The Best Calming Treats for Dogs in 2022ーEverything You Should Know

It’s a real bummer to see our four-legged besties struggle with anxiety. Luckily, the best calming treats for dogs can help ease the pain. 

Learn everything you should know about pup anxiety and the treats that make a difference. Let’s jump right in. 

Do Calming Chews Work? 

Scientifically, the jury’s still out on this one because many ingredients are tested on humans and not on pups. 

But many dogs have benefited from all-natural calming products. Pet owners’ reviews tell us what a difference it has made in their dogs’ lives. 

If your pup suffers from anxiety, trying one of these products is an excellent place to start instead of loading up your dog with chemicals. There’s no harm in testing it out.

How We Evaluated the Top Calming Treats for Fur Friends

Here’s what we think are the most important aspects of the top calming treats for dogs. 

Product Quality

Quality means asking questions like: “Are they effective? Do the treats actually provide relief for high-anxiety pups? How long do they take to work, and for how long do they work?”

The answers help us establish if a product is suitable for chronic anxiety or more of a one-off when high-stress situations come knocking. 

Ingredients

For anxiety, we’re looking for high-quality ingredients containing chamomile, L-tryptophan, magnolia, passionflower and hemp. You can find them in most natural calming remedies for dogs.

Products with artificial colors or many fillers aren’t ideal for your dog, so we don’t recommend them. All-natural is the finest you can do for your pup.

Flavor & Taste

Taste is essential if your pup’s going anywhere near a treat. We’ve seen some fussy eaters before, so we know the struggle.

Any dog calming products with meaty flavors are an excellent choice. Since dogs are carnivores, such treats will trigger their instinct to eat them. But another great choice puppers love is peanut butter.

Do They Make Your Pup Drowsy?

Many dog parents ask why they can’t just give their pup something to make them sleep through it. But that’s incredibly dangerous. If there’s an emergency, your dog should be able to defend itself and run when needed.

We should also consider breathing when it comes to drowsy meds. If your dog has any type of breathing issue, giving them sleeping meds is also very dangerous. 

Extras

Some anxiety relief for dogs has extra benefits, including digestive support and teeth cleaning. If your dog’s traveling, ingredients like ginger can help a lot with an upset stomach or nausea. 

Trustworthiness 

US factories with FDA approval have one of the highest certification forms for the strongest calming treats for dogs. 

The NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) can also give you an indication if the product is trustworthy. They won’t certify a product unless it meets a range of prerequisites. Plus, they’re also trained to know what makes a good quality product.

Reputation

Reputation is the be-all and end-all of a product. If it has no reviews or, even worse, bad reviews, then the chances of it being on any best list are slim to none. Fancy descriptions are all good and well, but the company has a big problem if no dog eats it.

Apart from our independent research, we also consider customer reviews that help us pinpoint the possible cons of each product.

Zesty Paws Calming Treats for Dogs

These are among the most popular calming chews for dogs. They help with stress, hyperactivity, nervousness, and focus.

It’s a long-term treatment that takes around 30 days to notice a difference in your pup’s behavior and demeanor.

The 90 chews use a massive amount of organic ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, hemp extract, and coconut glycerin. Plus, they’re peanut butter flavored, which most dogs love. The manufacturer is also a member of NASC and has passed all their stringent quality control tests. 

Out of nearly 2,000 pet owners exploring calming treats for dogs and reviews, this product received fantastic responses. Most people loved it and noticed a difference in their pups. While this wasn’t true for others, they wrote before the required 30 days for maximum results.

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Why we choose this product: It uses premium organic ingredients for a scientific decrease in stress. The added ginger helps for an upset tummy during travel, and quality control is monitored closely. 

Pet Naturals Calming Treats for Dogs

You can give these chicken liver flavored dog calming treats to your puppy, so it can be calm and relaxed.

The 30 chews won’t sedate your animal or change its personality. They can calm your pup in as quickly as 30 minutes, and you can increase the dose if there’s no improvement.

Pet Naturals helps with stressful situations or long-term anxiety. The natural active ingredients include vitamins B1 (Thiamine), C3 (Colostrum Calming Complex), and L-Theanine.

Some inactive ingredients include brewer’s yeast, canola oil, citric acid, glycerin, propionic acid, and rosemary extract. 

Also, these all-natural calming treats for dogs are made by vets in the US. 51% of customers recommend the product. 

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Why we choose this product: These vet-formulated chews contain ingredients that actually help pups in stressful situations. Also, the product is US-made and sourced. 

Only Natural Just Relax Herbal Calming Support

These bacon-flavored are among the optimal calming treats for dogs that will soothe your pup without sedation. The active ingredients include Vitamin B3, Thiamine Mononitrate, and Vitamin B6. 

While Just Relax has some inactive ingredients like dried yeast, flaxseed oil, and acacia gum for consistency, these are all-natural and with no artificial colors.

The chews are US-made and approved by Dr. Jean Hofve, a holistic vet advisor. They take around 15 minutes to work and are helpful for stressful situations like fireworks and travel. 

You can buy a pack of 60 or 120 chews. The specific dosage directions are ½  chew for dogs under 25 lbs, one chew for those between 25–50 lbs, two chews if your dog’s 50–100 lbs, and three chews for all pups over 100 lbs. 

Nearly all of the reviews for Just Relax are positive. Most customers found the dog calming treats worked really well for long-term anxiety. Around 4% didn’t notice any difference. 

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Why we choose this product: The all-natural ingredients are excellent, and the chews are suitable for any pup size. Also, it’s overseen by a vet, so our furry customers are in capable hands.

Nutramax Solliquin Anxiety/Calming Treats for Dogs

This supplement provides optimal dog anxiety relief with daily use. The chews work great for calming your pup if it struggles with chronic anxiety or a stressful event.

You’ll notice a difference within 30–45 days. If there’s a stressful event, we recommend speaking with your vet about adjusting the dosage.

Some ingredients include L-Theanine, dried whey protein, Magnolia Officinalis extract, green tea extract, and vegetable oil.

The package of 75 vet-recommended calming treats for dogs comes with natural flavor dogs seem to love. Most customers are pleased with the product and notice a change in their pet’s behavior. Also, the treats are manufactured and sourced in the US. 

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Why we choose this product: These chews for chronic anxiety in kitties and pups are intended for daily use. They help with behavioral problems, promoting sleep and relaxation with ingredients like magnolia and L-Theanine. 

Alpha Paw Calming Treats with Chamomile and Hemp

These soft chews are 100% veterinarian and help pups with stress and anxiety from situations like fireworks, travel, vet visits, and thunderstorms.

The all-natural ingredients include chamomile, valerian root, kava kava root, and organic hemp powder. Plus, they have no fillers.

These 90 calming hemp treats for dogs use organic peanut butter, making them pretty palatable for your puppers.

The non-drowsy and non-GMO ingredients are the perfect choices for pup parents that might be worried about specific personality altering ingredients. The chews help with sleep and motion sickness, too.

The factory is FDA-certified, and the products are made in the US. Most pup parents are delighted. As for the complaints, some owners noticed an increase in energy. 

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Why we choose this product: These calming treats for dogs with hemp are non-GMO, vet-approved, and 100% vegetarian. They work well for stressful situations like fireworks and travel. 

NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Soft Chews

These soft chews are great calming treats for dogs with separation anxiety. They’re past-acting, and you can expect a behavior change in 30 minutes. You’ll find them in three packages — 70, 180, and 240 chews. 

The natural flavor could be a problem for some pups. But most dogs find it incredible, with 78% of owners recommending these treats.

Active ingredients include chamomile, Thiamine, passionflower, and Melatonin. Among the inactive are flaxseed meal, brewer’s yeast, fish oil, and rice flour. These ingredients release tension and melatonin helps explicitly with sleep and relaxation. The added ginger is excellent if you’re traveling with your pup because it soothes the stomach, preventing nausea or an upset tummy. 

The formulation is overseen by veterinarians who know how to calm an anxious dog. The product is also manufactured in an FDA-registered lab within the US. 

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Why we choose this product: The soft chews are fast-acting, making them great for stressful situations without warning. They’re also vet-recommended and made in the US. NaturVet Quiet Moments also help with motion sickness — perfect for traveling.  

Native Pet Hemp Calming Treats

These chicken-flavored, storm calming treats for dogs work brilliantly for all breeds. They help with unwanted behavior and keep pets relaxed.

Ingredients include melatonin, hemp seed powder, vitamin B1, and L-theanine. Plus, they’re all-natural and come in a package of 60.

The chews can show results in general anxiety, insomnia, and stiff muscles. On top of that, the chews promote normal brain activity.

The product is made in the US, and reports say it helps with biting restlessness and excessive barking. 

Impressively, 72% of calming treats for dogs user reviews are five stars. One review pointed out a soft stool side effect, but most customers noticed a positive difference in their dog’s behavior.

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Why we choose this product: These calming treats for dogs are all-natural and have impressive reviews about positive behavior changes in anxiety. They’re suitable for all dogs and manufactured in the US. 

Short Description:

Ark Naturals Happy Traveler Dog & Cat Soft Chews

These chews reportedly have no side effects and won’t form a habit. They’re also fast-acting, taking effect within 30 minutes.

Active ingredients include German chamomile, St. John’s Wort, valerian, and L-Tryptophan. Inactive ones include gelatin, black malt extract, flaxseed oil, salt, and dry poultry.

In a package, you’ll find 75 calming chews for dogs that are liver-flavored and help pups prone to anxiety. Plus, they prevent motion sickness during travel.

Made in the US, this natural product doesn’t contain any wheat, soy, or artificial colors. Also, it’s overseen by the director of the AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association), Dr. Nancy Scanlan. So you can rest assured the ingredients are up to standard. 

Still, there are mixed reviews. Some owners say the calming treats for cats and dogs have a pungent smell that puts pups off. According to the other half, their dogs loved the product. 

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Why we choose this product: It works for dogs and cats and has a lot of all-natural ingredients that help with anxiety and motion sickness, making it great for travel. The 75 chews are manufactured in the US and have no side effects. 

Shameless Pets Calming Chew Treats 

These 30 turkey and sweet potato chews are easy to administer because pups love their taste. Even though they are upcycled, it’s said to taste just as sweet. Seasoned with ginger and paired with turkey, they are ideal for your pup’s digestion. 

Active ingredients include hemp, valerian root, suntheanine, chamomile, passionflower, and thiamin. These calming solutions for dogs contribute to a calm and compressed demeanor and may provide relief for anxiety.

Your pup won’t get drowsy or act like a different pet. The treats just help to calm and relax your pet. If it’s a very intense situation, the company advises consulting a vet, as do we. 

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Why we choose this product: These are some of the finest calming treats for dogs scared of fireworks because they are made from hemp. They work quickly, and the turkey and sweet potato recipe make them palatable for pups. Head to Tail treats are non-drowsy and grain-free, too. 

Product Name: Shameless Pets Calming Chew Treats 

Short Description: Chicken liver flavored chews for dogs that need overall treatment for anxiety or once-off stressful events. The 30 chews can be used every day if required and have ingredients known to help with anxiety, like magnesium and L-Theanine.

Zesty Paws Hemp Elements Calming Orastix

If you’re looking for a simple way to help your pup with stress and anxiety, this is a good option. Some dogs just refuse to take chews.

The sticks are peppermint flavored, which sounds unusual, but pups seem to love the taste. Plus, it helps keep gums and teeth looking and feeling fresh.

Active ingredients that aid in calming an anxious dog include hemp seed extract, Melatonin,  chamomile, kelp, and peppermint oil. Don’t worry about the hemp. It doesn’t make dogs high. 

The sticks also contain Sensoril, which keeps your dog focused and happy. You have a choice between a 12 or 25 oz bag.

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Why we choose this product: Chews can be difficult for some pups, so these are a great alternative. The sticks include great natural ingredients like hemp seed and melatonin. Plus, they even keep your dog’s teeth healthy. 

Buyer’s Guide to the Top-Notch Calming Treats

Here’s everything you need to know — what you should look out for, when to use the treats, and what dog anxiety is.

What to Look For?

In short, you should know your dog very well to pick the optimal calming bites that would help it relax.

Establishing the issue: Is it a short-term stressful situation (fireworks or a road trip), or could your dog have chronic anxiety? These have very different treatments. 

Health requirements: They’re based on your dog’s age, diet, and lifestyle. If you have a five-year-old hyperactive large dog, the dosage will differ from the one for a small breed going on a flight.

Picky eaters: Do you have a fussy pup? Try to find products with a flavor and consistency they’ll enjoy. Sometimes it’s not the taste but the consistency that’s the issue. If you don’t think soft chews are an option, look at dental sticks. 

Price and quantity: While calming dog treats for little dogs might last a month, they take only a week for a large breed. Most soft chews range between 30–180 pieces.

Extras: Some products have added benefits, like ginger for an upset stomach. Also, melatonin helps dog sleep, and you can get treats that help with teeth cleaning. 

What Are Natural Calming Treats and How Do They Work? 

These products contain natural ingredients that can help pups with anxiety. Like the amino acids, some ingredients occur naturally in your dog, so the treat only enhances the effect. 

Products can be used along with behavioral therapy if you’re trying to stop your dog’s obsessive scratching or chewing. 

Some calming treats work for 90% of pups, but there’s usually 10% that remain unaffected. If it’s not effective for your pet, you can try a different approach, like hemp or CBD. 

Types of Calming Doggy Treats

The treats on this list aren’t the only options available. Natural dog calming aids come in many forms. 

Chews and Sticks

We chose to focus on them, as they have a wide range of textures, flavors, and active ingredients.

Some are for chronic anxiety and should be taken daily, while others are more for when stressful situations pop up. 

They can be very fast-acting, too, which is helpful for unexpected situations. But some will only take effect after about 30 days of daily intake. 

Aromatherapy

Most people think this is crazy, but we looked into it, and aromatherapy doesn’t only work for our Sunday night bath.

It uses specific oils on the skin or in a diffuser. The scent can immediately calm down a hyperactive pupper.

For instance, finding calming treats for diabetic dogs can be challenging, so we recommend trying this alternative. 

Popular scents include lavender, citrus, and peppermint. Keep in mind that essential oils can be toxic if ingested, so be careful with them around your pup.

Distractions 

Here’s where it can get fun for a pup and its owner. Doggy puzzles and toys are the finest at getting your dog’s mind off the situation.

So when even the top calming treats for dogs that are afraid of thunder don’t work, put on some music and play with your pup to keep it distracted. Your dog might not even realize there’s a storm outside. 

Calming Dog Beds

These can be a real sleep saver if a storm runs through the night. Calming dog beds are made with raised edges to create a safe and relaxing space for your pup.

Most dogs fall asleep super quickly in their safe space. When they’re stressed, pups make a run for their snuggly corner. 

Common Ingredients in Calming Treats

Here are some of the most common ingredients that are tried and tested:

• Valerian
• Melatonin
• Chamomile
• Passionflower
• Hemp

When to Use Anxiety Relief for Dogs

Events, situations, or moments that don’t last long but can be stressful for your dog can cause your pet short-term stress. Like:

• Moving house
• Fireworks
• Traveling 
• New environment
• Meeting new puppers and people
• Vet visits
• Loud noises, like the construction next door

In contrast, long-term anxiety is more of a chronic condition where pups are stressed daily. Unfortunately, there’s no one moment or event triggering this anxiety. It’s always there. Some causes include:

• Age-related stress (pain or injury)
• Separation anxiety
• Former shelter pup
• Illness
• Socialization issues

Benefits of Natural Calming Treats for Dogs

First, you have nothing to lose. Suppose you’re a pup parent of an anxious breed. In that case, the daily struggle of seeing your animal stressed out can affect your entire household.

Most products are entirely natural and don’t require a prescription. So if one doesn’t work, you can move on to the next. Dog vitamins can also hold some beneficial ingredients, but make sure it’s not too much. 

One product might change your pup’s life for the better. We read that in multiple reviews, and it made us so happy. Pup parents tried everything under the sun and then stumbled across one product that worked and made all the difference. 

Besides, these products can stop unwanted behaviors like growling, hyperactivity, scratching, and chewing. 

At a Glance —  Top Picks Summary

• Zesty Paws Calming Treats for Dogs: Best overall
• Only Natural Just Relax Herbal Calming Support: Calming treats for dogs for fireworks
• Nutramax Solliquin Anxiety/Calming Treats for Dogs: Non-hemp calming aid
• Alpha Paw Calming Treats With Chamomile and Hemp: All-natural calming product for dogs
• NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Soft Chews: Calming dog treats for little dogs
• Native Pet Hemp Calming Treats for Dogs: Five-star calming treats for dogs
• Ark Naturals Happy Traveler Dog & Cat Soft Chews: Calming treats for dogs during car travel
• Shameless Pets Calming Chew Treats: Calming treats from upcycled ingredients
• Zesty Paws Hemp Elements Calming Orastix: Hemp calming treats for dogs

Dog Anxiety Symptoms

Here’s what to look out for if you suspect your four-legged bestie might have anxiety:

• Shivering
• Barking and howling
• Running away to a corner
• Biting furniture
• Not eating
• Hyperactivity
• Panting
• Pacing up and down
• Excessive licking or chewing
• Doing their business inside the house
• Drooling
• Aggression
• Shedding

Tips and Recommendations for a Stressed-Out Pup

You can do the following to help your pup relax and stay calm: 

• Increase exercise
• Spend time with your pupper
• Play high-energy games like fetch
• Get your dog used to different environments
• Socialization with other pets and people
• Use quality dog food. Older pups should eat senior dog food.
• Look out for any underlying issues like an injury.

Alternative Effective Dog Calming Products

Chews aren’t the only option when it comes to helping out your anxious pup.

CBD Oil: If your pup refuses to take chews or dental sticks, CBD oil might be an excellent alternative. It’s not a psychoactive compound, so it won’t make your dog high. Plus, CBD can help a lot with anxiety. We recommend trying HempMy Pet Organic CBD Oil.   

Calming Collars: They use pheromones to help your dog chill out. It’s an excellent alternative for fussy pups. For example, the Sentry HC Dog Calming Collar on Chewy works well for hyperactive dogs. 

Pup Calming Apparel: If the top calming treats for anxiety for dogs don’t work for your pup, these clothes might. They hug your pet in all the right spots to keep them calm and secure. A prevalent choice among pup owners is the ThunderShirt Anxiety & Calming Aid on Chewy.

Pheromone Spray: Like collars, a pheromone spray keeps anxiety at bay. Dog owners praise the DAP ADAPTIL Spray that has all-natural ingredients and works brilliantly for behavioral issues.

Natural Supplements: Anti-anxiety drops might also be a good option. We love Pet Wellbeing’s Calming Care.

Sound Machine: Humans aren’t the only ones who respond to relaxing sounds. A pup sound machine uses tunes and music specifically for dogs. If that sounds good, check the Pet Acoustics Dog Speaker on Chewy.

Calming Treats for Dogs in a Nutshell 

Worrying over your pet’s anxiety might get you anxious, too. 

Natural calming remedies for dogs are an excellent way to help your four-legged bestie. Most of these products are all-natural and have little to no side effects. But as always, we recommend speaking with your vet about the best way forward for your anxious pup.

Our top pick is the Zesty Paws calming treats for dogs. They’re reasonably priced for the amount you get, and pet owners’ reviews are great. The difference seen in pups is impressive, so that’s our go-to product. 

FAQ  

Are there side effects of calming treats for dogs?

There’s not much to report in terms of adverse side effects. But some ingredients might make your pup a bit sleepy. For instance, melatonin is the sleep hormone humans have, too, so it’s supposed to make you want to go to bed. 

How often should I give calming treats to my dog?

Read the product’s instructions and consider your dog’s size, weight, and life stage. A larger older dog will need more calming treats than a small pup. There are very precise instructions for each product, so make sure to follow them or ask your vet for recommendations.

How long does it take for a calming doggy treat to start working?

Some of the best calming treats for dogs need as little as 15 minutes to start working. Others can take about a month if they’re a daily supplement for chronic anxiety. Look at this closely because if you want a product you can use for one-off stressful events, a response in 30 days won’t help much.