GUELPH, ONTARIO — A study recently completed by Nutrasource Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Services, a global full-service contract research organization (CRO), and the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) attest to the tolerability of various cannabidiol (CBD) ingredients in dogs.

“Part of what makes this study unique is the data and support from the NASC’s Adverse Event Reporting System (NAERS™) which is the most advanced system of post market surveillance in the world,” said Bill Bookout, president of NASC. “Through this system, NASC members enter their products, ingredients, administration recommendations into the NAERS database along with the number of units in each container provided to customers. These collective data are processed by algorithms in the system and Adverse Events, both serious and non-serious, can be compared and analyzed per million administrations.”

The study looked at tolerability of broad-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD with cannabigerol (CBG), and broad-spectrum CBD with cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). While these hemp-based ingredients have been seen and used in the pet nutrition space for years, they remain unregulated on a federal level. Research like this aims to make the case for CBD’s safety and efficacy in dogs and cats.

The non-blinded, randomized study involved 16 male and 16 female dogs at least six months of age, who were separated into four groups. Over 90 days, three of the groups were administered one of the three CBD test tinctures, and one group was given a control tincture of medium chain triglyceride oil. Researchers conducted daily observations and weekly clinical examinations, and also measured body weight, food composition and pathology throughout the study.

The results were promising — no dogs involved in the study showed signs of any adverse health events. Researchers reported good tolerability over the 90-day period and concluded CBD substances “do not pose significant risk to dogs in long-term use.”

“This research is a game-changer for pet health offering an expanded horizon for veterinarians, industry and pet owners alike,” said Margitta Dziwenka, DVM, DABT, director of preclinical and companion animal services at Nutrasource. “These findings grant us a renewed sense of confidence in exploring CBD product development for use in companion animals, so that the industry can confidently answer the call and growing demand for natural and alternative products.”

The study was recently submitted for peer review.

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