You may see some numbers looking different on your favorite Austin and Kat packaging. The product itself has not changed. What has changed is how we present the information, so it more accurately reflects the complete cannabinoid content in every formula.
This change also aligns with evolving industry standards and guidance from organizations like the NASC. It is one more step in making sure our labeling is clear, consistent, and built around transparency for both families and retailers.
CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) is the "raw" form of CBD found in fresh hemp. It converts to CBD when heated, but because CBDa retains an extra "acid" chemical group, it has a unique shape that interacts with the body differently. Think of CBD and CBDa as taking different routes to the same destination… supporting calm and a healthy inflammatory response. We sum them up on the label to represent the true, well-rounded potency of the product.
Pet parents today understand that hemp offers more benefits than just CBD. We’ve always believed that a whole-plant hemp extract yields the best results, so we updated our labels to transparently show the full value of the dominant cannabinoids working together.
We’re now counting the total of CBD + CBDa instead of just CBD. The number on the bag is bigger, but the formula inside is exactly the same.
You can still find the exact breakdown of CBD vs. CBDa listed separately in the "Product Facts" panel on the back. The amount of CBD in each formula has not changed.
All Austin and Kat products containing CBD (Chews and Oils) will receive this update. New packaging will enter the market on a rolling basis throughout the first half of 2026.
Nope, this is strictly a packaging update.
Same Formula: We still use the same ingredients, including our BLEND#4 US-grown broad-spectrum hemp extract from our NASC-preferred supplier (KND Labs). We’ve been using BLEND#4 with CBD+CBDa in our formulas since 2023.
Same Dosage: Continue to dose exactly as you always have.
Both CBD and CBDa are active hemp cannabinoids that can support calm, a healthy inflammatory response, and much more. The big difference is shape: CBDa has an extra “acid” group, which changes how it interacts with the body’s signaling systems. In simple terms, they can land on some of the same wellness outcomes, but they take partially different routes to get there. That’s why we often see more well-rounded results when they’re used together.
We add them together on the front panel because it’s a clearer, more apples-to-apples way to show total cannabinoid potency. This helps you compare strength more easily, and it better reflects what’s actually in the product.
CBDa has been shown (in lab research) to selectively inhibit cox-2, an enzyme involved in making pro-inflammatory signaling compounds. It’s also been shown in preclinical models to enhance activation of the 5-ht1a serotonin receptor, basically one of the body’s “settle” switches. and pharmacokinetic work in dogs shows CBDa can reach higher blood levels than CBD at the same mg/kg dose, suggesting up to 19x more bioavailability compared to traditional CBD. When they're paired together, you get CBDa hitting more specific signal points, while CBD helps support the broader baseline regulation, so you’re covering more of the “under the hood” wiring instead of relying on one pathway.
Broad Spectrum is the whole-plant extract that preserves the rich, natural profile of cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp, but undergoes a special refinement process to remove the small amount of naturally occurring psychoactive THC.
Unlike CBD Isolate (which strips away everything but the single CBD molecule) or Full Spectrum (which leaves the THC in), our Broad Spectrum extract hits the sweet spot. It retains the specific Minor Cannabinoids (like CBG, CBN, and CBC) and Terpenes (like Beta-Caryophyllene) that are naturally present in the plant.
This matters because of the “Entourage Effect.” This is the scientifically supported concept that hemp compounds work synergistically. Together, everything acts as biological "assistants," helping modulate how the "star" cannabinoids (CBD & CBDa) bind to receptors and improving absorption across the board.
Austin and Kat is an audited member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). We proudly make natural, holistic pet supplements in small batches in our custom-built facility in Kent, WA under the NASC quality seal.
check out ingredient science and more from our resident expert, Lilly
introducing
This formula was built around a simple idea. If omega-3s are some of the most valuable nutrients we can give our dogs, then protecting those nutrients should be just as important as delivering them. That realization is what led us to combine high-quality marine oils with astaxanthin, a naturally occurring compound from algae that helps preserve delicate fats while also doing wonders for cellular health in the body.
Astaxanthin provides antioxidant support at the cellular level, helping the body manage everyday oxidative stress associated with normal activity, aging, and environmental exposure. This dual role is what makes the combination so powerful and so practical for consistent, long-term support.
Because with omega oils, effectiveness is not only about what goes into the bottle. It is about what remains potent when your dog receives it.
