CBD's legalization in California (2018) and other states has sparked interest in its health benefits for people and pets. Comparing Isolate and full spectrum CBD
While shopping for CBD online and offline, many buyers are finding that the online and offline stores are stocking different types of CBD products.
All of our products at Dope Dog are CBD isolate, but there are upsides to CBD isolate and full spectrum. We’ll explain everything you need to know about each in more detail below.
Different Types Of Cannabinoids
Most CBD buyers have heard of CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a psychoactive and found in more significant amounts in the cannabis plant. However, there are other cannabinoids like CBG that are part of CBD and CBN, which are also present in the hemp plant.
Researchers believe that each cannabinoid will affect a different part of a dog's body. That’s why it’s important to know what kind of CBD you’re purchasing and what the benefits are of each kind.
CBD Isolate For Dogs
As suggested by its name, the most basic and purest form of CBD that is available in the CBD isolate. This contains mostly CBD molecules, typically with a purity of 99% or more. Pure CBD isolate products do not include other cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, which are also derived from the hemp plant.
Buyers should be aware that even though CBD isolates are considered the basic form, it is usually far more challenging to extract than CBD isolate oil from hemp. During the process of extraction of cannabinoids from the hemp plant, all the other related compounds are also obtained.
CBD and other cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds are separated. Therefore, the mixture will have to be purified further, to isolate the CBD molecules alone, and remove all other molecules.
CBD Isolate Products
This CBD isolate is available in different forms. They include the following.
Inhalants
Dabs are one widely used application for CBD isolate amongst humans. In the process of dabbing, the compound is applied on a hot nail so that the CBD oil will vaporize, and the user or the dog will inhale the vapor, which will be produced.
Different forms of dabs are available for CBD isolate like shatter, which has a texture similar to glass, crystal, powder, resin, or wax.
Topical Applicants
Another common form of pure CBD isolate comes in topical applicants, like creams, oils, lotions, shampoos, and salves.
Edibles
Edible CBD isolate is also available in the form of capsule and CBD dog treats.
CBD Isolate Benefits
CBD Isolate affects the cannabinoid receptors in the body, which can affect body functions. While more research is still needed to validate these effects, Medical News Today sites these possible effects of CBD isolate:
- Boost the Immune System
- Reduce Tumor Formation
- Reduce Inflammation
- Prevent Vomiting and Nausea
- Regenerate the Nervous System
- Reduces Anxiety
- Prevents Seizures
- Relieves Pain
CBD Isolate Side Effects
CBD Isolate is natural and a relatively low-risk substance because it doesn’t contain THC. While considered safe to ingest, some dogs have experienced the following side effects:
- Increased or Decreased Appetite
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Weight Changes
- Insomnia
- Irritability
Full-Spectrum CBD
When comparing CBD full spectrum Oil for dogs vs. isolate products, products with full-spectrum CBD include the complete range of cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
One of the main concerns while using full-spectrum CBD products is the THC content. In some US states, cannabis isn't legal or not preferred for pets due to concerns about addiction
However, pet owners should be aware that federal laws in the United States specify that CBD should be only extracted from hemp and not from marijuana.
Research has indicated that the THC content in hemp is less than 0.3% in full spectrum CBD, and this small amount is not likely to have any effect on the dog's brain and body. Therefore, pet owners should not worry about the adverse effects of THC in full-spectrum CBD.
Full Spectrum CBD Products
It is the most commonly seen in the form of oils, but there are edible forms like Kushy CBD Gummies.
Full Spectrum CBD Benefits
Because it contains all plant compounds compared to CBD isolate, the Full Spectrum CBD oil is more potent. The trace amounts of THC and other compounds can produce the entourage effect. Full spectrum CBD oil may be able to help with:
- Seizures
- Muscle Spasms
- Anxiety
- Pain Relief
- Inflammation
Full Spectrum CBD Side Effects
It's oil is non-toxic for dogs and has very few side effects. Dogs given high doses may experience:
- Dry Mouth
- Drowsiness
- Lowered Blood Pressure
If your dog reacts well you can slowly increase the dose.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
In addition to CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD, CBD buyers will sometimes find that some stores are selling broad-spectrum CBD. This refers to a CBD extract, which contains all other cannabinoids, yet has no THC at all.
That means dogs can experience the entourage effect of consuming CBD and other cannabinoids, yet be sure that he is not consuming any THC.
Though CBD isolate is also THC free, it does not have the other cannabinoids, which are suitable for health.
Related: 3 Things to Look for When Shopping for CBD Oil
Full-Spectrum CBD vs Isolate
After reviewing the information provided above, CBD buyers would like to find out whether they should select isolate CBD or full-spectrum CBD for their dogs.
They should be aware that the CBD should be chosen based on personal requirements for the dog, and the budget after considering the advantages and disadvantages.
CBD Isolate Advantages
Since CBD isolate is one of the purest forms of CBD, containing over 99% cannabidiol in some cases, it is incredibly potent. Since it has no THC, the risk of failing a drug test is eliminated, and there are no psychoactive or addictive effects.
Another advantage of using pure CBD isolate is that it is odorless and tasteless. That means it can be used as an ingredient in dog food, and it can be easily added to the food being cooked without changing the flavor.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil Advantages
The main benefit of using full-spectrum CBD is that it also contains terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids resulting in the entourage effect. Since this is the original extract from the plant, it is more natural in its composition and has undergone less chemical processing.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil Disadvantages
One of the main disadvantages of full-spectrum CBD is that the user may fail a drug test due to the trace amount of THC. Obviously, this downside doesn’t really apply to dogs. This small amount will usually not be detected in a follow-up test, however failing a drug test is stressful and may harm the user's reputation.
Additionally, terpenes and flavonoids in the plant extract have a strong aroma and taste, which some users may not like. While it is possible to neutralize the smell, many users prefer CBD isolate.
Related: CBD Oil for Dogs with Cancer - Everything You Need to Know
To Summarize CBD Isolate And Full-Spectrum
Your dog’s needs and preferences will affect whether full spectrum vs. isolate CBD oil is better.
CBD Isolate Is Preferred for...
- People or dogs who are sensitive or allergic to THC, cannabinoids, terpenes
- People or dog who are living in states that have strict laws prohibiting using and consumption of THC in any form
- Individuals who undergo drug testing regularly at their workplace, sportspersons or others
- Pet owners who wish to add CBD to dog food without altering the flavor of the food
- People or dogs who are looking for more exact and/or higher doses of active cannabidiol (CBD) to reduce pain and inflammation
Full-Spectrum CBD Is Preferred For...
- People using CBD for pain/inflammation who need immediate results and are not sensitive to terpenes and other cannabinoids
- Individuals living in states that have legalized the use of cannabis, and they will not face any problems if THC is found
- People who do not undergo drug testing
- People who want the presence of THC
What Form Of CBD Is Most Effective?
Both forms of CBD, CBD isolate, and full-spectrum can promote the health and well-being of both you and your pet. Full-spectrum contains all the beneficial compounds of the cannabis plant and tends to have a more potent effect.
There is a theory suggesting that multiple cannabis compounds working together may work better. However, this has not been proven and might be only beneficial for human consumption. Your pet might benefit from a purer form of CBD isolate, which also decreases the chance of them experiencing some adverse side effects, such as dry mouth.
CBD isolate is as pure as the heart of a dog. There are no other botanical compounds in an isolated product and absolutely no THC (the psychoactive part of cannabis). It is essential we know exactly what we give our furry friends, so finding a clean, quality CBD is more important than which CBD form you prefer for your pet.
Quality CBD isolate products have proven to reduce anxiety and manage pain and inflammation. The effectiveness of a product depends mainly on correctly dosing the problem at hand and that the product is of quality and has been lab-tested.
Related: CBD Lab Tests
Lesser known but also beneficial, broad-spectrum CBD can be an option. Still, with no THC, this type of product might contain more compounds than that isolate. Your dog might not need to pass a drug test. However, something like a broad-spectrum oil might be too potent for your pet's use. Some effects of Full and Broad-spectrum CBD oil can be low blood pressure and possibly make your doggo a bit dizzy and dehydrated.
Is Full Spectrum CBD Better For Anxiety?
Yes, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBDs may be better for anxiety, and these products are sourced from the hemp plant and can be beneficial. However, a study held at a university in 2015 concluded that full-spectrum CBD extracts were more effective in treating chronic symptoms.
A growing number of people worldwide suffer from an anxiety disorder, and sadly this is also true for our pets at home. Anxiety can be temporary or chronic, and it affects everyone- both animals and human-differently. Perhaps your dog struggles with panic attacks every holiday that involves loud fireworks and noises.
Maybe your dog is heavily affected when you have to go to work during the week. Pets can even experience more chronic nervous disorders, where they are constantly in a state of worry and panic. CBD isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum have improved such social anxieties and daily struggles.
For pets, it is always best to start low and slow. Find a quality low-dose CBD isolate to experiment with and see how they react before trying a more full-spectrum product for anxiety.
Your choice of CBD is as influential as the way in which it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Sublingual application, directly applied under the tongue, can be more effective for anxiety than, say, a homemade CBD treats made at home.
Take Home Message
Users should realize that the right CBD product should be chosen based on the right application as well as personal preferences. Most people are purchasing CBD oil products for different applications, like reducing pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress levels, preventing insomnia for their dogs or themselves.
They are also consuming it in various forms, some are purchasing oils, which they add to their food while cooking, while others are consuming capsules and gummies. Your dog’s preference and ease of taking the CBD will also determine which product you will buy.
Some pet owners enjoy using it in their dog's food. It is recommended that the user tries the different CBD products and chooses the right product based on the results.
Check out our Dope Dog products to see our line of CBD oils, shampoo, and dog treats.
