INDUSTRY UPDATES

March 07, 2024

New Cannabis Study Shows Cannabidiol Products Safe for Dogs

In a groundbreaking advancement for pet wellness, U.S. Hemp Roundtable Advocacy Partner, the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), has announced the publication of a pioneering safety study exploring the use of cannabidiol (CBD) products for healthy dogs. Recently showcased in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, this study represents a significant stride in comprehending the safety and efficacy of CBD in promoting canine health.

This groundbreaking study, the first of its kind, delved into the effects of various cannabinoids on both male and female dogs over a 90-day duration, followed by a 14-day recovery phase. The results indicate that CBD products are well-tolerated by dogs at a dosage of 5mg/kg of body weight per day, with no notable risks observed during prolonged use.

Bill Bookout, President of NASC, underlined the significance of these findings, stating, “These data demonstrate that different cannabidiols are safe for long-term use in healthy dogs when given at the dose studied.” Notably, the study’s comprehensive approach integrated not only a meticulously controlled study protocol but also a decade’s worth of post-market surveillance data from the NASC Adverse Event Reporting Database (NAERS®), rendering it one of the most extensive studies of its kind.

The pivotal study enrolled 32 healthy beagle dogs, categorized into four treatment groups, including a placebo control group. Dogs were administered various CBD formulations, encompassing broad-spectrum CBD, CBD with cannabigerol (CBG), and CBD with cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). Encouragingly, all animals completed the study, affirming the tolerability of CBD across different formulations.

Acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the study, Bookout expressed gratitude to the NASC Board of Directors, members, retailers, veterinarians, and study co-authors for their invaluable contributions. Special recognition was extended to Margitta Dziwenka, Kaiti Valm, Jennifer Kovacs-Nolan, and Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag of the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine for their support and expertise.

For those keen on exploring the study further, the complete publication, inclusive of references and supplementary material, is available for review. This significant milestone underscores NASC’s unwavering dedication to promoting the health and well-being of companion animals while upholding the integrity of the animal health supplement industry.


About the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC):
NASC is a nonprofit trade association committed to advancing the health and welfare of companion animals and horses through the responsible utilization of animal health supplements. Representing nearly 300 member companies, NASC encompasses a diverse range of industry stakeholders, including suppliers of nutritional supplements and professional services. Renowned for its NASC Quality Program, acknowledged as the Gold Standard in the industry, NASC ensures compliance with rigorous quality standards through comprehensive third-party audits. Look for the yellow NASC Quality Seal on supplements for dogs, cats, and horses to ensure purchases from trusted suppliers. Learn more at animalsupplements.org.


For inquiries, please contact:

Bill Bookout, President
National Animal Supplement Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 760-751-3360 x101