href="https://lolahemp.com/blogs/dog-health/carrier-oils-for-dogs" title="This article discusses the carrier oils used in pet supplements and oils.">carrier oil to create a tincture</a> that’s safe, effective, and easy to dose for pets.</p>
<p>Carrier oils are essential for a few reasons:</p>
<ul>
  <li>They dilute the potency of the extract to ensure accurate dosing</li>
  <li>They improve absorption by helping cannabinoids bind to fat molecules</li>
  <li>They make the tincture more palatable and gentle on the digestive system</li>
</ul>

<h3>MCT Oil (Fractionated Coconut Oil)</h3>
<ul>
  <li>One of the most popular choices</li>
  <li>Easily digestible and highly bioavailable</li>
  <li>Neutral flavor</li>
  <li>Derived from coconut, but stripped of long-chain fats to minimize digestive upset</li>
</ul>

<h3>Hemp Seed Oil</h3>
<ul>
  <li>Comes from hemp seeds, not the cannabinoid-rich parts of the plant</li>
  <li>Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids</li>
  <li>Offers a more natural hemp experience</li>
  <li>Some dogs prefer the nutty taste</li>
</ul>

<h3>Olive Oil</h3>
<ul>
  <li>Occasionally used in pet tinctures</li>
  <li>Familiar taste for dogs and cats</li>
  <li>Contains healthy monounsaturated fats</li>
  <li>Less commonly used due to stronger flavor and slower absorption</li>
</ul>

<h2>Conclusion: What's Your Pet's Best Option?</h2>
<p>The choice you make for your pet depends on their needs and the guidance of your veterinarian. In general, though, a full-spectrum hemp product tends to yield the most positive results for pets. </p>
<p>You should also seek out products made with USDA organic hemp, and shop with companies like Lolahemp that offer third-party lab test results for each of their products. Look over a company's reviews, and even contact them if you have any questions. </p>
<p>There are plenty of options out there, but only a few stand out with excellent manufacturing processes, excellent reviews, and <a href="https://lolahemp.com/pages/reviews" title="This page lists Lolahemp's reviews from customers.">clear results</a>.</p>

<h2 id="faq-hemp-spectrum">Frequently Asked Questions About Full-Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum CBD for Dogs</h2>

<h3>1. What is the main difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD for dogs?</h3>
<p>Full-spectrum CBD includes all naturally occurring cannabinoids, including trace THC (under 0.3%), while broad-spectrum removes THC. Both contain other beneficial compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.</p>

<h3>2. Is full-spectrum CBD safe for dogs?</h3>
<p>Yes. Hemp-derived full-spectrum CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, which is considered safe for pets. However, always choose a product made specifically for animals and follow dosage guidelines.</p>

<h3>3. Which is better for dogs—broad-spectrum or full-spectrum?</h3>
<p>Full-spectrum CBD generally provides stronger overall results because of the entourage effect. However, broad-spectrum may be better for dogs that are extremely sensitive to THC.</p>

<h3>4. What is CBD isolate, and when should it be used?</h3>
<p>CBD isolate is pure CBD with all other cannabinoids and terpenes removed. It’s best for dogs that need zero THC or are highly sensitive to other plant compounds.</p>

<h3>5. Why are carrier oils used in CBD tinctures for dogs?</h3>
<p>Carrier oils dilute the hemp extract for accurate dosing, improve absorption, and make tinctures easier to digest and more palatable for pets.</p>

<h3>6. Can THC harm dogs?</h3>
<p>Yes. THC is toxic to dogs in high amounts. Only hemp-derived products (under 0.3% THC) should ever be used, and never marijuana-derived products.</p>

<h3>7. What should I look for when buying CBD for dogs?</h3>
<p>Look for USDA organic hemp, third-party lab testing, transparent ingredient lists, and reviews from other pet owners. Avoid products without certificates of analysis (COAs).</p>

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Understand Hemp, Marijuana, & THC Content

CBD products for pets should always be hemp-derived, not marijuana-derived.

Hemp and marijuana, the two forms of cannabis on the market, are distinct from one another in terms of their THC content. THC, which is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. In other words, THC is what causes marijuana to be a high-inducing plant in addition to being the source of its legal ambiguity.

This image depicts the difference between hemp and marijuana

Hemp has less than 0.3% THC content, and this is determined by law. Rather than being a species-based or botanical distinction, the distinction between hemp and marijuana is primarily legal. Hemp and marijuana are the same species of plant, grown and bred to have different levels of cannabinoids, most importantly, THC.

This is important for pet owners, because THC is toxic to dogs and cats at levels higher than those in hemp. You should never give your dog marijuana, but giving them weight-based dosages of hemp products can be very beneficial.

The Three Types of Hemp-Derived CBD for Dogs

There are three primary types of CBD products for dogs: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. The differences between these exist in the amount of THC and other cannabinoids that are present in the product, and that influences the manufacturing processes used to create those products.

Each of these tends to provide a different quality of results, so your decision matters. Let's look at each in detail, and discuss which dogs might be best suited for each respective option.

1. Full-Spectrum CBD for Dogs

Full-spectrum CBD products tend to offer the most robust and distinct results for dogs, and they have the cleanest manufacturing processes in general.

Full-spectrum hemp products contain the full range of cannabinoids in the hemp plant. This means they have high CBD content, as well as less than 0.3% THC content. A full-spectrum product also contains the full range of more than 100 known cannabinoids in hemp as well as other compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.

These secondary cannabinoids aren't present in high amounts, but their overall presence influences the dog's cannabinoid system holistically. The culmination of these cannabinoids creates what is known as the "entourage effect," where all of the cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC, function to create a net positive effect.

Manufacturing Processes of Full-Spectrum Hemp Oils

Full-spectrum hemp oils undergo minimal processing in order to retain the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the plant. The process used to extract the plant's compounds is typically cold CO₂ extraction, also known as subcritical or supercritical CO₂ extraction.

This method is clean and solvent-free, leading to high-quality extracts, tinctures, and CBD pet products.

2. Broad-Spectrum CBD for Dogs

Broad-spectrum CBD products contain the full range of cannabinoids and compounds in the hemp plant, only leaving out THC.

Broad-spectrum products can still be very effective for dogs. The key downsides are the lack of THC, as well as lack of research into the benefit profile of broad spectrum products.

While the influence of THC is small in the therapeutic effects of hemp, research has shown that its presence can encourage the other compounds to integrate and function more effectively with the endocannabinoid system.

Manufacturing Processes of Broad-Spectrum Hemp Oils

Broad-spectrum oils are typically run through the same CO₂ extraction as full-spectrum oils, but they undergo additional processing. These steps can include chromatography or distillation to remove THC, and sometimes winterization to remove fats and waxes.

These processes can shed some of the terpenes and beneficial compounds present in full-spectrum hemp.

3. Isolate CBD for Dogs

CBD isolate is typically 99% (or more) CBD after extraction. This means all other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and plant compounds are removed.

These products are often the most affordable, but also the least natural and most processed. Isolates are ideal for those who need zero THC content—such as pets that are highly sensitive to plant compounds, on certain medications, or have been advised by a veterinarian to use isolates.

Manufacturing Processes for Isolate CBD Products

Isolates go through multiple refinement processes including winterization, filtration, distillation, and crystallization to create a pure isolate. The result is a white, odorless, flavorless powder that is blended in with a carrier oil.

From Extract to Tincture: Adding a Carrier Oil

Once the hemp extract is obtained—whether full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate—it’s typically blended with a carrier oil to create a tincture that’s safe, effective, and easy to dose for pets.

Carrier oils are essential for a few reasons:

They dilute the potency of the extract to ensure accurate dosing
They improve absorption by helping cannabinoids bind to fat molecules
They make the tincture more palatable and gentle on the digestive system

MCT Oil (Fractionated Coconut Oil)

One of the most popular choices
Easily digestible and highly bioavailable
Neutral flavor
Derived from coconut, but stripped of long-chain fats to minimize digestive upset

Hemp Seed Oil

Comes from hemp seeds, not the cannabinoid-rich parts of the plant
Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Offers a more natural hemp experience
Some dogs prefer the nutty taste

Olive Oil

Occasionally used in pet tinctures
Familiar taste for dogs and cats
Contains healthy monounsaturated fats
Less commonly used due to stronger flavor and slower absorption

Conclusion: What's Your Pet's Best Option?

The choice you make for your pet depends on their needs and the guidance of your veterinarian. In general, though, a full-spectrum hemp product tends to yield the most positive results for pets.

You should also seek out products made with USDA organic hemp, and shop with companies like Lolahemp that offer third-party lab test results for each of their products. Look over a company's reviews, and even contact them if you have any questions.

There are plenty of options out there, but only a few stand out with excellent manufacturing processes, excellent reviews, and clear results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Full-Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum CBD for Dogs

1. What is the main difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD for dogs?

Full-spectrum CBD includes all naturally occurring cannabinoids, including trace THC (under 0.3%), while broad-spectrum removes THC. Both contain other beneficial compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.

2. Is full-spectrum CBD safe for dogs?

Yes. Hemp-derived full-spectrum CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, which is considered safe for pets. However, always choose a product made specifically for animals and follow dosage guidelines.

3. Which is better for dogs—broad-spectrum or full-spectrum?

Full-spectrum CBD generally provides stronger overall results because of the entourage effect. However, broad-spectrum may be better for dogs that are extremely sensitive to THC.

4. What is CBD isolate, and when should it be used?

CBD isolate is pure CBD with all other cannabinoids and terpenes removed. It’s best for dogs that need zero THC or are highly sensitive to other plant compounds.

5. Why are carrier oils used in CBD tinctures for dogs?

Carrier oils dilute the hemp extract for accurate dosing, improve absorption, and make tinctures easier to digest and more palatable for pets.

6. Can THC harm dogs?

Yes. THC is toxic to dogs in high amounts. Only hemp-derived products (under 0.3% THC) should ever be used, and never marijuana-derived products.

7. What should I look for when buying CBD for dogs?

Look for USDA organic hemp, third-party lab testing, transparent ingredient lists, and reviews from other pet owners. Avoid products without certificates of analysis (COAs).