Earth Buddy's Pet Calming Study with Full Spectrum CBD
In July of 2022, Earth Buddy conducted the first real-world study to test multiple formats of full spectrum CBD to calm dogs. During one of the most stressful times of the year for dogs due to fireworks, summer travel, and thunderstorms - 92% of pet owners reported their dog coped better with stress by day 25. Earth Buddy’s Pet Calming Pathfinder was designed to help inform pet parents with real-world use data on how pet CBD products can help dogs calm down naturally. Here’s what the data shows:
Key Findings
- 26-day real-world consumer study, conducted by MoreBetter in partnership with the Veterinary Cannabis Society
- 49 pets completed the study (93% dogs, 7% cats), three full spectrum CBD product formats tested
- Mean pet stress score improved from 9.53 to 6.02 (37% improvement, p < 0.0001)
- 92% of pet parents reported their dog coped better with stress by Day 25
- The first study to test multiple full spectrum CBD product formats for daily calming support with formal statistical analysis
What We Set Out to Learn
To this date (July, 2022), there had not been any studies conducted on using multiple full spectrum CBD products to calm pets over a consistent period of time. Pet parents enrolled in calming study and were given the option to choose between three different pet CBD delivery options:
- Quick Calm CBD (water-soluble CBD suspended in distilled water)
- CBD Calming Chews for Dogs (oven-baked calming chew in 4mg & 8mg)
- Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs (hemp extract with MCT oil in 250, 500, 1000mg)
Earth Buddy opted to focus on three different CBD products in order to allow pet parents to have options that were best suited for their dog’s calming needs. Since 2015, Earth Buddy has been dedicated and steadfast on minimally processing their pet CBD products, without the use of harsh chemicals or solvents, in order to preserve the full spectrum of beneficial compounds the hemp plant produces.
Why Use Full Spectrum CBD for Dogs?
Research indicates full spectrum hemp is safer and more effective than CBD isolates. Earth Buddy utilizes subcritical CO2 extraction to preserve the "entourage effect," where 100+ cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work synergistically for superior results compared to 99% CBD isolates.
While clinical data supports whole-plant philosophy, research on multi-formulation daily use was lacking. Consequently, Earth Buddy partnered with MoreBetter, Ltd. and the Veterinary Cannabis Society to conduct a real-world consumer study.
2022 Dog Calming Pathfinder Study Design
The study evaluated how consistent daily use of full spectrum oils, chews, and water-soluble supplements assists in calming dogs. Across all Earth Buddy products the Mean Pet Stress Score at Enrollment was 9.53 and significantly decreased to 6.02 on Day 26. That is an average 37% decrease in dog stress scores that started at peak stress levels of 9.53/10. (N=49)
Let’s breakdown the full study design details:
- 26-day campaign, new and existing Earth Buddy customers
- Day 0: Enrollment + baseline
- Day 1–5: Daily questions via text message questionnaire, no product (second baseline)
- Day 6–25: Daily Earth Buddy product use + daily questions
- Day 26: Final baseline assessment
- 72 pets enrolled (93% dogs, 7% cats), weight range 10-150 lbs (n=49 completed)
- Statistical analysis: Two-way mixed ANOVA, pairwise t-tests, Shapiro-Wilk normality tests
- Statistically significant result (p < 0.0001)
The study’s goal wasn’t solely to prove the efficacy of Earth Buddy’s CBD pet products, but to better inform pet parents on using natural supplements to calm dogs. Stress in dogs is extremely common with over 70% of dogs displaying some type of stress-related behavior. Sensitivity to loud noises being the most prevalent with dogs being highly fearful of loud noises reported in external studies and this Calming Pathfinder study.
Let’s look at Earth Buddy’s Dog Calming Study Demographics:
| Demographic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Pets Enrolled | 49 completed (70 enrolled) |
| Species | 93% dogs, 7% cats |
| Pet Weight Range | 10-150lbs |
| Top Stress Trigger | Sudden/loud noises (22%) |
| 2nd Stress Trigger | Separation Stress (21%) |
| 3rd Stress Trigger | Generalized Stress (17%) |
| 4th Stress Trigger | Strangers (16%) |
| 5th Stress Trigger | Vet visits (14%) |
| Duration of stress before study | 79% of pets had been dealing with stress for years |
| Products tested | Calming Chews for Dogs, Full Spectrum CBD Oil, Quick Calm CBD |
Study Partners
real-world consumer use study was conducted in partnership with:
What they do: Research company specializing in real-world evidence and consumer insight studies for dietary supplement and functional health brands. Proprietary study management software.
Role in this study: Designed and managed the 26-day Calming Pathfinder: enrollment, daily data collection, baseline measurements, statistical analysis (ANOVA, t-tests, normality tests), and the final report.
What they do: 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to veterinary cannabis medicine. Brings together vets, pet parents, and cannabis companies. Maintains a curated research library, runs a vet research program, and offers a directory of cannabis-knowledgeable practitioners.
Role in this study: Veterinary cannabis expertise and oversight, ensuring alignment with emerging standards for cannabis use in veterinary contexts.
CBD for Stressed Dogs: Key Data Insights
Across three CBD products, pet parents reported a 37% improvement in stress scores after 19 days of consistent full spectrum CBD use. Earth Buddy designed this study to determine the optimal way to use CBD for calming dogs, using the data to inform pet owners and refine dosage recommendations.
The study focused on the common question, “how to calm a stressed dog naturally,” forming the basis for daily surveys sent to participants over 26 days. Key research topics included:
- The efficacy of calming treats
- Optimal administration with or without food
- CBD's impact on coping with stress
- Do calming treats for dogs actually work?
- Is using CBD for dogs with food or without better?
- Does CBD help dogs cope with stress better?
- How many times per day can I give my dog CBD?
- How long does it take for CBD to work in dogs?
- How does CBD help the severity of stress in dogs?
Through this line of research, Earth Buddy was able to gain valuable insights into practical, real-world uses for using CBD for stress relief in dogs and cats. Some key data points Earth Buddy discovered overall using CBD to calm dogs daily included:
- 30% more pet parents reported their dog coped better with stress (62% → 92%, Day 6 to Day 25)
- 72% agreed products were effective at supporting calming
- 86% said they would continue using Earth Buddy after the study
- 59% agreed Earth Buddy outperformed other products they had tried
Each CBD product used in the study provided its own unique data that has continued to inform how Earth Buddy guides pet parents to calm stressed dogs individually. One distinct aspect Earth Buddy looked at was how soon did pet parents witness their selected CBD product calm their dog.
| Product | Day 6 (1st Day of Use) | Day 25 (Final Day) | Onset Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calming Chews for Dogs | 88.89% reported calming | 100% | Most immediate - nearly 9 out of 10 pet parents saw calming on the very first day |
| Full Spectrum CBD Oil | 50% | 86.36% | Gradual build - strongest long-term improvement over 2-3 weeks |
| Quick Calm CBD | 50% | 86.36% | Gradual build - similar trajectory to the oil |
| All Products (Pooled) | 62.16% | 91.89% | Significant increase over the 20-day product-use window |
| Product | Day 0 | Day 5 | Day 26 | Improvement | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All CBD Products (Pooled) | 9.53 | 7.78 | 6.02 | 37% | 49 |
| Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs | 10.00 | 8.34 | 5.65 | 44% | 23 |
| Calming Chews for Dogs | 8.57 | 7.50 | 4.79 | 44% | 14 |
| Quick Calm CBD | 9.75 | 9.50 | 8.17 | 16% | 12 |
| Metric | All Products | Full Spectrum CBD Oil | Calming Chews for Dogs | Quick Calm CBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agreed effective for calming | 72% | 75% | 72% | 70% |
| Agreed high quality | 80% | 83% | 86% | 69% |
| Would continue using | 86% | 87% | 93% | 77% |
| Found easy to give | 95% | 96% | 86% | 100% |
| Outperformed other products | 59% | 63% | 57% | 54% |
| Already recommended or plan to | 77% | 75% | 86% | 69% |
| Pets liked the taste | - | 62% | 86% | 46% |
Key takeaway: One statistic that clinical studies on calming dogs often overlook, despite being funded by brands, is the pet owners overall satisfaction with how the product performed. Pet parents mutually benefit from calming dogs behavior and studies have shown that dogs can often mirror their owners stress levels.
How This Study Compares to Other Pet CBD Research
While other studies have tested single CBD products in controlled or single-event settings, Earth Buddy's Pet CBD Research - conducted by MoreBetter in partnership with the Veterinary Cannabis Society - is the first to test multiple full spectrum CBD product formats (oil, chews, and water-soluble CBD) across 26 days of real-world daily use, with formal statistical analysis confirming significance.
The table below compares Earth Buddy's 2022 Calming Pathfinder to five other pet CBD studies on stress and calming.
| Study | Year | CBD Type | Formats Tested | Design | Key Findings | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earth Buddy Pet Calming Pathfinder | 2022 | Full spectrum CBD | Oil, chews, water soluble CBD | 26-day daily use, dual baseline, ANOVA, N=49 | 37% stress score improvement (p < 0.0001); 92% reported calming by Day 25 | www.earthbuddypet.com |
| ElleVet Calm & Comfort (pilot) | 2020 | CBD+CBDA (unclear if full spectrum) | Chews only | Single acute dose before trigger, pilot study, N=24, no formal statistical analysis | 83% positive response; 75% responded within 60 min | N/A |
| Corsetti et al. | 2021 | CBD oil (5% in olive oil) | Oil only | 45-day controlled study, 24 shelter dogs (12 CBD, 12 placebo) | CBD group showed changes in aggressive behavior toward humans | https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-82439-2 |
| Waltham/Mars (Hunt et al.) | 2023 | THC-free isolate | Single formulation | Single-dose, randomized, placebo-controlled, N=20 | CBD positively influenced stress measures during separation and car travel | https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604/full |
| Waltham 6-Month (Flint et al.) | 2024 | THC-free distillate | Single formulation | Daily dosing for 6 months, N=19 | Positive effect on stress measures during car travel | https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.977457/full |
| Dog Aging Project (Conrow et al.) | 2025 | Various (owner-reported) | Various | Observational, N=47,000+ | Long-term CBD use linked to lower aggression levels | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12698446/ |
Across these studies, Earth Buddy's Pet Calming Pathfinder is the only design that combined daily-use tracking, multiple full-spectrum formats, and formal statistical significance.
How Full Spectrum CBD Supports Calm Behavior in Pets
Both humans and pets possess an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates chemical pathways to maintain homeostasis. While the endocannabinoid system in dogs has unique characteristics, it remains essential for modulating nervous and immune systems, as well as various organ functions, through complex receptors and signaling molecules.
How to Spot Signs of Stress in Dogs and Cats: The Five F's
- Fight - Does your pet exhibit aggression towards things or situations that cause stress?
- Flight - Does your pet hide or cower towards things or situations that cause stress?
- Fidget - Does your pet have any ticks like licking air, head shaking, body positions?
- Freeze - Does your pet pause and look concerned or alert for extended periods?
- Fawn - Does your pet often lick, lean on, or cuddle you when their stress triggers occur?
Natural dog calming requires a holistic approach, prioritizing exercise, mental stimulation, nutrition, and hydration before introducing natural supplements.
Checkout our long form interview with Dr. Casara Andre, DVM on how to calm pets and create resiliency with stressed pets: How to Calm a Stressed Dog or Cat: Fireworks, Storms & Travel
To simplify your search for the best CBD calming supplements, we’ve summarized key criteria for selecting high-quality pet CBD below.
How to Choose the Best CBD for Dogs
Full Spectrum
- Broad spectrum products often lack essential hemp compounds like THC and terpenes, which are frequently stripped away using harsh ethanol extraction methods.
- CBD isolate involves a refining process that utilizes toxic chemicals to strip the plant down to a single molecule, which is suboptimal for both pet wellness and environmental health.
- Full Spectrum preserves the synergistic blend of over 100+ cannabinoids and flavonoids to produce the "entourage effect" for superior calming results.
Third-party lab testing
- Verifies both the potency of cannabinoids and the purity of the extract to ensure safety and efficacy.
Transparency & Sourcing
- Is the hemp grown locally on USDA Organic and regenerative farms?
- Do they utilize safe, solvent-free extraction methods like subcritical CO2?
Since 2015, Earth Buddy has maintained a strong belief that whole plant hemp extract, or full spectrum hemp is far superior to isolated CBD. This wasn’t a hunch or a marketing ploy, but rather a deep understanding of the science behind the theory of the “entourage effect”. This theory concludes that the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts.
Earth Buddy views full-spectrum hemp extract like an orchestra; while CBD is vital, it works best when harmonized with other compounds like CBG, CBDa, and terpenes to create a more effective "entourage effect."
A 2015 study highlighted that CBD isolate has a "bell-shaped dose response," where efficacy declines as dosage increases, often leading to undesirable outcomes. In contrast, full-spectrum extract remains effective and safer at both small and escalated CBD dosage levels.
Findings from the Dog Calming Study showed improvements in stress levels within the first few doses, even at lower amounts. Notably, nearly 90% of dogs using CBD Calming Chews experienced relief on the very first day, underscoring the efficacy of palatable, full-spectrum options.
3 CBD Product Categories Used in Calming Study
Calming study participants chose from three CBD categories with minimal guidance, as we trust pet owners' unique knowledge of their animals. This autonomy empowered owners and improved calming outcomes.
Offering CBD oil, CBD Chews, and water-soluble CBD options helps find the ideal, individualized dosage. Rather than relying solely on size, we recommend starting with a "less is more" approach.
Limiting choices can cause stress; instead, providing various flavors of calming chews, three CBD oil sizes, and our Quick Calm CBD ensured every pet parent felt confident in their personalized selection.
Featured Calming Products
Earth Buddy’s Calming Study offered three CBD delivery options to give pet parents the autonomy to choose what worked best for their individual pets, minimizing administration stress.
Instructions followed a "minimal effective dose" philosophy, starting with 1-3mg per 10 pounds and adjusting as needed. Most participants successfully adhered to this "start low, go slow" approach, and nearly all found the products easy to use.
Hemp Hearts - CBD Calming Chews for Dogs
Oven-baked Hemp Hearts are an ideal, palatable choice for picky, sensitive, or small dogs. Earth Buddy has provided these limited-ingredient treats since 2015, establishing them as the best calming chews for dogs. They proved effective whether administered daily with or without food.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs - 250/500/1000
For owners needing a stronger option, we provided full-spectrum CBD Oil mixed with organic MCT oil. Earth Buddy offers this in 15ml, 30ml, and 60ml bottles to provide consistent potency and dosage at various price points. Findings showed that administering Full Spectrum CBD Oil to dogs with a meal or treat produced the most consistent calming results.
Quick Calm CBD
Quick Calm is a highly unique pet CBD product designed to address how long it takes CBD to work in dogs. We formulated a water-soluble, fast-acting CBD using emulsification in distilled water, which allows for rapid mucosal and digestive absorption to reach peak blood levels quickly.
| Feature | Full Spectrum CBD Oil | Calming Chews for Dogs | Quick Calm CBD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Dropper oil | Oven-baked treat | Water-soluble pump |
| Best for | Daily maintenance, multi-use | Treat-motivated dogs, daily dosing | Fast-acting situational stress |
| Absorption | Oral | Digestive | Mucosal (fastest) |
| Used CBD with or without food | Best when paired with food | Strong with or without food | Strong with or without food |
| Pets liked taste | 62% | 86% (highest) | 46% |
*Key Takeaway: The three CBD products cater to different needs: Calming Chews for dogs offer the best taste preference (86%) and are ideal for treat-motivated dogs, Full Spectrum CBD Oil is best for daily use when paired with food, and Quick Calm CBD provides the fastest, absorption for situational stress.
Real Reviews, Real Results
86% of study participants said they'd keep using Earth Buddy, while 76% had used at least one or more other calming supplements to help their pet calm down.
Additional insights that pet parents reported regarding their dog’s stress, age, size, and health:
- 80% of calming study participants “Really Enjoyed” or “Enjoyed” their Pet Calming Pathfinder experience
- 91% of pets that participated comprised neutered males and spayed females.
- 85% of pets were under the age of 10 years old or younger
- Most common pet stress responses reported by pet owners included (but not limited to):
- Panting
- Restlessness, agitation, pacing, chasing tail
- Clinging to favorite person
- Whining, barking, or howling
- Hiding, cowering, shaking, tail tucked
Why Choose Earth Buddy CBD to Calm Dogs
A leader in hemp-derived pet supplements since 2015, Earth Buddy collaborates with PhD scientists and holistic veterinarians to develop safe, practical uses CBD for dogs and cats.
We prioritize transparency by providing real-world data from our pet calming study, helping owners build long-term resiliency in their pets rather than just offering temporary fixes.
Our products are third-party tested, Colorado-grown on USDA Organic farms, and manufactured in our Longmont facility using subcritical CO2 extraction. We invite you to explore our Study Page and participate in future research.
These findings are supportive real-world evidence, not a substitute for a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Observational studies help show how products are used in normal routines, where timing, consistency, owner handling, and the pet-owner environment all matter. They do not isolate the product effect from owner expectation, participation effects, routine changes, or other household variables. For that reason, we describe the Pathfinder Study as evidence of owner-reported product performance under real-world conditions, not as clinical proof. Results vary by pet, trigger, format, dose, and routine. All Earth Buddy products contain 0.3% THC or less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Designed for consistent daily use. "Start low, go slow" approach. Reference the study's daily-use design. 86% of study participants planned to continue daily use after the study. Full Spectrum CBD Oil performed best when paired with food or a treat.
It depends on the format. Earth Buddy's 26-day study, Calming Chews for Dogs showed the most immediate response - nearly 89% of pet parents reported calming on the very first day of use. CBD Oil and Quick Calm CBD started at 50% on day one and built progressively, with most pet parents reporting noticeable improvement within the first 10 days of daily use. Quick Calm CBD absorbs fastest via mucosal delivery for situational needs, while the oil and chews showed the strongest long-term calming trajectory over 2-3 weeks. Note: the study tracked daily yes/no coping responses, not minute-level onset times.
Study data found Full Spectrum CBD Oil performed best when given with food. Calming Chews for Dogs and Quick Calm CBD showed strong results regardless of food pairing. Practical tip: pair oil with a meal or treat. On average, study participants gave CBD with food about 9 out of every 20 days.
Growing body of peer-reviewed research. Cornell, Waltham, and CSU all studying efficacy. Find a holistic veterinarian on our Pet Health Resources Page
Always consult your vet. CBD is a supplement, not a replacement for veterinary care.
Full spectrum preserves all cannabinoids (CBD, CBDa, CBN, CBG), terpenes, and flavonoids from the hemp plant. The entourage effect means these compounds work together. Earth Buddy's study is the first to test multiple full spectrum product formats - oil, chews, and water-soluble CBD - specifically for daily calming support.
7% of study participants were cats. Earth Buddy offers cat-specific dosing. Same "start low, go slow" philosophy typically starting with about 1-3 drops with food 1-2x's daily or as needed. Consult your vet for cats on other medications.
In-house formulation by PhDs. Single-origin hemp from Colorado. Subcritical CO2 extraction. Not white-labeled. The only brand that has tested multiple full spectrum CBD product formats - oil, chews, and water-soluble CBD - in a single calming study with formal statistical analysis.
For further reading, check out:
Salonen, M., Sulkama, S., Mikkola, S., et al. (2020). Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine stress in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Scientific Reports, 10, 2962. A large-scale survey of 13,700 Finnish dogs documenting how widely stress-related and fear-based behaviors are reported across breeds, with sensitivity to loud noises the most commonly observed trait. Read study
Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L.O. (2015). Overcoming the Bell-Shaped Dose-Response of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched in Cannabidiol. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 6, 75–85. - Foundational research showing that whole-plant cannabis extract enriched in CBD produces a more consistent dose-response profile than purified CBD isolate, supporting the entourage-effect rationale behind Earth Buddy's full spectrum formulations. Read study
Corsetti, S., Borruso, S., Malandrucco, L., et al. (2021). Scientific Reports, 11, 2773. - A 45-day controlled study in 24 shelter dogs comparing CBD oil to placebo, observing changes in stress-related behavior in a kennel environment. Read study
Hunt, A.B.G., et al. (2023). A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1112604. - Randomized, placebo-controlled study (N=20) showing that a single dose of THC-free CBD supported measures of calm during separation and car travel scenarios. Read study
Flint, H.E., et al. (2022). Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 977457. - Six-month daily-dosing study (N=19) using THC-free CBD distillate, observing supportive effects on stress measures during repeated car travel. Read study
Conrow, K.D., et al. (Dog Aging Project, 2025). - An observational analysis of more than 47,000 dogs examining long-term CBD use in companion animals, with reported associations to behavioral measures including aggression scores. Read study
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual veterinary medical advice.
