By now, you have probably heard of CBD for pets and how it might benefit your dog.
Pet Releaf Hemp Health was the first pet CBD (cannabidiol) brand I discovered back in 2016 and I was really impressed by the quality of the product and the owner’s knowledge.
UPDATED: This article was originally published June 2016.
Disclosure 1: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that we earn a small commission when you make a qualifying purchase.
I was provided their hemp CBD oil, and edibles for dogs, called edibites, to try for my Dachshunds.
Since then, the use of CBD in pet products has exploded and we’ve had the chance to try many other brands. But I keep coming back to Pet Releaf again and again.
Below, I will share with you the reasons I love Pet Releaf CBD for dogs so much.
A Brief Introduction to Hemp CBD
Some of you have come to this article after extensively researching CBD and its benefits for dogs.
However, for some of you, this might be one of your first stops so I want to provide a little background.
What is CBD?
CBD is a compound found in Cannabis plants – both marijuana and industrial hemp.
Both types of cannabis contain CBD and THC (the compound that gives people a high) but marijuana has been cultivated to contain high concentrations of THC and very little CBD.
The CBD in dog treats should be derived from industrial hemp, which contains virtually no THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, so CBD dog cookies will not get your dog high.
The scary stories you hear about dogs overdosing on marijuana has nothing to do with CBD products. They are two different things.
Note: CBD can unfavorably interact with drugs like benzodiazepines, such as valium, and SSRIs, such as trazodone, so always check with your veterinarian before giving CBD to your dog if they are on medication.
If you want to know more about what CBD is, where it comes from, and the legality of it in your state, read my previous article Hemp Cookies for Dogs? My Dog is Not a Stoner!
The bottom line of the legality is, because CBD for pets doesn’t contain THC, it’s not considered a controlled substance by the US Drug Enforcement Agency and it’s legal to possess in all 50 states.
For a more scientific explanation, read the article How does CBD Hemp Oil work? From Pet Releaf.
Why I Give CBD to My Dachshunds
My discovery of CBD occurred in the same year my Dachshund Gretel was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD).
Pet Releaf CBD treats helped keep Gretel calm and relaxed during her 10-weeks of crate rest so she didn’t move around too much.
Later, when my first Dachshund Chester developed dementia, he was frequently confused and agitated. I gave him CBD to help him cope with external stresses and promote relaxation.
Today, I give my Dachshunds CBD to:
- Support and promote long-term health
- Help support circulation
- Support their immune system
- Help support joint flexibility and mobility
- Help relieve occasional joint stiffness
- Help them cope with external stresses and promote relaxation
Other potential CBD uses I am keeping in mind for the future include cancer and seizures, just in case either happens to one of my dogs.
Research indicates the CBD may have potential to assist the treatment of cancer.
Studies have also found that CBD shows promise for treating canine epilepsy and seizures.
What Sets Pet Releaf Apart From Other Pet CBD Brands?
There are five primary reasons I think Pet Relief is one of the best CBD brands for pets.
1) Pet Releaf Contains Therapeutic Concentrations of CBD
The use of CBD in pet products has exploded over the years. Once it became popular, and to this day, many brands are using it to cash in.
“Hempwashing”, where, for one example, brands put “hemp” on the label to fool you into thinking the product contains CBD when it actually doesn’t, became a popular marketing technique.
However, Pet Releaf is passionate about creating and making truly healthy hemp-derived CBD pet products with honesty and integrity.
They have done extensive research to make sure their CBD products are pure, authentic, and maintain a high-level of effectiveness.
They even have an in-house veterinarian on staff!
2) Pet Releaf CBD Products Are Superior Quality
Pet Releaf CBD stands apart from many pet CBD products on the market because:
- Pet Releaf contains CBD extracted from the whole hemp plant (often referred to as “full spectrum”) sourced from US-based farms that don’t use pesticides or herbicides
- Uses CBD extracted using the Super Critical CO2 Extraction method to ensure absolutely no toxic solvents compromise the quality of our CBD pet products.
- Pet Releaf Is independently lab tested to confirm consistency and the verify amount of CBD in the product
- All Pet Releaf Hemp Oils, Liposomes, Capsules and Edibites are certified by the National Animal Supplement Council, which ensures the products’ seed to sale traceability and safety of their products. (source)
- Pet Releaf hemp oils are blended with organic coconut oil, or wild alaskan pollock oil (liposome oils), as a carrier so it’s like two supplements in one.
3) Pet Releaf CBD is Effective
Over the years, I’ve tried around a dozen CBD products for pets. And, like I said, I keep coming back to Pet Releaf again and again.
With Pet Releaf CBD, I clearly see a calming effect on my dogs. With some others, I’ve felt like they didn’t do anything.
If Gretel is walking around stiff from a hike, I give her CBD to help her joint health and recovery. I feel like she walks better afterwards.
Since I can see the calming effect on my dog’s outward symptoms, I assume Pet Releaf CBD is also performing its magic in other, internal ways too.
4) The Owners of Pet Releaf Are Friendly and Very Knowledgeable
A lot of thought went into developing the Pet Releaf Hemp Health products.
Before they launched their initial offerings, they spent a year researching, testing, and refining their products, including getting feedback from veterinarians.
Steve, one of the founders of Pet Releaf, enthusiastically agreed to talk to me about CBD and spent almost an hour explaining about the hemp plant, different ways it can be processed, what the research says about CBD and pets, and the legalities of CBD.
And believe me, Steve is a crazy busy guy. The fact that he took time out to talk with me one-on-one says a lot.
5) Pet Relief is Leading the Sustainability Movement in the Pet Industry
Pet Releaf sources their hemp from regenerative organic farms whose goal is to improve land health.
Regenerative farming is a conservation and rehabilitation approach that focuses on topsoil regeneration, increasing biodiversity, improving water cycle, increasing resilience to climate change, and strengthening the health and vitality of farm soil.
With regenerative agriculture, farmers are not just sustaining the current land resource so that it can continue to be used in the future. They are improving what is there, leaving it better for the next generation.
Pet Releaf operates in a sustainable manner throughout every step.
Besides using agricultural resources efficiently, they work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, keep our water sources clean, and minimize packaging material.
The Pet Releaf CBD for Dogs Product Lineup
Pet Releaf Edibites
Pet Releaf Edibites ®, also known as chews or edibles, were created by a professional chef who chooses ingredients to be synergistic and enhance the effectiveness of the CBD.
The treats are made by hand in small batches and are baked slowly at low temperature, followed by a dehydration process to preserve them, so none of the CBD oil evaporates.
The treats come in several different flavors: blueberry-cranberry, peanut butter-carob, peanut butter-banana, sweet potato pie, peppered bacon, and pizza.
Pet Releaf started with one type of CBD dog treat but have recently expanded their product line to address different concerns.
There are now 4 different types of Pet Releaf Edibites for dogs.
Daily Releaf Edibites
Daily Releaf Edibites are their general CBD treats that are designed to do a little of everything – from supporting mobility to calming to digestion and sensitive skin – to keep your pet happy and healthy.
These treats contain only their proprietary CBD.
The limited edition Barking Dog Collection, featuring artwork from Keith Haring on the package, are pizza flavored.
Stress Releaf Edibites
In addition to CBD, Stress Releaf Edibites contain organic baobab and chamomile to help enhance the calming effect of CBD.
If your primary focus is helping your pet stay calm, cool, and collected when you leave for work, during fireworks or thunderstorms, during travel, or when guests come to visit, these are the ones to choose.
Digestive Releaf Edibites
In addition to CBD, Digestive Releaf Edibites contain marshmallow root and ginger to promote a healthy digestive tract and address and occasional gastric distress.
If your dog occasionally experiences an upset tummy and bloating, these chews may help support digestive tract health.
Hip and Joint Releaf Edibites
In addition to CBD, Hip & Joint Releaf Edibites contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and noni to promote healthy hips and joints.
If your dog experiences occasional hip and joint discomfort due to normal daily exercise and activity, these chews can help maintain healthy joints and connective tissue.
Pet Releaf Hemp Oils
As with the CBD chews, Pet Releaf initially launched one kind of CBD Hemp Oil.
There are now 4 different types of Pet Releaf hemp oils for dogs.
Please pay close attention here because even though most of these oils have the same names as the Edibites (for example, there is a “hip and joint releaf” in each line), they contain slightly different ingredients (but those different ingredients do help achieve a similar result).
Daily Releaf Hemp Oil
As with the Daily Releaf Edibites above, the only active ingredient in Daily Releaf Hemp Oil is CBD (suspended in organic coconut oil).
It is intended as a one-stop shop for general wellness and longevity, supporting mobility, calming, digestion, and sensitive skin.
Stress Releaf Hemp Oil
In addition to CBD and organic coconut oil, Stress Releaf Hemp Oil contains organic Ashwagandha.
If your primary focus is helping your pet stay calm, cool, and collected when you leave for work, during fireworks or thunderstorms, during travel, or when guests come to visit, this oil is a great choice.
Hip and Joint Releaf Hemp Oil
In addition to CBD and organic coconut oil, Hip & Joint Releaf Hemp Oil contains organic devils claw powder.
This oil is specifically designed to promote mobility, and manage hip and joint discomfort, so your dog can keep fetching, hiking, swimming and enjoying zoomies.
Liposome Hemp Oil
Pet Releaf Liposome Hemp Oil uses sustainably sourced wild Alaskan pollock oil as the carrier oil for the full spectrum hemp extract (CBD) instead of organic coconut oil.
The pollock oil may be more satisfying to a picky pet’s taste buds and has the added benefit of delivering essential Omega 3 fatty acids, in addition to the CBD, for their overall wellness
As with the Daily Releaf, the liposome oil is intended as a one-stop shop for general wellness and longevity, supporting mobility, calming, digestion, and sensitive skin.
Other CBD Products From Pet Releaf
SENTESA Tri-Active Capsules
SENTESA, a patent pending formulation, was developed specifically for Pet Releaf by a world renowned Scientist and is a revolutionary TriActive supplement for Dogs.
SENTESA Tri-Active Capsules are a combination of BetaCaryophyllene, Caprylic Acid, and Full Spectrum Hemp Extract creates a synergistic effect in your pet’s body to:
- Support their Immune system
- Enhance bone health
- Support healthy brain activity
- Provide increased happiness, energy, mobility, and calming
The capsules contain a powder. You can place the whole capsule in your pet’s food dish or open it to sprinkle on food if you need to deliver a smaller dose and/or need to make it harder for your pet to spit out.
Skin and Paw Releaf
Skin and Paw Releaf is a soothing topical balm specifically designed to help pets cope with skin irritation like itchiness, irritation, and allergies ,bug bites, and salty, snowy paws.
You can apply it directly on your dog’s skin and paws throughout the day as needed to promote a normal inflammatory response and maintain the normal moisture content of the skin.
You can also massage it on your dog’s ears to promote calmness.
Should I Choose Edibles or Hemp Oil For My Pet?
Whether you choose CBD edibles or CBD Hemp Oil depends on a few things.
How You Want To Administer the CBD
The primary consideration is the method of administration that your pet would prefer.
Hemp Oils can be dropped directly into your pet’s mouth (many pets will willingly lick it) and it offers a more precise dose.
Edibites offer a convenient way to administer CBD when away from home because it’s easier to carry and administer a “dog treat” vs a bottle of oil.
Both the treats and oil can be added to your dog’s food dish at meal time. (and so can the Sentesa capsules)
Which Supplemental Ingredient You Prefer
You probably noted that for each line of chew or oil, the two contain slightly different ingredients.
For example, the Stress Releaf Edibites contain organic baobab and chamomile in addition to CBD where the Stress Releaf Hemp Oil contains Ashwagandha as the additional ingredient.
Even though the ingredients differ, they all enhance the CBD in a similar way.
However, if you have personal experience with herbal supplements, you may prefer one to the other.
The Size of Your Dog
The Hemp Oil is a more concentrated form of CBD.
For a small dog, they may only need ½-1 CBD chews 1-2 times daily to be effective. That is not many additional calories to their diet and a bag of Edibites may last you an entire month.
However, if you have a very large dog, the dosage for the treats may call for several given multiple times a day.
Not only does this add significant calories to your dog’s diet, it can get expensive when you are blowing through one bag of treats every week (or less).
Whether You are Addressing Occasional or Chronic Issues
The Hemp Oils contain a more concentrated form of CBD so they may be a better choice for pets with more chronic issues.
Final Thoughts
Pet Releaf is one of the highest-quality CBD products we’ve tried (we have tried many) and I love how environmentally conscious they are.
I regularly give Pet Releaf CBD to my Dachshunds to:
- Help support and promote long-term health
- Help maintain joint flexibility and mobility
- Help my dogs cope with external stresses and promote relaxation
Pet Releaf may help your dog too.
If you want to try it, you can get 20% off your first Pet Releaf order by clicking this link.
Disclosure 2: I have been partnering with Pet Releaf to share their products with you for years. We have occasionally received compensation for our efforts (but also purchased their products). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Comments
Post a Comment