Does your furry friend get nervous during thunderstorms, fireworks, or when you leave for work? You’re not alone! Many dog owners struggle to keep their pups calm and happy when they’re feeling stressed or anxious. It’s tough to see your dog unhappy, and finding the right solution can feel overwhelming.
With so many “calming” treats on the market, how do you know which ones actually work and are safe for your dog? It’s easy to get lost in all the different ingredients and promises. You want the best for your dog, but the choices can be confusing.
But don’t worry! In this post, we’ll break down what makes a good calming dog treat. We’ll explore the key ingredients to look for and what to avoid. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a treat that can help your dog relax and feel more at ease. Let’s dive in and discover how to bring more peace to your pup’s life!
Our Top 5 Calming Dog Treats Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Calming Dog Treats Detailed Reviews
1. STRELLALAB Advanced Calming Chews for Dogs – Hemp Chews + Melatonin – Anxiety Relief – Sleep Aid – Relaxing Treats – Stress Relief During Fireworks
Rating: 8.5/10
Is your furry friend stressed out by thunderstorms, fireworks, or long car rides? STRELLALAB Advanced Calming Chews are here to help! These tasty treats combine hemp oil and melatonin to bring peace and quiet to your dog’s life. They’re designed to calm anxiety, help with hyperactivity, and even improve sleep without making your dog groggy. Plus, they’re made in the USA and are great for dogs of all sizes, from tiny pups to big seniors.
What We Like:
- Effectively calms dogs during stressful events like storms and fireworks.
- Works as a sleep aid, promoting restful nights without drowsiness.
- The chewable treat format is much more appealing to dogs than pills.
- Suitable for all dog sizes, from puppies to adult dogs.
- Backed by a 90-day guarantee for customer confidence.
- Made in the USA with a natural, advanced formula.
- Helps manage hyperactive behavior and reduce aggression.
What Could Be Improved:
- For best results, daily use is recommended, which means ongoing cost.
- The “BBQ” in the product title seems out of place and doesn’t clearly relate to the product’s function.
STRELLALAB Advanced Calming Chews offer a delicious and effective way to ease your dog’s anxiety and promote relaxation. They are a great option for pet parents seeking a natural solution for their dog’s stress.
2. NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement – Helps Promote Relaxation
Rating: 9.4/10
Our furry friends deserve to feel at ease, and the NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement is here to help. These tasty soft chews are designed to bring your dog a sense of calm during stressful times like separation, thunderstorms, fireworks, or car rides. They work by promoting normal nervous system function, helping your dog feel more relaxed and less anxious.
What We Like:
- These chews are a high-quality health supplement that helps dogs relax during stressful situations.
- They effectively reduce stress and tension, supporting your dog’s nervous system.
- The formula includes melatonin, ginger, L-Tryptophan, and thiamin to combat anxiety from storms and travel.
- They taste great, making them easy to give to your dog as a treat.
- NaturVet has a long history of providing wholesome pet supplements made in a cGMP compliant facility in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- The effectiveness can vary from dog to dog; some may need stronger solutions.
- The dosage might need adjustment for larger or more anxious dogs, requiring careful monitoring.
Overall, NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid offers a delicious and beneficial way to help your dog cope with anxiety. It’s a reliable option for pet parents seeking a natural approach to calming their canine companions.
3. Zesty Paws Calming Chews for Dogs Composure & Relaxation for Everyday Stress & Separation Peanut Butter 90 Count
Rating: 9.3/10
Is your furry friend a little too wound up? Zesty Paws Calming Chews in Peanut Butter flavor are here to help! These yummy treats are designed to bring a sense of calm and relaxation to dogs facing everyday stresses, like loud noises, car rides, or even just being left alone.
What We Like:
- These chews offer great calming support for dogs dealing with normal stress and nervousness.
- They feature Suntheanine, a special ingredient known to help promote relaxation.
- Ashwagandha is included, an ingredient that can help dogs cope with everyday stresses.
- The treats are formulated to help with common triggers like storms, fireworks, and car rides.
- They are packed with a blend of beneficial ingredients like Valerian Root, Hemp Seed Powder, Passionflower, and L-Tryptophan for extra calming power.
- The peanut butter flavor makes them a delicious and easy way to give your dog a little extra peace.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might not be keen on the peanut butter flavor.
- It’s important to note that these are for normal stress, not severe anxiety.
Overall, Zesty Paws Calming Chews seem like a tasty and helpful option for pet parents looking to ease their dog’s everyday worries. They offer a good mix of ingredients for a calmer, happier pup.
4. VetIQ Calming Support Supplement for Dogs
Rating: 8.9/10
Is your furry friend feeling a little anxious? VetIQ Calming Support Supplement for Dogs offers a tasty chew designed to help your pup relax. These chews are made in the USA and come in a 60-count bottle, giving you a good supply to help your dog feel more at ease during stressful times.
What We Like:
- Veterinarians recommend it, which is a big plus for pet parents looking for trusted solutions.
- It helps manage everyday stress from things like loud noises or even the vacuum cleaner.
- These chews promote relaxation, helping your dog get the rest they need.
- They support balanced behavior by helping to stabilize your dog’s stress levels.
- The chews are designed to help your dog cope with normal stress from their environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t specify the active ingredients, which might be important for some pet owners.
- It would be helpful to know if there are any potential side effects or specific situations where these chews might not be suitable.
Overall, VetIQ Calming Support Supplement seems like a promising option for dog owners seeking to help their pets manage stress and promote a sense of calm. It’s a simple way to offer your dog a little extra comfort.
5. BARK&SPARK Advanced Calming Chews for Dogs – Hemp Chew + Melatonin – Anxiety Relief – Sleep Aid – Relaxing Treats – Stress Relief During Fireworks
Rating: 9.3/10
Is your furry friend easily stressed by loud noises, car rides, or being left alone? BARK&SPARK Advanced Calming Chews for Dogs offer a tasty and effective solution. These chews combine hemp and melatonin to help your dog relax and feel more at ease during challenging moments.
What We Like:
- Anxiety Control: Helps calm dogs during stressful situations like fireworks, storms, vet visits, and car rides.
- Quality Promise: Comes with a 90-day guarantee and easy refunds for peace of mind.
- Comprehensive Care: Supports a balanced mood, manages hyperactivity, and reduces aggressive behaviors.
- All-Doggie Friendly: Suitable for dogs of all sizes, from puppies to seniors.
- Tasty Alternative: Dogs prefer these soft, delicious chews over pills.
- Restful Nights: Acts as a sleep aid, promoting calm sleep without drowsiness.
- Puppy-Friendly Formula: Made in the USA with a safe, natural formula including hemp oil.
- Routine Care: Daily use helps maintain tranquility and provides lasting results.
What Could Be Improved:
- The effectiveness can vary between individual dogs.
- Results are best with consistent, daily use.
BARK&SPARK Advanced Calming Chews provide a convenient and palatable way to support your dog’s emotional well-being. They offer a promising option for managing canine stress and promoting a calmer, happier pet.
Calming Dog Treats: Your Guide to a Happier, Less Stressed Pup
Does your dog get nervous during thunderstorms? Do they bark excessively when left alone? Calming dog treats can be a helpful tool to ease your furry friend’s anxiety. This guide helps you choose the best treats for your dog’s needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Natural Ingredients
Look for treats made with natural calming ingredients. These are often gentler and safer for your dog. Common natural ingredients include chamomile, valerian root, L-theanine, and tryptophan.
2. Flavor and Palatability
Your dog needs to *want* to eat the treat! Many calming treats come in flavors like chicken, peanut butter, or bacon. A tasty treat makes administering it easier, especially for picky eaters.
3. Dosage and Potency
Check the recommended dosage based on your dog’s weight. Treats vary in strength. It’s better to start with a lower dose and see how your dog responds before giving more.
4. Slow-Release Formula
Some treats are designed for a slow-release effect. This means the calming ingredients are absorbed over time, providing longer-lasting relief for your dog.
5. Vet Recommended or Approved
While not always required, treats that have been recommended or approved by veterinarians can offer an extra layer of trust and assurance.
Important Materials
The effectiveness and quality of calming treats depend heavily on their ingredients. Here are some important materials you’ll find:
- Chamomile: A popular herb known for its relaxing properties. It helps soothe nerves and reduce mild anxiety.
- Valerian Root: Another herb that acts as a natural sedative. It can help calm restlessness and promote sleep.
- L-Theanine: An amino acid found in green tea. It promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness.
- Tryptophan: An amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a mood-regulating chemical.
- CBD (Cannabidiol): Derived from hemp, CBD is gaining popularity for its potential to help with anxiety and stress in dogs. Ensure it’s from a reputable source and specifically formulated for pets.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- High-Quality Sourcing: When ingredients are sourced from reputable suppliers, the overall quality of the treat is higher.
- No Artificial Additives: Treats free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are generally better for your dog’s health.
- Third-Party Testing: Reputable brands often have their products tested by independent labs. This verifies the potency and purity of the ingredients.
Reducing Quality:
- Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy can sometimes be used as fillers. While not always bad, they can reduce the concentration of active calming ingredients.
- Artificial Ingredients: As mentioned, these can be less beneficial and potentially harmful.
- Inconsistent Potency: If a brand doesn’t test its products thoroughly, the amount of active ingredients can vary from batch to batch, making it hard to know what you’re giving your dog.
User Experience and Use Cases
Pet owners use calming treats for various situations:
- Separation Anxiety: When dogs get stressed when left alone.
- Thunderstorms and Fireworks: Loud noises can be very frightening for dogs.
- Car Rides: Some dogs experience motion sickness or anxiety during travel.
- Vet Visits and Grooming: These can be stressful events for many pets.
- New Environments: Moving or introducing a new pet can cause stress.
Users often report that treats help their dogs relax, sleep better, and show fewer signs of stress, like excessive barking or destructive behavior. However, results can vary. Some dogs might respond very well, while others may need a different approach or a stronger solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are calming dog treats safe for all dogs?
A: Most calming treats are safe for adult dogs. Always check the product label for age restrictions and consult your veterinarian if your dog has any underlying health conditions or is taking other medications.
Q: How long does it take for calming treats to work?
A: It can vary, but many treats start working within 30 minutes to an hour after being given.
Q: Can I give my dog calming treats every day?
A: Some treats are designed for daily use, while others are for occasional stressful events. Check the product’s instructions and your vet’s advice.
Q: Will calming treats make my dog sleepy?
A: Some ingredients might cause mild drowsiness, but most are formulated to promote relaxation without excessive sleepiness.
Q: What if the calming treats don’t work for my dog?
A: Dogs respond differently. If one type doesn’t work, try another with different active ingredients. If anxiety persists, talk to your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer.
Q: Are there side effects to calming dog treats?
A: Generally, treats with natural ingredients have few side effects. However, some dogs might experience mild digestive upset. Always monitor your dog after giving them a new treat.
Q: Can puppies have calming treats?
A: It’s best to check the product’s age recommendation. Many calming treats are not suitable for puppies. Always consult your vet before giving anything to a puppy.
Q: How should I store calming dog treats?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
Q: Can calming treats be used with training?
A: Yes! You can use them as a positive reinforcement tool during training sessions, especially for dogs that get anxious during learning.
Q: Are CBD treats better than other calming treats?
A: CBD treats can be very effective for some dogs, but they aren’t necessarily “better” for everyone. It depends on your dog’s specific needs and how they respond to different ingredients.
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.