Keep Calm and Wag On: Best Calming Treats for Dogs

Stress and anxiety can make a happy and playful pooch quickly change into a nervous and destructive ball of energy. The best calming treats for dogs can help relieve anxiety and keep your pup feeling comfortable and confident.

If your pup gets a little too antsy around fireworks or thunderstorms, or maybe doesn't handle travel well, the best dog calming treats can work wonders. From soothing anxiety to helping dogs find their zen, these treats are designed to calm nerves naturally and effectively.

Stress and anxiety in dogs can be triggered by a variety of external stimuli. Loud noises, changes to routine, and unfamiliar places and people are common triggers for nervous dogs and a good examples of stimuli that you will likely encounter and may not be able to avoid.

Dog calming treats are one of the tools that can be used to help minimize the natural and involuntary response your dog might have to a new or scary situation.

What Are Dog Calming Treats?

Dog calming treats are specially formulated snacks designed to help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. They often contain natural, calming ingredients such as chamomile, L-theanine, melatonin, or hemp, which work to soothe the nervous system and reduce physical and mental responses to fear and anxiety.

Unlike prescription medications, these easy-to-feed treats provide gentle support for mild to moderate behavioural issues, making them a popular option for pet parents seeking a more natural approach and for those dealing with one-off or temporary situations.

From soft chews to crunchy biscuits, the best dog calming treats cater to dogs of all sizes and preferences. Offering calming supplements in a tasty and nutritious treat form makes it easier to offer your dog the stress-reducing ingredients they need to stay happy, calm, and relaxed.

When Should You Use Calming Treats for Dogs?

Calming treats can be used in any situation where your dog experiences anxiety or stress. They are particularly effective during events like thunderstorms, fireworks, long road trips, or vet visits. Because these situations are infrequent and often loud or unpleasant, the typical response in nervous and shy dogs can be quite severe.

Understanding and Treating Dog Anxiety

Anxiety in dogs can present in a lot of different behaviours and can be triggered by a wide range of sounds, environments, and activities. When treating dog anxiety with the best dog calming treats, it's important to try to learn what the underlying cause of your dog's stress is. 

This will not only help you make the necessary changes to your home or routine to limit common triggers and build better routines, but will also be vital in learning to choose the right type of dog calming treats.

Here are some common types of dog anxiety or anxious behaviours that you might consider supporting with the best dog relaxation treats:

• • Separation Anxiety - When a dog feels stressed or anxious when left alone or away from the people or companions that make them feel safe. The behaviours can be disruptive and destructive, like barking and chewing, or even dangerous, like trying to escape.
  • Social Anxiety - This broad term is generally used to talk about dog stranger danger. When dogs are not taught how to introduce themselves and have had very little socialization, any new people or pets can be scary, resulting in fearful reactions like barking, shaking, hiding, and even overly friendly actions like jumping and licking.
  • Noise-Induced Anxiety - For some dogs, loud and sudden noises, like thunder or fireworks, can trigger an anxious response. This tends to be isolated to more extreme sounds, but can lead to fearful behaviours, restlessness, and destructive chewing as a way to try and self-soothe.
  • Travel Anxiety - Going anywhere out of your dog's comfort zone can be a little scary, but car travel can be especially stressful for dogs. Some dogs get car sickness, while others experience more general anxiety that can lead to barking, pacing, and inappropriate chewing.
  • Bedtime Anxiety - Dogs that are overly excitable, restless, or difficult at bedtime could be dealing with an issue that is causing nighttime anxiety. The underlying cause can be discomfort, fear, or even an inadequate play and exercise routine.

To learn more about dog anxiety symptoms and best practices, check out our Dog Anxiety Guide.

Best Calming Ingredients for Dogs

When it comes to choosing the right calming treats for dogs, ingredients matter. Different ingredients in dog calming treats target different stressors.

Let's take a look at some of the most common calming ingredients in dog calming treats:

The right blend of ingredients can make one calming treat more suitable to certain types of anxiety and stress than others. Knowing what to look for can ensure you choose the best dog calming treat for your anxious dog.

Top 5 Best Calming Treats for Dogs

When it comes to soothing your pup’s nerves, the right dog calming treat can make a huge difference. Whether your dog struggles with separation anxiety, hyperactivity, or stress from loud or high-energy situations, these treats provide a natural way to help them relax.

We’ve rounded up the best calming treats for dogs, including options tailored to hyper dogs, large breeds, and those with specific needs like travel or thunderstorms.

Each soft chew and crunchy biscuit is infused with calming ingredients to gently and safely reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. Designed to promote relaxation without sedation, our selection of calming dog treats can give you and your dog some peace of mind.

1. Open Farm Calming Supplement Chews for Dogs

Made with natural ingredients like chamomile, passion flower, and L-theanine, Open Farms Calming Supplement Chews are crafted to offer a gentle, effective way to reduce anxiety without causing drowsiness. 

Open Farm’s commitment to ethical sourcing means every ingredient is traceable, ensuring your dog gets the highest quality support. With a delicious taste and sustainable packaging, these chews make it easy to calm your dog while supporting the planet.

Best for: Noise Anxiety, Travel Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, and Social Anxiety

2. NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments Soft Chews

NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments Soft Chews combine the calming power of hemp, ginger, and melatonin to provide quick relief from anxiety. These soft, chewy bites are designed to help hyper dogs settle down quickly, making them an excellent choice during high-stress events.

The addition of ginger helps soothe upset stomachs, which is perfect for dogs who exhibit physical reactions to their stress. NaturVet’s formula is crafted with care to ensure your dog feels calm and comforted without sedation.

Best for: Noise Anxiety, Travel Anxiety, and Nighttime Anxiety

3. Vetdiet Calming Biscuits

Vetdiet’s Calming Biscuits offer a crunchy, satisfying way to manage mild stress and promote calm behaviours. Infused with chamomile, sweet orange essential oil, and ginger, these biscuits help reduce stress while supporting your dog’s overall well-being.

Chamomile and sweet orange essential oils are known for their natural calming effect, and when paired with ginger, these biscuits can help eliminate stress-related nausea and other tummy troubles in dogs.

Best for: Travel Anxiety

4. Under the Weather Soft Calming Chews for Dogs

Designed specifically for small dogs or those with sensitive stomachs, Under the Weather Soft Calming Chews provide natural stress relief through L-theanine and thiamine and tummy soothing ingredients like ginger.

This can help to relieve nausea and other digestive issues that can be triggered by anxiety, while still promoting mood regulation without drowsiness. The tasty soft chew treat format makes them easy to feed to even the pickiest of pooches.

Best for: Social Anxiety and Travel Anxiety

5. Pet Treatery Stress! Functional Treats

If you are looking for the best daily calming treat for dogs, Pet Treatery Stress! Whaddya Mean I'm Stressed! Treats are a strong contender. The crunchy and natural calming treats offer a delightful blend of herbs and botanicals to naturally regulate stress levels throughout the day. 

The diverse balance of calming ingredients such as chamomile, ashwagandha, and skullcap helps to promote relaxation without sedation. With no artificial ingredients or preservatives, Pet Treatery provides a wholesome, delicious way to achieve calmness and comfort.

Best for: General Anxiety and Mild Separation Anxiety

Our best dog calming treats are a great option for mild to moderate dog anxiety, but more severe cases should be discussed with your vet, especially when your dog's behaviour could lead to them harming themselves or others.

Most importantly, your vet can help you determine the underlying cause of the anxiety so you can find safe and permanent solutions.

Dog Calming Treat Best Practices

For calming treats to work their magic, it's vital that they are used safely and for the correct purpose. Calming treats are a tool that can help with anxiety, but they are not a magic button that fixes behavioural issues. It's imperative that you try to find the root cause and take steps to correct that. Only then will dog anxiety treats be effective.

To make sure you are using them safely and properly, let's go over some basic best practices:

• • Dosage: It’s essential to follow the recommended dosage on the packaging.
  • Format: Look for dog calming treats that align with your dog’s size and preferences.
  • Timing: Giving them ahead of stressful events, like fireworks, can boost their effectiveness.
  • Assess: Always monitor your dog’s reaction, as individual responses vary.
  • Practice: Things like timing paired with routine can take some trial and error.
    

Last and most importantly, pair calming aids with a complete calming routine. Calming treats for dogs aren't an all-inclusive cure for anxiety, but rather one step in a series of changes. A stimulating routine, proper diet, good health, and plenty of practice trying new things are all important for building your dog's confidence and teaching appropriate behaviours for expressing stress.

Calming dog treats are meant to be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle and proper socialization and will not be as effective without them.

Choosing the Best Calming Treats for Your Dog

Finding the best calming chews for dogs means considering your dog’s size, needs, and preferences. Look for vet-recommended options with natural ingredients and give them in advance of stressful situations for the best results. A calm, happy dog is just a treat away!

Remember that no two dogs are alike, so patience is key when introducing calming treats. Observe your dog’s response and adjust the timing or dosage as needed. Pairing treats with comforting routines, like a cozy dog blanket or soothing music, can enhance their effectiveness.

By choosing the right calming treat and providing a supportive environment, you’ll help your furry friend feel more relaxed and confident in any situation.

More Calming Solutions for Dogs

Calming treats are a great option to help provide relief while you explore causes and build better, safer habits, but alone they may not be enough for some circumstances. Other calming aids, like dog anxiety vests and enriching puzzle toys, can be incorporated to minimize symptoms and help your dog feel more comfortable.

Many natural calming aids are safe and easy to use, and when combined with the best anxiety treats for dog's can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms in dogs.

Best Dog Calming Vests

Dog calming vests, sometimes called dog compression vests, are a simple and instinctual tool that mimics the feeling of swaddling. The gentle pressure from the vest can help your dog feel safe and protected, leading to lower stress levels.

These are designed to manage fearful and stressful behaviours and work best for travel, social, and noise anxiety. Here are some of our favourites:

ThunderShirt Compression Vest

The original compression vest for dogs, the Thundershirt, is a soft and comfortable stretchy wrap that provides gentle but constant pressure around your dog's core. This vest is perfect for quick comfort during thunderstorms and other sudden or exciting situations.

RC Pets At Ease Calming Vest

This knit compression vest is the perfect blend of comfort and security. The simple step in design makes it easy to use and comfortable. The sleep zip closure helps the vest stay secure, so this vest can be worn on walks, for travel, or at home for maximum calming effect. 

Best Enrichment Toys for Dog Anxiety

Mental stimulation can be part of a healthy playtime routine for dogs that will help reduce stress and build confidence. Solo games are a great option to keep your pooch entertained in between walks, help them settle down in the evenings, and can be a great distraction tool during stressful, loud, or high-traffic events.

We recommend puzzle toys and other enrichment dog toys for any type of canine anxiety. When combined with a consistent routine, training, and other calming aids can lead to a stress-free and happier pet. Check out our best sellers:

Messy Mutts Round Forage Snuffle Mat

Foraging is a natural instinct that all dogs have. The Messy Mutt Forage Snuffle Mat is a simple and fun way to help your dog express that instinct. Just sprinkle some kibble or small treats over the mat and give it a gentle wiggle to help them settle into the nooks and crannies. Your dog will happily hunt down each morsel.

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Challenger Slider Dog Game

Puzzle toys are a great way to engage your dog's mind. These clever games can be packed with treats or food to encourage your dog to sniff, slide, flip, and nudge each tasty bite free. The Nina Ottosson line has a variety of options, but the Challenger Slider Dog Game is our top seller. This 24-slot game will keep your dog busy and curious.

Best Dog Calming Treat FAQs

How long do calming treats take to work?

Most calming treats take 30 to 60 minutes to take effect, so plan ahead before stressful events. During this time, it's also a good idea to prepare your dog with calming activities and gear like a calming dog bed to maximize the relaxing effects.

Are calming treats safe for puppies?

Although many calming treats are safe for puppies over 12 weeks old, it's important not to over-supplement them unnecessarily. In general, puppies can be a little more anxious as they are experiencing most things for the first time. Calming treats should not be your first reaction to anxious puppy behaviour.

Can I give my dog calming treats every day?

Calming treats are typically safe for daily use, but always follow the dosage instructions. If your dog is experiencing symptoms of anxiety daily, it's a good idea to connect with your vet or trainer to help identify the cause and find natural solutions.

Do calming treats make dogs sleepy?

Natural calming treats for dogs are designed to promote relaxation without sedation. Some treats contain ingredients like melatonin, which are thought to have a sedative effect, but the dosages are low enough that they won't cause drowsiness when used as directed.

Are natural calming treats as effective as medicated ones?

Natural calming treats can be highly effective for mild to moderate anxiety, while more severe cases may require veterinary advice, prescription medications, and expert behavioural training.

How Long Does the Calming Effect Last?

This will depend on the ingredients. Some ingredients, especially those with mood-stabilizing qualities, can have a longer-lasting effect, while others may provide short-term results. Make sure you choose the best dog calming treat for your dog's situation.

What Dogs Can Benefit From Caming Treats?

Almost any dog can benefit from calming treats when they are being used for the right purpose and are combined with a healthy and enriching routine. Make sure to check with your vet and follow the dosages and directions from the brand.

What if Calming Treats Don't Work for My Dog?

Calming treats aren't 100% effective for every dog and every situation. They are meant to support a robust and enriching routine to manage mild to moderate anxiety. If calming aids aren't effective despite a well-rounded and healthy routine, it's best to connect with your vet to rule out more severe issues.