Is your furry friend a bundle of nerves? Your dog is not alone. Studies show that up to 72.5% of dogs exhibit anxiety-like behaviors.¹ From thunderstorms to car rides, many dogs struggle with stress.
Luckily, calming treats offer a tasty solution to help your pup relax. Research has found that certain ingredients like L-theanine can increase alpha brain waves in dogs, promoting relaxation without drowsiness.²
We’ve done the legwork to bring you the top 15 calming treats that can turn your stressed-out pooch into a cool cucumber. Read on to know which treats might be the perfect fit for your anxious canine companion – your dog’s wagging tail will thank you!
1. Zesty Paws Calming Bites
Zesty Paws Calming Bites are a popular choice among dog owners seeking to soothe their anxious pets. These chews contain a blend of natural ingredients, including Suntheanine, an advanced form of L-Theanine, which has been shown to promote relaxation in dogs.
The treats also feature chamomile, valerian root, and hemp seed powder, all known for their calming properties.
Many pet parents report seeing a noticeable difference in their dogs’ behavior after regular use, with reduced anxiety during stressful situations like thunderstorms or car rides.
2. VetriScience Composure Soft Chews
VetriScience Composure Soft Chews are veterinarian-formulated treats designed to help dogs manage stress and anxiety. These chews contain a patented blend of ingredients, including thiamine and L-theanine, which work together to support calm behavior.
Research has shown that L-theanine can increase alpha brain waves, promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness. The treats are fast-acting, with many owners noticing effects within 30 minutes of administration.
They’re also safe for long-term use, making them an excellent option for dogs with chronic anxiety issues.
3. NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid offers a unique formula that combines melatonin, thiamine, and L-tryptophan to help reduce stress and promote relaxation in dogs. These soft chews are particularly effective for situational anxiety, such as during fireworks or travel.
Including ginger in the formula also helps settle nervous stomachs, which can be a common side effect of anxiety in dogs.
Pet owners appreciate the versatility of these treats, which can be used daily or as needed for specific stressful events.
4. Pet Naturals Calming Treats
Pet Naturals Calming Treats are formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, including L-theanine, thiamine, and a patented calming compound called Colostrum Calming Complex. These treats are designed to support relaxation without causing drowsiness or altering your dog’s personality.
The chews are free from artificial colors and flavors, making them a great choice for pet parents who prefer all-natural options.
Many users report that these treats are particularly effective for dogs with separation anxiety or those who become anxious during car rides.
5. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Calming Care
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Calming Care uniquely approaches canine anxiety management. Rather than a treat, this is a probiotic supplement that contains a strain of beneficial bacteria shown to help dogs maintain calm behavior.
Studies have demonstrated that this specific probiotic strain can help alleviate anxiety-related behaviors in dogs.
The supplement comes in a powder form that can be easily sprinkled over your dog’s regular food, making administration simple and stress-free.
6. Only Natural Pet Just Relax Herbal Calming Support
Only Natural Pet Just Relax Herbal Calming Support offers a blend of natural ingredients to help soothe anxious dogs. These supplements contain a mix of B vitamins and herbs that support a healthy nervous system and brain function.
The formula includes chamomile, passionflower, and valerian, all known for their calming properties.
These treats can be used daily or given during high-stress situations, providing flexibility for pet owners dealing with different types of canine anxiety.
7. Nutramax Solliquin Anxiety/Calming Treats
Nutramax Solliquin Anxiety/Calming Treats are designed as a long-term solution for dogs with anxiety issues. These treats can be given to dogs of various sizes, from 8 pounds to 30 pounds, making them versatile for multi-dog households.
The formula is intended for consistent daily use, with many pet owners reporting noticeable improvements in their dogs’ behavior after a few months of regular administration.
This makes Solliquin an excellent choice for dogs with chronic anxiety or those who need ongoing support.
8. Alpha Paw Calming Treats with Chamomile & Hemp
Alpha Paw Calming Treats combine chamomile and hemp to create a powerful anxiety-reducing formula. These treats contain Kava root, a natural anti-stimulant and muscle relaxer, which can help alleviate aggressive and nervous behaviors in dogs.
All ingredients in these treats are natural and non-GMO, appealing to pet owners who prioritize organic options.
Many users report that these treats are effective in reducing anxiety-related behaviors such as excessive chewing and scratching.
9. Native Pet Hemp Calming Treats
Native Pet Hemp Calming Treats offer a blend of hemp and melatonin to support normal brain function and reduce anxiety in dogs. These treats are made with real chicken and contain no fillers, making them a healthy and appealing option for picky eaters.
The combination of hemp and melatonin is designed to help relax tense muscles and promote overall calmness.
Many pet owners find these treats particularly effective for dogs with noise phobias or those who experience anxiety during travel.
10. Ark Naturals Happy Traveler Dog & Cat Soft Chews
Ark Naturals Happy Traveler Dog & Cat Soft Chews are designed to help pets cope with travel-related anxiety. These treats contain a blend of natural ingredients, including valerian root, German chamomile, and L-tryptophan.
The soft chew format makes these treats easy to administer, even to pets who may be feeling stressed.
Many pet owners report that these treats help their dogs remain calm during car rides, vet visits, and other potentially stressful outings.
11. Shameless Pets Calming Chew Treats
Shameless Pets Calming Chew Treats offer a unique approach to canine anxiety relief. These treats are made with upcycled ingredients, making them an eco-friendly choice for environmentally-conscious pet owners.
The formula includes chamomile and L-tryptophan to promote relaxation. Many users appreciate the dual benefits of these treats: they help calm anxious dogs while also supporting sustainable practices in pet food production.
12. Zesty Paws Hemp Elements Calming Orastix
Zesty Paws Hemp Elements Calming Orastix combines the benefits of hemp with other calming ingredients in a stick format. This unique delivery method can provide longer-lasting anxiety relief, as dogs typically take more time to consume a stick than a traditional treat.
The formula includes hemp seed powder, chamomile, and L-theanine to promote relaxation.
Many pet owners find these sticks particularly useful for dogs with separation anxiety or those who need extended periods of calm.
13. Vet’s Best Comfort Calm Soft Chews
Vet’s Best Comfort Calm Soft Chews offers a veterinarian-formulated solution for canine anxiety. These treats contain a blend of natural ingredients, including L-tryptophan, ginger, and chamomile, to help soothe nervous dogs.
The soft chew format makes these treats easy to administer, even to older dogs or those with dental issues.
Many pet owners report that these treats are particularly effective for situational anxiety, such as during thunderstorms or fireworks displays.
14. Chill by Mount Ara Peanut Butter Spread
Chill by Mount Ara Peanut Butter Spread offers a unique approach to canine anxiety relief. This spreadable treat combines the calming effects of L-theanine with the irresistible taste of peanut butter.
The spread format allows for flexible dosing and can be used to fill puzzle toys, providing both mental stimulation and anxiety relief.
Many pet owners find this product particularly useful for dogs who are picky about traditional treats or those who need longer-lasting anxiety support.
15. True Leaf Hemp Calming Chews
True Leaf Hemp Calming Chews round out our list with their hemp-based formula designed for larger dogs. These treats combine hemp with other calming ingredients like L-theanine and chamomile to provide comprehensive anxiety relief.
The chews are specially formulated to support dogs over 50 pounds, addressing a common issue where many calming treats are too small or ineffective for larger breeds.
Many owners of big dogs report significant improvements in their pets’ anxiety levels after using these treats.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.