If you’re searching for the best calming treats for dogs, you’ve come to the right place. In today’s world, our furry friends often encounter situations that spike their anxiety — thunderstorms, vet visits, or even the everyday hustle and bustle. That’s where calming treats come in, offering a soothing solution to help manage your dog’s stress.
When searching for the ideal calming aid on Amazon or elsewhere, consider these key factors:
- Natural Ingredients: Look for treats containing natural calming ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, melatonin, and valerian root, known for their soothing properties.
- Specific Needs: Consider your dog’s particular anxiety triggers, be it loud noises, separation anxiety, or hyperactivity.
- Flavor and Palatability: Choose a flavor your dog will love, such as peanut butter or chicken, to ensure the treat is effective and enjoyable for your pet.
- Certifications and Quality: Opt for products that are certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and made with high-quality, sourced ingredients.
With these points in mind, let’s explore some of the best calming treats for dogs available, each offering unique benefits to help your anxious dog find peace and relaxation.
Best for Stress and Anxiety Relief: Solid Gold Calming Chews
Key specs: Contains melatonin, ashwagandha, valerian root — available in chicken flavor
Solid Gold Calming Chews are a soothing snack option designed to help maintain healthy stress and anxiety levels in dogs. These chewy treats contain natural ingredients like melatonin, ashwagandha, and valerian root. They are a holistic approach to calming your furry friend.
Pros
Solid Gold Calming Chews work to support healthy emotional levels in dogs, thanks to natural calming ingredients like melatonin, ashwagandha, and valerian root. Melatonin supports sleep regulation, while ashwagandha and valerian root are renowned for encouraging normal stress levels. Suitable for all breeds, these chews have garnered positive reviews for their effectiveness in stressful situations.
Cons
These chews are relatively expensive, potentially straining the budgets of pet parents. Their universal appeal might only extend to some dogs, as individual responses vary. Some dogs may not find the flavor appealing, and the cost factor could deter owners who are looking for more affordable solutions.
Best for Reducing Dog Anxiety: Heavenly Hounds Peanut Butter Chews
Key specs: Natural ingredients, no hemp, grain-free, added vitamins and minerals
Heavenly Hounds Peanut Butter Chews offer a natural solution for dogs dealing with anxiety. These treats are free from hemp, focusing instead on a wholesome, grain-free recipe enriched with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for your pet.
Pros
Heavenly Hounds Peanut Butter Chews stand out with their natural, grain-free formulation, making them a healthy option for maintaining low levels of anxiety in dogs.
The peanut butter flavor is also a hit, and the added vitamins boost their appeal as a nutritious, calming support treat.
Cons
However, these chews have mixed results regarding their impact on anxiety. The cost can be a concern for regular users, and the lack of hemp might dissuade some pet owners. Their effectiveness varies, with some reporting minimal changes in their dog’s anxiety levels.
Best for Enhanced Joint Immunity and Anxiety Relief: GKD Hemp Calming Chews for Dogs
Key specs: Natural ingredients with a special blend of hemp powder and hemp oil — 90 chews per package
GKD Hemp Calming Chews are crafted to offer both joint and anxiety support for dogs. These chews stand out with their unique blend of hemp powder and hemp oil, formulated to address anxiety more effectively.
Pros
GKD Hemp Calming Chews effectively combine hemp powder and hemp oil, key calming ingredients, to support healthy stress levels in dogs. Vet-reviewed and recommended, these soft chews maintain optimal brain function and help your pup keep calm during stressful situations like thunderstorms or separation anxiety.
Cons
The effectiveness of these calming chews can vary among dogs. Some may respond differently to the hemp-based ingredients, posing a challenge for pet owners seeking a consistent calming effect. Cost considerations also come into play, particularly for regular use.
Best for Anxiety and Stress Relief in Dogs: Helopssa Hemp Calming Chews for Dogs
Key specs: Contains valerian root, L-tryptophan, hemp oil
Helopssa Hemp Calming Chews are designed to support dogs experiencing anxiety and stress. These chews contain natural ingredients such as valerian root, L-tryptophan, and hemp oil, known for their calming properties.
Pros
Helopssa Hemp Calming Chews combine valerian root, L-tryptophan, and hemp oil to address stress and anxiety in dogs effectively. These natural ingredients work synergistically in high-stress scenarios like car rides or vet visits. Made in the USA, they offer quality assurance and provide excellent value with 180 chews per package.
Cons
Individual responses to these chews can vary, as some dogs might not react as expected to the natural calming ingredients. The cost may concern pet owners seeking an affordable calming solution for their furry friends.
Best for Stress and Anxiety Relief: Kinpur Natural Calming Chews for Dogs
Key specs: Contains hemp oil and valerian root, peanut butter flavor, 180 chews per package
The Kinpur Natural Calming Chews, with their unique blend of hemp oil and valerian root, are formulated to help dogs navigate stressful situations. These chews stand out for their calming support, aided by natural ingredients.
Pros
These chews are optimal for pet owners looking for natural calming aids. The hemp oil and valerian root synergistically support a healthy mind during stressful situations. They also maintain joint health, benefiting dogs across all age groups.
The peanut butter flavor, a hit among canines, ensures these soft chews are eagerly consumed. Free from artificial preservatives and flavors, these chews are a high-quality, tasty choice for pet parents concerned about dog anxiety and overall wellness.
Cons
On the downside, the price point is higher than some alternatives. The presence of hemp oil and valerian root might not suit some dogs, particularly those with specific dietary sensitivities. Consulting a veterinarian is recommended for pets with unique health needs or allergies.
Best for Stress and Anxiety Relief in dogs: VetriScience Composure Calming Treats for Dogs
Key specs: Chicken liver flavor, available in packages of 180 chews — active ingredients include thiamine, colostrum calming complex, and L-theanine
VetriScience Composure treats are clinically proven to offer quick anxiety support, effective within 30 minutes for up to four hours. Ideal for events like vet visits or car rides, these treats are an excellent calming supplement choice.
Pros
Boasting a colostrum calming complex, thiamine, and L-theanine formulation, these treats uniquely bolster canine relaxation and cognitive health. The colostrum calming complex is particularly effective in supporting calm behavior and cognitive function, making it an excellent option for anxious dogs.
L-theanine supports your pup’s defenses against stress-related reactions, enhancing a sense of calm. The chicken liver flavor, generally favored by dogs, ensures these calming chews are easy to administer. Their efficacy in managing everyday stress makes them a top choice for natural, fast-acting dog anxiety relief.
Cons
However, not all dogs may favor the chicken liver flavor, limiting their suitability for dogs with particular tastes or allergies. The variability in individual dog responses to supplements means they might only work for some dogs. Additionally, the price may be higher than other calming treats, a consideration for some pet owners.
Best for Managing Everyday Stress: Ready Pet Go! Calming Chews for Dogs
Key specs: Bacon and cheese flavor, 90 chews per package — ingredients include hemp seed powder, magnesium gluconate, Vitamin B1, L-theanine, chamomile, valerian root, passionflower, L-tryptophan, ginger root
Ready Pet Go! Calming and Relaxing Chews help dogs maintain healthy stress levels and feel more relaxed during routine changes or stressful events. They are made in the USA and are free from soy, grain, and corn, making them a suitable option for dogs with specific dietary needs.
Pros
Ready Pet Go! Calming Chews blend natural calming ingredients like hemp seed powder, chamomile, and L-theanine, known for their soothing effects. The inclusion of valerian root and passionflower enhances their ability to support dog anxiety relief, especially during loud noises or vet visits.
Most dogs find the bacon and cheese flavor tasty, simplifying administration. These soft chews are reliable as calming support, with many pet parents observing notable calmness in their dogs during stressful situations.
Cons
Not all dogs are fond of the flavor, and effectiveness varies. While these chews generally help support healthy emotional levels in your dog, some owners notice no change. Dog owners should consider this variability as individual responses to these calming chews differ.
Best for Easing Anxiety and Stress in Dogs: Good Growlies Calming Hemp Treats for Dogs
Key specs: Made in USA, hemp oil, 120 chews
Good Growlies Calming Hemp Treats can be a real game-changer when your furry friend is anxious. These treats are the closest you’ll find to CBD treats without actual CBD: They are designed to bolster healthy stress levels in your dog, especially during intense situations like fireworks or thunderstorms.
Pros
The Good Growlies treats stand out with their high-quality blend of calming ingredients, including hemp seed oil, which is known for its calming effects. Made in the USA and boasting a mix of helpful amino acids and herbs, these treats offer reliable support for managing stress.
Cons
The main drawback is the price. These premium calming treats for dogs might be a significant investment for some pet owners. Despite their effectiveness in maintaining low stress, the cost factor could be a downside for those seeking budget-friendly options.
Best for Stress and Anxiety Relief: Fur Belly Calming Chews for Dogs
Key specs: Duck flavor, suitable for all life stages, 120 chew count
Fur Belly’s Calming Chews step in to ease the tension when your furry friend faces those nerve-wracking moments like vet visits. These chews blend natural ingredients like passionflower and valerian root, which are known for their soothing properties.
Pros
Fur Belly Calming Chews offer a natural path to tranquility, effectively supporting low stress levels. Dog owners report improvements in behavior, with these soft chews being free from artificial flavors and preservatives. They are beneficial during thunderstorms or car rides, providing a soothing influence for furry friends.
Cons
They may not suit every dog, as some might still exhibit reactive behaviors. The cost is also a consideration, as these are pricier than other calming supplements. Additionally, the time to experience calming effects can vary, particularly with larger dogs or those with severe anxiety.
The Bottom Line
As we’ve worked to discover the best calming treats for dogs, we’ve encountered a diverse array of options, each with its own blend of ingredients and benefits. From the serenity-supporting effects of hemp seed powder and L-tryptophan to the soothing nature of organic chamomile and passionflower, these calming chews and treats provide a range of solutions for dog anxiety.
Whether your furry friend needs help during thunderstorms, car rides, or simply managing everyday stress or destructive behavior, there’s support out there to suit their needs. Remember, it’s important to consider your dog’s specific preferences and dietary requirements.
With the right calming treats, you can help your dog cope with stressful situations more comfortably, ensuring they remain as happy and healthy as possible.
Sources:
- Anxious behavior: How to help your dog cope with unsettling situations | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Valerian: A safe and effective herbal sleep aid? | Mayo Clinic
- Understanding C3–Colostrum Calming complex | VetriScience
- Passionflower | NCCIH
The information regarding cannabis, cannabis-related, THC and CBD products is for informational and educational purposes only, not substituting professional medical advice or treatment. We do not promote or endorse the use, sale, or distribution of cannabis where it’s not legally permitted. The legality of cannabis varies by state and jurisdiction, and we urge users to comply with all federal, state, and local laws concerning its use and sale. We encourage users to consult with healthcare professionals.
