Key Takeaways
- Honest Paws and Bailey’s CBD are popular choices in the pet CBD market, both offering solutions for stress, joint discomfort, and general pet health. While both deliver quality products, they differ significantly in potency limits, cost per milligram, and the depth of research backing their formulas.
- Honest Paws stands out for its USDA Organic certification, NASC compliance, full-spectrum formulas, and third-party lab testing. However, the brand caps out at 1,000mg per bottle, which drives up the cost for larger breeds, and its chew formats don’t offer much administration flexibility.
- Bailey’s CBD brings vet-formulated products with hemp sourced from a single Colorado farm. While their pricing is competitive and sourcing is consistent, they lack NASC certification and the clinical efficacy that some pet parents prioritize when choosing a supplement.
- ElleVet Sciences is a research-backed alternative for pet parents who want their choices grounded in science and clinical research. With 20+ published clinical trials conducted at Cornell University and other leading veterinary institutions, ElleVet is the only brand among these three with both NASC certification and peer-reviewed efficacy studies.
- ElleVet sets the industry standard with a patented hemp cultivar sourced from a single farm in Colorado. Their Complete Spectrum CBD+CBDA formula delivers 70mg/mL potency with pharmacokinetic studies that inform precise, effective administration. When you choose ElleVet, you’re choosing a product where every claim is backed by published research and veterinary expertise. You also choose a product that is economical for long-term use.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | Honest Paws | Bailey’s CBD | ElleVet Sciences |
| NASC Certified | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hemp Source | USDA Organic, Colorado (multiple farms) | Single-source, Colorado farm | Patented cultivar, single-source from a farm in Colorado |
| Clinical Studies | No | No | 20+ Published trials |
| Pharmacokinetic Studies | No | No | Yes |
| Product Forms | Oils, Bites, Soft Chews, Topicals | Oils, Chews, Balms, Pellets | Oils, Chews, Soft Gels, Paste |
| Potency (mg/mL) | Lower concentration, max 1,000mg per bottle | 10mg per mL | 70mg per mL (7x more concentrated) |
| Species | Dogs, Cats | Dogs, Cats, Horses | Dogs, Cats, Horses (with species-specific research) |
| Price Range | $25 – $130 | $30 – $80 | $20 – $249 |
| Cost Per Milligram | $0.13/mg | $0.13/mg (regular) | $0.06/mg |
| Best For | Budget-conscious, small-medium dogs, local shopping | Affordable vet-formulated option, multi-pet households | Evidence-based wellness, all pet sizes, veterinary-recommended, budget-conscious for long-term use |
Honest Paws: Accessible CBD for Pets
Honest Paws has built name recognition as one of the more visible brands in the pet CBD market. Founded by siblings Erik and Chelsea Rivera after discovering CBD’s benefits for their dog Baby Rose.
Product Range
Honest Paws organizes its products into three lines based on use case:
Calm Line: Designed for stress, including CBD oils, Calm Bites, Calm Soft Chews, and Calm Peanut Butter.
Mobility Line: Targets joint discomfort in active dogs with CBD formulas enhanced with turmeric and glucosamine.
Well Line: Focused on preventative care and support for overall wellness.
Beyond CBD, Honest Paws has expanded into general pet wellness with probiotics, omega-3 fish oil, multivitamins, and grooming products.
Pricing
Honest Paws positions itself in the moderate price range:
- CBD Oils: $24.95 – $130 (125mg to 1,000mg concentrations)
- Soft Chews: $30 – $45 per bag
- Bites: $26.99 – $32
- 15% subscription discount available
Cost Consideration: With a maximum of 1,000mg total per bottle and lower concentration per milliliter, Honest Paws products can become expensive on a per-milligram basis, particularly for large dogs or pets requiring higher daily administrations. The lower concentration means pet parents need to administer larger volumes or purchase bottles more frequently, which adds up over time.
Customer Reviews
Honest Paws has earned a 4.3/5 rating on Trustpilot.
Positive Feedback: Customers report improvements in pet calmness and mobility, appreciate the USDA organic certification and NASC compliance, and value the wide retail availability that allows for local purchases.
Common Concerns: Some users report difficulties canceling subscriptions, issues getting in touch with customer service to resolve refund requests, find the peanut butter packets impractical for larger dogs, note limited administration flexibility with pre-portioned treats, and mention that costs add up quickly for multi-pet households or dogs over 75 lbs.
Why People Choose Honest Paws
- USDA Certified Organic hemp from Colorado
- NASC certification
- Beginner-friendly product organization by condition
- Available in local pet stores and boutiques
- Third-party lab testing with QR code access
What’s Missing: While Honest Paws references scientific studies in their marketing, they haven’t conducted their own clinical trials or published pharmacokinetic research to establish evidence-based administration for their specific formulas.
Bailey’s CBD: Veterinarian-Formulated Transparency
Bailey’s CBD is a family-owned company based in Costa Mesa, California, that has focused on pet wellness for nearly a decade. The brand emphasizes veterinarian collaboration with Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM.
Product Range
Bailey’s offers a focused lineup designed for dogs, cats, and horses:
CBD Oils: Available in 150mg, 300mg, and 600mg bottles with graduated droppers. Options include Full Spectrum CBD oil, Calming CBD Oil, and Extra Strength 2:1 CBD:CBG Oil. Calibrated at 10mg CBD per mL for administration clarity—though this lower concentration means larger volumes are needed compared to higher-potency alternatives.
Soft Chews: Cold-pressed chews in varieties like Calming Yummies (with tryptophan, chamomile, valerian root) and Hip & Joint formulas. Trial packs available.
Topicals: CBD balms for skin health and targeted relief.
Horse Pellets: Formulated for equine wellness.
Pricing
Bailey’s pricing aims for accessibility:
- First-time customers: 50% off on bottles
- Soft Chews: Trial packs at $4.99, full bags $30-$45
- Free shipping on orders over $40
- Subscription discounts available
Customer Reviews
Bailey’s maintains a 4.4/5 rating on Trustpilot and 4.7 stars on Birdeye.
Positive Feedback: Customers praise product effectiveness for senior pets, fast shipping, responsive customer service, and clear administration guidance.
Areas of Note: Some users would prefer higher-potency options for very large breeds; concerns about subscription communications; and slow shipping.
Why People Choose Bailey’s CBD
- Hemp sourced from a single Colorado farm for consistency
- Subcritical CO₂ extraction method
- Veterinarian-formulated with Dr. Robert J. Silver
- Third-party lab testing
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Pet-friendly flavors for easier administration
What’s Missing: Bailey’s does not hold NASC certification, which provides an additional layer of quality oversight. Additionally, while the products are veterinarian-formulated, they haven’t been tested in clinical trials or undergone the peer-review process that establishes evidence-based efficacy.
ElleVet Sciences: The Research-Driven Standard
ElleVet Sciences was founded on a commitment to scientific rigor that remains rare in the pet CBD industry. Rather than simply formulating products and bringing them to market, ElleVet partnered with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, the University of Florida, and other leading veterinary universities to conduct the clinical research necessary to validate both safety and efficacy.
The Research Foundation
ElleVet is the only company in the pet CBD space to have published multiple peer-reviewed studies on its specific formulas. This includes:
Cornell University Mobility Study (2018): The first published efficacy and pharmacokinetic study demonstrating that dogs experiencing joint discomfort showed noticeable improvement in discomfort scores and activity levels when given ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA.
Long-Term Safety Studies: Multi-month safety trials in both dogs and cats have shown that ElleVet products are well-tolerated with consistent use.
Pharmacokinetic Research: Studies examining how cannabinoids are absorbed, metabolized, and how long they remain active in different species. This research directly informs ElleVet’s administration recommendations.
With over 40 clinical trials and research projects completed or underway, ElleVet continues to advance the scientific understanding of CBD + CBDA for animal health.
Product Range
ElleVet’s product line reflects their research-informed approach:
CBD + CBDA Soft Chews: The brand’s most popular product, featuring a 98% palatability acceptance rate in dogs. Each large chew contains 19.2mg cannabinoids, small chews contain 12.8mg. Formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin. Winner of Pet Innovation’s 2025 Dog Soft Chew CBD Product of the Year.
Feline CBD + CBDA Soft Chews: Specifically formulated with the unique needs and preferences of cats in mind, these salmon flavor soft chews are easy to give whole or crumbled, and are highly effective for feline mobility and stress support. Each soft chew contains 2.7mg cannabinoids.
CBD + CBDA Oil: High-potency formulation at 70mg/mL—the exact concentration used in clinical trials. Available in 15mL, 30mL, and 60mL sizes with precise administration tools (syringes or droppers). The 60mL size offers the best value for large breeds and long-term use.
Soft Gel Capsules: Contain the same research-backed oil formula in an encapsulated form that masks smell and taste for finicky pets.
Calm & Comfort Chews: Maximum strength, situational-use formula (46mg CBD+CBDA per chew) designed for specific stressful events like thunderstorms, fireworks, or vet visits. Formulated to take effect within 1.5-2 hours.
Feline-Specific Products: ElleVet conducted separate metabolic studies in cats and developed species-appropriate formulations, including salmon-flavored Feline Soft Chews and a chicken and pork-flavored paste. For oils and soft gels, administration is calibrated specifically for feline metabolism, which differs significantly from canine processing.
Equine Pellets: Whole hemp pellets designed to integrate seamlessly into horses’ routines.
Pricing
ElleVet is positioned as a premium product with pricing that reflects the research investment and product consistency:
- Soft Chews: $89-$99 (930mg total for large dogs, 620mg for small dogs)
- CBD Oil: $79-$249 depending on size (15mL to 60mL)
- Soft Gels: $49-$159
- Calm & Comfort Chews: $20-$149
- First-time customers save 25%, then 15% on all subscription orders
Understanding the Value: At approximately $0.06 per mg of CBD+CBDA, ElleVet’s per-milligram cost is competitive despite the product’s overall higher cost. That said, several factors contribute to better overall value:
- Higher Potency Means Less Product Needed: At 70mg/mL, ElleVet is 7x more concentrated than Bailey’s 10mg/mL and significantly higher than Honest Paws’ formulations. ElleVet’s concentration means smaller administration amounts achieve the same effect. One mL of ElleVet’s oil delivers 70mg of cannabinoids, while the same volume from Bailey’s delivers only 10mg. This means ElleVet bottles last considerably longer, offsetting the higher upfront cost.
- Research-Backed Administration: Pharmacokinetic studies eliminate guesswork, ensuring pets are always getting the amount that they need to experience the desired result.
- Proven Efficacy: Clinical trials demonstrate the formula’s effectiveness, reducing the risk of spending money on products that may not deliver results.
- Quality Assurance: The investment in research, NASC certification, and cGMP compliance reduces the risk of contamination, mislabeling, or inconsistent batches.
Customer Reviews
Customer feedback comes primarily through veterinary channels and direct reviews:
Positive Feedback: Pet parents report significant mobility improvements within 2-3 weeks, effective stress support without sedation, and confidence in the scientific backing. Veterinarians frequently recommend ElleVet because they trust the clinical data. Customer service includes access to veterinary technicians for product consultations.
Considerations: The oil formula has a strong hemp aroma and taste due to its high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, though soft gels and capsules address this for sensitive pets. Premium pricing requires a larger upfront investment than entry-level brands.
Why Pet Parents Choose ElleVet Sciences
NASC Certification: ElleVet is one of only two brands in this comparison with NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) certification, demonstrating adherence to rigorous quality standards and ongoing compliance audits.
40+ Clinical Trials or R&D Projects Completed: No other pet CBD company has invested in this level of research. Every claim ElleVet makes about efficacy, safety, and administration is supported by peer-reviewed studies.
Pharmacokinetic Studies: ElleVet conducted research to understand exactly how their formula is metabolized in dogs, cats, and horses. This research informs precise, evidence-based administration recommendations—not estimates or generalizations.
Proprietary Hemp Cultivar: ElleVet grows its own hemp on a private Colorado farm using a proprietary cultivar developed specifically for its formulas. This is not simply single-source hemp from a supplier—ElleVet controls the entire cultivation process, ensuring consistent cannabinoid profiles, terpene composition, and quality from seed to finished product.
Complete Spectrum CBD + CBDA: ElleVet’s formulas contain at least 50% CBDA, the acidic precursor to CBD. Research shows that CBDA may achieve higher serum concentrations than CBD alone, contributing to better absorption and efficacy. The inclusion of both cannabinoids reflects the plant’s natural profile and provides complementary benefits.
70mg/mL Potency: This high concentration allows for precise, economical administration. Pet parents can administer smaller volumes while achieving desired effects, making the product last longer despite the higher per-bottle cost.
cGMP Compliance: ElleVet adheres to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) as defined and enforced by the FDA for pharmaceutical supplement manufacturing. This level of compliance goes beyond basic quality standards.
Veterinary Advisory Board: ElleVet’s advisory board includes leading veterinarians and researchers who guide product development, ensure formulations meet clinical needs, and use ElleVet products on their own pets.
Batch-Specific Certificates of Analysis: Every ElleVet product includes a COA showing exact potency, cannabinoid profile, terpene composition, and third-party testing results. The testing happens at multiple stages—before harvest, after extraction, on finished products, and throughout shelf life.
Veterinarian Support: ElleVet’s customer service team includes veterinary technicians available for online consultations at no charge, helping pet parents navigate administration questions and specific health concerns.
The ElleVet Difference
In an industry where many CBD products are made from generic bulk hemp extracts with minimal oversight, ElleVet represents a different approach entirely. The company was founded on the principle that pet supplements should meet the high standards: supported by clinical data, manufactured under strict protocols, and validated through independent research.
When veterinarians recommend ElleVet, they do so because they’ve reviewed the published studies and trust the science. When pet parents choose ElleVet, they’re choosing a company that prioritizes transparency, invests in research, and holds itself accountable to the highest industry standards.
The question isn’t just “Does this CBD product work?”— it’s “How do we know it works, and how do we know it’s safe?” ElleVet has answered both questions with published research, university partnerships, and a decade of clinical data.
Final Verdict: Which Brand Is Right for Your Pet?
Choose Honest Paws If:
- You have a small to medium-sized dog (under 50 lbs) with mild, occasional wellness needs
- You’re new to CBD and want simplified product categories based on use case
- You want the option to shop at local pet stores rather than ordering online
- USDA organic certification is your primary quality benchmark
- Budget is a primary concern, and you’re looking for entry-level pricing
Choose Bailey’s CBD If:
- You’re looking for an affordable option with veterinarian input
- You have access to their Costa Mesa location for local pickup
- You appreciate single-source hemp consistency
- You want to try low-cost sample packs before committing
Choose ElleVet Sciences If:
- You want trusted support backed by evidence-based treatment for your pet
- You want the only brand with published clinical trials validating their specific formula
- NASC certification and cGMP compliance are important quality indicators
- Your veterinarian has recommended ElleVet based on the research
- You’re willing to invest in a premium product with demonstrated efficacy and safety
- You want access to customer service that includes veterinary consultations
- You value knowing exactly how the product works through pharmacokinetic research
- You want the highest potency available (70mg/mL) for economical long-term use
Conclusion
The pet CBD market offers numerous choices, but not all products are backed by the same level of research, quality control, and scientific validation. Honest Paws and Bailey’s CBD both provide accessible options for pet parents exploring CBD for the first time, with organic sourcing and third-party testing that meet baseline quality standards.
ElleVet Sciences takes a fundamentally different approach, one grounded in clinical research, university partnerships, and peer-reviewed science. With 20+ published studies, NASC certification, a proprietary hemp cultivar grown on their own farm, and pharmacokinetic research that informs precise administration, ElleVet sets the standard for what a research-driven CBD product should be.
For pet parents who want more than marketing claims, who want published data, veterinary endorsement, and formulas shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, ElleVet represents the most scientifically validated choice available.
Your pet depends on you to make informed decisions about their health. When you choose ElleVet, you’re choosing a product where every claim is backed by research, every batch is tested for quality, and every recommendation comes from years of collaboration with leading veterinary institutions.
Because when it comes to your pet’s wellness, you deserve more than promises. You deserve proof.