Putting Quality First: Understanding Certificates Of Analysis (COAs) For Pet CBD Products

Consumers and companies alike have a vested interest in confirming that CBD products for pets are tested and confirmed safe for consumption. They achieve this through the request and review of a Certificate of Analysis (COA). COAs are a critical part of transparency for the CBD industry, which is rapidly innovating with regulation that can be questionable at times. When a manufacturer creates a CBD product, they voluntarily send the product to a third-party laboratory for testing. The results make up the COA. With this guide, third-party vendors and consumers will know how to read a COA and interpret the data for their CBD product selections. 

Why Are COAs Used in Pet CBD Products? 

COAs are a standard procedure for THC/CBD products for human consumption and are increasingly important in the production and sale of products for pet consumption as well. COAs function as a form of transparency for consumers, allowing them to get useful information about the validity and safety of each product they consider and compare them to choose the one with the highest benefit for their needs. The information contained in the COA provides critical details that consumers, clinics, and third-party vendors can use to vet claims and verify safety. 

While COAs remain the foundation of product safety and transparency, it’s important to note that their presence is now expected within the CBD industry. For business and veterinary audiences, the next step is understanding how research continues to evolve around CBD efficacy and the role of other cannabinoids in pet health. 

How to Read a COA 

When looking at a COA for the first time, readers may see a lot of simple details and numbers. This data breaks down the testing into smaller components that readers can easily understand, if they know what to look for and how to digest the results. 

Document contents 

In the COA, readers can find several pieces of important information about the analysis of the CBD product and the laboratory providing the testing. The first section outlines the details provided by the organization requesting the sample, including the name of the product, the lot number, and the name of the lab. The second section details the results of the analysis, including cannabinoid potency and possible contaminants. The final section describes the laboratory and its authority for providing the testing. 

While a COA provides a range of useful information, it does not generally include dosing recommendations. Proper dosing of CBD for cats and dogs is still subject to debate in research circles. A 2023 review in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science noted that the preferred form of CBD dosing for pets is oral, but that oral consumption can leave question as to how much is actually absorbed into the pet’s system. The review’s authors reported oral bioavailability of less than 20% but acknowledged that these estimates come from limited studies. 

Cannabinoid potency 

For most consumers and third-party vendors, the cannabinoid potency is the critical piece of information used to establish appropriate selection and dosing. The COA reports the presence and quantity of a range of CBD strains, such as CBC, CBD, CBDa, CBG, or CBN. These results are usually published in the amount in milligrams per gram of product, as well as the percentage of the product that contains the specific CBD strain. Research suggests that THC (specifically the psychoactive compound in Cannabis sativa) is toxic to companion animals. While it is not recommended for use in pets, the presence of it is documented in potency panels for safety reasons. 

These results directly affect the dosage provided from the product, which allows consumers to determine the appropriate dosage and delivery method. The Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research published a study in 2018 identifying results from dosages given to dogs with different delivery, specifically oil, oil beads, or a transdermal cream.2 Groups of healthy dogs were divided up by dosage and delivery type and provided with 10 or 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Researchers reported that the greatest pharmacokinetic effect occurred with the use of the CBD-infused oil. 

The appropriate dosage depends on the reason for the dosing. Research from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Texas Tech University, published in Animals in 2024, noted that doses of 2 to 4.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight were effective in addressing conditions such as osteoarthritis or refractive seizure activity. Researchers reported that these doses did not make notable differences in behavior, suggesting that higher doses may be required in response to nervousness or aggression. 

Expanding the Science: What Research Reveals About CBD and Other Cannabinoids in Pets 

 As veterinary research grows, scientists are learning more about how cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system in animals. Beyond CBD, compounds such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC) are being explored for potential benefits. 

• CBG may support anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity, showing early promise in Molecules (MDPI, 2023), which reviewed CBG’s molecular interactions and therapeutic potential. 

• CBN is being investigated for sedative and neuroprotective effects, supported by findings in ScienceDirect (2021), which reviewed antioxidant and bioactive cannabinoid compounds. 

• CBC has demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity in preclinical studies summarized by the Journal of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics (2024). 

Additionally, the way CBD is delivered plays a role in effectiveness. Oral oils are the most widely studied, showing reliable absorption and systemic benefits, while topical creams and balms may provide localized relief. The 2023 meta-analysis in Frontiers in Veterinary Science evaluated the efficacy and safety of CBD for canine osteoarthritis and confirmed that orally delivered oils demonstrated the most consistent results. 

Contaminant panels 

The analysis also usually notes the presence of certain contaminants that could affect the safety or efficacy of the product. Typically, contaminant panels test for heavy metals, which may come from the water used to grow the hemp and pesticides that the farmers used. Consumers need to compare this information to maximum safe exposure of these contaminants to determine if the product is safe. 

Laboratory credentials 

At the end of the COA, the laboratory provides information about itself and its processes. Specifically, it should include the name of the lab, its credentials in performing the analysis, a verification of the results, and footnotes about the testing. These details are critical in establishing the credibility of the results. 

The complicated regulatory landscape of the CBD market calls for maximum transparency, especially for companies that look to sell CBD products for pets to consumers. Testing is vital to maintain safety for use in companion animals. By understanding the factors involved in a COA, consumers and companies can vet the information they receive and make informed choices. 

Author bio: Dani Fernandez is the Content Marketing Specialist at Pet Releaf, which creates effective, natural alternatives to pet health and wellness supplements. She provides insightful and innovative content across various platforms, including social media, blogs, and email campaigns. Fernandez develops impactful strategies to engage pet parents and promote wellness through educational and creative storytelling. Her love for her French Bulldogs fuels her passion to help other pet owners find the best health solutions for their pets, inspiring her work daily.