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
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 tetrahydrocannabidinol, 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 it's legal ambiguity.
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 processes 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 cold CO2 extraction, just like full-spectrum oils, but they go through some additional processing. These additional measures can include chromatography or distillation to strip out THC, as well as potential 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 it goes through it's extraction process. This means that it has all other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and plant compounds removed.
These products are often the most affordable, but also the least natural and most processed. These are the perfect products for anyone who is extremely cautious about THC content, or a pet who is highly allergic to reactions from plant compounds, on certain medications, or has been advised by their 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
Here are the most common carrier oils used in pet CBD products:
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 one 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.
