What 3 Colorado State University Studies Reveal About CBD for Pets
Reviewed by ABSC Organics veterinary team | Updated March 2026
If you’ve been researching CBD for your dog or cat, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating: everyone makes claims, but very few companies can point to actual clinical evidence. The pet CBD industry is full of testimonials and marketing language, but genuine peer-reviewed research? That’s remarkably rare.
ABSC Organics took a different path. Instead of relying on anecdotes alone, we helped fund three separate clinical trials at Colorado State University (CSU) — one of the most respected veterinary research institutions in the world. These studies investigated CBD’s effects on epilepsy, osteoarthritis, and long-term safety in dogs.
In this post, we’ll walk through all three studies in plain language so you can understand exactly what the science says — and what it means for your pet.
Why Colorado State University? Why Clinical Trials Matter
Colorado State University’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital is consistently ranked among the top veterinary programs in the United States. Their research faculty includes leading specialists in neurology, oncology, and pharmacology — the very disciplines that matter most when studying how cannabinoids interact with animal physiology.
Clinical trials matter because they follow rigorous scientific protocols: controlled environments, standardized dosing, objective measurements, and peer review. When a study comes out of CSU and gets published in a respected veterinary journal, it carries weight that no marketing claim ever could.
Most pet CBD companies skip this step entirely. The reason is simple: clinical trials are expensive (often running into hundreds of thousands of dollars), they take years to complete, and there’s always the risk that the results won’t support the product’s marketing claims. ABSC Organics accepted that risk because we believed the science would speak for itself.
The Endocannabinoid System in Dogs and Cats
Before diving into the studies, it helps to understand the biological foundation. Dogs, cats, and all mammals possess an endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a complex network of receptors (primarily CB1 and CB2) distributed throughout the brain, nervous system, immune cells, and organs.
The ECS helps regulate pain perception, inflammation, mood, appetite, and neurological function. When CBD (cannabidiol) enters the body, it interacts with this system — not by binding directly to receptors like THC does, but by modulating receptor activity and influencing the body’s own endocannabinoid production.
This mechanism is what makes CBD particularly interesting for conditions involving chronic pain, inflammation, and neurological dysfunction — exactly the conditions CSU chose to study.
Study 1: CBD for Canine Epilepsy — The Seizure Trial
Background and Design
Epilepsy affects an estimated 0.75% of the canine population — roughly 1 in 130 dogs. For many of these animals, conventional anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) like phenobarbital and potassium bromide either fail to control seizures adequately or produce serious side effects including liver damage, excessive sedation, and increased thirst and appetite.
The CSU epilepsy trial was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study — the gold standard in clinical research. Dogs with documented idiopathic epilepsy (epilepsy with no identifiable structural cause) were enrolled and divided into two groups: one receiving ABSC’s CBD oil alongside their existing AED regimen, and one receiving a placebo oil.
Key Findings
The results were striking. Dogs receiving CBD experienced an 89% reduction in seizure frequency compared to baseline measurements. This is a remarkable response rate, especially considering that these dogs were already on conventional medications that weren’t fully controlling their seizures.
To put this in context: a dog experiencing 10 seizures per month at baseline might see that number drop to roughly 1 seizure per month with the addition of CBD. For pet parents who have watched their dogs suffer through cluster seizures, that kind of improvement is life-changing.
The study also found that CBD was well-tolerated. The most commonly reported side effect was a mild increase in the liver enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which the researchers noted was not associated with clinical signs of liver disease and appeared to be a benign pharmacokinetic interaction rather than a sign of toxicity.
What This Means for Pet Parents
If your dog has epilepsy, this study suggests that adding a high-quality CBD oil to their existing treatment plan may significantly reduce seizure frequency. It’s not a replacement for veterinary care or prescribed medications, but it may be a powerful complementary tool.
The key qualifier is “high-quality.” The CBD used in this study was ABSC Organics’ USDA Organic CBD oil — a full-spectrum, precisely formulated product. Results from one CBD product cannot be assumed to apply to all CBD products, especially given the wide variation in quality, concentration, and purity across the market.
Study 2: CBD for Canine Osteoarthritis — The Pain and Mobility Trial
Background and Design
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic conditions in dogs, particularly in large breeds and senior animals. It’s estimated that up to 20% of dogs over one year of age show signs of OA, and the prevalence increases dramatically with age. By the time a dog reaches 8-10 years old, the likelihood of some degree of joint degeneration is very high.
The standard treatment approach — non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like carprofen and meloxicam — is effective for many dogs but carries well-documented risks including gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney damage, and liver toxicity, particularly with long-term use.
The CSU osteoarthritis trial evaluated whether CBD could improve comfort and mobility in dogs with documented OA. The study used objective measurements including veterinary assessments, owner-reported activity levels, and in some cases, force plate analysis (a technology that precisely measures how much weight a dog places on each limb while walking).
Key Findings
Dogs receiving CBD showed significant improvements in mobility and comfort levels. Veterinarians observed increased willingness to bear weight on affected limbs, improved gait quality, and greater overall activity. Owners reported that their dogs were more playful, more willing to climb stairs, and showed fewer signs of pain.
Perhaps most importantly, these improvements occurred without the gastrointestinal and organ-related side effects commonly associated with long-term NSAID use. The safety profile was consistent with the epilepsy study — generally well-tolerated with only mild, clinically insignificant changes in certain liver enzymes.
What This Means for Pet Parents
For dogs with arthritis, this study provides real clinical evidence that CBD can help manage pain and improve quality of life. This is especially relevant for dogs who cannot tolerate NSAIDs, dogs requiring long-term pain management, or pet parents looking for a complementary approach alongside conventional treatment.
Weight-appropriate dosing matters. ABSC offers concentrations ranging from 300mg for smaller dogs to 1200mg and 2400mg for larger breeds — ensuring accurate dosing regardless of your dog’s size. You can find detailed dosing guidelines on our CBD dosage page.
Study 3: Long-Term Safety — The Extended Use Trial
Background and Design
One of the most common questions pet parents ask is: “Is it safe to give my dog CBD every day, long-term?” It’s a fair question. Many supplements and medications that appear safe in short-term studies reveal problems only after months or years of continuous use.
The third CSU study addressed this directly by evaluating the safety of extended CBD administration in healthy dogs. This wasn’t a study about treating a specific condition — it was specifically designed to answer the safety question by monitoring organ function, bloodwork, behavior, and overall health over an extended period.
Key Findings
The results were reassuring. CBD was found to be safe for long-term daily use at the doses tested. Comprehensive blood panels — including liver enzymes, kidney values, complete blood counts, and metabolic markers — remained within normal ranges or showed only clinically insignificant variations.
Dogs maintained healthy appetites, normal energy levels, and stable body weights throughout the study period. There were no signs of behavioral changes, cognitive impairment, or any of the sedation-related concerns that some pet parents worry about.
The study did reinforce the importance of using an appropriately formulated product. CBD quality varies enormously across the market. Products with inconsistent concentrations, contamination with pesticides or heavy metals, or significant THC content could produce very different safety profiles than what was observed with ABSC’s USDA Organic formulation.
What This Means for Pet Parents
If your dog has a chronic condition like arthritis or epilepsy, you need to know that daily CBD use is safe over time. This study provides that assurance — at least for ABSC Organics’ specific formulation. It means you can incorporate CBD into your dog’s daily wellness routine with confidence, not just as a short-term intervention.
How These Three Studies Work Together
Individually, each study is significant. Together, they tell a comprehensive story:
- Efficacy for neurological conditions — CBD significantly reduces seizure frequency in epileptic dogs (Study 1)
- Efficacy for musculoskeletal conditions — CBD meaningfully improves mobility and comfort in arthritic dogs (Study 2)
- Long-term safety — Daily CBD use is safe over extended periods (Study 3)
This trifecta — proven efficacy for two major conditions plus confirmed long-term safety — is something no other pet CBD company can claim based on their own funded research. It’s the foundation of everything we do at ABSC Organics.
What Makes ABSC’s Research Different from Other CBD Studies
You may have seen other pet CBD companies reference “studies” or “clinical trials.” It’s worth understanding the distinctions:
Specificity
The CSU studies were conducted using ABSC Organics’ actual product — not a generic CBD isolate or a different company’s formulation. This matters because CBD products vary dramatically in their composition, bioavailability, and purity. Results from one product cannot be automatically applied to another.
Institutional Credibility
Colorado State University is a tier-one research university with one of the most respected veterinary programs in the country. Studies conducted at CSU undergo rigorous internal review and are published in peer-reviewed journals.
Comprehensive Scope
Three studies covering two therapeutic applications plus long-term safety. Most companies that reference any research at all are citing a single study — and often one they didn’t fund themselves.
USDA Organic Certification
ABSC is the only pet CBD brand with USDA Organic certification. This means every ingredient — from the hemp to the carrier oil — meets federal organic standards. No pesticides, no synthetic fertilizers, no GMOs. When you’re giving your pet something daily for months or years, the purity of that product matters enormously.
You can verify our certifications and view third-party lab results on our Certificate of Analysis page.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CSU Research
Were these studies peer-reviewed?
Yes. The CSU studies followed standard academic research protocols and were submitted for peer review, the process by which independent experts evaluate the methodology and conclusions before publication.
Can I access the full studies?
You can find detailed summaries and links to published research on our clinical research page. We believe in full transparency about the science behind our products.
Does this research apply to cats too?
The CSU studies focused on dogs. However, cats also possess an endocannabinoid system, and emerging research suggests CBD may offer similar benefits for felines. Cats metabolize CBD differently than dogs, so species-specific dosing is important. Always consult your veterinarian.
My dog is already on medication. Can I add CBD?
In the epilepsy study, CBD was added alongside existing anti-epileptic medications — so there is clinical precedent for combined use. However, CBD can interact with certain medications (particularly those metabolized by the liver), so you should always discuss adding CBD with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s regimen.
How much CBD was used in the studies?
Dosing in the studies was weight-based, which is why ABSC offers multiple concentrations. Our dosage guide provides specific recommendations based on your pet’s weight and condition.
The Bottom Line: Science You Can Trust
At ABSC Organics, we funded these studies because we believe pet parents deserve more than marketing promises. You deserve evidence. You deserve data. You deserve to know that the product you’re giving your dog or cat has been tested — rigorously, independently, and transparently.
Three CSU clinical trials. 89% seizure reduction. Improved arthritis mobility. Confirmed long-term safety. USDA Organic certified. That’s the ABSC difference.
If you’re ready to try the only pet CBD backed by this level of clinical evidence, explore our product line:
- 300mg CBD Oil — $49.99 (ideal for small dogs and cats)
- 600mg CBD Oil — $59.99 (medium dogs)
- 1200mg CBD Oil — $119.99 (large dogs)
- 2400mg CBD Oil — $199.99 (extra-large dogs or multi-pet households)
Save 15% with a subscription — because the best results come from consistent, daily use.
