She knew something was off because her dog didn’t finish breakfast. She found herself looking at the bowl twice because he normally emptied it before she had finished her coffee. That morning, he sniffed at it, took a few bites and wandered back towards the door.

When you spend enough time with an animal, you start to recognize these little things. You know how they behave when they’re hungry, excited, tired or waiting for you to pick up the lead. You notice when they sleep in a different place, take longer to get up, or seem less interested in something they normally can’t wait for.

Animals can’t tell us whether they’re uncomfortable or anxious. They don’t explain that they haven’t slept well or that something doesn’t feel quite right. We learn to read them through their habits, their energy and the small changes in between.

It Started with a Horse

Mikko’s Choice began during a difficult period in Emma’s life. The founder was suffering from a broken back when her dog was diagnosed with terminal cancer. During that time, cannabis became part of her own journey away from opioids. Her dog continued a four-year battle with cancer before eventually going into remission.

The experience also led Emma further into the cannabis industry. Her brother operated a medical delivery service in Los Angeles, and she joined him to learn more about the business and the expanding cannabis industry.

Then there was Mikko.

In 2015, Emma was looking after a BLM Mustang named Mikko. Mikko was an anxious rescue, and caring for him meant learning to notice the difference between a difficult day and a difficult moment. At the time, there were very few cannabinoid products specifically designed for animals, let alone horses.

Emma used her animal science degree as well as her years of personal experience around animals and cannabis to develop the idea behind Mikko’s Choice. She wanted to explore whether cannabinoid products could help animals feel more comfortable.

The idea speaks to a simple reality of animal care: animals can’t tell us how they’re feeling, so owners learn to notice the cues. For a dog, they might become quieter than usual. A horse might seem less interested in their usual routine. Rescued animals can take longer to settle into a new environment. These observations can encourage the owner to look more closely at their animals’ overall well-being.

One customer story on the company’s website offers a glimpse into that hands-on approach. The customer described reaching out to Emma with questions about using the tincture for a dog recovering from an injury. Rather than being left to work it out alone, they were able to discuss how to introduce the product.

Personal guidance is a big part of wellness. These products may be convenient, but responsible animal care still begins with paying closer attention.

Dogs, Horses, and Everything In Between

Different animals also have different routines, which means the way a product is given can matter almost as much as the product itself. When it comes to smaller animals, adding oil to food is a relatively simple task. However, it might not be as simple for bigger animals such as horses and livestock. For bigger animals, pellets can be added to regular feed, which can more naturally fit into the existing routine.

For animals whose routines are easier to work with through food or treats, Mikko’s Choice offers its All Animals CBD Tincture 5,000 MG. The high-potency tincture contains full-spectrum CBD hemp extract carried in MCT fractionated coconut oil, with 5,000 mg of CBD in a 60 mL bottle and 83 mg in each 1 mL dropper. Made with 100% USA-grown hemp, the product is tested for cannabinoid concentrations, pesticides and heavy metals, with third-party testing results made available through the company’s Certificate of Analysis page.

The tincture can be added to food or a treat, allowing it to become part of an animal’s existing routine rather than creating an entirely new one. The company recommends starting with a smaller amount and observing the individual animal before making adjustments, noting that its dosing approach is based on the animal itself rather than simply its weight.

For larger animals, Mikko’s Choice takes a slightly different approach with its CBD Pellets 1 LB, a format designed to fit more easily into everyday feeding routines. The pellets can be mixed into regular food or grain, given by hand or incorporated into a treat, making them particularly suited to horses, pigs, goats, camelids and other livestock. Each one-pound bag contains 3,200 mg of CBD, with two scoops providing 100 mg.

The company recommends beginning with two scoops once daily and adjusting according to the individual animal, rather than treating every animal as though its needs will be the same. As with the tincture, third-party testing is available through the company’s published Certificates of Analysis. The appeal of the format is its simplicity: for an animal already accustomed to a regular feeding routine, adding a measured amount to food can feel less like introducing something new and more like making a small addition to what is already familiar.

CBD: Still a Work in Progress

CBD has become a commonly discussed topic when it comes to animal wellness. However, the research is still developing. Scientists have started looking at how CBD might fit into veterinary care, but there is not enough evidence to conclude what it can or cannot do.

A 2023 review in Frontiers in Veterinary Science observed research involving dogs and CBD. The studies focus on different products, varying amounts, and methods, which suggests that it is harder to compare the results.

Another review looked at research involving CBD and dogs with osteoarthritis. The findings suggest that stronger research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

For animal owners, this means that CBD is an area that still needs more research. It shouldn’t be treated as a definite solution for any health condition and doesn’t replace professional veterinary care.

It might be better to view CBD use as part of a broader approach to animal wellness. It is important to remember that if your animal has any existing health concerns or takes other prescribed medication, you should speak to a veterinarian first.

From One Rescue to Many More

Emma’s story is about more than just the products. It’s about the journey and experiences that led her to create them. Her own experiences, her dog’s health journey, the cannabis landscape, and caring for an anxious rescue horse all came together to create Mikko’s Choice.

Her knowledge and hands-on experience shaped the brand’s approach, with an emphasis on product testing and transparency. The company’s products are grown and made in the United States, third-party tested, and accompanied by a certificate of analysis. The company’s connection to animal rescue also extends beyond its own story. It donates $5 from every sale to animal rescues and sanctuaries, with different organizations receiving donations each month.

With a story that began with a rescued animal, supporting other animals in need is a natural part of the story.

Animal wellness doesn’t need to feel complicated.

Sometimes, good animal care starts with something as ordinary as noticing that the bowl is still half full. Animals may not have the words to tell us what has changed, but if we know them well enough, we often notice before they need to tell us.