CBD Oil for Horses: benefits and dosing
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CBD is a non-psychoactive hemp compound that promotes an overall sense of wellness in horses without the high or intoxication associated with marijuana.
Contents:
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In considering CBD for their equine partners, owners should choose purely THC-free, third-party lab-tested CBD products for equine safety and compliance with US competition rules.
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CBD has been shown to relieve joint discomfort, stress, and inflammation, improve digestion and general well-being in horses.
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Adjust the dosage and administration style, using oils or pellets, to accommodate each horse’s size and individual needs. Go low and go slow in finding a dose!
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As with all wellness practices, closely observe your horse for any negative effects or abnormalities. Always consult with your veterinarian before using CBD for the first time or changing dosages!
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Keep alert to USEF and FEI rules regarding CBD so you don’t run the risk of disqualification in USEF or FEI competitive events throughout the United States.
CBD for horses refers to the use of cannabidiol, a plant-derived compound derived from hemp, to promote overall health and wellness in horses. Many horse owners in the United States use CBD to help with stress, pain, and joint problems in their animals.
To comply with legal requirements, the hemp it contains must have less than 0.3% THC. Best CBD for horses includes CBD oils, pellets, and treats, which are popular selections that easily integrate into your horse’s regular feed.
Horse owners are typically interested in products that are lab-tested, clean and safe to ensure their horses are receiving the best care. As vets and riders continue to discuss their experiences with CBD, enthusiasm continues to build.
The central part of this guide focuses on CBD’s mechanism of action, safety, and what you should know before using it.
What Is CBD Exactly?
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from industrial hemp plants, and used as a health supplement for horses. CBD is short for cannabidiol. CBD is non-intoxicating.
CBD does not cause the high and mind-altering effects that THC does. They usually remove it from hemp with carbon dioxide or organic ethanol. These extraction methods ensure the compound remains pure and potent!
For horses, CBD can be found in oil, powder, or pellet form. These can be ingested through mixing with feed or used topically, based on purpose.
How does CBD work in horses
CBD works by connecting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in horses. This system plays an essential role in regulating homeostasis throughout the body—mood, pain perception, inflammation.
When CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors to start regulating functions within the ECS, it can maintain and restore homeostasis. Other studies and reports show that doses as low as 0.5 mg/kg BID can reduce anxiety in horses.
They even claim that this dosage can minimize inflammation. The correct dose can vary greatly between horses and more research is still necessary.
CBD vs. THC: No High
CBD vs THC: No High Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating. THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis.
CBD is safe for horses because it does not produce these psychoactive effects. This is why the law here in Europe and in the US restricts THC in hemp-derived products to a mere 0.3%.
Horse owners should be looking for CBD products that have been third-party tested to ensure they do not contain THC. This is to ensure that the supplement is safe and legal.
How CBD Interacts with Horses
How CBD Works with Horses CBD provides powerful support to horses by interacting with their ECS.
Why the endocannabinoid system matters This system is essential to health—it regulates stress, pain, and immune response.
By interacting with specific receptors throughout the ECS, CBD can assist with making horses feel calm, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation.
Why It’s Gaining Popularity
Today, more horse owners throughout Europe are searching for natural, healthier alternatives for their horses. Thousands of CBD consumers speak about their experiences when using CBD from brands such as Cibdol for conditions such as pain, stress or swelling.
These anecdotal tales, combined with preliminary research, fuel CBD’s increasing popularity in the equine community.
Your Horse's Natural CBD System
Horses, just like humans, have a natural system within their bodies known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This body-wide system is crucial for regulating everything from your horse’s pain response and mood to their ability to manage stress.
At Cibdol, we believe that the ECS is integral to a horse’s health and well-being. Learning how the ECS functions will better inform you on how CBD can benefit your horse. This information can be invaluable to your strategy!
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Role
Your horse’s ECS consists of unique structures called receptors (CB1 and CB2) and substances called endocannabinoids. CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and nervous system.
On the other hand, CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and peripheral tissues. Together, they help regulate processes such as pain, memory, and mood.
When your horse experiences stress, whether that’s from travel or a change in routine, their ECS springs into action. This system regulates the body’s reaction and helps maintain homeostasis. Your horse relies on the ECS every day to help them cope with changes and stay healthy despite the challenges of life.
How CBD Supports ECS Function
CBD, a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant, enhances ECS function by interacting with these receptors. It doesn’t get horses high.
Rather, it provides a boost to ECS function by enhancing the effectiveness of natural endocannabinoids. So, for instance, if your horse is sore after an extensive ride, CBD can work to soothe those inflammatory messages.
Much of how CBD works with the ECS is still being researched. Preliminary findings indicate that it may assist in keeping a horse’s natural balance within an acceptable range.
Therapeutic Mechanisms Unveiled
CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects extend far into the horse’s tissues. It can potentially reduce pain and inflammation, two symptoms often associated with joint disease or dermatoses (skin conditions).
Research indicates CBD may reduce feelings of anxiousness and promote better sleep. As CBD is metabolized in the horse’s gut and liver, the effects may last for several days.
This allows for easier daily use to be administered!
Key CBD Benefits for Your Horse
CBD has real potential as a natural aid for all horses. As the trend continues, many owners are looking for more natural, plant-based alternatives to keep their horse at their best. Cibdol’s unrivalled quality CBD is crafted using Swiss precision and natural purity.
Scientific research on CBD for horses is relatively new. What the research has found so far, and what users are reporting anecdotally, points to several key benefits, particularly for joint comfort, calmness, inflammation, digestion, and overall wellness.
1. Easing Joint Discomfort Naturally
Stiffness, discomfort, and other joint-related issues are common in older horses or in equines who engage in daily work. CBD’s well-documented anti-inflammatory effects, observed in multiple animal studies, help CBD stand out as a powerful joint health treatment to naturally ease this discomfort.
In one in vivo study, aged horses treated with CBD experienced an immediate reduction in inflammatory cytokines. For horses suffering from arthritis or laminitis, thousands of horse owners have seen improvement in their horse’s movements and minimization of pain after introducing CBD.
The relief is completely natural and free of harsh, irritating chemicals, providing long-lasting joint health care.
2. Promoting Calmness and Focus
Horses can become stressed when traveling, at shows, or during thunderstorms. CBD’s anxiolytic and antidepressant effects can benefit stressed horses, allowing them to calm down and focus.
Horse owners report calmer, more focused behavior and overall better performance for horses that are anxious or frequently lose focus. One documented case even experienced a reduction in crib-biting and wind-sucking, indicating that CBD has the ability to help alleviate such behavioral issues.
3. Supporting Healthy Inflammation Response
Inflammation can be the body’s best friend and worst enemy. By allowing the body to respond appropriately, it reduces the risk of lasting harm.
Its scientifically proven reduction in inflammatory proteins is powerful enough on its own to consider it smart, daily support.
4. Aiding Digestive Tract Health
Digestive problems are a major concern, ranging from simple gas pain to colic. CBD can calm the gut, making it great for horses with sensitive stomachs.
Many owners report less digestive discomfort and improved appetites with consistent use.
5. Enhancing Overall Well-being
Owners report that horses taking CBD have improved disposition, increased appetite, and more even energy levels. It appears to be well-tolerated with daily use, including in older animals, and no adverse effects have been observed in studies.
Whether your horse is dealing with chronic pain, significant stress, or natural age-related changes, CBD from Cibdol offers the support they need to remain healthy and active.
Choosing Quality CBD
Finding the right CBD for horses takes more than reading the label. Like all animals, horses deserve safe, clean, effective products. Because owners want to know the benefits of CBD and what’s actually in each bottle. Pay attention to the type of CBD used.
Beyond the ingredients, pay attention to both how it’s made and if the brand puts its name where its product is.
Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, or Isolate?
Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, or Isolate? Full-spectrum means it contains CBD, trace amounts of other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils. It provides horses with a wider array of beneficial plant compounds, which has been shown to support greater calm and comfort.
Broad-spectrum removes most of these extras but retains the THC. Isolate means it’s only CBD—no other cannabinoids. What does full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate mean, anyway? If you want the full plant effect, full-spectrum is ideal.
Isolate is best for consumers seeking purely CBD. Rest assured that in Europe, hemp-derived CBD has to contain less than 0.3% THC, which ensures your horse’s safety.
Importance of Lab Testing Proof
The importance of third-party lab tests cannot be overstated. These laboratory tests confirm the exact CBD content in the product and for the presence of harmful pesticides, heavy metals, or THC. Reputable brands such as Cibdol will always provide their lab results, preventing you from wondering what exactly your horse is receiving.
At very least, clear lab reports should guide you to the appropriate dosage. Dosages of 25-50 mg for minis and up to 200 mg for large breeds are appropriate.
Giving CBD: Dosage & Methods
CBD use for horses is becoming increasingly popular throughout Europe. Providing the proper dosage and dosing method is still crucial to ensuring safety and maximizing efficacy. Horse owners have a variety of options to give CBD, with oils and pellets topping the market. Each method has advantages, and choosing the appropriate one can benefit both horse and handler.
Finding Your Horse's Ideal Dose
Finding the right dose begins with understanding your horse’s weight and overall health. To illustrate, a 500kg horse at 0.5 mg/kg would require 250mg CBD. Clinical studies in thoroughbreds indicate doses ranging from 0.5–2 mg/kg PO are well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
Even so, only 10% of oral CBD is absorbed. With this in mind, beginning low is the best approach— administer a small dose, observe for any changes, and gradually increase until the desired effects are reached. Chronic crib-biting in a 22-year-old mare responded completely. This was successful with a treatment of 0.5 mg/kg BID x 4 wks, demonstrating potential for behavioral support.
CBD Oils, Pellets, or Powders?
Oils and pellets have unique and important uses. Oils provide the most precise dosing and easily integrate into feed, but many horses find the flavor objectionable. Pellets are easier to administer and cover flavor more effectively, making them ideal for finicky eaters.
Pellets are easy to integrate into grain but may sink to the bottom, complicating dose control.
Tips for Easy Administration
Combine CBD oil with applesauce or molasses, or administer pellets as a reward. Incorporating CBD into regular feed or treats can go a long way with picky eaters. The more consistent the timing and amount, the easier compliance is.
Monitoring Your Horse's Response
Monitor your horse for any changes in mood, appetite, or movement. Mild transient liver enzyme changes and hypocalcemia have been observed, both of which normalized within days. Log your horse’s responses so you can alter the dose or method of administration to achieve optimal results.
Is CBD Safe for My Horse?
Horse owners in Europe need reliable, trustworthy information about the safety and efficacy of CBD. Safety, as we all know, is a primary industry concern. Cibdol understands that quality, science, and care are of utmost importance.
Until more research can be done, recent studies do indicate that CBD is safe for horses at low doses. For instance, geriatric and adult horses were administered single oral doses or daily doses between 0.35 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg. They reported no side effects from these amounts.
A six-week trial at doses of 0.5 or 1.5 mg/kg was sufficient to demonstrate weight gain and stable appetite in the majority of horses tested. Blood tests indicated no alteration in hepatic or renal function at low doses (≤0.13 mg/kg).
Known Benefits vs. Potential Risks
CBD has been shown to have positive effects on stress, discomfort, and mood in horses, similar to those in humans. Notably, many users report improved calmness and appetite.
While instances of these risks are not commonly reported, the potential still exists. Mice and cats both show liver enzyme changes in response to high doses. Potency can vary by product, so remember to look for product labels and third-party lab reports.
Informed, responsible use and quality research is what horse owners should be looking for in order to do right by their horses.
Short-Term and Long-Term Use
Short-term use of CBD for horses is well-tolerated at doses tested. Longer use—weeks or longer—has demonstrated little cause for concern, but periodic monitoring is a sound practice.
Monitor for behavioral changes or abnormalities in bloodwork. As with anything, since each horse is unique, pay close attention to your horse’s response—especially after extended use.
Observing for Adverse Reactions
First, begin with a small amount. Keep an eye out for extreme fatigue, decreased appetite, or gastrointestinal distress. While most horses are well-tolerated, there is still a risk of adverse reaction to CBD.
Continue to be on the lookout for anything unusual, and create a detailed record of your observations.
When to Consult Your Vet
Consult with your vet prior to introducing CBD, particularly if your horse suffers from existing health problems or is on other medications. Only your vet can provide the safest and most effective guidance for achieving optimal results.
CBD Use in US Competitions
CBD’s popularity has been surging across the US equestrian world. Horse owners have quickly embraced CBD as a natural alternative to help with pain, swelling, and stress. Thanks to new laws such as the 2018 Farm Bill, it is now legal! According to this law, CBD that contains no more than 0.3% THC is legal across the United States.
The rules governing CBD use in horse shows remain stringent and convoluted. Many owners want to believe competition groups are naturally cautious. The science is promising, but not finished, and veterinarians advise against it. Rules are different from event to event, forcing riders and trainers to stay constantly on guard.
Navigating USEF and FEI Rules
The policy The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) currently prohibits cannabinoids, including CBD, in competition. The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) has a rule like this as well. For owners, consequences for horses testing positive can include disqualification, fines, and even bans.
Even with reputable products (such as Cibdol), close-to show-time use can be problematic. As advocates for fair play, these organizations impose strict lines. Violating these jurisdictions greatly jeopardizes a horse’s show record and a rider’s USEF career. Understanding the ins and outs is essential before introducing CBD into any routine.
Understanding Detection Times
As we’ve seen, CBD can remain in a horse’s system for several days or even up to a few weeks. This “detection time” is not completely charted. So, it’s difficult to determine how long prior to a show it would be safe to use.
Immediate administration can aid recovery post-injury and post exertional stress, but timing is crucial. Currently, the testing rules are very black and white, with a positive test resulting in an automatic loss regardless of intent.
Responsible Use for Competing Horses
Responsible use of CBD for competing horses goes beyond compliance with the law. It helps protect both the integrity of the sport and the welfare of the horse. Responsible use maintains a level playing field for all competitors.
That is the unknown that owners need to decide on along with the good and the bad, with the horse always coming first.
Partnering with Your Veterinarian
CBD use in horses is still a developing concept in many European equestrian communities. Although increasing numbers of owners are requesting it, the science is not established at this point. Partnering with an experienced veterinary professional is your best and safest first step.
Only a veterinarian can truly understand your horse’s health, habits, and needs. This collaboration can help determine whether CBD, such as that from Cibdol, complements the horse’s lifestyle.
Integrating CBD into Treatment Plans
Most vets today integrate some combination of traditional and alternative care approaches. They might employ acupuncture, herbal blends, or homeopathy—sometimes in conjunction with CBD. During a conversation with their veterinarian, pet owners should feel comfortable introducing the topic of CBD and discussing how it could potentially fit into standard treatments.
To illustrate, let’s say you have a horse with arthritis. Your vet will be best able to advise you on the safest starting dose, which is typically around 25 mg, taken for a week or more. They guide how to use it: in feed, oil, or treats.
If the horse doesn’t demonstrate any difference for the better, many vets recommend gradually increasing the dose to twice that amount. Vets are aware of when to stop CBD. For instance, they advise withdrawing it seven days prior to a competition, as regulations regarding CBD use in sport can be murky.
Vet Perspectives on Equine CBD
There’s a wide range of perspectives among veterinarians about CBD. Supporters claim there’s promise, but advocate for more research. They are guided by cases, by new studies, and by feedback from industry coalitions, such as the AVMA.
Your veterinarian will be able to identify when CBD could interact negatively with other medications, like phenylbutazone. Monitoring for any adverse effects or positive changes is an important part of their job.
Balancing Research and Owner Stories
Many owners have heard positive stories about CBD for horses, but research hasn’t caught up yet. Balancing research with owner stories is essential. Pairing these personal accounts with peer-reviewed, scientific studies helps provide a much clearer picture.
Vets are up to date on CBD information and can help owners understand what we do know and what we need to research further. This will allow owners to make informed, safe decisions.
Conclusion
CBD provides horse owners a novel approach to support health and calm. More than 1.7 million Americans are turning to CBD to calm their horses’ stress and aches. People experience reduced pain, improved sleep, and a general increase in quality of life. By selecting clean, tested CBD, you can make sure that it is safe and simple for horse and rider. Consulting with your veterinarian is always important—especially if your horse is in training or competes. Quality CBD can seamlessly integrate into everyday barn life, whether it’s through top dressings or treats. Always experiment with CBD cautiously and monitor your horse’s response. Horse health and wellness are always changing. So if you want to find the best CBD for your horse, do research on reputable brands and continue to educate yourself. Your equine friend depends on you to make the best choices for them each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBD for horses?
CBD for horses is short for cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating compound derived from hemp plants. It’s being used to help maintain horse health, alleviate stress and discomfort without producing a “high” effect.
Is CBD safe for my horse?
Yes, CBD is safe for your horse when used responsibly. It’s advisable to always select high-quality, lab-tested products and discuss with your veterinarian before beginning any new supplement.
How do I give CBD to my horse?
How do I administer CBD to my horse CBD comes in many forms, including oils, pellets, and treats. To maximize the effects of CBD, we recommend mixing with feed or placing oil directly in the horse’s mouth.
What are the benefits of CBD for horses?
CBD is thought to promote relaxation, increase joint mobility, reduce occasional discomfort, and support overall wellness.
How much CBD should I give my horse?
In general, start low, around 0.1–0.2 mg of CBD per pound of body weight per day. Tweak as necessary and take your lead from your vet!
Can horses compete while using CBD in the U.S.?
Practically all horse competitions in the U.S. Prohibit CBD use. As a reminder, always review your event’s rules and ask your veterinarian before using these products in competition season.
How can I choose a quality CBD product for my horse?
How can I choose a quality CBD product for my horse? Avoid bad CBD actors by looking for brands with reputations for safety and transparency.
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