fbpx

Brand Profiles in the CBD Sector

Pet Age Staff//October 1, 2019//

Brand Profiles in the CBD Sector

Pet Age Staff //October 1, 2019//

Listen to this article

A growing number of consumers are looking for unique health products to benefit their pets that suffer from a variety of ailments, ranging from anxiety and neurological disorders to arthritis and joint issues.

Exploding in popularity as a supplement to aid pet health, cannabidiol (CBD) has been proven to help the body by supplying and supporting the endocannabinoid system. Naturally derived from the hemp plant, CBD and its benefits for pets have been widely reported in published studies by the National Institutes of Health.

There are many factors that play a role in the quality of CBD products. A main one is that it hasn’t been extracted from hemp that contains pesticides, heavy metals or other harmful chemicals. Many experts agree that the company should provide a Certificate of Analysis to ensure the product is free of those pollutants.

“Choosing the right CBD oil is critical,” noted Ian Pedersen, founder of Source CBD Hemp. “In order to compare products, you need to understand potency and quality by asking for lab test results from accredited third party testing facilities.”

What follows is a sampling of manufacturers who offer CBD products, along with their comments related to questions on product testing, product labels and their place in the pet health sector.

 

Rob Kovler, Founder, Animal Nutritional Products20180823_190821

How do you describe the testing process that is performed on your products? 

There are many protocols that need to be performed within FDA and cGMP regulations. First, all of the ingredients are checked for purity and after confirmation it is formulated into our product. After formulation, [it] goes out to a third-party lab to confirm there are no heavy metals, yeast, mold and that it passes all required regulatory guidelines.

What information, including dosage instructions, do you provide on your product label? 

A “Supplement Fact” box on the back of the label. You need to know what is in the product before you dose. Precise dosing instructions by weight category for both dogs and cats and our 1-800 number for questions. Many people have questions on CBD, and we are here to answer them.

What sets your products apart from others on the market? 

We have been making natural and herbal supplements for pets since 2001, and we are specialists in CBD. We are also a veterinary company, so our standards are very high as far as manufacturing and ingredients that are sourced and made in the USA. Last but not least, the testing we do on all of our products before they are released to the general public. Quality matters when giving anything to you or your pets. Our pets are our family.

 

Kat Donatello, Founder and CEO, Austin and Katimage001 (2)

How do you describe the testing process that is performed on your products?

Consistency is so important to me, so we have our batches rigorously lab tested to make sure every product is of the highest, choicest quality. We also want to ensure we’re delivering the same amount of CBD as advertised on the label, and that the bag of biscuits or bottle of oil you purchase today will have the same ratios next time you buy.

Our independent lab tests our CBD oil before we use it for guaranteed potency—and to ensure it’s free of contaminants, solvents or any heavy metals (none of the nasties)! And, after baking our biscuits or creating our oils, we once again test each batch. We believe in complete transparency, so you can be 100 percent confident that you’re getting exactly what’s stated on our labels.

What information, including dosage instructions, do you provide on your product label?

Aside from our logo, concentration and size, you’ll find suggested serving sizes, ingredients, storage information and a descriptor as well as a disclaimer. We also have a QR code on every product that allows the retailer and customer to view the test results for each individual product batch.

What sets your products apart from others on the market?  

I created this product for my own pets in 2014, and I’ve now dedicated them to yours. Austin and Kat is one of the first CBD products for pets to market, and we maintain our integrity in this space with our complete, utter dedication to nothing but the very best.

 

Lori Taylor, co-CEO, Better Choice CompanyLori Taylor_Dogs_291B

How do you describe the testing process that is performed on your products?

Our premium broad-spectrum CBD products go through rigorous testing. They are processed, tested and manufactured in FDA-registered and inspected food-grade facilities in the United States to ensure the highest quality and product safety. We also partner with multiple accredited independent third-party laboratories across various industries to go above and beyond current industry compliance standards for pet products.

What information, including dosage instructions, do you provide on your product label?

We include the various product qualities, flavor or scent profile, active and inactive ingredients, directions for use based on a dog’s weight, safety warnings, where the product is manufactured, lot number, expiration date as well as customer service information for consumers to be fully informed about what they are buying and feeding their best friends.

What sets your products apart from others on the market?

Each of our CBD products contains natural ingredients that help support specific body functions along with one primary item essential to a pet’s wellness, hemp-derived CBD. Our raw ingredients are grown in the USA by farmers we trust. We adhere to the strictest manufacturing requirements in the growth and production of all our products.

We’re just as proud of what’s not in our products. Our products are grain-free, soy-free and gluten-free. There is no added salt, artificial coloring, artificial flavors, added hormones or added antibiotics. It is exciting to be leading the way in the pet health and wellness space to achieve our primary mission of helping dogs live longer, better.

 

Bill Disegna, Founder and CEO, CBD Living PetBill Di Segna

How do you describe the testing process that is performed on your products?

Analytical Testing: All raw materials and finished products are tested for potency, microbiological contaminants, pesticides, heavy metals and residual solvents. We use third-party labs for our testing.

Raw Material Safety: We source our raw ingredients from reputable dietary supplement suppliers locally in the United States. The ingredients we incorporate in our products already have a standing history in the pet industry and have supporting published articles explaining the efficacy and safety.

We also hold our raw material suppliers accountable for testing ad safety on their end as well.

What information, including dosage instructions, do you provide on your product label?

We provide the label claim per unit of measure and how to administer the dosage. We also add appropriate warning on the label as well.

What sets your products apart from others on the market?

  1. Our CBD is easily digested. Pets have a sensitive digestive system, which is why we made sure to deliver CBD through our proprietary technology. This technology consists of either water-soluble CBD or self-emulsifying CBD.
  2. The same technology also makes our CBD highly bio-available. Pets will feel the calming relief much faster.
  3. Apart from CBD, we also incorporate important nutrients needed to promote an overall healthy pet. We aim to not only reduce discomfort but target the reason why your pet may be anxious or in pain.
  4. Our line includes multiple products for pet owners to choose from—over 18 products and more coming soon.

 

Dave Merrell, Founder and CEO, Healthy Hemp Pet CompanyDSC_9949-Edit__jpg (1)

How do you describe the testing process that is performed on your products?

We currently test Healthy Hemp Pet Company products three times for each batch of hemp oil. Our tests are conducted through two separate and independent laboratories.

  • Test No. 1: We test our raw hemp oil for cannabinoid potency.
  • Test No. 2: We test our product dosing formula for cannabinoids and terpenes potency. (Please note, these first two tests are conducted with the same independent lab.)
  • Test No. 3: The state of Utah, where we are located, requires the following testing, which we happily comply with:
  • Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
  • Heavy Metals
  • Microbiological Contaminants
  • Pesticides
  • Solvents (Volatile Organic Compounds)

What information, including dosage instructions, do you provide on your product label?

All Healthy Hemp Pet Company product labels include the following: active ingredients, inactive ingredients, cautions, directions for use including dosing directions, warnings and other info on safe handling and approximate distributions per container.

What sets your products apart from others on the market?

  • We use a vapor distillation method for hemp extraction, which means all Healthy Hemp Pet Company products contain 100 percent chemical-free hemp oil.
  • Our products contain a legal amount of THC (less than 0.3 percent).
  • In-house, small batch production, which keeps our quality higher than many competitors.
  • Many of our premium ingredients are USDA Certified Organic.
  • We are a full-disclosure company with up-front labeling on all products.
  • We are a member of NASC, APPA and WPA.
  • Our products are formulated by veterinarians.
  • We have a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on our products.

 

Dr. Gary Pusillo, Board-Certified Animal Nutritionist, HEMPVET Pet Health RemediesDr. Gary and client

How do you describe the testing process that is performed on your products?

I have developed close to 3,000 animal health and nutrition products, and I have 34 years of professional experience with the practical application of scientific principles to the complex interaction between individual animal needs, nutritional inputs and environmental interactions.

HEMPVET Pet Health Remedies contain eco-farmed, GMO-free industrial broad-spectrum hemp grown from seed-bank certified, genotyped strains and utilize proprietary CO2 extraction and refining technology. Raw material and finished goods are tested according to protocols outlined in NASC guidelines. HEMPVET is an audited member in good standing of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and adheres to stringent labeling compliance; random product testing; documented quality control and production procedures, real-time product monitoring in NASC Adverse Event Reporting System.

What information, including dosage instructions, do you provide on your product label?

Supplement dosing is appropriate for the pet’s species and weight. HEMPVET complies with NASC and FDA labeling guidelines. That means HEMPVET Pet Remedy labels give pet parents information regarding the intended use, features and benefits and proper dosing instructions of the calming, joint, neurocognitive or immune support formulation. Our products have been created and not copied. No collective terms are used, such as “animal protein,” so that each ingredient is properly identified.

What sets your products apart from others on the market?

HEMPVET Pet Health Remedies are founded on three value propositions: 1. Science-based formulations developed by a board-certified animal nutritionist. 2. Conditions-specific pet remedies that promote calming/comfort, joint/mobility, neurocognitive and immune system wellness. 3. All formulations feature eco-farmed, GMO-free, broad-spectrum hemp with naturally occurring CBD as the “halo” ingredient.

HEMPVET provides a beneficial choice that is routed in the desire to give the pet parent the confidence that their pet is receiving proper nutrition and health care. It is not only what you put in a product, it is what you leave out that makes a product safe, reliable and beneficial. Quality of life is a goal we take seriously.

 

Heidi Hill, President and Co-founder, Holistic HoundHeidi & River

How do you describe the testing process that is performed on your products? 

Our “bulk” oil is tested for microbial contamination, pesticide residual, residual solvents and heavy metals. We then test each batch of finished product for potency as well. We use an accredited lab that is an industry leader. They specialize in cannabis (hemp) testing, validate their testing methods and confirm their testing to ensure consistent results.

What information, including dosage instructions, do you provide on your product label? 

As members of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), we follow labeling guidelines set by the FDA for “dosage form animal health supplements.” We clearly state the amount of active broad or full spectrum CBD per dose, dropper and bottle, daily recommended dosing, active and inactive ingredients, a brief description of the benefits and all required cautions and warnings.

What sets your products apart from others on the market? 

Our 16-year history in pet health and wellness, the inclusion of certified organic medicinal mushrooms and the herb, ashwagandha for synergy and greater health benefits, water soluble CBD for increased absorption and bioavailability, deep knowledge of this young industry that helps us provide informative training and support to our independent retailers. And, as NASC members, we comply with its stringent quality control system and labeling requirements to help ensure the safety and efficacy of these products.

 

Chelsea Gennings, Co-founder and Vice President, Pet ReleafChelsea Farm Pic

How do you describe the testing process that is performed on your products?

At Pet Releaf, we gather and test each batch of our product for CBD potency. Not only do we test for CBD potency, but we also test our raw material to ensure that THC levels are far below the amount that any animal should ingest. Even though our hemp is Certified USDA Organic, we still consistently test for heavy metals, mold and residual solvents.

What information, including dosage instructions, do you provide on your product label?

We provide our ingredient panel, suggested usage based on the species and CBD potency as well as the full cannabinoid count.

What sets your products apart from others on the market?

Pet Releaf controls the entire process, from seed to sale, from plant to pet. We are involved every step of the way. We are partnered with the farmers, the extraction facility, the bottling and final manufacturing like baking and packaging. We have always said from the beginning that we wanted to choose our own destiny and not let a private label company decide on the quality of our products or how they are made. We have done just that from day one, and that is why Pet Releaf is trusted by so many retailers and customers. We choose to do things the right way, even when people aren’t looking.

 

Ian Pedersen: Founder and CEO, Source CBD, LLCIan Pedersen Headshot

How do you describe the testing process that is performed on your products? 

Our products are tested by an accredited third-party independent lab that provides us with the Certificate of Analysis for each product. Our formulator sets the standards of quality as per the GMP policy operation procedures and operates in accordance with health department standards as certified by the county. These standards include meeting all federal, state and county guidelines in manufacturing our products. We perform regular tests on each batch produced using an accredited third-party lab that performs HPLC full panel tests including cannabinoid potency, residual solvents, chemicals, pesticides and heavy metals, as well as terpene profile tests to confirm organic process. Each product must pass these tests and meet clean process standards to be sent to the distribution center.

What information, including dosage instructions, do you provide on your product label? 

We provide the ingredients, the serving size, the amount of CBD-rich hemp oil per serving, the suggested dose for animals of differing weight, the herb strength ratio, the packaging date, the batch information and the expiration date. We also provide warning messaging to keep out of the reach of children, and not to refrigerate our product.

What sets your products apart from others on the market?

All of our products are human grade, made with only the finest ingredients. All of our product ingredients must be 100 percent natural or organic, must be non-GMO and must have zero unnatural preservatives and no food coloring or flavorings of any kind. Our entire product line contains only three ingredients: organic hemp oil, organic liquid MCT coconut oil and natural unfiltered beeswax.

 

Julianna Carella, Founder and CEO, TreatiblesJulianna-Headshot

How do you describe the testing process that is performed on your products?

An independent third-party lab tests our raw oil and each batch of every product to ensure consistent cannabinoid potency and to rule out heavy metals, pesticides and biocontaminants. The testing method identifies the spectrum of cannabinoids present in each product and the exact milligram count of the beneficial cannabinoids in each serving. Lab results are available on the “lab results” page on Treatibles.com.

What information, including dosage instructions, do you provide on your product label?

All Treatibles product labels include active and inactive ingredients (where appropriate), directions for use, benefits, contact information, compliant safety information and more.

What sets your products apart from others on the market?

We grow and cultivate our own hemp using organic practices. We utilize a proprietary solventless infusion method resulting in the highest levels of non-psychoactive cannabinoids, terpenes and other beneficial compounds. This infusion method has proven to retain nearly 100 percent of the profile of all 300+ compounds present in the hemp plant. Our products are manufactured in Safe Quality Foods (SQF) certified facilities using CGMPs (Current Good Manufacturing Practice). Our consistency ensures accurate dosing and product uniformity. For pet parents, this means that every serving they offer their pet contains the same amount of cannabinoid support. In addition, Treatibles is a member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), which operates under strict guidance from the FDA/CVM.