How Much CBD Should I Give My Horse? Complete Dosage Guide for 2025
- Travis C
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
CBD (cannabidiol) has become one of the most talked-about supplements in the equine world. From trailering stress and vet-visit nerves to chronic joint discomfort and general anxiety, horse owners are turning to CBD as a gentle, non-intoxicating way to support their horse’s nervous system and overall comfort.
But one critical question remains confusing and often poorly answered: “How much CBD should I give my horse?”
This 2025 dosage guide is designed to be the most comprehensive, evidence-informed resource available online. It explains:
Important disclaimer: There are currently no FDA-approved CBD products for horses and no official dosing standard. The guidance below is based on peer-reviewed research, veterinary commentary, and widely accepted industry practice. Always consult your veterinarian before starting CBD, especially if your horse is on medication or competes under strict drug rules.
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Where Do Equine CBD Dosage Guidelines Come From?
Unlike approved medications, CBD dosing has been built from:
Equine pharmacokinetic and safety studies – how horses absorb, metabolize, and tolerate CBD
Veterinary trials & case reports
Expert review articles and dosing summaries
Industry-wide dosing patterns across major equine CBD brands
Real-world feedback from barns, trainers, and equine practitioners
Key Research & Review Sources Behind This Guide
Pharmacokinetics of CBD in horses (Ryan et al., 2021) – Horses received single oral doses of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg CBD in a crossover design. Plasma levels and safety were monitored for 72 hours, helping define safe short-term mg/kg ranges.
Single- & multiple-dose 1 and 3 mg/kg CBD (Yocom et al., 2022) – Horses received 1 or 3 mg/kg CBD orally, including repeated dosing. Study assessed pharmacokinetics, safety, and synovial fluid concentrations and found CBD at these levels to be well tolerated.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35307550/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080622000715
Pharmacokinetic modeling with 0.2, 1, and 3 mg/kg + 3 mg/kg BID – Oral CBD paste given as escalating doses and then 3 mg/kg twice daily for 15 days, with focus on PK and doping-control implications.
Chronic 1 mg/kg CBD or CBDA safety (Wang et al., 2025) – Long-term administration of 1 mg/kg full-spectrum CBD or CBDA oil showed no adverse effects, supporting chronic daily use at this level.
Supplemental CBD up to 1.5 mg/kg (Leise et al., 2023) – Evaluated an oral CBD supplement in horses using doses based on prior equine and cross-species literature, up to 1.5 mg/kg body weight.
Review of current recommended ranges: 0.1–1.0 mg/kg/day – EquiManagement’s research spotlight notes that “current recommended doses vary between 0.1–1.0 mg/kg/day,” based on veterinary and industry consensus.
Mad Barn equine CBD review: typical 0.5–1.5 mg/kg daily – A detailed equine nutrition review summarizing equine studies and noting that horse CBD products are typically dosed at 0.5–1.5 mg/kg/day.
Transport stress study (Tarleton University & HempMy Pet) – Reported that 0.6 mg/kg CBD reduced transport stress more effectively than 0.3 mg/kg.
From these, plus multiple brand calculators and vet commentary, a consistent picture emerges: most evidence-based equine CBD dosing falls roughly between 0.1 and 3 mg/kg, with 0.5–1.5 mg/kg/day being the most commonly used practical range.
Key Principles of CBD Dosing for Horses
Think in mg per kg (mg/kg), not “drops” or “mL.” The dose is based on CBD milligrams relative to body weight, then converted into mL based on your oil’s strength.
There is no single “one-size-fits-all” dose. Individual sensitivity, severity of issues, and product formulation all matter.
Start low and increase slowly. Especially when you’re near the higher end of the range or combining with other meds.
Daily use builds up effect. Studies show CBD accumulates and reaches steady-state levels with repeated dosing.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Safety data is strongest in the 0.5–3 mg/kg window. Studies up to 3 mg/kg over weeks show good tolerance.:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Evidence-Informed CBD Dosage Ranges for Horses (2025)
Based on the studies and reviews above, plus widely used equine CBD guidelines, the following ranges are a practical starting framework:
Goal | Suggested Daily Range (mg/kg) | Notes |
General wellness / mild support | 0.1 – 0.3 mg/kg | Very conservative; good starting zone |
Moderate anxiety, tension, or discomfort | 0.3 – 0.8 mg/kg | Typical “working range” used by many vets & brands |
Significant anxiety, chronic issues | 0.8 – 1 mg/kg | Within ranges used in supplementation studies use with veterinary guidance only |
Upper research range (short-term) | 1 – 3 mg/kg | Tested in PK and safety studies; use with veterinary guidance only |
These ranges are not medical prescriptions. They are synthesized from multiple equine studies, reviews, and real-world practice. Always discuss with your veterinarian before using doses above ~1 mg/kg/day, especially long-term.
Here is a convenient dosage calculator for horses
Just enter your horses weight in lbs and select your dosage strength. The calculator will convert the weight from lbs to kg and output the calculated dosage.
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If you would like to do your own cbd dosage calculations, here are step by step instructions.
Step 1: Convert Your Horse’s Weight to a CBD Dose (mg)
The core formula you’ll use is:
Horse weight (kg) × chosen mg/kg dose = mg CBD per day
To convert pounds to kilograms:
Weight (kg) = weight (lb) ÷ 2.2
Example: 1,000 lb (≈ 454 kg) Horse
Low range (0.2 mg/kg): 454 × 0.2 ≈ 90 mg CBD/day
Mid range (0.5 mg/kg): 454 × 0.5 ≈ 225 mg CBD/day
Higher range (1 mg/kg): 454 × 1.0 ≈ 454 mg CBD/day
DOSAGE SHOULD BE CONFIRMED BY YOUR VETERINARIAN!
ALWAYS START WITH THE LOWEST DOSE POSSIBLE TO SEE HOW YOUR HORSE WILL REACT!
Step 2: Convert Milligrams to Milliliters (mg → mL)
Every CBD oil has a different strength, expressed as mg CBD per mL. For large animals, 50–100 mg/mL is common. Industry calculators for horses often assume around 25–100 mg/mL and recommend 0.1–0.75 mg per pound (≈0.22–1.65 mg/kg), depending on desired strength.:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
The formula:
mL per day = required mg per day ÷ mg per mL of your oil
Example: 1,000 lb Horse on a 50 mg/mL CBD Oil
Targeting a 0.5 mg/kg dose → 225 mg/day
225 mg ÷ 50 mg/mL = 4.5 mL per day
You might split this as 2.25 mL twice daily
Example: 1,000 lb Horse on a 100 mg/mL High-Potency Oil
Same 225 mg/day target
225 mg ÷ 100 mg/mL = 2.25 mL per day
Split as 1.1–1.2 mL twice daily
Step 3: Start Low, Then Adjust
A safe, practical approach looks like this:
Week 1 – Start at ~0.1–0.25 mg/kg/day
Observe behavior, appetite, stool, and energy.
Weeks 2–3 – Increase gradually toward 0.3–0.5 mg/kg/day
Especially for anxiety, joint discomfort, or trailering stress.
Beyond Week 3 – Adjust within 0.3–1.0 mg/kg/day as needed
Only consider 1–1.5 mg/kg (or higher) under veterinary guidance, relying on safety data from studies that used up to 3 mg/kg.
Most horses will show a response well before the upper end of the range, and you can often “back down” to the lowest effective dose after a loading period.
How Often Should I Give CBD to My Horse?
Many pharmacokinetic studies in horses used once-daily dosing. However, research also shows that CBD can remain detectable for 24 hours or more, with peak plasma levels often occurring several hours after dosing.
For most practical purposes:
Daily wellness / joint support: once or twice daily
Anxiety & behavior support: often best given twice daily for steadier levels
Pre-event dosing: give at least 1–2 hours before, noting that some studies found peak levels 4–5 hours after feeding.
Special Situations: Dosing by Use Case
1. General Wellness / Mild Support
Typical daily range: 0.1–0.3 mg/kg
Example (1,000 lb horse ≈ 454 kg): 45–135 mg/day
Often given once daily
2. Anxiety, Trailering, Vet & Farrier Visits
Typical working range: 0.3–0.8 mg/kg (evidence + field use):contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Example (1,000 lb horse): 135–360 mg/day
For situational events, give a dose 1–2 hours before; some owners give an extra small dose the night before for very anxious horses.
A transport stress study reported that 0.6 mg/kg was more effective than 0.3 mg/kg at reducing stress markers.:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
3. Joint Discomfort & Mobility Support
Common range: 0.5–1.0 mg/kg/day based on supplementation studies and expert reviews.:contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Example (1,000 lb horse): 225–450 mg/day
Often divided into 2 doses for steadier effect
4. More Challenging / Chronic Cases
Some veterinarians may use up to 1–1.5 mg/kg/day in difficult cases, grounded in safety data up to 3 mg/kg.
Higher ranges should always be supervised by a veterinarian and adjusted based on bloodwork and clinical response.
Is There a Maximum Safe Dose?
Equine PK and safety studies have used doses up to 3 mg/kg (and in some CBDA/CBD combinations, even higher) without serious adverse effects over weeks of administration.
However, that doesn’t mean every horse needs or should receive that much. Practical, conservative guidance is:
Stay within 0.1–1.0 mg/kg/day unless you have a strong reason and veterinary support
Only approach 1.0–1.5 mg/kg/day+ when working closely with an equine vet.
Be especially conservative with horses on other meds (NSAIDs, sedatives, anticonvulsants, etc.).
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Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Across multiple equine studies, CBD has shown a favorable safety profile:
Short- and medium-term dosing up to 1–3 mg/kg found to be well tolerated.:contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
Chronic 1 mg/kg CBD or CBDA dosing showed no significant adverse clinical effects.
Reported or theoretical side effects may include:
Mild sedation at higher doses
Soft stool or mild GI upset
Changes in thirst or appetite
Possible changes in liver enzymes (monitor with your vet if using long term)
If you notice concerning changes, reduce the dose or pause CBD and consult your veterinarian.
Competition, Doping Rules & Withdrawal Times
Even though CBD is non-intoxicating, most major equine competition bodies ban cannabinoids (including FEI, USEF, ARCI jurisdictions). Studies show CBD can remain detectable in blood or synovial fluid for days after dosing, especially at higher doses or with chronic use.:contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
Key points:
Check current rules from FEI, USEF, AQHA, ARCI, etc.
Do not assume “legal hemp” = allowed in competition.
If competing, discuss CBD with your veterinarian and consider long withdrawal windows (often weeks) if you decide to stop CBD before events.
How to Choose a CBD Product That Makes Dosing Easy
For precise dosing, look for:
Clearly labeled mg CBD per mL (e.g., 50 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL)
Equine-appropriate concentration (high enough for large-body dosing)
Full-spectrum or broad-spectrum hemp extract
3rd-party lab tests per batch (potency, contaminants, THC levels)
MCT or similar carrier oil for consistent absorption
This makes it easy to calculate mg → mL and adjust your horse’s dose accurately over time.
Putting It All Together: A Practical Dosing Plan for 2025
Confirm weight: Weigh or estimate your horse’s weight as accurately as possible.
Choose a starting range:
Wellness: start around 0.1–0.25 mg/kg
Anxiety/joint support: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg
Convert to mg/day: Weight (kg) × mg/kg target.
Convert mg → mL: mg/day ÷ mg/mL of your oil.
Split the dose: Once or twice daily depending on goals.
Monitor & adjust: Every 5–7 days, adjust slightly up or down to find the lowest effective dose.
Loop in your vet: Especially above ~1 mg/kg/day or for long-term use.
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Key References & Further Reading
Ryan D. et al. – Pharmacokinetics and effects on arachidonic acid metabolites of cannabidiol in horses. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33723919/ :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
Yocom A.F. et al. – Pharmacokinetics, safety, and synovial fluid concentrations of 1 and 3 mg/kg CBD in horses. J Equine Vet Sci: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080622000715 :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
Eichler F. et al. – Pharmacokinetic modelling of orally administered CBD in horses. Front Vet Sci: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1234551/full :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
Wang T.C. et al. – Chronic oral dosing of CBD and CBDA full-spectrum oil extracts in horses. Am J Vet Res: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39787699/ :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
Leise J.M. et al. – Evaluation of an oral supplemental CBD product in horses. Animals (MDPI): https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/2/245 :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
EquiManagement – Research Spotlight: Cannabidiol for Horses: https://equimanagement.com/research-medical/research-spotlight-cannabidiol-for-horses/ :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
Mad Barn – CBD Oil Benefits for Horses: https://madbarn.com/cbd-supplements-for-horses/ :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
DVM360 – Study reveals CBD reduced transport stress in horses: https://www.dvm360.com/view/study-reveals-cbd-reduced-transport-stress-in-horses :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
TheHorse – CBD study in horses: https://thehorse.com/1109375/cbd-study-in-horses-paves-way-for-new-research/ :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
Bottom line: There is no magic “one-size” dose. But with evidence-informed mg/kg ranges, careful calculation, and veterinary guidance, you can find a CBD dose that safely supports your horse’s calmness, comfort, and overall wellness.
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