Is your dog anxious? Anxiety in dogs can present in many different ways. Your dog may have a generally calm temperament and only struggle with fear and anxiety in specific scenarios (thunderstorms and fireworks are two common triggers). Or you may have a dog with separation anxiety or a pup who struggles whenever there’s a change in its routine or diet. Some dogs have a difficult time traveling, and senior dogs often develop or start displaying anxiety as they experience the aging process.
No pet owner wants their beloved pup to feel distressed, so what can you do when your dog is anxious? Finding calming treats for dogs is one of the best tools in any pet owner’s arsenal.
Best Calming Treats for Dogs
Which calming treats for dogs are right for your pooch? It depends on a few factors, including your dog’s size, breed, allergies, and the frequency and severity of their anxiety. Some pet owners find that they use calming treats for dogs every day, while some may just need to have some on hand during travel, a change in routine, or during a specific time of distress (e.g., fireworks).
Some common ingredients found in calming treats for dogs (and what symptoms they’re often recommended for) include:
- L-theanine, an amino acid that can lower anxiety.
- L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid that boosts serotonin production.
- Cannabidiol (CBD), which can lower stress hormones like cortisol.
- Valerian root, which has mildly sedating effects.
- Thiamine (vitamin B1), which can lessen an overactive nervous system.
- Passionflower, an herbal ingredient often used for dogs with acute anxiety.
Always talk with your pet’s veterinarian before selecting calming treats. They can help you review the ingredients in specific products to ensure that they’re right for your pup.
Wondering how to choose the best calming treats for dogs? Start with the 9 best calming treats for dogs below, all available from Natural Healthy Concepts (NHC).
9 Best Calming Treats for Dogs
Vital Planet Calm for Dogs Soft Chews
Description: Chewable, nutritional, delicious bacon-flavored treats designed to help dogs feel calm and relaxed in stressful situations.
Key Ingredients: GABA, L-theanine, thiamine (vitamin B1), chamomile, and valerian to help your dog stay calm and emotionally balanced.
Pet Naturals Of Vermont Calming for Dogs of All Sizes
Description: Stress-reducing chicken-liver flavored chews that help support a normal stress response in dogs who may experience behavioral challenges (hyperactivity, abnormal marking, excessive scratching, trembling, or destructive behavior) related to stress. They can be taken daily or as needed.
Active Ingredients: These chews contain ingredients that support a healthy stress response, including C3 (colostrum calming complex), L-theanine, and thiamine.
Lidtke Travel Paws Calming Treats for Pets
Description: Calming maple vanilla-flavored chewable treats for dogs (or cats) to help support relaxation during travel, separation, or other kinds of stress.
Active Ingredient: High-quality, natural L-tryptophan.
Ready Pet Go! Calming & Relaxing Chews
Description: Soft, tasty bacon and cheese-flavored chews made to help dogs manage everyday stress and maintain contentment during travel, separation, and tension caused by other changes to their daily routine.
Active Ingredients: Thiamin, theanine, tryptophan, magnesium, ginger, chamomile, passionflower, and other calming herbals.
Lord Jameson Everyday Calm Organic Dog Treats
Description: Nutritious dog treats with a formulation that provides satisfying nutrition, reduces cravings, supports overall wellness, and promotes feelings of calm and relaxation.
Active Ingredients: Oats, peanut butter, and dates provide vitamins, minerals, healthy carbohydrates, fats, protein, and chamomile to support calmness and relaxation.
Native Pet Calm Chicken Chews
Description: Functional, clean, air-dried chicken chews designed to promote calm and relaxation in high-energy pups. Calm Chicken Chews can promote relaxation, support sleep, and soothe nerves during separation, fireworks, or other stressors.
Active Ingredients: Hemp seed powder, bovine casein, l-theanine, and melatonin.
Ayush Herbs Ashwagandha Chews for Pets Chicken Flavored
Description: A versatile chicken-flavored natural stress support chew for dogs and cats that may help promote calm and support a healthy immune system in times of stress.
Active Ingredients: Organically grown ashwagandha.
Charlottes Web Hemp Extract Calming Chews for Adult Dogs Chicken Flavor
Description: Calming chicken-flavored chews that are easy on the stomach and help promote relaxation in adult dogs during stress-inducing situations like travel, separation, change of routine, and more.
Active Ingredients: Valerian root, passionflower, chamomile, full-spectrum hemp, and MCT oil.
Terry Naturally Calming Formula for Dogs
Description: A fast-acting tablet that helps promote calmness in stressful situations (including visits to the vet or groomer, fireworks, thunderstorms, kenneling, and more).
Active Ingredients: Narrow-leaved Coneflower and Echinacea root extract.
