Horse people love their horses more than anything, so it’s no surprise that CBD has made its way into the world of horses and horse care. If you have a horse and would like to help him or her find relief from various ailments using CBD, then read on. Even if you know nothing at all about CBD when you begin reading this post, by the end you’ll be ready to move forward with a CBD regimen for your great big four-legged friend.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a substance that is a part of the cannabis plant. CBD stands for “cannabidiol which is one of over eighty different cannabinoids found in these plants. Most people are most familiar with another cannabinoid: THC. When people smoke marijuana with the goal of getting “high,” it’s THC that they are after.
On the other hand, CBD is different. No matter what species consumes it, it does not result in a high. CBD can be extracted in small quantities from the same plants that people smoke to feel a euphoric high, or, it can be extracted in greater quantities from hemp plants. Both of these plants are members of the cannabis genus, but they are not quite the same.
The THC level in most hemp plants is less than 0.3%, and because of this, hemp-derived CBD is legal in all fifty states, but more on that later – read on!
How Does It Work?
The reason that CBD can help both humans and animals is due to the function of a little-known human body system. The endocannabinoid system works within us and within the bodies of our animal friends to help maintain homeostasis. It constantly monitors the body and then tries to rebalance anything it sees as unusual or uncomfortable.
When this system identifies an issue in the body, it creates and releases some cannabinoids of its own to try to address these problems. However, they are quickly exhausted. We can help this system to do its job by supplying CBD from the outside. Research has shown that doing so can help combat anxiety and depression, insomnia, pain and inflammation, digestive disturbances, immune deficiencies, and a variety of other issues in humans.
Is CBD Legal?
Since cannabis was classified as a Schedule One controlled substance in the 1970s, doctors and veterinarians have been unable to study the medical applications of anything related to this plant. However, the Farm Bill of 2018 made industrial hemp legal in the United States, so over the past two years much research has occurred and many discoveries have been made.
However, with that said, the legality of CBD still varies from state to state. Federal law does not supersede state law, so some states still have restrictions about CBD sales, possession, and usage on the books. These laws change frequently, though, so it’s best to consult your local laws to determine whether or not it is legal in your area.
How to Choose CBD Horse Treats
Because CBD is not yet regulated on a national level, the quality of CBD products can vary. If you’re considering giving CBD horse treats to your horse, you will want to make sure you choose a high-quality product to get the best results.
The first thing you should look for when shopping for CBD horse treats is a label that shows that it has been tested by a third-party, independent lab. This is crucial because without a label saying so, truly anything could be in that bag of treats.
You’ll also want to find a product that is user-friendly with a lot of other information on the label as well. Dosage should be clear and all ingredients should be listed. The best brands are organic and GMO-free, too.
What Do Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate Mean?
CBD products for humans and those made for animals often have the terms full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate on the label, but many people don’t know what these terms mean. However, the differences are easy to understand.
Isolate means that the product only has CBD and no other cannabinoids; products with isolate on the label do not contain any THC and other substances found in the cannabis plant have been fully extracted as well.
Full-spectrum products may contain trace amounts of THC and also may include other substances from within the cannabis plant such as terpenes and flavonoids as well.
Broad-spectrum products do not contain any THC, but they may include other substances from the cannabis plant in addition to CBD.
Initially, it was believed that the best option of the three was the isolate. Now, researchers believe that the best results are experienced when different components of the cannabis plant work together in concert, and as a result, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products are recommended for both humans and animals.
How Do I Determine Dosage?
It can be challenging to determine the proper dosage of CBD for humans since everyone has different needs and body composition. As you might imagine, these factors can make it even more difficult to figure out the right dosage for horses.
Because of this, it’s always best to follow the dosage recommendations on the label. The manufacturers of CBD products including CBD horse treats have worked hard through the use of trial and error testing to find a recommended dosage for your horse.
However, even with that testing, the suggested dose may be a broad range. It’s best to start small and to move up from there. Although you cannot talk to your horse about how he or she feels, you know your horse best, and will likely be able to see the CBD working to his or her benefit. If you do not see results after two weeks, try incremental increases in dosage until you see the results you desire.
What Are the Benefits?
Although CBD products for horses are only beginning to come onto the market, there is much anecdotal evidence that CBD can be highly beneficial for our large, four-legged friends.
People who give their horse CBD horse treats report improvement in digestion and appetite. Both of which can be major issues for older horses. It can also help horses with nervous disorders and help them to feel calmer. As a result, they may be less likely to develop ulcers, which can keep them feeling better and enjoying life for years to come.
What Are the Side Effects of CBD for Horses?
It’s rare for humans or animals to experience any side effects from CBD products. However, some horses may appear dizzy or fatigued after a week or so of CBD. Others may experience diarrhea.
If your horse experiences these symptoms, reduce the dosage. It may take some time for his or her system to get used to this new medicine. If problems continue, you may want to stop altogether.
If you see a reduction in the occurrence of these symptoms but improvement in the issues you are trying to treat, you have found the proper dosage. On the other hand, if the side effect symptoms decrease, but there is no improvement in your horse’s health otherwise, then you can slowly try to increase the dosage to see what happens over time.
CBD and Competition
If you ride your horse in competitions, you may be wondering if CBD is allowed. Unfortunately, it is not. Both the FEI (Federation Equestere Internationale) and the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) have announced in recent years that they will test horses for cannabinoids before competing in their events.
Although the chances of your horse testing positive are slim, since these tests will only be able to detect THC, it’s still wise to discontinue use a week or two before a competition to ensure that you will not be disqualified. After your event is over, you can go back to using CBD products until you and your horse compete again.
CBD Horse Treats Will Make Your Horse Happy
Now that you know most of what there is to know about CBD horse treats, what are you waiting for? Your horse will love the positive and beneficial effects of CBD products and will love you for giving them to him or her. CBD is such a simple and effective way to improve your horse’s life. Give CBD a try today!
Our high-quality, organic, non-GMO, THC-free treats are the best in the business. Check out our products on our site and please contact us if you have any questions; we’ll be more than happy to answer them for you!
