LifestyleMAR 26, 2024

Best Calming Treats For Dogs In 2024, Approved By A Vet

As a pet owner, seeing your furry friend anxious or agitated can be heart-wrenching. However, calming treats can be a great way to provide them with comfort and ease their stress.

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Most experienced veterinarians will agree that calming bites are often just one piece of the puzzle. In most cases, a combination of different approaches, including behavioral assessments and training programs, is necessary to address the underlying issues. Nevertheless, no one argues that calming bites are a highly effective aid in soothing distressed canines.

We at Bored Panda have reached out to Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary expert, to enlighten us on the topic of calming dog treats. After thorough research, we have compiled the ultimate guide with various treats designed to help alleviate your furry friend’s anxiety and fear. Whether it’s loud fireworks, separation anxiety, or thunderstorms, these tasty bites will help calm your stressed-out pooch.

The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details.

Calming Dog Treats Formulated by Vets

Discover veterinarian-recommended formulas that prioritize both efficacy and safety, helping to promote relaxation and emotional well-being for your beloved canine companion.

#1 Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease Soft Chews

Type: Soft chews | Active Ingredients: Ginger, chamomile, tryptophan, and taurine | Quantity: 65 | Flavor: Smoky chicken

Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease Soft Chews are made from a blend of botanical ingredients that contains a bio-calm complex of 155mg. It is highly effective in keeping dogs calm and relaxed, especially when they experience anxiety-inducing situations.

The ginger in the product is a natural remedy for mild digestive upsets and can also help with travel sickness. It is a great option to give to your furry friend before a car ride or a vet visit.

What We Like:
• Great taste
• Reduces car sickness
• Vet-formulated

What We Don’t Like:
• Larger dogs need up to 10 chews
• Not everyone will enjoy the strong odor

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#2 NaturVet Quiet Moments

Type: Soft chews | Active Ingredients: Chamomile, thiamine, passionflower, ginger, L-tryptophan, melatonin | Quantity: 70, 140, 180, 240, and 360 | Flavor: n/a

NaturVet Quiet Moments soothing chews serve as an excellent solution to calm down and relax your furry friend within 30 minutes. These chews help alleviate stress and tension and are a perfect choice for dogs always on the move.

The NaturVet recipe is also highly likable; even the most finicky eaters seem to enjoy the flavor of these chews. Not only do they work quickly and effectively, but they also promote rest and sleep. Many pet owners have found these supplements helpful for their dogs who struggle with sleeping problems.

What We Like:
• Vet-approved
• Calming treats come in a convenient tub
• Larger dogs only need a few chews for optimal effect

What We Don’t Like:
• It may cause excess lethargy in more sensitive canines

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#3 Open Farm Supplements Calming Chews

Type: Soft chews | Active Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, chamomile, passionflower, valerian, ginger root | Quantity: 90 | Flavor: n/a

Open Farm Supplements chews are made with vet-approved functional ingredients to help calm your furry friend. These chews are perfect for larger breeds, with two chews being enough for dogs weighing up to 75 pounds and three chews for heavier dogs.

What’s more, these chews are free of wheat, soy, and corn and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives, making them an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Open Farm is well-known for using high-quality, traceable ingredients, so you can rest assured that you’re giving your dog the best. It has received the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal, which is only awarded to responsible and committed companies for improving animal well-being.

What We Like:
• Ethical company with a good track record
• Vet’s seal of approval
• NASC approved

What We Don’t Like:
• The steep price
• Not every dog will like the taste

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Natural Calming Treats for Dogs

Natural treats are an excellent option for pet owners who want to alleviate their anxious or stressed dogs in a more gentle way.

#4 Only Natural Pet Hemp Soft Bites

Type: Soft chews | Active Ingredients: Hemp seed, chamomile, magnesium, lemon balm, L-theanine | Quantity: 60, 120, and 180 | Flavor: Bacon

Only Natural Pet calming chews, developed by holistic vets, are a top-notch choice for dogs dealing with stress and anxiety. The treats are made with a blend of herbs and magnesium and have been rigorously tested and proven to regulate the nervous system and reduce muscle tension. Your furry friend will love the delicious bacon flavor and aroma, making it easy for them to take their daily dose.

Note: Be careful to tightly seal the container after each use, as the tempting scent may lead to overindulgence.

What We Like:
• Holistic approach to ingredients
• Reduce anxiety naturally
• Yummy bacon flavour
• THC free

What We Don’t Like:
• Unreliable seal on the tub

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#5 Only Natural Pet Just Relax Herb Calming Support

Type: Chews | Active Ingredients: Blend of herbs and B vitamins | Quantity: 60 | Flavor: Bacon

We love the range of calming ingredients in this product by Only Natural Pet, including catnip leaves, valerian root, skullcap, and passionflower. The holistic formulation promotes calm and soothing behavior and may ease mild aches and tension.

Effectiveness may vary depending on the pet’s size and anxiety levels. Consult your veterinarian if their anxiety isn't well-controlled.

What We Like:
• Resealable tub
• Highly palatable formula
• Made in the US

What We Don’t Like:
• Not the best value

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Calming Treats Recommended by Pet Owners

Explore top-recommended calming chews that have earned praise for their effectiveness, helping to bring peace to your canine companion.

#6 Purina Pro Plan Calming Care

Type: Powder | Active Ingredient: BL999 probiotic | Quantity: 30 | Flavor: Liver

Many dogs suffer from an imbalance in their gut flora, which can have an impact on their overall well-being. That’s why probiotics are becoming increasingly popular in veterinary medicine.

Pro Plan Calming Care is a natural way to reduce anxiety in dogs, and in a study conducted by Purina, 90% of dogs experienced a reduction in anxious behavior.

The recommended dosage is one packet daily, but remember to consult your vet to confirm it’s optimal for your pet.

Tip: If unsure whether your dog will eat their entire meal, mix the powder with a small portion of food beforehand.

What We Like:
• Innovative concept
• Proven results
• Immune support
• Powder is easy to mix with meals

What We Don’t Like:
• An independent body did not carry out the study on efficacy
• It can take a full six weeks before you see the effect

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#7 Solid Gold Keep Calm And Wag On

Type: Chews | Active Ingredients: Chamomile, valerian, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, melatonin | Quantity: 120 | Flavor: Smoked bacon

L-theanine and L-tryptophan are two compounds that can help alleviate your dog’s anxiety triggers and promote a sense of calm. The addition of melatonin in Solid Gold treats may also help reduce hyperactivity and encourage restful sleep.

Many pet parents have found these treats highly effective in improving their pet’s mood. However, it’s important to note that the company suggests starting with a lower dose to monitor for potential side effects before gradually increasing to the full dose.

Remember, it’s not safe to double or triple the dose, even if you feel the effect isn't as significant as you had hoped. If your dog experiences extreme lethargy or difficulty breathing, it’s essential to discontinue these treats immediately and seek advice from a veterinarian.

What We Like:
• Excellent flavour
• Effective blend of ingredients
• Visible calming effect

What We Don’t Like:
• Some owners dislike the smell
• Consistency is very sticky

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Calming Dog Chews with the Best Flavor

Explore a variety of flavors carefully crafted to appeal to even the pickiest of canine palates, providing relaxation and enjoyment in every chew.

#8 Heavenly Hounds Peanut Butter Chews

Type: Baked treats | Active Ingredients: Valerian root, passionflower, niacin, thiamine | Quantity: 4 or 12 | Flavor: Peanut butter

Heavenly Hounds Peanut Butter Chews are a tasty baked treat for dogs with a calming effect. The product contains passion flowers, which can help boost mood, and valerian, which produces a mild sedative effect. Peanut butter chews are an excellent option for pet owners who prefer to avoid hemp, which is found in many other calming dog treats.

However, it can be challenging to determine the correct dosage for your dog, as you need to divide the chew based on your dog’s weight. For example, a dog weighing up to 10 pounds will require a quarter of a square to get good results.

What We Like:
• Natural, wholesome ingredients
• Highly palatable
• Made in the US

What We Don’t Like:
• Contains real peanut
• You have to keep the unused bits refrigerated

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Calming Chews with Hemp

Explore the innovative chews crafted with natural hemp extract, offering a gentle yet effective solution to help your pup find peace and tranquility.

#9 Premium Care Hemp Calming Chews

Type: Chews | Active Ingredients: Organic hemp seed oil, chamomile, valerian root | Quantity: 60 or 120 | Flavor: Duck or Bacon

Hemp-infused treats can be an excellent option for dogs that tend to get agitated or anxious. These treats can help them stay calm and relaxed, especially before activities like going on a car ride, visiting the vet, or getting groomed.

If your dog weighs less than 25 pounds, one chew should suffice. However, giant breeds may require up to five chews. But that shouldn’t be a problem, given their delicious meaty flavor.

The company also offers a full money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the product within 30 days.

What We Like:
• Dogs love the duck flavor
• Good calming effect
• Easy to chew

What We Don’t Like:
• Larger dogs need quite a few chews

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#10 Zesty Paws Calming Bites

Type: Soft bites | Ingredients: Suntheanine, ashwagandha, chamomile, and valerian root | Quantity: 50, 90, and 180 | Flavor: Peanut butter

We adore the Zesty Paws brand and highly recommend their products. Their Calming Bites are a delicious peanut butter-flavored treat that your furry friend will love and feel much more relaxed after eating them.

The tasty bites contain Suntheanine, a clinically studied form of L-theanine known for its relaxing properties. Additionally, ashwagandha is a new and exciting ingredient gaining popularity in the supplement world, as it may assist dogs in coping with stressful situations such as being left alone or during a thunderstorm.

What We Like:
• Trusted brand
• Range of tub sizes
• Huge dogs only need three chews
• US made

What We Don’t Like:
• May cause loose stools in some dogs

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Things to Consider Before Buying Calming Treats for Your Dog

Active ingredients. Soft chews for pets often contain natural ingredients such as chamomile, L-tryptophan, and hemp seed powder. While many other options are available, make sure that your product has sufficient quantities of effective calming ingredients. To do this, look for soft chews that a veterinarian has approved.

Choose the right type of treat. You’ll want to pick something your dog will be happy to eat daily and may even see as a treat. Find the right option for your dog: a biscuit, chew, or powder. It might take some experimentation to find the right one for your dog.

Treats may not solve behavioral issues. Have realistic expectations when using calming treats for your pet. While they can help reduce stress levels to some extent, they aren't a magic solution to severe anxiety. They work best when used for short car rides, trips to the vet, and stays in kennels. The effects of these treats are mild and can be enhanced when combined with lifestyle changes, training, and medication for anxiety.

Your dog's size. Giving large-breed dog treats to smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Papillons isn't recommended due to the risk of excessive sedation. Always follow the recommended amount to prevent undesirable effects.

Potential side effects. Please be aware that there is a slight possibility of side effects when using calming supplements, although they aren't very common. Do thorough research on any potential side effects of your specific supplement. This will help you be better prepared and know what to look for when your dog takes the calming supplement.

Key Ingredients in Calming Supplements

L-tryptophan. An essential amino acid that serves as a precursor for serotonin, promoting a sense of calm and happiness.

Chamomile. For centuries, chamomile has been used to calm nerves and produce a mild sedative effect.

Melatonin. This natural compound can aid in promoting a peaceful and sound sleep.

Valerian. It may help regulate nerve cells by increasing the release of GABA in the brain.

Hemp. Hemp is commonly used to reduce anxiety in dogs and is a key ingredient in many calming treats.

Passionflower. Passionflower is often used to treat anxiety and insomnia due to its calming effect on the brain.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Calming Dog Chews

Fortunately, adverse effects are uncommon and typically not severe. Your furry friend may experience minor drowsiness or a slightly upset stomach. If you are concerned that your pet is experiencing adverse side effects from a supplement, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Additional Strategies for Calming an Anxious Dog

For mild anxiety in dogs, using calming ingredients can help reduce stress. But in cases of severe separation anxiety or aggression, calming treats alone may not make much difference. Instead, they should be considered an additional aid to training programs and prescribed medication from a veterinarian. Using calming treats with other strategies is the best way to help your dog cope with anxiety and reduce stress.

FAQ

What’s the best calming pill for dogs?

Dogs with severe anxiety or diagnosed behavioral/psychological issues may require anxiolytic medicine, which only a vet can prescribe after an in-person consultation. Calming supplements are recommended for mild anxiety or stressful situations like moving or traveling.

How long does it take for calming chews to work on dogs?

Dog chews have varying effects depending on the product and your dog’s metabolism. Check the packaging for details on how long they take to kick in and how long they last. Some chews have a cumulative effect, so owners may not see much impact in the first few days.

Why do calming treats not work on my dog?

Giving a calming treat during a stressful situation is unlikely to promote relaxation. They need to be given beforehand as they take time to work. Many calming treats work best when given over the course of at least a few days.