CBD Chart for Dogs: How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog?
If you’ve decided to try CBD for dogs, you're in good company! Maybe your dog is stressed by loud noises or you have an upcoming trip. Or perhaps your dog is getting up there in age and is starting to move a little more slowly.
Pet Releaf CBD is trusted by thousands of pet parents for its potential to promote overall health and wellness in pets, but you’re probably wondering: how much CBD should you give your dog? You don’t want to waste product, and giving your dog the right amount is key to best results. Like Goldilocks searching for the perfect fit, you want to find the ideal CBD concentration that’s just right for your pup's needs.
Before we dive into how much CBD for dogs you should give, it's important to understand why you might want to offer it in the first place. CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant, not marijuana, and contains a variety of beneficial plant compounds, including terpenes. These compounds work together to support your dog's well-being.
Dogs, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) as part of their central nervous system. The ECS helps maintain balance within the body, regulating various functions. When you give your dog CBD, it binds to the receptors in the ECS, helping it maintain proper function and balance.
The right amount of CBD for dogs is the amount that supports their ECS without overwhelming it. Typically, this means the CBD will remain effective for up to 9 hours, providing consistent support for your dog’s overall health and wellness.
When it comes to CBD usage for dogs, a good general guideline to start with is 1-2 mg for every 10 pounds of weight. But, the right CBD oil dosage for dogs can depend on several factors.
CBD Chart for Dogs: Which Pet Releaf Product and Strength?
Every Pet Releaf product is sized by your dog’s weight. Choose the bottle or bag labeled for your dog’s weight, then follow the daily amount on the label. A higher-strength bottle doesn’t mean a stronger effect; it lets larger dogs get their amount in a smaller serving.
CBD oil strength by dog weight
| Dog weight | Daily Releaf CBD Oil | Ultra Releaf Liposomes CBD Oil |
|---|---|---|
| 1-25 lbs | 100 mg bottle | 100 mg bottle |
| 26-50 lbs | 200 mg bottle | 300 mg bottle |
| 51-75 lbs | 500 mg bottle | 300 mg bottle |
| 76+ lbs | 750 mg bottle | 600 mg bottle |
Stress Releaf and Hip & Joint Releaf CBD oils come in 300 mg and 600 mg bottles. The 300 mg bottles start at 0.75 mL per day for dogs 1-25 lbs, and the 600 mg bottles start at 0.5 mL per day for dogs 26-50 lbs. Each label lists the full amounts by weight.
CBD chews (Edibites) by dog weight
| Bag | Dog weight | Chews per day |
|---|---|---|
| Small-dog bags (3 mg CBD per chew) | Up to 30 lbs | 1-2 |
| Small-dog bags (3 mg CBD per chew) | 31-60 lbs | 2-3 |
| Large-dog bags (6 mg CBD per chew) | 40-50 lbs | 1-2 |
| Large-dog bags (6 mg CBD per chew) | 51-65 lbs | 2-3 |
| Large-dog bags (6 mg CBD per chew) | 66-100 lbs | 3-4 |
| Large-dog bags (6 mg CBD per chew) | 101-150 lbs | 4-5 |
Split the daily amount between morning and evening, start at the low end, and adjust gradually. If you have any questions about which product or amount fits your dog, please reach out to us or take the product finder quiz.
Things to Think About When Giving Your Dog CBD
While the guidelines above are a good place to start, there are several other factors when it comes to choosing the right amount of CBD to give your pet. As every pet is different, guidelines are simply starting recommendations based on your pet’s weight. If you do not see the desired results after consistent administration, you may need to adjust the amount given based on your pet’s specific needs.
1. How are you giving your dog CBD?
a. CBD oil
CBD for pets comes in many different forms. There is the classic hemp oil, capsules with hemp oil in them, treats or edibles, powders, and topicals. A topical is a cream or lotion that is put on the skin.
CBD oils are the most efficient way to give your dog CBD. A CBD oil will offer the most bioavailability compared to other forms. Another benefit of CBD oil for dogs is that depending on the potency, you will need less of it compared to other types to get the desired effects, which makes this the most wallet-friendly option. How much CBD oil to give your dog depends on your dog’s weight and the recommendations on the product.
A downside to hemp oil is that it has a distinctive taste. It’s possible your dog might not like the way it tastes, which could make administering difficult. Many hemp oils incorporate a mixing agent like coconut oil or fish oil, so it’s always dependent on your pet’s taste preferences.
b. Chews
You can bypass the taste issue a couple of ways. One of the easiest is by using edible CBD, or chews. CBD dog treats are not real dog treats but are supplements, with a pre-measured amount of CBD in each chew.
However, unlike CBD oil, which will start being absorbed through your dog’s mouth, supplement chews have to be digested before the CBD will be absorbed into your dog’s system. This makes them slower acting than oil.
c. Capsules and powders
CBD capsules and powders offer a fixed amount and are very reliable as far as the effects they produce. Powders can be mixed into your dog’s food, which makes them easy to give to picky pups. Sentesa Advanced & Senior Releaf is a powder formulated for mature and senior dogs; see the product page for serving sizes by weight.
d. Topical creams
Topicals support surface-level skin care and are an option for dogs who won’t take oil or chews. You can apply them to clean, dry paws, noses, and other areas of skin that need moisture support; just be sure to avoid the eyes.
2. What are your goals for your dog?
This comes down to what your goals are for your pet. If your dog is relatively healthy and you’re looking for everyday wellness support, she’ll likely do well at the low end of the label range. If you’re looking for more targeted support, you may work up toward the higher end of the range as you monitor how your dog responds. If your dog has a health condition or takes medication, talk with your veterinarian first.
CBD Amounts by the Size of Your Dog
Wondering, “how much CBD oil should I give my dog?” Here’s which Pet Releaf product size fits each dog. Follow the label for the exact daily amount.
1. Small dogs (1-25 lbs)
Daily Releaf CBD Oil 100 mg, Ultra Releaf Liposomes 100 mg, or Stress Releaf or Hip & Joint Releaf 300 mg. For chews, choose small-dog Edibites (3 mg per chew) and give 1-2 chews a day.
2. Medium dogs (26-50 lbs)
Daily Releaf CBD Oil 200 mg, Ultra Releaf Liposomes 300 mg, or Stress Releaf or Hip & Joint Releaf 600 mg (starting at 0.5 mL per day). For chews, give 2-3 small-dog Edibites a day for dogs over 30 lbs, or 1-2 large-dog Edibites for dogs 40-50 lbs.
3. Large dogs (51-75 lbs)
Daily Releaf CBD Oil 500 mg or Ultra Releaf Liposomes 300 mg. For chews, choose large-dog Edibites (6 mg per chew): 2-3 a day for 51-65 lbs, or 3-4 a day above 65 lbs.
4. Extra large dogs (76+ lbs)
Daily Releaf CBD Oil 750 mg or Ultra Releaf Liposomes 600 mg. For chews, give 3-4 large-dog Edibites a day up to 100 lbs, or 4-5 a day for 101-150 lbs.
CBD Usage FAQ’s
1. How long will CBD stay in my dog’s system?
CBD stays in your dog’s system for about 9 hours. This is why most brands recommend splitting the amount between the morning and evening.
2. Is it possible to give my dog too much CBD?
Yes, you might read a label wrong and give your dog too much CBD. Or maybe your mischievous pooch knocked the bottle over and lapped it up. Studies have shown that CBD is well tolerated by dogs, even at high amounts. Since CBD only stays in your dog’s system for about 9 hours, it will work its way through your dog’s body relatively quickly. They will likely be very drowsy, or possibly have some stomach upset. If your dog eats a large amount, such as a whole bottle, contact your veterinarian. If you’re following the label’s instructions carefully, you should be giving your pet the right amount.
It’s also important to carefully review the ingredients in the product to ensure that your dog is not sensitive to any of them.
3. How do I know if the CBD is working?
It might take a few days or weeks to see the full benefits of CBD in your pet. It’s also possible the improvement might happen so gradually that you won’t notice for a while. But, you’ll know the CBD is working when you start to see a positive difference in your dog’s behavior and overall wellness.
4. How long does it take for the CBD to start working?
Depending on the dog and the amount given, you may notice it taking effect about an hour after giving your dog CBD. For daily support, many pet parents notice a difference within the first week, while others see changes over two to four weeks of consistent use.
5. Are there any risks to giving my dog CBD?
Hemp-derived CBD is generally well tolerated by dogs when given as directed. The most commonly reported side effects are mild drowsiness or loose stools, usually when a dog gets more than the recommended amount. If your dog is on medication, talk to your vet first.
6. Can I give my dog CBD every day?
Yes. Pet Releaf CBD is designed to be given daily, split between morning and evening. How much CBD to give your dog depends on the product and your dog’s weight, so follow the label.
Pet Releaf CBD for Dogs
Made with USDA Certified Organic full spectrum hemp extract, Pet Releaf’s pet CBD sets the gold standard for their industry. Pet Releaf is proud to have helped over 3.5 million pets on their CBD health journey! Many of their products carry two certifications: USDA Organic and the National Animal Supplement Council. Pet Releaf’s products are third-party tested to make sure that what’s in the bottles matches what’s on the label. Shop CBD for dogs that you can trust.
