Short answer: Soft CBD dog treats are generally considered safe for most healthy adult dogs when given in small, vet-guided amounts using a product that's third-party lab tested. That said, CBD is not FDA-approved for pets, the research is still early, and it can interact with other medications. Talk to your vet before you start, and treat CBD as a supplement—not a replacement for real veterinary care.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We don't sell CBD, so I don't have a dog in that fight (pun intended). But we get asked about soft CBD treats a lot, usually by owners of older dogs, so here's a straight, no-hype rundown of what they are, what the evidence actually says, and how to buy them without getting burned.
What are soft CBD dog treats?
They're chewy, bite-sized treats infused with cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from hemp. "Soft" just means the texture—they're easy to chew, which is why they're popular with senior dogs or dogs with sensitive teeth. Legitimate pet CBD products contain little to no THC (the compound that makes people high), because THC is toxic to dogs. Always confirm this on the label.
Are soft CBD dog treats safe?
For most healthy adult dogs, small doses appear to be well tolerated. A frequently cited 2018 Cornell University study on dogs with osteoarthritis found CBD oil was generally safe over the short term, with the main side effect being a temporary rise in a liver enzyme (ALP). The most common mild side effects owners report are drowsiness, dry mouth (more drinking), and occasional lowered blood pressure.
The honest caveats matter here:
- CBD isn't FDA-approved for pets. The FDA has not approved CBD for animals and warns that product quality and labeling vary widely.
- It can interact with medications. CBD can affect how the liver processes other drugs, so it's especially important to loop in your vet if your dog is already on medication.
- Long-term data is thin. Most studies are small and short. We simply don't have years of large-scale safety data yet.
- Skip it for pregnant, nursing, or very young dogs unless your vet specifically advises otherwise.
The American Kennel Club and VCA Animal Hospitals both take the same measured line: promising, but talk to your vet and buy carefully.
What do people use soft CBD treats for?
Owners typically reach for them hoping to take the edge off situational anxiety (thunderstorms, fireworks, travel) or to help with the stiffness and discomfort of aging joints. The clearest research signal so far is around osteoarthritis pain and mobility. Evidence for anxiety is more mixed and mostly anecdotal. CBD is not a cure for anything—think of it as a possible comfort aid, and only alongside a proper diagnosis from your vet.
How to choose a soft CBD dog treat
If you and your vet decide to try them, the buying rules are simple:
- Insist on a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Reputable brands publish third-party lab results showing the actual CBD content and confirming it's free of THC, pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Look for a clear milligram-per-treat dose. "Contains CBD" with no number is a red flag.
- Check the other ingredients. A treat can carry CBD and still be loaded with fillers, sugar, and artificial junk. Read the full label, not just the front.
- Start low, go slow. Begin with the smallest suggested amount and watch your dog for a few days before adjusting.
What we actually make (and why it matters here)
At Bully Sticks Central we take a different route to a happy, healthy dog: single-ingredient chews made from 100% real meat, fully digestible, with no rawhide and nothing artificial added. Our chews are 100% natural and ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms.
For a lot of dogs—especially anxious ones—the simplest calming tool is a good long chew. Chewing is naturally soothing and burns nervous energy, which is one reason our bully sticks are a staple for so many households. If your dog needs something softer to chew, a gentler pick like a beef trachea can be easier on aging teeth. None of these are CBD—they're just real food—and they're 100% high-quality guaranteed.
The bottom line
Soft CBD dog treats can be a reasonable, generally safe option for many adult dogs when you buy a lab-tested product, start with a low dose, and—most importantly—run it past your vet first. They're not magic and they're not a substitute for veterinary care. Whether you go the CBD route or the simple whole-food chew route, the goal is the same: a comfortable, happy dog.
This post was last updated at July 16, 2026 21:43
