CBG (cannabigerol) is the cannabinoid that all other cannabinoids come from, which is why it gets called the mother cannabinoid. In dogs and cats, CBG supports nervous system function, balanced mood, immune health, digestion, and cognitive function in aging pets. Earth Buddy Cellular Support pairs CBG with CBD at a 4:1 ratio, grown from high-CBG hemp on our Colorado farm.
Cannabigerol, better known as CBG, is one of the minor cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. CBD gets most of the research attention, but CBG is earning its own following in the pet space for good reason. It interacts with your pet's endocannabinoid system differently than CBD does, and early research points to a distinct set of benefits. So what is CBG good for? Here's what we know so far.
What is CBG for Dogs and Cats?
Every cannabinoid in the hemp plant starts as CBGa, the acidic precursor to CBG. As the plant matures in sunlight, CBGa converts into THCa, CBDa, and the other cannabinoid precursors. This is why CBG is called the mother cannabinoid. It's the starting material for everything else.
By harvest, most hemp plants hold less than 1% CBG. That scarcity is why most pet supplements skip it entirely. Newer hemp varieties bred specifically for CBG changed that math, and Earth Buddy grows these high-CBG plants on our small farm in Colorado for our Cellular Support tincture.
CBG doesn't work alone. The terpenes and flavonoids in full spectrum CBD extracts work alongside cannabinoids in what's known as the entourage effect, where the combined compounds do more together than any one does on its own.
CBG vs CBD for Dogs: What's the Difference?
CBD and CBG come from the same plant and support the same endocannabinoid system, but they behave differently once inside the body.
CBD works mostly indirectly. It influences receptor activity and slows the breakdown of your pet's own endocannabinoids, like anandamide. CBG binds directly to both CB1 receptors (concentrated in the brain and central nervous system) and CB2 receptors (concentrated in the immune system and peripheral organs). That direct binding is why CBG is being studied for such a wide range of body systems.
The practical difference most pet parents notice: CBD leans calming, while CBG supports relaxation without drowsiness. Pets stay alert. This makes CBG a strong fit for older pets who need support during the day, not sedation.
You don't have to choose one. Cellular Support combines CBG and CBD at a 4:1 ratio so both cannabinoids work together, and our full spectrum CBD oils naturally carry trace CBG alongside CBD, CBDa, and terpenes.
How CBG Works in Your Pet's Body
Dogs, cats, and humans all share an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that helps the body maintain balance across the nervous, immune, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems.
CBG interacts with both primary receptor types, CB1 and CB2. It also supports the function and availability of anandamide, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter sometimes called the bliss molecule, which plays a role in mood, appetite, and calm behavior. Because CBG reaches receptors in both the brain and the body, it may help bridge the two in a way few single cannabinoids can.
What is CBG Good For? 7 Ways CBG Supports Dogs and Cats
Unlike cannabinoids like CBD or THC, CBG interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system by binding specifically to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. This direct interaction facilitates a more effective delivery of CBG's benefits to dogs when provided with a high-quality full-spectrum hemp extract or tinctures specifically developed with high concentrations of CBG, like Earth Buddy’s Cellular Support product. Now, let’s dive into the main question, “what is CBG good for?”
1. Nervous System Support
CBG's direct interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are dense throughout the brain and nervous system, supports normal nerve function and healthy brain activity. Research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology examined CBG's influence on neurological pathways, and this work is part of why CBG is a focus for nervous system support.
2. Balanced Mood and Relaxation Without Sedation
CBG can influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which help pets maintain a relaxed, normal disposition. Unlike heavier calming options, CBG supports relaxation while keeping pets alert. For pets who need deeper calming support, our Calming Study found that 82% of dogs showed calmer behavior with full spectrum CBD, and pairing CBD with CBG covers both ends: calm and clarity.
3. Immune Health
The ECS helps regulate immune function, and CB2 receptors sit throughout immune tissue. By engaging these receptors, CBG supports normal immune responses and promotes a healthy inflammatory response. A 2021 study in Biomedicines observed CBG's influence on immune activity and inflammatory responses in skin cells.
4. Bladder and Urinary Health
CBG appears to help maintain normal bladder muscle function and support urinary tract health. A 2015 study in the European Journal of Pharmacology found CBG influenced bladder contractions in mice, which is why researchers keep coming back to this cannabinoid for urinary support.
5. Digestive and Gut Health
The ECS is integral to healthy GI function, and CBG's interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors may support proper digestion and bowel health. A frequently cited 2013 study in Biochemical Pharmacology looked at CBG's effect on inflammatory response in the gut. For pets with ongoing gut concerns, CBG pairs well with Gut Health Colostrum, which supports the gut lining directly.
6. Eye Health
Cannabinoid receptors are abundant in eye tissue, and CBG provides antioxidant support that helps maintain normal eye function and helps eliminate free radicals associated with the aging process. This is one reason CBG is often recommended for pets seven years and older.
7. Cognitive Support for Senior Dogs and Cats
CBG interacts with alpha-2 receptors, which influence the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation with mental alertness. It also supports acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter tied to memory and cognitive function. For senior pets, this combination of clarity and calm is where CBG stands out.
How Much CBG Should I Give My Dog or Cat?
Start low and go slow. With Cellular Support, the general guideline is 0.25mL per 20 lbs of body weight, one or two times daily. Give it with food so the cannabinoids stay in the bloodstream longer.
Every pet responds differently, so hold each amount for a week before adjusting. If your pet takes prescription medications or has a serious medical condition, talk with your veterinarian first. Every batch of Cellular Support is third-party tested, and you can view the lab results anytime.
What Does the Research Say About CBG?
CBG research is younger than CBD research, and most published work comes from lab and animal models rather than clinical trials in dogs and cats. What exists is promising: studies on gut inflammatory response, bladder function, neurological pathways, and immune activity all point in encouraging directions, and a 2022 survey in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research documented how people are actually using CBG-predominant products. We treat this research as evidence that informs our formulations, not as a guarantee, and we expect the picture to sharpen as cannabinoid science matures.
Cellular Support pairs CBG and CBD at a 4:1 ratio from high-CBG hemp for daily nervous system and cellular support
CBG for Dogs and Cats, Grown on Our Farm
Frequently Asked Questions About CBG for Dogs and Cats
Is CBG safe for dogs and cats?
Yes. CBG from a full spectrum CBD extract formulated for pets is non-intoxicating and well tolerated. Earth Buddy products meet the 0.3% THC industry standard and every batch is third-party tested at ISO-accredited labs.
What's the difference between CBG and CBD?
CBG binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, while CBD works more indirectly on the endocannabinoid system. CBD leans calming; CBG supports relaxation and alertness at the same time. Together they complement each other through the entourage effect.
Will CBG make my dog sleepy?
No. CBG supports relaxation without sedation, which is why it's a popular choice for senior pets who need daytime support but not drowsiness. For nighttime rest, Sleep Support with CBN and CBD is the better fit.
How much CBG should I give my dog?
With Cellular Support, start with 0.25mL per 20 lbs of body weight once or twice daily with food. Hold that amount for a week, watch your pet's response, and adjust gradually.
Can cats take CBG?
Yes. Cellular Support is formulated for both dogs and cats. Cats share the same endocannabinoid system, so the same start-low, go-slow approach applies.
How long does it take for CBG to work?
Most pets show responses within 30 to 60 minutes of a dose, and consistent daily use over two to four weeks is where pet parents typically notice the clearest difference. Giving it with food improves absorption.
Earth Buddy Pet Supplements With CBG for Dogs & Cats
Earth Buddy’s Cellular Support tincture contains high amounts of CBG extract and low CBD extract at a 4:1 ratio. To achieve the best results with CBD and CBG for dogs and cats, Earth Buddy has developed this tincture from new hemp plant varieties grown on a small farm in Colorado, that produce high amounts of CBG.
Organic MCT oil, from coconuts, is added to assist in the digestion and absorption of the compounds found in the tincture. If you do purchase this tincture combining CBD and CBG, start low and go slow. As a general guideline, start with .25mL per 20 lbs of body weight one or two times daily. For the lab results, click here.
Earth Buddy Maxx Life Glutathione capsules contain our blend called the Hemp Essence Trinity of CBD, CBDa, and CBG for dogs in Kief form along with encapsulated glutathione to support dog's liver detoxification, overall immunity, and longevity. Maxx Life Glutathione comes in capsule form and also contains aminos and other flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. Maxx Life capsules can be opened and powder can mix into a food or a light snack 1-2 times daily depending on the size of your dog.
Benefits of Earth Buddy CBG for Dogs & Cats:
- Supports a calm nervous system and eases everyday musculoskeletal tension
- Promotes a healthy inflammatory response in the digestive tract
- Supports normal immune function
- Helps senior pets stay relaxed and alert without sedation
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