Human CBD products and hemp products intended for pets should not be treated as interchangeable. Human CBD products contain cannabidiol and are made for people, while products marketed for pets may instead be hemp-based products that don’t contain CBD.
This distinction matters in the UK because CBD-containing products intended for animals are regulated as veterinary medicines rather than ordinary retail pet supplements. The products available from The CBD Flower Shop are hemp-based pet products, including hemp dog treats and a hemp seed oil blend.
In this guide, we explain CBD for humans vs pets, how human CBD products differ from pet hemp products and why it is important to check exactly what a product contains before choosing something for your pet.
At The CBD Flower Shop, explore our range of hemp products for pets, including oils and treats made with hemp-derived ingredients. Order online today with fast delivery, or if you have any questions, contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.
What’s the difference between human CBD products and pet hemp products?
Human CBD products contain cannabidiol, while pet hemp products may instead use ingredients such as hemp seeds, hemp protein or hemp seed oil.
The main differences can include:
- Whether the product contains CBD or non-CBD hemp ingredients
- The type of hemp-derived ingredient used
- The formulation and additional ingredients
- The product format
- The instructions for use
- The intended user or animal
A human CBD oil, for example, may contain a stated concentration of cannabidiol alongside ingredients selected for human consumption. A pet hemp oil may instead contain hemp seed oil and other ingredients without being a CBD oil.
The product name alone doesn’t always tell you which hemp-derived ingredients are included, so the label and ingredient list are important when choosing a product for your pet.
Human CBD products vs hemp products for pets
Here are the key differences between human CBD products and the hemp products commonly made for pets:
| Factor | Human CBD products | Hemp products for pets |
|---|---|---|
| Intended user | Humans | The animal stated on the product |
| Common formats | Oils, gummies, capsules, patches and topicals | Hemp oils, biscuits and treats |
| CBD content | Usually states the amount or concentration of CBD | Can contain hemp-derived ingredients without CBD; animal products containing CBD are subject to veterinary medicines rules |
| Ingredients | Chosen for human use | Chosen for the intended pet product |
| Instructions | Human serving or application guidance | Pet-specific feeding or use instructions |
| What to check | CBD strength, extract type and directions | The type of hemp ingredient and full ingredient list |
The main point for many pet owners is that hemp does not automatically mean CBD. A hemp oil or treat made for pets may use hemp seed oil, hemp protein or other hemp-derived ingredients without containing cannabidiol.
Checking the ingredient list and product instructions is therefore more useful than relying on broad terms such as “pet CBD”, “hemp”, “oil” or “treats” alone.
For pet-focused hemp options, explore Dog Hemp Biscuit Treats and The Original Alternative Pet Hemp Oil.
Why you shouldn’t give human CBD products to pets
Human CBD products are made and labelled for people, not animals. Pet owners should not give them to a dog, cat or other animal themselves, as the formulation, concentration and ingredients may not be appropriate for that animal.
Human CBD products are made for people
CBD oils and other CBD products made for humans are formulated, labelled and supplied for human use. Their ingredients, concentration and directions are not intended to tell pet owners what would be suitable for a dog, cat or other animal.
For that reason, pet owners shouldn’t try to calculate a CBD dosage by adjusting a human serving according to their pet’s body weight. Whether CBD is appropriate for an individual animal, and how much may be suitable, can depend on factors such as species, health, other medications and the specific product. These are considerations for a vet.
Other ingredients may not be suitable for pets
Human CBD products can contain more than cannabidiol. Depending on the product, they may include carrier oils, flavourings, botanical ingredients, essential oils or other additives chosen for human use.
An ingredient suitable for people should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for a dog, cat, or another animal. This is another reason not to use a human CBD product for a pet without veterinary guidance.
Animals may respond differently
CBD is being researched in relation to biological systems found in both humans and animals, including the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors.
However, similarities in these physiological processes don’t mean that people, dogs, cats and other animals respond to CBD in the same way. Reported adverse effects in animal studies have included gastrointestinal upset and sedation, while the longer-term safety of CBD in pets is still being studied.
CBD may also interact with other medications. Species, body weight, existing health concerns and prescription medicines can therefore all be relevant when a vet considers whether CBD is appropriate for an individual animal.
What should pet owners look for in a hemp product?
Whether you’re choosing hemp treats or a hemp oil, start by checking exactly what the product contains and how it’s intended to be used.
Look for:
- A complete ingredient list
- Clear feeding or use instructions
- Information about the type of hemp ingredient
- The animal the product is intended for
- Recommended serving information
- Storage instructions
- Manufacturer information
- Appropriate product testing
- Clear warnings or precautions
You should also buy from reputable companies and check the individual product instructions carefully.
If your pet has an existing health issue or is taking prescription medication, speak to your vet before introducing a new supplement or other product. Natural ingredients can still cause adverse effects or be unsuitable for an individual animal.
What if you’re considering CBD for your pet?
The hemp-based pet products discussed above do not necessarily contain CBD. If you’re specifically considering CBD for a dog, cat or another animal, speak to your vet first.
Veterinary advice is particularly important if your pet:
- Takes prescription medication
- Has an existing health condition
- Is showing new or unexplained symptoms
- Has previously reacted badly to a product
You shouldn’t try to calculate how much CBD to give an animal by reducing a human serving based on body weight. CBD may also interact with other medications, so your vet should know what your pet is already taking before considering its use.
CBD for animals is also regulated in the UK. Products containing CBD for animal use fall under veterinary medicines rules, and currently no CBD products are authorised specifically for veterinary use in the UK.
Summary: CBD for humans vs pets
The key difference when comparing CBD for humans vs pets is that human CBD products and hemp products made for pets are not the same type of product.
Human CBD products contain cannabidiol and are formulated for human use. Pet hemp products may instead use ingredients such as hemp seed oil, hemp protein or other hemp-derived ingredients without containing CBD. This is why it is important to check exactly what a pet product contains rather than assume that “hemp” means CBD.
Human CBD products should not be adapted for pets by reducing the serving or choosing a lower strength. Their formulation, concentration, ingredients and instructions are intended for people, and animals can respond differently.
If you’re considering CBD specifically for your pet, speak to a vet. In the UK, products containing CBD for animal use fall under veterinary medicines rules.
When choosing a hemp product for your pet, check the ingredient list, feeding or use instructions and the animal the product is intended for.
Buy hemp products for pets from The CBD Flower Shop
At The CBD Flower Shop, our pet range includes hemp-based products made specifically for animals, including dog treats and hemp oil.
If you’re unsure which product suits your pet, review the individual product information carefully and speak to your vet.
If you have any questions about our products, please get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
No. You shouldn’t give your dog a human CBD product. Human CBD oils are made for people, not animals. If you’re considering CBD for your dog, speak to a vet.
No. Hemp products for pets may use ingredients such as hemp seed oil, hemp protein or hemp seeds without containing CBD. In the UK, products intended for animals that do contain CBD fall under veterinary medicines rules.
Not usually. Most hemp pet treats are made with hemp seed ingredients, which aren’t a meaningful source of CBD. To check, look at the ingredient list and product information.
