Finding the right CBD serving for your pet shouldn't be guesswork. Our serving guide was built by Dr. Tim Shu, a licensed veterinarian and the founder of VetCBD, to help you calculate a personalized starting serving based on your pet's weight and the tincture strength you're using.
Whether you're trying CBD for the first time or adjusting your pet's current routine, this guide gives you a clear, safe starting point — along with guidance on how to increase gradually over time. Every pet responds differently, and our approach prioritizes starting low and adjusting based on what you observe.
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CBD Serving Calculator
Select your tincture and enter your pet's weight
lbs
Your Serving Guide
Starting serving (can be given as needed, or for long-term use, twice daily)— mL
You may increase every 2 weeks by— mL
You may increase up until— mL
Tip: If you'd like a 1 mL syringe to more precisely measure amounts less than 1 mL, please contact us and we'll be happy to send you one.
Serving Tips
Give directly into mouth or mix with food
For long-term use, give twice daily (8-12 hours apart)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
How to Give Your Pet CBD Tincture
VetCBD tinctures come with a plastic oral syringe designed to be pet-safe — no glass that could shatter if your pet bites down. You have two easy options for giving a serving:
Directly into the mouth: Gently insert the syringe tip along your pet's cheek and slowly dispense. This method provides the fastest absorption since the CBD is taken in through the oral membranes.
Mixed with food: Add the measured amount to a small amount of wet food, a treat, or a spoonful of peanut butter. This works especially well for picky eaters or pets who are new to tinctures.
For long-term daily use, give the recommended serving twice a day, spaced 8 to 12 hours apart. For situational use — like travel, storms, or vet visits — a single serving 30 to 60 minutes beforehand can be helpful.
General CBD Serving Guidelines by Weight
The table below provides general starting and maximum serving ranges in milligrams. For your exact serving in milliliters based on the specific tincture strength you're using, use the calculator above.
Pet Weight
Starting Serving
Maximum Serving
10 lbs
2 mg
5 mg
25 lbs
5 mg
12 mg
50 lbs
10 mg
25 mg
75 lbs
15 mg
37 mg
100 lbs
20 mg
50 mg
Servings are per administration. For daily use, give twice daily (8-12 hours apart). Increase gradually — wait at least 2 weeks between adjustments. When in doubt, schedule a free vet consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the right CBD serving for my dog or cat?
Start with our serving calculator above — select your tincture strength and enter your pet's weight to get a personalized starting serving in milliliters. We recommend beginning at the low end and observing your pet for 5 to 7 days before making any adjustments. Every pet metabolizes CBD differently, so patience is key.
How often should I give my pet CBD?
For daily wellness support, give the recommended serving twice a day, spaced 8 to 12 hours apart. For situational needs like travel, fireworks, or vet visits, a single serving 30 to 60 minutes beforehand can be helpful.
What if the starting serving doesn't seem to be enough?
Wait at least 2 weeks before increasing. When you're ready to adjust, increase by 1 mg per 10 lbs of body weight. You can continue to increase gradually every 2 weeks until you reach the maximum serving shown in the calculator. If you're unsure at any point, schedule a free consultation with our veterinarian.
Can I give the same tincture to both my dog and my cat?
Yes — VetCBD tinctures are formulated for both dogs and cats. The serving size is based on body weight, so you'll simply use a smaller amount for your cat.
How long does it take for CBD to start working?
Most pets show initial effects within 30 to 60 minutes when the tincture is given directly by mouth. When mixed with food, onset may take slightly longer. For ongoing benefits like mobility and comfort support, consistent daily use over 2 to 4 weeks typically produces the most noticeable results.
What makes VetCBD tinctures different from other pet CBD products?
VetCBD is one of the only pet CBD brands actually founded and led by a licensed veterinarian. Every formula is developed by Dr. Tim Shu, made with organic extra virgin olive oil for better absorption, and triple-tested by independent labs. We're NASC certified, have been trusted since 2015, and offer something no other brand does — free one-on-one consultations with our founding veterinarian.
Is CBD safe for my pet?
CBD has been studied in multiple peer-reviewed veterinary studies and is generally well tolerated by dogs and cats when given in appropriate amounts. VetCBD products are triple-tested for potency, purity, and safety. We always recommend starting with a small serving and consulting with your veterinarian if your pet is on other medications.
What's the difference between tincture strengths (250mg, 500mg, 1000mg)?
The milligram number refers to the total CBD in the bottle, not the per-serving amount. Higher-strength bottles are more concentrated, meaning each milliliter contains more CBD. This makes them more economical for larger pets. The serving calculator above accounts for concentration differences and gives you the correct volume in milliliters for any strength.
Still Have Questions About Serving Sizes?
Dr. Tim Shu, our founding veterinarian, offers free one-on-one consultations to help you find the right product and serving for your pet. Not a chatbot — a real veterinarian who has helped over a million pets since 2015.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. VetCBD products contain less than 0.3% THC per federal law.
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