Does your furry friend get a little anxious when the doorbell rings, or when you leave the house? Many dog owners understand how stressful it can be to see their beloved pup feeling uneasy. From loud noises like fireworks to new environments, dogs can experience a range of worries that impact their well-being and our peace of mind.
Navigating the world of calming dog treats can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and ingredients out there, and it’s tough to know which ones are truly effective and safe for your dog. You want to help your pup relax, but you also don’t want to give them something that won’t work or could cause other issues. It’s a common struggle for caring pet parents!
But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll break down what makes a good calming treat and guide you through finding the best options for your canine companion. You’ll learn about key ingredients and what to look for on the label, so you can feel confident in your choice. Get ready to discover how to bring a little more calm and happiness to your dog’s life!
Our Top 5 Calming Dog Treats Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Calming Dog Treats Detailed Reviews
1. Advanced Calming Chews for Dogs – Hemp Dog Calming Chews – Anxiety Relief with Melatonin – Stress & Separation Anxiety – Sleep Aid + Hip and Joint Supplement Support – Made in USA – 70 Treats
Rating: 8.8/10
Does your furry friend get anxious during thunderstorms, car rides, or when you leave them alone? These Advanced Calming Chews for Dogs are designed to help. They use natural ingredients to soothe your dog and make stressful times easier for both of you. Plus, they even offer support for your dog’s hips and joints!
What We Like:
- Effectively relieves anxiety and stress from common triggers like separation, car rides, and loud noises.
- Helps calm hyperactive or excessive barking and growling behavior.
- Made with natural, human-grade ingredients including valerian root, chamomile, and melatonin.
- Safe for dogs of all breeds and sizes, including puppies.
- Formulated by veterinarians and made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility, ensuring high quality.
- Free from added sugar, wheat, corn, GMOs, and preservatives.
- Provides additional support for hip and joint health.
What Could Be Improved:
- The effectiveness can vary between individual dogs.
- Some dogs might not like the taste, making administration a bit tricky.
These calming chews offer a natural way to support your dog’s well-being during stressful situations. They provide a gentle solution for anxiety while also supporting overall joint health.
2. VetIQ Calming Support Supplement for Dogs
Rating: 9.0/10
Does your furry friend get nervous around thunderstorms, car rides, or even the vacuum cleaner? The VetIQ Calming Support Supplement for Dogs is designed to help your pup find their chill. These tasty chews are made in the USA and aim to manage stress and promote relaxation, offering anxiety relief for your canine companion. With 60 chews per container, it’s a convenient way to support your dog’s well-being.
What We Like:
- Veterinarians recommend this supplement for calming care.
- It helps maintain calmness by balancing regular stress and anxiety.
- Supports pets in coping with external or normal stress, like loud noises.
- Promotes relaxation, helping your dog get the rest they need.
- Supports balanced behavior by stabilizing stress levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t specify the active ingredients or their specific benefits.
- More information on how quickly the chews work would be helpful.
This VetIQ Calming Support Supplement offers a promising way to help your dog feel more at ease. It’s a great option for pet parents looking to support their dog’s emotional well-being.
3. Zesty Paws Calming Chews for Dogs Composure & Relaxation for Everyday Stress & Separation Peanut Butter 90 Count
Rating: 8.7/10
Is your furry friend a little anxious? Zesty Paws Calming Chews in Peanut Butter flavor are here to help! These tasty treats are designed to keep your dog feeling calm and relaxed, whether they’re dealing with everyday worries or bigger stresses like thunderstorms or car rides. With a blend of natural ingredients, these chews aim to bring peace and happiness to your pup.
What We Like:
- Calming Support: These chews help dogs feel calm, comfy, and happy.
- Suntheanine Power: Contains Suntheanine, a special form of L-Theanine known for promoting relaxation.
- Ashwagandha Included: This ingredient helps dogs cope with normal external stresses.
- Supports Stressful Situations: Great for dogs nervous about storms, car rides, fireworks, and more.
- Great Ingredients: Made with Valerian Root, Hemp Seed Powder, Passionflower, Magnesium, L-Tryptophan, and Ginger Root.
- Delicious Peanut Butter Flavor: Dogs love the taste, making it easy to give them.
What Could Be Improved:
- Effectiveness Varies: While many dogs benefit, results can differ from one dog to another.
- Dosage Guidance: It’s important to follow the recommended dosage carefully.
Overall, Zesty Paws Calming Chews offer a natural way to support your dog’s well-being. They are a promising option for pet parents seeking to ease their dog’s stress and promote a more relaxed demeanor.
4. NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement – Helps Promote Relaxation
Rating: 9.4/10
Does your dog get stressed during thunderstorms, fireworks, or car rides? The NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement offers a tasty solution to help your furry friend relax. These soft chews are designed to promote a sense of calm and reduce anxiety, making everyday activities like grooming or travel more enjoyable for both of you.
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What We Like:
- The chews are packed with helpful ingredients like melatonin, ginger, L-Tryptophan, and thiamin to support a healthy nervous system and reduce stress.
- They taste great, so your dog will think they’re getting a treat!
- The resealable jar keeps the chews fresh for continued use.
- NaturVet has a long history of making quality pet supplements since 1994.
- The product is made in the USA in a cGMP compliant facility, so you know you’re getting a trustworthy product.
- It helps with a variety of common dog anxieties, from separation to motion sickness.
- The effectiveness can vary depending on the dog’s individual needs and the severity of their anxiety.
- Some dogs might be picky eaters, and while these are tasty, it’s always a possibility.
What Could Be Improved:
Overall, NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement seems like a solid choice for pet owners looking to ease their dog’s stress. It offers a blend of quality ingredients and a palatable form that should make giving it to your dog a breeze.
5. ZENO Hemp Calming Chews for Dogs Anxiety 200 pcs – Chicken Flavored – Anxiety Relief – Calming Chews Treats – Melatonin for Dogs – for Stress
Rating: 9.4/10
Does your furry friend get nervous during thunderstorms, car rides, or vet visits? The ZENO Hemp Calming Chews for Dogs in yummy chicken flavor are here to help! These treats are designed to bring peace and quiet to your pup, making stressful situations much easier for everyone.
What We Like:
- Ultimate Anxiety Relief: These chews help calm dogs facing fears like loud noises, being alone, or traveling. Your dog can feel relaxed and happy.
- Natural and Safe Ingredients: Made with hemp seed oil, L-theanine from green tea, chamomile, and melatonin, these chews are vet-approved and safe for your dog.
- Delicious Taste: Dogs love the chicken flavor, so giving them a calming treat is no longer a struggle. They’ll think it’s just a yummy snack!
- Fast and Long-Lasting: The calming effects start working in about 30-45 minutes and can last up to 12 hours, keeping your dog content all day.
- Great Customer Support: ZENO offers a 5-year assurance and helpful customer service, so you can feel confident in your purchase.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description mentions beef and duck flavors, but only chicken is listed for this specific product. Clarity on available flavors would be helpful.
If you’re looking for a natural way to help your dog feel more relaxed, these ZENO Hemp Calming Chews are a fantastic option. They offer effective, tasty relief for anxious pups.
Choosing the Best Calming Dog Treats: A Guide for Worried Pet Parents
Is your furry friend anxious during thunderstorms, car rides, or when you leave the house? Calming dog treats can be a helpful tool to ease their worries. Finding the right treat involves understanding what makes them effective and what to look for. This guide will help you make an informed decision.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for calming treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Active Ingredients: The most effective calming treats contain natural ingredients known for their soothing properties. Look for things like L-theanine, tryptophan, chamomile, valerian root, and melatonin. These work together to promote relaxation.
- Flavor and Palatability: Even the best calming ingredients won’t help if your dog won’t eat them. Choose treats with flavors dogs love, like chicken, beef, or peanut butter. A tasty treat makes administering them a breeze.
- Dosage and Potency: Treats come in different strengths. Check the packaging for the recommended dosage based on your dog’s weight. Some treats are stronger than others, so start with a lower dose if you’re unsure.
- Texture: Some dogs prefer soft, chewy treats, while others like crunchy ones. Consider your dog’s chewing habits when making your choice.
- Natural Ingredients: Many owners prefer treats made with wholesome, natural ingredients and free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. This ensures you’re giving your dog a healthy option.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The ingredients are what make calming treats work. Here are some common and effective ones:
- L-Theanine: This amino acid, found in green tea, helps dogs feel calm without making them drowsy. It supports the production of calming brain chemicals.
- Tryptophan: This is another amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of well-being and relaxation.
- Chamomile: This herb has been used for centuries to calm nerves and ease digestive upset. It’s a gentle, natural relaxant.
- Valerian Root: Known for its sedative properties, valerian root can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep. It’s best used for more significant stress.
- Melatonin: This hormone helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It can be useful for dogs who experience anxiety at night or during travel.
- Hemp/CBD: Some calming treats contain hemp or CBD oil. These can help reduce anxiety and inflammation. Always ensure the product is THC-free and consult your vet.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of calming treats can vary. Here’s what makes a difference:
- High-Quality Sourcing: Ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers tend to be more potent and effective.
- Manufacturing Standards: Treats made in facilities that follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) are generally higher in quality and safer.
- Ingredient Purity: Treats that list specific amounts of active ingredients are often better than those with vague descriptions.
- Lack of Fillers: Treats with fewer unnecessary fillers and artificial additives are usually of higher quality.
- Veterinarian Recommended: Products recommended by veterinarians often meet higher standards of efficacy and safety.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many pet parents find calming treats incredibly useful for various situations:
- Separation Anxiety: If your dog gets stressed when you leave, a treat given about 30 minutes before you go can help them feel more at ease.
- Loud Noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, or construction noise can be scary. Giving a treat during these times can provide comfort.
- Travel Anxiety: Car rides or trips to the vet can be nerve-wracking. A calming treat can make the journey smoother.
- New Environments: Moving to a new home or visiting unfamiliar places can cause stress. Treats can help your dog adjust more easily.
- Grooming and Vet Visits: Some dogs get anxious during grooming or vet check-ups. A calming treat beforehand can make these experiences less stressful for everyone.
Using calming treats is often part of a larger plan. Combine them with positive reinforcement, a consistent routine, and a safe space for your dog to feel secure.
Calming Dog Treats: Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Q: What are the main benefits of calming dog treats?
A: Calming dog treats help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs. They can make your dog feel more relaxed during stressful events like thunderstorms, car rides, or when you leave them alone.
Q: How quickly do calming dog treats start working?
A: Most calming treats begin to show effects within 30 to 60 minutes after your dog eats them. The exact time can depend on the ingredients and your dog’s metabolism.
Q: Can I give my dog calming treats every day?
A: For occasional stress, you might use them as needed. If your dog experiences chronic anxiety, you can discuss daily use with your veterinarian. Some treats are formulated for daily support.
Q: Are there any side effects to calming dog treats?
A: Generally, calming treats are safe. Some dogs might experience mild drowsiness, especially with higher doses or certain ingredients like melatonin. Always follow the dosage instructions.
Q: What is the difference between calming treats and prescription anxiety medication?
A: Calming treats use natural ingredients to support relaxation. Prescription medications are pharmaceuticals that directly affect brain chemistry and are typically used for more severe anxiety, under veterinary supervision.
Q: How do I choose the right dosage for my dog?
A: Always check the product packaging for dosage recommendations based on your dog’s weight. It’s best to start with the lower end of the recommended range and see how your dog responds.
Q: Can puppies have calming dog treats?
A: Some calming treats are made for puppies, but it’s crucial to check the product label. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any new supplements or treats to a puppy.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t like the taste of the calming treat?
A: If your dog turns up its nose, try a different brand or flavor. Dogs have different taste preferences, just like people. Look for treats with highly palatable ingredients.
Q: How should I store calming dog treats?
A: Most calming treats should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the packaging for specific storage instructions, as some may need refrigeration after opening.
Q: When should I consult my veterinarian about my dog’s anxiety?
A: If your dog’s anxiety is severe, persistent, or impacting their quality of life, it’s essential to talk to your vet. They can help diagnose the cause of the anxiety and recommend the best treatment plan, which might include treats, behavioral modification, or medication.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!