The Optimal CBD Dose for Your Dog (Based on Weight!)

Key Takeaway:

You’ll be able to find the best CBD dosage for your dog based on trial and error. Using their weight as a starting point is a great first step in finding that perfect dose. We recommend starting your dog on the following dosing schedule:

1 to 2 milligrams of CBD for every 10 pounds (4.5kg) of body weight per dose. 

The Best CBD Dosage for Your Dog

Whether you’re using CBD oil to tackle your dog’s mobility challenges or to manage their stress, finding the correct dose for your four-legged friend can be a bit tricky. The biggest factor in finding the right dose will be your dog’s weight. Bigger dogs require more CBD. 

A good rule of thumb we’ll be following in the rest of this post is your dog’s starting CBD dose should be 1-2mg of CBD for every 10 pounds that they weigh. You can go lower or higher, but we recommend starting here and adjusting as needed. 

Extra Small Dog Breeds 

Extra small dogs can range anywhere from 2 to 20 pounds when fully grown. These lil’ guys might cause trouble when underfoot in the kitchen, but they’re still number one in our hearts (and on this list.)  This group includes Teacup and Toy varieties. 

If you’ve got an extra small dog breed, you’ll want to start with just 1-2 milligrams of CBD per dose. 

CBD Oil: Stick with pet formulations. The product should tell you how much CBD is contained in a full dropper (1mL) of the oil. Adjust how much oil you give your dog accordingly. 

CBD Treats: The standard CBD dog treat will contain 5mg unless otherwise stated on the package. If you can, break the treats in half before giving them to your dog. 

Small Dog Breeds

Small dog breeds usually range between 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. This group includes Beagles, French Bulldogs, and some mini breeds.  

If your dog falls into this group, start with 2-3 milligrams of CBD per dose. If possible, it’s better to start your dog on the lower end of an effective dose and work your way up. 

CBD Oil: Stick with pet formulations. The product should tell you how much CBD is contained in a full dropper (1mL) of the oil. Adjust how much oil you give your dog accordingly. 

CBD Treats: The standard CBD dog treat will contain 5mg unless otherwise stated on the package. If you can, break the treats in half before giving them to your dog. 

Medium Dog Breeds

Medium dog breeds range from 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. This group includes many Shephard varieties, Bulldogs, and a few working dog breeds. 

If your dog falls into this range, start with 3-5 milligrams of CBD per dose. 

CBD Oil: Stick with pet formulations. The product should tell you how much CBD is contained in a full dropper (1mL) of the oil. Adjust how much oil you give your dog accordingly. 

CBD Treats: The standard CBD dog treat will contain 5mg unless otherwise stated on the package. Give ‘em a full treat. They deserve it. 

Large Dog Breeds

Large dog breeds have a larger range than our previous group. They can range from 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. These are your bully breeds, larger shepherds, and retrievers. 

If your dog falls into this range, start with 5-10 milligrams of CBD per dose. 

CBD Oil: Stick with pet formulations if it makes sense. The product should tell you how much CBD is contained in a full dropper (1mL) of the oil. Adjust how much oil you give your dog accordingly. 

CBD Treats: The standard CBD dog treat will contain 5mg unless otherwise stated on the package. Give them one treat at a time. Two if they’ve been good.

Extra Large Dog Breeds

Here’s where things get interesting. Extra large breeds are any dogs that weigh 90+ pounds when fully grown. These are your Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Rottwielers. 

If your dog is an extra large good boy or girl, start them on 10 milligrams of CBD per dose. 

CBD Oil: We recommend starting with a pet formula. However, as you find what dose works best for your pet, experiment with low-dose human formulations— it may be more economical. Look for unflavored formulations free of any added ingredients like CBN, melatonin, etc. 

CBD Treats: Standard CBD dog treats contain 5mg unless otherwise stated. Give your extra-large dog two treats at a time.

Sources:

1. Hunt, Alysia B G et al. “A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 10 1112604. 22 Feb. 2023, doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604