ABSC Organics vs Honest Paws: A Detailed Pet CBD Comparison
Honest Paws and ABSC Organics are both well-regarded names in the pet CBD space, but they represent fundamentally different approaches to the market. Honest Paws is a direct-to-consumer brand known for its broad product selection and accessible price points. ABSC Organics is a research-first company whose credibility is built on three university clinical trials and USDA Organic certification.
This comparison breaks down both brands across the criteria that matter most: clinical evidence, product quality, certifications, pricing, and which dog (and dog owner) each brand serves best.
Brand Overviews
ABSC Organics: Research-Driven CBD
ABSC Organics (Applied Basic Science Corporation) has sponsored three clinical trials at Colorado State University, one of the country’s leading veterinary research institutions. Their research program, led by Dr. Stephanie McGrath, DVM, has produced published, peer-reviewed findings on CBD’s safety, seizure reduction, and pain management in dogs.
ABSC’s product philosophy is focused: they produce pure CBD oil in four concentrations, all carrying the USDA Organic seal. Rather than expanding into treats, chews, and topicals, ABSC has concentrated on perfecting a single product format backed by clinical data.
Product lineup:
- 300mg CBD Oil (10mg/mL) — $49.99
- 600mg CBD Oil (20mg/mL) — $59.99
- 1200mg CBD Oil (40mg/mL) — $119.99
- 2400mg CBD Oil (80mg/mL) — $199.99
All bottles are 30mL (approximately a 30-day supply). Subscriptions save 15% on every order. Lab results are published on the Certificate of Analysis page.
Honest Paws: Product Variety and Accessibility
Honest Paws has built a strong direct-to-consumer brand with a product range that goes well beyond CBD oil. They offer multiple product lines organized by function — Calm, Mobility, and Well — available in oils, crunchy bites, and soft chews. This approach makes it easy for pet owners to find a product matched to their dog’s specific need.
Honest Paws sources their hemp from USDA Organic farms in Colorado and their products are full-spectrum, third-party tested, and free from GMOs, soy, and corn.
CBD oil pricing (same across all three lines — Calm, Mobility, Well):
- 125mg (dogs under 25 lbs) — $24.95
- 250mg (dogs 25–50 lbs) — $42.95
- 500mg (dogs 51–74 lbs) — $69.95
- 1000mg (dogs 75+ lbs) — $94.95
Honest Paws also offers CBD bites (crunchy treats in standard and mini sizes) and soft chews across their product lines. Their pricing positions them in the mid-range of the pet CBD market.
Clinical Research: The Critical Difference
This is where the comparison between ABSC and Honest Paws diverges most significantly.
ABSC Organics: Three Published Clinical Trials
ABSC has invested in a structured, multi-phase research program at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences:
- Phase 1 — Safety and Pharmacokinetics: Established CBD oil as safe and well-tolerated in dogs, with oral oil identified as the most efficient delivery method. Published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (Fall 2018).
- Phase 2 — Epilepsy: Demonstrated an 89% reduction in seizure frequency in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. This is among the most compelling efficacy results ever published for a pet CBD product.
- Phase 3 — Osteoarthritis and Pain: Investigated CBD’s effectiveness for joint pain and mobility issues, adding another therapeutic indication backed by controlled data.
Importantly, the CBD oil available to consumers from ABSC is the exact same formulation used in these trials. This product-study consistency means you can have confidence that the published results apply to the product you’re buying. Read the full research at ABSC’s Clinical Research page.
Honest Paws: Marketing Claims Without Proprietary Trials
Honest Paws does not appear to have sponsored or published any proprietary clinical trials using their specific product formulations. Their marketing references the general body of CBD research, and they have received endorsements from veterinarians and media outlets. They’ve been named a top pet CBD brand by several review sites.
However, third-party recognition and general CBD research are not substitutes for product-specific clinical trials. When a company like ABSC publishes trial data on their exact formulation, pet owners can be confident that the product has been scientifically evaluated for efficacy and safety. Without this kind of evidence, a product’s therapeutic value is based primarily on anecdotal reports.
This distinction is particularly important for pet owners dealing with serious health conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, or severe anxiety. For general wellness supplementation, the gap may feel less critical. For specific therapeutic needs, clinical data matters enormously.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Category | ABSC Organics | Honest Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research | 3 clinical trials at Colorado State University (safety, epilepsy, osteoarthritis) | No published proprietary clinical trials |
| USDA Organic Certified | Yes (product and facility) | Uses USDA Organic hemp; final product certification not confirmed |
| CBD Type | Full-spectrum CBD oil | Full-spectrum CBD oil |
| Product Range | CBD oil (4 concentrations) | CBD oil (4 sizes), crunchy bites, soft chews — across Calm, Mobility, and Well lines |
| Concentration Range | 10mg/mL to 80mg/mL | ~4.2mg/mL to ~33.4mg/mL |
| Entry-Level Price | $49.99 (300mg) | $24.95 (125mg) |
| Price Per mg (Oil) | $0.08–$0.17/mg | $0.10–$0.20/mg |
| Subscription Discount | 15% off all orders | Available (varies by promotion) |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes — COA published | Yes — COA available |
| Veterinary Formulated | Yes — CSU veterinary researchers | Veterinarian recommended |
| Distribution | Direct-to-consumer (abscorganics.com) | Direct-to-consumer (honestpaws.com) + select retail |
| Ingredients (Oil) | USDA Organic full-spectrum hemp extract, organic MCT oil | Full-spectrum hemp extract, MCT coconut oil |
| Manufacturing | USDA Organic certified facility | GMP-compliant facility |
| Max Concentration | 80mg/mL (2400mg bottle) | ~33.4mg/mL (1000mg bottle) |
| Species | Dogs and cats | Dogs (primary), cats |
Pricing Deep Dive
Honest Paws’ lower starting price ($24.95 vs. $49.99) may catch your eye, but the comparison isn’t quite apples-to-apples. Let’s break it down by what you’re actually getting per dollar.
Comparable Strength Comparison
The most comparable products between the two brands:
| Metric | ABSC 600mg | Honest Paws 500mg |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $69.95 |
| Total CBD | 600mg | 500mg |
| Per mg cost | $0.10/mg | $0.14/mg |
| Concentration | 20mg/mL | ~16.7mg/mL |
At this comparison point, ABSC delivers 20% more CBD for $10 less. The per-milligram cost difference is significant: $0.10 vs. $0.14.
Entry-Level Comparison
Honest Paws’ 125mg bottle at $24.95 is their cheapest offering, but at $0.20/mg, it’s also their least efficient price point. ABSC’s 300mg bottle at $49.99 ($0.17/mg) costs more upfront but delivers 2.4x the CBD at a lower per-milligram cost.
For pet owners on a tight budget who want the lowest possible entry price, Honest Paws’ 125mg option costs less to try. But for ongoing monthly use, ABSC’s pricing is more efficient.
High-Potency Comparison
For large dogs, the comparison becomes even more favorable for ABSC:
- ABSC 2400mg (80mg/mL): $199.99 — $0.08/mg
- Honest Paws 1000mg (~33.4mg/mL): $94.95 — $0.095/mg
A large dog needing 2400mg of CBD per month would require a single ABSC bottle ($199.99) or roughly 2.4 Honest Paws 1000mg bottles ($227.88). ABSC saves approximately $28 per month at the highest dosage tier while also offering a more concentrated formula that requires fewer drops per serving.
Certifications and Ingredient Quality
USDA Organic: Product vs. Source
Both brands reference organic hemp. However, there’s an important distinction:
ABSC Organics holds USDA Organic certification for their finished product. This means the entire production chain — hemp cultivation, extraction, and bottling — meets federal organic standards. The USDA Organic seal on the bottle is a legally regulated claim backed by annual inspections.
Honest Paws states that they source hemp from USDA Organic farms in Colorado. This is a meaningful sourcing commitment, but it’s different from having the final product certified as USDA Organic. The extraction process, carrier oil sourcing, and manufacturing environment also need to meet organic standards for a product to carry the USDA seal.
For pet owners who specifically seek USDA-certified organic products, this distinction matters.
Third-Party Testing
Both brands conduct independent laboratory testing. ABSC publishes their Certificates of Analysis on their website. Honest Paws also makes their COAs available, testing for cannabinoid content, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination. On this front, both brands meet the standard expected of reputable CBD companies.
Product Range: Variety vs. Specialization
This is one of Honest Paws’ genuine strengths. Their product catalog includes:
Honest Paws Product Lines
- Calm Line: CBD oil, calm bites, and calm soft chews — formulated for stress and anxiety
- Mobility Line: CBD oil, mobility bites, and mobility soft chews — targeting joint support for aging dogs
- Well Line: CBD oil, well bites, and well soft chews — general wellness and immune support
Each line is available in multiple formats (liquid oil, crunchy bites, soft chews) and sized by dog weight. This makes Honest Paws particularly convenient for pet owners who:
- Have picky dogs that won’t take oil directly
- Want a treat format they can use as a reward
- Prefer the convenience of pre-dosed chews over measuring oil with a dropper
ABSC Organics Product Line
ABSC offers CBD oil in four concentrations. Period. There are no treats, no chews, no topical products.
This narrower focus reflects ABSC’s research-first philosophy. Their clinical trials were conducted using CBD oil, not treats or chews, so the oil is the only format they can claim is backed by their published data. Oil also offers superior bioavailability compared to edible formats — when a dog eats a CBD treat, the cannabinoids must pass through the digestive system and liver (first-pass metabolism), which can reduce the amount of CBD that reaches the bloodstream.
For pet owners who value clinical backing and efficient dosing above convenience, ABSC’s oil-only approach is an advantage, not a limitation.
For Specific Health Conditions
Epilepsy and Seizures
ABSC’s Phase 2 clinical trial demonstrated an 89% reduction in seizure frequency in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Honest Paws does not have published clinical data specific to seizures. For dogs with epilepsy, ABSC’s evidence base provides a level of confidence that Honest Paws cannot currently match.
Joint Pain and Mobility
Both brands offer products positioned for joint support. ABSC’s Phase 3 trial investigated osteoarthritis and pain in dogs. Honest Paws’ Mobility line includes CBD combined with additional joint-supporting ingredients in their chew formats. If you want clinical evidence for CBD’s effect on joint pain specifically, ABSC has the data. If you want a combined CBD+glucosamine treat for convenience, Honest Paws offers that.
Anxiety and Calming
Honest Paws’ Calm line is specifically formulated for stress and anxiety, and their chews include calming botanicals. ABSC’s CBD oil can also be used for anxiety (CBD’s calming properties are well-documented in general research), but they don’t offer a specialized anxiety formula. For anxiety specifically, both can be effective — the choice comes down to whether you prefer clinical-grade pure oil or a convenient flavored chew.
Who Should Choose ABSC Organics?
ABSC Organics is the stronger choice if you prioritize:
- Clinical evidence: Three CSU trials with published results. No other DTC pet CBD brand matches this evidence base.
- Epilepsy treatment: ABSC’s 89% seizure reduction finding is unmatched in the pet CBD industry.
- USDA Organic certification: Full product certification, not just organic sourcing.
- High-potency options: Up to 80mg/mL for large and giant breed dogs.
- Better per-milligram value: At comparable dosages, ABSC delivers more CBD per dollar.
- Pure, minimalist formulation: No fillers, flavors, or additional ingredients — just organic CBD oil.
Browse ABSC’s product line at the ABSC Organics shop.
Who Should Choose Honest Paws?
Honest Paws may be a better fit if you prioritize:
- Product variety: Three specialized lines (Calm, Mobility, Well) in multiple formats (oil, bites, chews) give you more options.
- Treat and chew formats: For dogs who won’t take oil, Honest Paws’ bites and soft chews are a practical alternative.
- Lowest possible entry price: At $24.95, the 125mg oil is one of the most affordable options from a reputable brand.
- Weight-based product sizing: Products are clearly organized by dog weight, making selection straightforward for first-time buyers.
- Combination ingredients: Honest Paws’ chews include additional beneficial ingredients like glucosamine (Mobility) and calming botanicals (Calm).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABSC Organics a good Honest Paws alternative?
Yes, ABSC Organics is an excellent alternative to Honest Paws, particularly for pet owners who want clinical research backing their CBD purchase. ABSC’s three Colorado State University trials, USDA Organic certification, and competitive per-milligram pricing make it a strong choice for evidence-minded pet owners looking beyond Honest Paws.
Does Honest Paws have clinical trials?
Honest Paws has not published proprietary clinical trials using their specific product formulations. While their products are third-party tested and well-reviewed, they lack the product-specific university research that ABSC Organics has completed at Colorado State University.
Which brand is more affordable?
It depends on what you measure. Honest Paws has a lower entry price ($24.95 vs. $49.99), but ABSC delivers more CBD per dollar at comparable dosage levels. For example, ABSC’s 600mg bottle ($59.99, $0.10/mg) is both cheaper and higher-potency than Honest Paws’ comparable 500mg bottle ($69.95, $0.14/mg). For ongoing monthly use, ABSC generally offers better value.
Is Honest Paws USDA Organic?
Honest Paws sources hemp from USDA Organic farms, but the finished product does not appear to carry full USDA Organic certification. ABSC Organics’ final product is USDA Organic certified, covering the entire production process from cultivation through bottling.
Which brand is better for small dogs?
Both brands serve small dogs well. Honest Paws offers a 125mg oil specifically sized for dogs under 25 pounds ($24.95). ABSC’s 300mg oil at 10mg/mL ($49.99) provides a low concentration suitable for precise small-dog dosing, with the added advantages of USDA Organic certification and clinical backing. The ABSC bottle also lasts longer at small-dog doses.
The Bottom Line
Honest Paws is a solid, well-marketed pet CBD brand that excels in product variety and accessibility. If you want multiple formats, functional treat options, and a low entry price, Honest Paws delivers.
ABSC Organics is the choice for pet owners who want their purchasing decision backed by science. Three clinical trials at Colorado State University, USDA Organic certification, and stronger per-milligram value make ABSC the more evidence-based option. For dogs dealing with epilepsy, chronic pain, or conditions where proven efficacy matters most, ABSC’s clinical data provides a level of confidence that no amount of marketing can replicate.
Want clinical proof behind your pet’s CBD?
ABSC Organics is the only pet CBD brand with three Colorado State University clinical trials, including 89% seizure reduction in epileptic dogs. USDA Organic certified. Starting at $49.99. Shop now and save 15% with a subscription. Read the research | View lab results