Best Calming Treats for Dogs
Just like humans, dogs can struggle to remain calm in distressing situations. Some dogs get anxious about fireworks or loud noises, some dogs hate being left home alone, and some dogs can’t stand riding in the car or visiting the vet. No matter what your dog struggles with, chances are a good calming treat for dogs might come in handy!
If you’re looking for the perfect treats and tricks to help your dog stay calm even when life feels distressing, you’re in the right place. Let’s consider some of the treats and tricks that can help any dog calm down and feel more relaxed in nerve-wracking situations.
Why Use Calming Dog Treats
There are plenty of ways to calm your dog down, which we will mention below. However, calming dog treats are generally considered the fastest, easiest way to calm your dog in the midst of an anxiety-inducing event.
If you prefer not to feed your dog treats to calm them down, there are other options such as shirts, collars, sprays, or even chew toys. You can find a list of some great options at the end of this article.
Best Dog Treats To Calm Your Pup
Let’s look at the top-rated dog treats you can use to help calm your pup down in a tough situation.
Vetriscience Calming Chews
Vetriscience Composure Calming Treatments for Dogs are made of Thiamine (Vitamin B), a Colostrum blend, and L-Theanine. This treat works within 30 minutes and the calming effects can last for up to four hours, making it a popular choice for many pet owners.
Based on reviews, these calming treats work well for calming anxious dogs and helping them relax and get some sleep. Of course, they may not work for every dog, so it’s best to keep a close eye on yours to make sure they are doing their job.
Zesty Paws Calming Bites
Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites are made of natural ingredients like chamomile, a valerian root, L-Tryptophan, and melatonin blend, hemp seed, passion flower, L-Theanine, ginger root, Ashwagandha, and magnesium citrate. Peanut butter is the most popular flavor.
Based on reviews, these chews work well for most dogs, whether they need calming from anxiety or help settling down for bed.
Phelps Wellness Collection Calming Treats
The Phelps Wellness Collection Keep Calm and Canine On treats are made of simple ingredients like chamomile, passion flower, and L-Theanine. They come in a delicious chicken flavor that dogs love.
Users say that these treats help calm dogs down quickly, whether in thunderstorms or for car rides, but don’t make their pets too sleepy. However, as with all of these options, they may not work with every dog, especially those who are highly anxious.
PetHonesty Hemp Calming Supplement
PetHonesty makes delightful duck-flavored bites from ingredients such as Ginkgo Biloba, L-Theanine, and L-Tryptophan. These ones are best when taken just before a meal.
While these treats help many dogs and are incredibly popular for their flavor, a few reviewers warned that they weren’t incredibly helpful or caused an upset stomach in dogs. As with all supplements, be sure to use this one according to the package directions.
Zesty Paws Calming Orastix
If you’re looking for a solution that’s not only a treat but is also great for your dog’s teeth and gums, look no further than the Zesty Paws Orastix. Made of hemp seed powder, Suntheanine, Melatonin, and a blend of peppermint, rosemary, and kelp, these treats are both calming and excellent for dental health.
Most pet owners love the dental benefits of these treats and say they work pretty well for dogs. However, bigger dogs will need at least two and some dogs may need a stronger blend if they’re especially anxious.
Lively Pets Ultra Soothe Calming Aid
Lively Pets makes an Ultra Soothe Calming Aid from natural ingredients like passion flower, chamomile, L-Tryptophan, valerian root, and Melatonin. These help with anxiety and upset stomachs.
Most reviewers like these treats, but they don’t work for some dogs. In addition, they appear to have a unique taste that some dogs don’t love. But overall, they help dogs calm down throughout the day or during storms.
Tcllka Hemp Oil
Tcllka makes a hemp oil that you can add to your dog’s food for help in calming them down, relieving allergies or weariness, and even supporting fur health. This one is great for both dogs and cats and seems to work well for both.
Most reviewers absolutely love this hemp oil for helping their dogs calm down and feel healthier overall.
Premium Care Hemp Calming Chews
Premium Care Hemp Calming Chews come in delicious flavors such as duck and bacon and are made of natural ingredients including hemp seed oil, chamomile, and valerian root.
Pet owners who use these treats say their dogs enjoy the flavor. For some people, these worked wonders, while others say they had little to no effect. Ultimately, though, they are highly rated and taste delicious for dogs who are in need of relaxation.
Other Calming Aids for Dogs
In addition to treats and chews, you’ll find that there are tons of calming aids you can use if you don’t necessarily want to feed your dog a new treat every time they’re upset.
ThunderShirt Dog Anxiety Treatment
The ThunderShirt vest is a comfortable jacket made of a soft, breathable, machine-washable fabric that provides just the right pressure to comfort and calm your dog.
Reviewers claim it’s easy to put on and take off and helps calm dogs, especially those who are nervous with loud noises or car rides. Overall, this shirt gets great reviews!
ThunderEase Dog Calming Pheromone Spray
The ThunderEase Dog Calming Pheromone Spray mimics the pheromones a mother dog naturally puts off. This product is meant to be sprayed on a dog’s collar, bandana, leash, etc. before an anxiety-inducing event.
Many customers found that this spray was incredibly helpful during storms and other loud anxiety-producing events. However, it is rather stinky and doesn’t work for all dogs, especially those with other causes for anxiety.
Adaptil Calming Collar
The Adaptil Calming Collar also works by mimicking a mother dog’s natural pheromones. You should put it on before any anxiety-inducing event and it is supposed to send calming messages to help your dog relax.
Reviewers like the ease of use and the design of the collar, and unlike a spray this product comes with no nasty odor. However, calming collars don’t work for all dogs, so be aware that if your dog is especially anxious or doesn’t respond well to pheromones, this may not provide much help.
West Paw Zogoflex Toys
Though not created specifically as a calming agent, the West Paw Zogoflex Toppl is a great toy to keep your dog distracted and entertained! This puzzle toy will require your dog to do some maneuvering to open it and get whatever treat you’ve placed inside.
Reviewers love the toy’s durability and the fact that it’s dishwasher safe. It’s popular for helping dogs who are anxious or have a lot of pent-up energy that it’s hard to get out.
Takeaway
If you’re looking for a calming treat or treatment for your dog, there are lots of great options here! Check them out, talk with your vet, and decide what will work best for your pup.
And if you’d like help providing your dog with a safer, cleaner space in which to play and burn off some energy, check out or poop scooping services! Our team would love to give your dog a cleaner yard to frolic in; just check out our services to learn more!