When it comes to infusing CBD oil into pet treats, each carrier oil (vegetable, coconut, olive, or fish oil) has its own benefits.
Pro Tip:
You can also rotate oils to give your pet the benefits of various oils, depending on the recipe you’re using.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which oil is best for your fur baby:
1. 🥥 Coconut Oil (Most Recommended … Read More….) 👇
Coconut Oil is the most versatile and effective oil for CBD-infused pet treats. It helps with absorption of CBD, offers health benefits for the skin and coat, and is widely accepted by dogs.
Pros:
👉 High in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which enhance CBD absorption in the body, making the effects of CBD more bioavailable and effective.
👉 Offers additional benefits for pets, such as improving skin and coat health, supporting digestion, and having antibacterial and antifungal properties.
👉 Most dogs enjoy the flavor, and it works well in a wide variety of treat recipes, both baked and frozen.
Best For:
👉 General wellness, skin health, and improving digestion.
👉 Treats that need a solid fat at room temperature (e.g., frozen pupsicles or baked treats).
Drawback:
👉 Dogs with sensitive stomachs might need smaller amounts to avoid digestive issues.
2. 🐟 Fish Oil (Also Highly Recommended … Read More…) 👇
Fish Oil is a close second, especially for older dogs or those with joint, inflammatory, or skin conditions. It has a strong flavor, so it may not work in all recipes, but its omega-3 content makes it very beneficial.
Pros:
👉 Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which offer anti-inflammatory benefits, promote a shiny coat, support joint health, and boost the immune system.
👉 Works well as a carrier for CBD and enhances the overall health benefits of the treat.
👉 Especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis, joint issues, or skin allergies.
Best For:
👉 Older dogs or dogs with inflammatory issues, joint pain, or skin problems.
👉 Adding directly to wet food or as a supplement in treats.
Drawback:
👉 Has a strong flavor that not all dogs may like, and excess fish oil can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
3. 🫒 Olive Oil (read more…) 👇
Olive Oil is a solid choice for heart health and general inflammation, but it doesn’t provide the same benefits as fish or coconut oil.
Pros:
👉 Contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which are good for heart health, inflammation, and immune support.
👉 Also a good carrier for CBD, offering a milder flavor than fish oil and providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Best For:
👉 Pets that need heart health support or anti-inflammatory benefits.
👉 Dogs needing heart health support or a less intense oil flavor.
👉 Baking treats where you want a mild oil base or where liquid oil is easier to mix with ingredients.
Drawback:
👉 Too much olive oil may lead to weight gain due to its high calorie content, and it’s not as rich in omega-3s as fish oil.
4. 🥕 Vegetable Oil (Least Recommended … read more…) 👇
Vegetable Oil should be avoided if possible, as it offers little nutritional value and may contribute to inflammation.
Pros:
👉 Affordable and easy to find, but it doesn’t offer as many health benefits compared to the other oils.
👉 While it can be used as a carrier for CBD, it’s not as effective as oils like coconut or fish oil and Vegetable Oil doesn’t offer the same level of healthy fats or nutritional benefits.
Best For:
👉 Budget-friendly options, though it’s generally less beneficial for long-term pet health. This will work in a pinch but it is better to use higher-quality oils for health benefits.
Overall Recommendation:
For CBD-infused pet treats, Coconut Oil is the top choice due to its compatibility with CBD, general health benefits, and its use in a wide range of recipes. Fish Oil is also highly beneficial, particularly for dogs needing more omega-3s, but it’s best to rotate or mix it with coconut oil for a balanced approach.
Signs of Too Much Oil in a Pet Treat Recipe:
- Greasy texture: If the treats leave an oily residue, it means there’s too much oil.
- Dough too soft: If the dough doesn’t hold its shape well or spreads too much during baking, reduce the oil.
- Soft or undercooked centers: If treats seem undercooked or too moist in the middle after baking for the recommended time, it’s a sign there may be too much oil.
Adjustments:
If you need to use more CBD oil but don’t want to overload the recipe with too much total oil, consider:
- Reducing other fats: If a recipe calls for peanut butter or cheese, you can reduce the amount of those ingredients slightly to compensate.
- Diluting the CBD oil: If you’re using a concentrated CBD oil, you may need less overall oil. You could also combine CBD oil with water or pumpkin puree to keep the texture balanced.
In most of the recipes above, you should limit oil to 1-2 tablespoons per batch to avoid altering the texture. For frozen treats, stick to 1-2 teaspoons per serving. This will ensure the treats maintain the right consistency and bake or freeze properly without becoming greasy or soggy.
Important Considerations:
- Consult Your Vet: As always, it is best to consult your vet when introducing CBD and new supplements like fish oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil or olive oil into your dog’s routine, especially if they have any pre-existing conditions.
- For baked treats (like biscuits or muffins): Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of oil for every 1 cup of dry ingredients (such as flour or oats). This amount ensures the treats have moisture without being too oily.
- For frozen treats (like pupsicles): Use 1-2 teaspoons of oil per treat mold, depending on the size of the mold, since too much oil in frozen recipes can lead to separation and a greasy texture.
- Balance Omega-3 and Omega-6: Fish oil provides omega-3s, which help balance out the omega-6 fatty acids from other oils in your dog’s diet. Too much omega-6 can promote inflammation, so adding fish oil is a great way to restore balance.
- Quality of Fish Oil: Ensure the fish oil is of high quality and from a reputable source to avoid toxins like mercury or heavy metals.
Not sure how to infuse these oils? Visit our Oil Infusion Recipes here to infuse your perfect customized dosage for your fur baby!
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