Cannabinoids and Terpenes for Dogs: What's Actually in Hemp

Beta-caryophyllene is one of the most abundant terpenes in Earth Buddy's hemp. Also found in black pepper and cinnamon, it interacts directly with CB2 receptors in your dog's body, supporting a healthy inflammatory response and the body's natural defenses.

Where CBD Comes From: Inside the Hemp Plant

Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant. It can grow anywhere from 1.5 to 35 feet tall. The female plants flower, and on those flowers are crystal-like coatings called trichomes. Trichomes are where the cannabinoids and terpenes are concentrated.

When a brand says they extract CBD, what they are really doing is pulling those compounds out of the trichomes. How they do it matters. Most brands use ethanol or chemical solvents, which can damage terpenes and degrade the cannabinoid profile. Earth Buddy uses subcritical CO2 extraction (lower temperature, no solvents) for our hemp extract tinctures. For products like Focus+Immune, Maxx Life, and Gut Health Colostrum, we use a solventless process called CBD Kief: the trichomes are mechanically separated with no solvents at all. We are the only pet supplement company using this process.

CBD is the most well-known compound in hemp, but it is one of more than 400 chemical compounds in the plant. Cannabinoids and terpenes are the two groups doing the most functional work for your dog, and they work together. Understanding what each compound does (and how full-spectrum products preserve them) is the difference between buying a CBD product that supports your dog's calm, comfort, and recovery, and buying an isolated extract that mostly checks a marketing box.

This is a plain-English guide to the cannabinoids and terpenes in Earth Buddy's full-spectrum hemp products, and what each one does for your dog.

The Building Blocks of Hemp

Hemp contains over 400 distinct chemical compounds, organized into a few major categories: cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, lipids, omega fatty acids, and chlorophyll. The two groups doing the most active functional work in your dog's body are cannabinoids and terpenes. The rest of this article covers each one and what it does.

Cannabinoids in Hemp and How They Support Your Dog

Cannabinoids are produced by the hemp plant, but they are not unique to plants. Your dog's body produces its own cannabinoids (called endocannabinoids) and has a built-in network of receptors called the endocannabinoid system. This system regulates balance across the nervous, immune, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems. Plant cannabinoids interact with the same receptors, which is why hemp can support so many different functions in your dog with one product.

The hemp plant produces over 100 cannabinoids. Here are the ones that matter most.

CBDa and CBD for Dogs

CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) is the raw, unheated form of CBD. It exists naturally in the plant before any processing. Most brands heat their extract, which converts CBDa into CBD. Earth Buddy preserves CBDa in specific products because research on canine mobility supports its role in joint comfort, and because it interacts with the body through different pathways than CBD. CBDa is often better tolerated in sensitive dogs and senior dogs.

CBD (cannabidiol) is the most well-studied cannabinoid for dogs. It supports calm behavior, joint comfort, immune function, gut function, and a healthy inflammatory response.

Earth Buddy's Mobility Hemp Extract uses a 4:1 CBDa:CBD ratio specifically for hip and joint comfort. Balance Hemp Extract uses a 1:1 CBD:CBDa ratio for whole-body daily support, especially in senior dogs.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

CBG-dominant hemp varieties are grown in Colorado. CBG binds directly to both CB1 and CB2 receptors (more directly than CBD), which is why we use it in formulations targeting nervous system support and cellular health. CBG supports musculoskeletal relaxation, healthy bowel function, and cognitive function in dogs.

Earth Buddy's Cellular Support CBG uses a 4:1 CBG:CBD ratio.

CBN (Cannabinol)

CBN is best known for supporting natural sleep rhythms and deeper relaxation in dogs. It is non-sedating during the day. It works by promoting the body's normal sleep response, not by knocking your dog out.

Earth Buddy's Sleep Support CBN uses a 4:1 CBN:CBD ratio with a full-spectrum cannabinoid and terpene profile. It is designed for dogs that need help winding down at night, dogs that struggle with restlessness, and dogs dealing with travel or routine changes.

CBC (Cannabichromene)

CBC is non-intoxicating and supports digestive function, nervous system function, and has shown to promote endogenous cannabinoid production. It naturally occurs in trace amounts in all of Earth Buddy's full-spectrum hemp products.

THC and the 0.3% Hemp Standard

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid responsible for marijuana's intoxicating effect. Hemp is legally defined as cannabis containing 0.3% THC or less. At that level, THC is non-intoxicating. Your dog will not get "high" from a hemp product.

The trace amount of THC in full-spectrum hemp actually contributes to the entourage effect, helping the other cannabinoids work better together. Removing it (which is what broad-spectrum and isolate products do) often strips other beneficial compounds along with it.

Every Earth Buddy batch is third-party lab tested to confirm THC stays at or below 0.3%. Scan the QR code on any Earth Buddy product to see the lab results for that specific batch.

Featured Product: Sleep Support CBN for Dogs (300mg, 4:1 CBN:CBD)

Sleep Support CBN is built around a 4:1 CBN:CBD ratio in a full-spectrum hemp extract, blended into organic MCT oil. It is designed for dogs that have trouble winding down at night, dogs that get restless during travel or motion, and dogs dealing with separation or routine changes.

What it supports:

• Calm behavior during travel, separation, and routine changes
• Normal recovery from daily stress
• Healthy sleep patterns
• Relaxation without sedation

Every batch is third-party lab tested for potency and contaminants. Scan the QR code on the bottle for batch-specific results.

Terpenes in Hemp and What They Do for Dogs

 

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give plants their distinct smell. They are not unique to hemp. Lavender, citrus rinds, pine needles, and black pepper all contain terpenes. In a hemp extract, terpenes do two things: they contribute to the entourage effect (helping the cannabinoids work together more effectively), and they have their own functional benefits in your dog's body.

A few of the key terpenes in Earth Buddy's hemp:

Beta-Caryophyllene

Spicy, peppery aroma. Also found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Unique among terpenes because it interacts directly with CB2 receptors, the same receptors involved in inflammatory response and immune function. This makes it especially relevant for dogs.

Myrcene

Earthy, herbal aroma. Also found in mango, lemongrass, and basil. Supports calm behavior and a healthy inflammatory response.

Limonene

Citrus aroma. Also found in lemon, orange, and grapefruit rinds. Supports mood and stress response.

Linalool

Floral aroma. Also found in lavender. Promotes a state of calm.

Pinene

Pine aroma. Also found in pine needles and rosemary. Supports respiratory and central nervous system function.

Humulene

Woody, spicy aroma. Also found in sage, ginseng, and hops. Supports the body's natural defense against pathogens.

Ocimene

Sweet, woodsy aroma. Also found in parsley and mint. 

Earth Buddy tests every batch for the terpene profile, and the results are visible on each product's QR-linked lab report. Most pet CBD brands either do not test for terpenes or do not report them. If a brand cannot show you a terpene profile, ask why

The Entourage Effect: Why Whole Plant Beats Isolate for Dogs

The entourage effect is the principle that cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work better together than any single compound on its own. It is a well-researched concept in cannabis science, and it is the central reason Earth Buddy uses full-spectrum hemp in every product.

Think of it as a team. CBD is the most well-known player, but it performs better when CBDa, CBG, CBN, CBC, and terpenes are all present. Each compound interacts with the endocannabinoid system through different pathways. When they work together, your dog gets more functional support at a lower effective dose.

Isolate CBD strips everything except CBD itself. Broad-spectrum CBD removes THC and often strips other beneficial compounds along with it. Full-spectrum keeps the team intact.

This is why Earth Buddy uses subcritical CO2 extraction and solventless CBD Kief. Both methods preserve the full plant profile. Cheaper extraction methods (ethanol, distillate, isolate) cut corners on what ends up in the bottle.

Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum vs. Isolate

Three terms get used interchangeably in the pet CBD aisle. They mean very different things, but are primarily marketing terms that have become standard.

Full Spectrum (what Earth Buddy uses): Contains the complete profile of cannabinoids (CBD, CBDa, CBG, CBN, CBC, CBDV, trace THC), terpenes, and flavonoids from the hemp plant. Produces the entourage effect. Research shows it is the most effective form for dogs.

Broad Spectrum: Contains multiple cannabinoids but THC has been removed. The removal process often uses ethanol or chemical solvents and tends to strip other beneficial compounds as well. Marketed primarily for people worried about drug testing, which is not relevant for dogs.

Isolate: 99%+ pure CBD with everything else removed. Cheapest to produce. Requires higher dosing for the same effect, and research suggests negative responses can occur at elevated doses. No entourage effect.

If a label does not specify which type, assume it is isolate or low-quality broad-spectrum. Ask for the COA.

How to Read a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for a Dog CBD Product

A COA is a third-party lab report showing exactly what is in a hemp product. Every Earth Buddy product has a QR code on the packaging that links to the COA for that specific batch. Here is what to look at:

The lab itself. It should be ISO-certified and accredited. If the testing lab logo is the same as the brand logo, it is not independent testing.

Potency panel. Lists the cannabinoids and the amount of each. A genuine full-spectrum product will show CBD plus CBDa, CBG, CBN, CBC, and others. If you only see CBD on the COA, it is isolate.

Terpene profile. Shows which terpenes are present and at what level. Most pet CBD brands skip this entirely.

Contaminant panels. Pesticides, heavy metals, mold/mycotoxins, and chemical solvents. These are non-negotiable for any product going in your dog's body.

Earth Buddy's COAs live at earthbuddypet.com/pages/lab-results. If a brand cannot show you a batch-specific COA, that is a red flag.

Choosing the Right Earth Buddy Product for Your Dog

Different cannabinoids do different things, which is why Earth Buddy formulates around specific ratios instead of selling one generic CBD oil. Quick routing:

• For hip and joint comfort or a senior dog with mobility concerns: Mobility Hemp Extract (4:1 CBDa:CBD)
• For whole-body daily support, especially in senior dogs: Balance Hemp Extract (1:1 CBD:CBDa)
• For nervous system support and cellular health: Cellular Support CBG (4:1 CBG:CBD)
• For sleep and nighttime relaxation: Sleep Support CBN (4:1 CBN:CBD)
• For everyday calm and stress: Calming Chews for Dogs - Beef & Pumpkin

Start low, go slow. Every dog is different. See our dosing guide for product-specific guidance.

Find Earth Buddy at your local independent pet store via our store locator, or order direct.

The Benefits of a Full Spectrum CBD Product for Our Pets

At this point, you may be considering the inclusion of terpenes and other cannabinoids in your pet’s next CBD product. While there is still much to discover about the components of the cannabis plant, studies have shown that the inclusion of more than one component enhances the benefits of the others. Next time you purchase CBD, look for a breakdown of what other cannabis components are included. If you do not see any, you can ask your supplier for a Certificate of Analysis, which may list the various cannabinoids and terpenes in the product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are cannabinoids and what do they do for dogs?

Cannabinoids are active compounds produced by the hemp plant. The hemp plant produces over 100 of them, including CBD, CBDa, CBG, CBN, and CBC. They interact with your dog's endocannabinoid system, which regulates balance across the nervous, immune, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems. Different cannabinoids support different functions: CBDa is associated with joint comfort, CBN supports natural sleep rhythms, and CBG supports nervous system and cellular health.

What are terpenes and are they safe for dogs?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in hemp and many other plants (citrus, lavender, pine, black pepper). In a full-spectrum hemp product, terpenes contribute to the entourage effect and have their own functional benefits. The terpenes naturally present in Earth Buddy's hemp are safe for dogs at the levels found in our products. Always check the COA to verify the terpene profile.

Will hemp or CBD get my dog "high"?

No. Earth Buddy's hemp products contain 0.3% THC or less, which is the federal legal limit for hemp. At that level, THC is non-intoxicating. Your dog will not get high.

What is the difference between CBD and CBDa for dogs?

CBDa is the raw, unheated form of CBD that exists naturally in the hemp plant. Most brands heat their extract, which converts CBDa into CBD. Earth Buddy preserves CBDa in products like Mobility Hemp Extract and Balance Hemp Extract because it interacts with the body through different pathways and is often better tolerated in sensitive dogs and senior dogs. Research on canine mobility supports its role in joint comfort.

What is the entourage effect?

The entourage effect is the principle that cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work better together than any single compound on its own. Full-spectrum hemp products preserve the full team. Isolate products strip everything except CBD. The entourage effect is the main reason full-spectrum CBD typically requires a lower effective dose than CBD isolate.

How do I know what cannabinoids and terpenes are actually in a hemp product for my dog?

Look at the Certificate of Analysis (COA). It is a third-party lab report showing every cannabinoid and terpene tested, plus contaminant panels for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and chemical solvents. Earth Buddy publishes a batch-specific COA for every product at earthbuddypet.com/pages/lab-results, and every package has a QR code that links to it directly. If a brand cannot produce a COA, choose a different product.

Is full spectrum CBD better than isolate for dogs?

Yes, in most cases. Full-spectrum hemp contains the complete profile of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that produce the entourage effect. Research shows it is more effective at lower doses than isolate. Isolate is the cheapest to produce and requires significantly higher doses to produce a similar response.

Footnotes & Sources

1. American Kennel Club. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know. AKC Expert Advice. Reviewed by Jerry Klein, DVM (AKC Chief Veterinarian).
2. Kamal BS, Kamal F, Lantela DE. Cannabis and the Stress of Fragmentation: A Systems Approach for Finding a Cannabis Chemotype. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2018;12:730. doi:10.3389/fnins.2018.00730.
3. Bakas T, van Nieuwenhuijzen PS, Devenish SO, McGregor IS, Arnold JC, Chebib M. The direct actions of cannabidiol and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol at GABAA receptors. Pharmacological Research. 2017;119:358-370. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2017.02.022.
4. Zanelati TV, Biojone C, Moreira FA, Guimarães FS, Joca SR. effects of cannabidiol in mice: possible involvement of 5-HT1A receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2010;159(1):122-128. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00521.x.
5. Crippa JAS, Derenusson GN, Ferrari TB, et al. Neural basis of effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social stress: a preliminary report. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2011;25(1):121-130. doi:10.1177/0269881110379283.