The benefits of CBD for your dog can only happen when the right amount is absorbed, and the way you give the CBD to your dog will impact your dog's ability to absorb enough.  That's where the differences with tinctures, gummies, chews, and mixing it in with food come into play. 

Each has a benefit like making it easier to get your dog to take the CBD, and each has different levels of absorption.

Kibble for example is harder to digest than wet food as the body has to break it down to absorb it, and this isn't CBD specific as this study tests kibble vs fresh foods like chicken.  The tiny chunks passing through the dog's system will be harder for the small intestines to absorb nutrients from compared to wet food which begins breaking down more quickly in the stomach, and the moisture in wet foods makes it easier for your dog's body to extract the nutrients.

This same concept applies to CBD, but unlike foods which need to break down through chewing and the stomach, CBD can be absorbed in the mouth through your dog’s mucus membranes, topically through the skin, and through their gastrointestinal tract just like their food. 

So which way is best way to get your dog to take it?  That’s up to how easy it is to get your dog to take the CBD and get the required amount.  Here’s the common ways to get CBD to your dog with the pros and cons.

Direct Through Tinctures

The most effective way to get CBD into your dog for treatment whether it is anxiety, pain, or other ailments is a tincture (also commonly known as a CBD oil).  The minute the tincture hits their mouth, their body goes to work absorbing the oil into their system.  Once your dog swallows, anything the mucus membranes didn’t get, the intestines will begin to try and extract.

The benefits are the absorption levels so you can help ensure all of the oil is taken.  The downside to a tincture is that your dog may start salivating if they hate the taste, or it makes them nervous to take the droplets.  This can cause some of the CBD oil to not make it into their bodies.

Dry treats

There are no shortage of CBD treats out there, and dogs love that crispy, crunchy, chew.  When they hear the treat container open, its party time for puppers! 

But just like dry food, chews and treats need to crumble and break down to small enough pieces so the gastrointestinal systems can absorb the benefits.  And if tiny pieces fall out as they’re chewing excitedly, some of the medicine won’t make it in.

Wet Treats, Gummies, and Chews

Wet treats have the same benefit as the dry ones, but they’re easier to swallow and may break down better in the stomach for a stronger absorption in the intestines.  There’s probably less of a chance that small chunks will fall out, so that’s a small added bonus.

Dog chews and wet treats need binding agents, and this could be a negative.  Binding agents can include gelatin, collagen, starch, and glycerin.  Not all binding agents are good for all dogs. 

Glycerin can cause stomach problems like nausea and vomiting for dogs with sensitive stomachs, so read the ingredients before trying wet treats and chews to make sure they are safe based on your dog's needs, and always talk to their vet first.

Glycerin in particular may also be bad for dogs with diabetes as this study shows since it is a sugar alcohol.  But for most K9s it is a safe and sweet treat.

Wet food

You can always try placing the CBD oil onto your dogs wet food.  This is likely better than dry food because it is easier to break down, but the oils may slip to the bottom of the bowl, or your dog may not eat the entire portion, especially if they’re seniors and not always hungry.

The pros are the ease of hiding the flavors and scents into something your dog already loves and looks forward to.  The downside of CBD on wet food is it might not get eaten completely.  And it is competing for absorption with the nutrients from the wet food.

Dry food

The nutrients are harder to absorb, and adding CBD oils may actually help the coated pieces to digest better.  So if your dog eats the entire scoop each time, this could be a great option.  Maybe do a half a scoop at first and place the CBD tincture on top so they’re more likely to eat everything, and then give them the second portion of their meal once the first is gone.

The benefit here is that the CBD is combined into the foods and will get added to their digestive tract naturally, and it is easier to get your dog to take it.  The downside is that dry food is harder to absorb, and there’s a chance a bit less of the CBD will make it into their systems.

Topical Oils and Creams

Topical oils and creams are absorbed directly through their skin so the CBD can reach the bloodstream without having to be digested.  This is great for dogs that are picky eaters, who hate pills and find ways to spit them out, and when tinctures aren’t an option.

The benefits to CBD creams for dogs are the ease of application as you can do a doggie massage and make it part of your bonding time.  The downside is that some dogs hate the feeling of the cream, oil, or ointment and may become agitated or try to lick it off.  And if your dog has sensitive skin, it could irritate it.

Whether it is arthritis, anxiety, seizures, cancer, or just overall well being, the best way to get your dog to take their CBD is the one that makes their lives the least stressful.  If they like treats, give it a try, and the same goes for mixing it into food.  But the best way is through a tincture as it is easiest for their bodies to absorb.