ABSC vs Honest Paws: Which CBD Oil Is Right for Your Pet?

Choosing a CBD oil for your pet is a decision that matters. You are selecting a product that will go directly into your animal’s body, ideally every day, to address conditions ranging from chronic pain and anxiety to seizures and inflammatory diseases. The brand you choose determines not just the quality of the CBD, but the level of scientific evidence, transparency, and safety assurance behind it.

ABSC Organics and Honest Paws are two of the most recognized names in the pet CBD market, but they represent fundamentally different approaches to the category. In this comparison, we will examine both brands across the dimensions that matter most: clinical research, certifications, product formulations, pricing, transparency, and overall value. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make the right choice for your pet.

We will be straightforward: we are ABSC Organics, so we naturally believe in our product. But we also believe that informed consumers make better decisions, and that means presenting an honest assessment of both brands, including areas where Honest Paws offers advantages.

Company Background

ABSC Organics

ABSC Organics is a veterinarian-formulated pet CBD brand built on a foundation of clinical research. Our defining characteristic is that our CBD oil has been used in three clinical trials at Colorado State University (CSU), one of the world’s leading veterinary research institutions. These trials studied the pharmacokinetics, safety, and therapeutic efficacy of our product in real dogs under controlled conditions.

We offer a focused product line of full-spectrum CBD oils in four concentrations, all USDA Organic certified. Our approach is depth over breadth: rather than creating dozens of products across multiple categories, we have invested in proving that our core product works through rigorous scientific testing.

Honest Paws

Honest Paws is a well-known consumer pet CBD brand that has built significant market presence through retail partnerships, influencer marketing, and a broad product portfolio. Founded with a mission to provide natural wellness options for pets, Honest Paws offers CBD oils, chews, treats, topical balms, and products formulated for specific conditions like mobility, calm, and relief.

Honest Paws has achieved strong brand awareness in the pet CBD space and is available through multiple retail channels. They have invested in building a consumer-friendly brand with appealing packaging and condition-specific product lines.

Clinical Research and Scientific Evidence

This is the area of greatest differentiation between the two brands, and arguably the most important factor for pet owners to consider.

ABSC Organics: Three CSU Clinical Trials

ABSC Organics is one of the very few pet CBD brands in the world that has undergone formal clinical testing at a major research university. Our three trials at Colorado State University represent a significant investment in scientific validation:

• Pharmacokinetics Study: This trial established how ABSC CBD oil is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated in dogs. It determined optimal dosing parameters and confirmed that the CBD reaches therapeutically relevant blood levels.
• Safety Study: This trial evaluated the safety profile of ABSC CBD oil across different doses, monitoring liver enzymes, kidney function, blood chemistry, and behavioral indicators over an extended period. The results confirmed a strong safety profile, with the most notable finding being a mild, transient elevation in the liver enzyme ALP that did not indicate liver damage.
• Efficacy Study: This trial measured the therapeutic effects of ABSC CBD oil in dogs with documented conditions, assessing improvements in pain, mobility, and comfort using validated veterinary assessment tools.

These trials followed established clinical research protocols, involved licensed veterinary researchers, and produced data that has contributed to the broader scientific understanding of CBD in veterinary medicine. The details of this research are publicly available on our clinical research page.

Honest Paws: No Published Clinical Trials

To our knowledge, Honest Paws has not conducted or published results from clinical trials at accredited research institutions testing their specific products. This does not mean their products are ineffective, as CBD in general has a growing body of research supporting its use in pets. However, it does mean that the specific formulation sold by Honest Paws has not been validated through the same level of rigorous, independent testing.

Many pet CBD brands cite general CBD research to support their products, which is reasonable. But there is a meaningful difference between a product that has been specifically tested in clinical settings and a product that references research conducted on different formulations by different manufacturers.

Verdict: ABSC Organics has a decisive advantage in clinical research. Three CSU trials provide a level of scientific validation that is rare in the pet CBD industry.

Certifications and Quality Standards

ABSC Organics: USDA Organic Certified

All ABSC Organics CBD oils carry USDA Organic certification. This is a rigorous federal certification administered by the United States Department of Agriculture that requires compliance with strict standards at every stage of production, from the hemp farming practices to the extraction and bottling processes.

USDA Organic certification means:

• Hemp is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers
• No genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are used
• The carrier oil and all other ingredients meet organic standards
• The production facility follows organic handling procedures
• Annual inspections and audits verify ongoing compliance

Obtaining and maintaining USDA Organic certification is expensive and demanding. It requires extensive documentation, regular third-party audits, and strict adherence to organic production standards. Not many pet CBD brands carry this certification.

Honest Paws: Non-GMO, Made in USA

Honest Paws states that their products are made from non-GMO hemp grown in the United States. Their products carry various quality claims and they publish third-party lab results. However, to our knowledge, Honest Paws products do not carry USDA Organic certification.

This does not necessarily mean their hemp is of poor quality, but it does mean their farming and production practices have not been independently verified against the USDA Organic standard. Without this certification, claims about pesticide-free or chemical-free production rely on the company’s own assertions rather than government-verified standards.

Verdict: ABSC Organics’ USDA Organic certification provides independently verified quality assurance that goes beyond standard industry claims.

Product Range and Formulations

ABSC Organics Product Line

ABSC Organics offers a focused line of full-spectrum CBD oils in four concentrations:

All four products use the same full-spectrum, USDA Organic formulation at different concentrations. Subscribers save 15% on every order.

Honest Paws Product Line

Honest Paws offers a significantly broader product portfolio, including:

• CBD oils in multiple formulations (Calm, Mobility, Relief, Well)
• CBD-infused soft chews and treats
• Topical CBD balms for skin and paw care
• CBD peanut butter
• Condition-specific bundles

This breadth is appealing for pet owners who want variety in how they deliver CBD to their pets, or who prefer treats and chews over oil. Honest Paws has also invested in attractive, consumer-friendly packaging and clear condition-based product naming that makes it easy for new CBD buyers to choose a product.

Verdict: Honest Paws offers greater product variety and more delivery formats. ABSC Organics provides greater concentration range and focuses on the most bioavailable delivery method (oil). If you want treats and topicals, Honest Paws has more options. If you want the most effective therapeutic delivery with clinical backing, ABSC Organics excels.

CBD Type and Extraction

ABSC Organics

ABSC uses full-spectrum CBD extracted via CO2 methods. The full-spectrum profile preserves the natural cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds that produce the entourage effect. This is the same formulation used in the CSU clinical trials.

Honest Paws

Honest Paws offers products using full-spectrum hemp extract. They also use CO2 extraction methods for their oils. Some of their product lines may use broad-spectrum or other formulations depending on the specific product.

Verdict: Both brands use quality extraction methods. ABSC Organics has the advantage of clinical trial data specifically validating their full-spectrum formulation.

Third-Party Testing and Transparency

ABSC Organics

Every batch of ABSC Organics CBD oil is tested by an independent, ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. Certificates of Analysis are published on our website and cover cannabinoid potency, heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, and microbial contamination. These COAs are accessible without needing to request them.

View our testing results at abscorganics.com/certificate-of-analysis.

Honest Paws

Honest Paws also provides third-party lab results for their products, which can be accessed through their website. They offer COAs that cover potency verification and contaminant screening.

Verdict: Both brands provide third-party testing and COA access, which is a baseline expectation for any reputable CBD brand. ABSC Organics’ USDA Organic certification provides an additional, independent layer of quality verification.

Pricing Comparison

Price per milligram of CBD is the most useful metric for comparing value between CBD products, as it normalizes for different bottle sizes and concentrations.

ABSC Organics Price Per mg

• 300mg: $49.99 = $0.167/mg ($0.142/mg with subscription)
• 600mg: $59.99 = $0.100/mg ($0.085/mg with subscription)
• 1200mg: $119.99 = $0.100/mg ($0.085/mg with subscription)
• 2400mg: $199.99 = $0.083/mg ($0.071/mg with subscription)

Honest Paws Price Per mg

Honest Paws pricing varies by product line and size. Their oils generally fall in a comparable range, though specific pricing depends on the formulation (Calm, Mobility, Relief) and current promotions. They also offer subscription savings.

At higher concentrations, ABSC Organics becomes increasingly cost-effective. The 2400mg product at $0.083/mg (or $0.071/mg with subscription) offers strong value for owners of large dogs or multi-pet households.

Verdict: Pricing between the two brands is broadly competitive for standard concentrations. ABSC Organics offers superior value at higher concentrations (1200mg and 2400mg), which is especially relevant for owners of medium to large dogs who need higher daily doses. When factoring in USDA Organic certification and clinical trial validation, ABSC Organics provides significant additional value per dollar.

Customer Experience and Accessibility

ABSC Organics

ABSC Organics sells primarily through our website at abscorganics.com. Our subscription program saves 15% on every order and ships on a recurring schedule. Customer support is available for dosing questions and product guidance.

Honest Paws

Honest Paws has invested heavily in consumer accessibility. Their products are available through their website, Amazon, and various retail partners. They offer a wider range of product formats, which makes the first purchase decision easier for new CBD buyers who may not be comfortable starting with an oil. Their branding and condition-specific product naming (Calm, Mobility, Relief) simplifies the selection process.

Verdict: Honest Paws is more widely available and offers a broader, more consumer-friendly purchasing experience. ABSC Organics provides a more focused, science-first buying experience. If retail availability and product variety are priorities, Honest Paws has the edge. If clinical validation and certified organic quality are priorities, ABSC Organics is the stronger choice.

Head-to-Head Summary

Who Should Choose ABSC Organics?

ABSC Organics is the right choice for pet owners who prioritize:

• Clinical evidence: You want a product that has been specifically tested in university-level clinical trials and has data supporting its safety and efficacy.
• Certified organic quality: USDA Organic certification matters to you because you want independent verification that the product is free from synthetic chemicals.
• Therapeutic dosing: You need a high-concentration product (1200mg or 2400mg) for a medium to large dog with significant health challenges like chronic pain, arthritis, or severe anxiety.
• Scientific transparency: You value a brand that publishes clinical research data and batch-specific Certificates of Analysis.
• Veterinarian guidance: You are working with a veterinarian who wants to see clinical data before recommending a CBD product.

Who Should Choose Honest Paws?

Honest Paws may be the better fit for pet owners who prioritize:

• Product variety: You want options beyond oils, such as treats, chews, or topical balms.
• Retail availability: You prefer purchasing from Amazon or a local retailer rather than directly from a brand website.
• Easy product selection: Condition-specific product naming (Calm, Mobility, Relief) helps you choose without extensive research.
• Brand familiarity: You have seen Honest Paws recommended by influencers or friends and value that social proof.
• Lower entry point: You want to try CBD for your pet with a smaller initial purchase or a format like treats that feels less intimidating than oil.

Making Your Decision

Both ABSC Organics and Honest Paws are legitimate companies selling CBD products for pets. The choice between them comes down to what you value most.

If the question you are asking is “Which product has the most scientific evidence behind it?” the answer is ABSC Organics, and it is not close. Three clinical trials at one of the world’s top veterinary schools is a level of validation that most pet CBD brands have not attempted.

If the question is “Which brand offers the widest selection and easiest purchasing experience?” Honest Paws has invested more in product diversity and retail accessibility.

For pet owners dealing with serious health conditions, working with veterinarians, or wanting the highest standard of quality verification, we believe ABSC Organics delivers the most value and the most confidence in what you are giving your pet.

Ready to try clinically studied, USDA Organic CBD for your pet? Shop ABSC Organics and experience the difference that real research makes. Review our clinical trial data or view our Certificates of Analysis to see the evidence for yourself. Subscribe and save 15% on every order.