If you’ve used CBD oil before, you know that it can provide plenty of health benefits to people and animals. Still, it’s worth mentioning that different factors will determine the right dosage.
For one, horses are more sensitive than other animals when it comes to CBD. As a result, they require careful dosing — hence why, as previously mentioned, vets suggest starting with a smaller dosage and increasing it gradually.
Let’s take a closer look at these.
How to Calculate the Right Dosage for Different CBD Product Types?
A hemp supplement for horses can come in different product types — from oils to pellets and treats. The right dosage depends on different factors, like size and CBD potency.
CBD Oil Dosage
When it comes to CBD oil, you first need to do the following: divide the CBD amount with the size of the bottle. That way, you’ll know the exact CBD per milliliter count (or potency).
For example, if a 120ml bottle contains 7500mg of CBD, the right dosage per 1ml would be 62.5mg. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a mathematical genius since most companies offer a chart with info on the correct dosage.
As with equine CBD pellets and treats, the right dosage depends on the horse’s size. Here’s but an example that you can use to make the right calculation:
- small horses (400lbs–660lbs): 25mg–50mg of CBD
- medium–sized horses (660lbs–1110lbs): 75mg–170mg of CBD
- large horses (1100lbs–1800lbs): 120mg–200mg of CBD
CBD Horse Pellets Dosage
Determining the right dosage for pellets is a lot easier since you can see the exact amount of CBD per scoop on the package.
For example, if one scoop of pellets contains 25mg of CBD, you should use one scoop for small horses (twice a day), three scoops for medium–sized horses (twice a day), and 2–4 scoops for large horses (twice a day).
CBD Horse Treats Dosage
With treats, the dosage is similar to pellets. Hemp-infused treats come in different flavors and can contain about 10mg or 15mg of CBD. So, let’s do the math:
- miniature horses (150lbs–350lbs) should be given 10mg of CBD
- small horses (500lbs–900lbs) need 20mg of CBD
- average-sized horses (1000lbs–1500lbs) should get 50mg of CBD
- large horses (over 1500lbs) require 65mg of CBD
CBD Pellets vs CBD Oil for Horses
The main difference between CBD oil and CBD-infused pellets for horses is in the dosage and form. As you already know, CBD oil comes in liquid form (whereas pellets come in solid form) and the dosage is calculated by milliliters.
Yet another thing that sets oils and pellets apart is the absorption rate. In brief, the oil has to be taken orally, usually by dipping a few drops under the horse’s tongue with a syringe or by mixing them with the horse’s food. The effect is felt within minutes.
Hemp CBD treats for horses, same as CBD pellets, are given as snacks and the effect takes longer to kick in.
Benefits and Side Effects
CBD-infused products provide plenty of health benefits for both people and animals. Be that as it may, side effects from CBD are still possible; though mild.
First, let’s start with the benefits.
Like people, horses can suffer from various health conditions, such as anxiety, allergies, and poor digestion. That said, the most common health issues horses have include arthritis, gastric ulcers, inflammation, and pain in the abdominal area.
Well, good news — CBD products for horses can help your four-legged friend.
How exactly?
In short, the right amount of CBD can help them relax before traveling, relieve pain and various skin conditions (like itching and allergies), and boost their immune system.
Now, as for the side effects. First of all, as you have read in CBD oil for horses reviews, CBD is not to be given to mares that are pregnant or nursing. Secondly, be very careful about the dosage as horses are particularly sensitive to CBD (much more than cats or dogs, for example). Your horse may feel drowsy, have a dry mouth, get diarrhea, become dizzy, or even be allergic to CBD.
Giving CBD to your horse during competition is forbidden as well, so try not to add a lost medal to the list of adverse effects.
And lastly, as specified in numerous CBD pellets for horses reviews, those unwanted effects might even occur at the very beginning of the treatment. However, once the horse’s body adjusts to the new regime, they should disappear.