The Best Dog Calming Treats That Actually Work

All dog owners want nothing more than a happy, relaxed, and stress-free pup. But sometimes, it seems like regardless of what you do, they still get anxious. Maybe it’s loud noises. Maybe they hate being alone. Maybe they just can’t settle down at night. 

Well, I’ve been there too. When Pochui was a pup, he used to bark at every little sound. Neutering helped, but not completely. He was still always on guard mode. Doesn’t matter if it’s just a little bird flying too close to the window or the neighbors cutting their grass. Pochui would just bark and bark and bark.

What made a real difference was dog calming treats. So, in this guide, let’s go over everything you need to know about calming treats so you can find the right one for your dog!

11 Best Dog Calming Treats

Before anything else, let’s head straight to our list of the best dog calming treats you can buy today.

NaturVet Calming Dog Chews

We’ve trusted NaturVet for years, and they’ve been making pet supplements for over 25 years. These soft chews are great for dogs who get nervous during storms, car rides, or when left alone. They help ease tension without making dogs feel groggy. Plus, the resealable bag keeps them fresh.

Main Ingredient(s): Melatonin, Thiamine, L‑Tryptophan

Price: $16.83 for 70 counts

Get it on NaturVet | Get it on Amazon

Pet Naturals Calming Dog Chews

If you want a treat without artificial junk, this one’s for you. Pet Naturals keeps things clean, and their chews work without knocking your dog out. Perfect for daily use if your pup needs ongoing support for stress or hyperactivity.

Main Ingredient(s): L-Theanine, Thiamine, Colostrum Calming Complex

Price: $10.75 for 30 counts

Get it on Amazon

Zesty Paws Calming Bites

Zesty Paws is a favorite for a reason. These chews help restless dogs settle down without fillers or weird additives. Dogs love the soft texture, and the natural ingredients make a real difference. If your pup struggles with stressful situations, this is a solid choice.

Main Ingredient(s): Hemp Seed, Chamomile, L-Theanine

Price: $31.47 for 90 counts

Get it on Zesty Paws | Get it on Amazon

Bark&Spark Calming Chews

Simple and effective. That’s what Bark&Spark does best. These chews help anxious dogs stay relaxed without making them sluggish. Whether it’s thunderstorms or separation anxiety, this formula is designed to take the edge off.

Main Ingredient(s): Melatonin, Valerian Root Powder, L-Theanine, Chamomile, Passion Flower, L-Tryptophan

Price: $16.87 for 60 counts

Get it on Bark&Spark | Get it on Amazon

PREMIUM CARE Calming Treats

If your dog loves bacon, they’ll love these. Premium Care keeps things natural and avoids artificial fillers. These chews help ease stress without unnecessary ingredients, making them a great go-to for daily use.

Main Ingredient(s): Organic Hemp and Chamomile

Price: $28.99 for 120 counts

Get it on Amazon

VETRISCIENCE Composure Chews

Science-backed and vet-approved. VETRISCIENCE has been making pet supplements for decades, and this formula works fast to calm nervous dogs. The chicken flavor makes it easy to give as a treat.

Main Ingredient(s): L-Theanine, Colostrum Calming Complex, Thiamine

Price: $20.00 for 60 counts

Get it on VetriScience | Get it on Amazon

Well Loved Extra Strength Calming Chews

Developed by vets, these chews are made for hyperactive or anxious dogs. They support relaxation and overall wellness without harsh additives. Soft and easy to chew, so it’s great for senior dogs, too.

Main Ingredient(s): Hemp Oil, Hemp Seed Powder, Chamomile, Valerian Root Powder, Thiamine Mononitrate, Passion Flower, Ginger, L-Tryptophan, Melatonin

Price: $27.99 for 90 counts

Get it on Well Loved | Get it on Amazon

Pet Honesty Calming Hemp Chews

If you prefer natural ingredients, Pet Honesty is a great choice. It’s got no artificial preservatives and no fillers, just calming herbs and amino acids to help ease your dog’s nerves. There are quite a few ingredients in the mix, which might not be for everyone, but if your dog needs solid calming support, this is worth trying. Plus, the soft texture makes it easy to chew.

Main Ingredient(s): Valerian Root, Chamomile Powder, Hemp Seed Powder, Hemp Seed Oil, Passion Flower, L-Theanine, Ashwagandha Root

Price: $42.99 for 60 counts

Get it on Pet Honesty | Get it on Amazon

Solid Gold Keep Calm & Wag On Chews

It’s been 40 years since Solid Gold started making pet nutrition products. These dog calming treats help reduce stress while also supporting digestion and immune health. So, if you want an all-around wellness boost, this is a strong pick.

Main Ingredient(s): Chamomile, Valerian Root, L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, L-Tryptophan, Melatonin

Price: $27.97 for 120 counts

Get it on Solid Gold | Get it on Amazon

StrellaLab Calming Treats

StrellaLab creates supplements that prioritize natural ingredients. These chews focus on natural ingredients that help dogs relax without synthetic fillers. Works for all breeds and sizes.

Main Ingredient(s): Valerian Root, Melatonin, Chamomile

Price: $16.97 for 60 counts

Get it on Amazon

VetIQ Calming Soft Chews

Affordable and effective. VetIQ makes vet-approved supplements at a budget-friendly price. These chews help dogs handle stress without artificial junk. If you need something simple and reliable, give these a try.

Main Ingredient(s): Chamomile Powder, Thiamine Mononitrate, L-Tryptophan, Theanine, Lavender Extract

Price: $11.98 for 60 counts

Get it on Amazon

What Are Dog Calming Treats?

Dog calming treats help dogs feel more at ease. They come in soft chews or biscuits, packed with ingredients that promote relaxation. The best ones take the edge off without making your dog sluggish. Some work quickly. Others need time to build up in the system. 

Of course, they’re not a magic fix, but they can help. If your dog struggles with stress, these treats might make a real difference.

Are Dog Calming Treats Effective?

Yes, but results vary. Some dogs, like my Pochui, respond quickly. Others need time. The right ingredients make all the difference. Plus, a high-quality calming treat won’t actually sedate your dog. Rather, they’ll just feel more balanced and stable. 

In our case, Pochui was still as playful as ever, but he no longer felt anxious about outside sounds. It’s as if the calming treats made him more confident in his surroundings. He seemed more at ease, lounging comfortably even when the usual triggers were present. It was a subtle change, but one that we greatly appreciated.

How Do Dog Calming Treats Work?

Calming treats use natural ingredients to help dogs relax. Each one works differently, and the best blends offer a mix that supports long-term calmness. Here are some common ingredients and what they do:

• L-theanine – Found in green tea, this amino acid helps dogs feel more at ease by supporting natural relaxation.
• L-tryptophan – The body turns this into serotonin, a brain chemical that helps manage mood and stress.
• Valerian root – A well-known herb that promotes calmness and can ease restlessness.
• Chamomile – Soothing and gentle, it helps dogs settle down and sleep better.
• Passionflower – Supports the nervous system, making it easier for dogs to relax.
• Melatonin – A hormone that plays a role in regulating sleep cycles, helping dogs rest when they need it.
• CBD or hemp extract – Can ease tension and promote relaxation without making dogs feel out of it.

Are Dog Calming Treats Safe?

For most dogs, yes. But always check with your vet. Some dogs react differently to certain ingredients. Stick to trusted brands with clear ingredient lists. Avoid treats with artificial additives or fillers.

Potential Dog Calming Treat Side Effects

Side effects are rare but possible. They may include:

• Drowsiness (if given too much)
• Upset stomach
• Loose stools
• Allergic reactions (uncommon but possible)

Start with a small dose and watch for changes. If your dog acts differently, stop and talk to your vet.

Are There Dog Calming Treat Alternatives?

Calming treats aren’t the only option. Some dogs need extra support. Other ways to help include:

• Training and desensitization – Teach your dog to handle stress differently.
• Puzzle toys – Keep their mind busy to ease nervous energy.
• Calming music – Soft sounds can reduce stress levels.
• Weighted blankets – Some dogs feel more secure with gentle pressure.
• Exercise – A tired dog is a calmer dog. More movement can reduce anxiety.

Sometimes, a mix of methods works best. Calming treats are a great tool, but they work even better when paired with other strategies.

Help Your Dog Feel Their Best

A calm dog is a happy dog. If stress and anxiety are a problem, calming treats might be the solution. We all want what’s best for our dogs. Whether it’s the right treat or another approach, the goal is the same: helping them feel safe and relaxed.

Try a calming treat, watch the results, and see if it makes a difference. Your dog deserves to feel at peace. And you deserve that peace too!

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