Does your furry friend get nervous during thunderstorms or car rides? Many dog owners know the struggle of seeing their beloved pets anxious. It’s tough when your dog is stressed, and you want to help them feel better. But with so many calming treats on the market, how do you pick the best one?
Finding the right treat can feel like a guessing game. You want something safe and effective, but the sheer variety of ingredients and claims can be overwhelming. You might worry about giving your dog something that doesn’t work or, worse, has unwanted side effects. It’s a common problem, and you’re not alone in wanting to find a simple solution.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a good calming treat and guide you through the choices. By the end, you’ll understand what to look for and feel confident in picking a treat that can bring peace to your pup. Get ready to discover how to soothe your dog’s worries!
Our Top 5 Dog Calming Treats Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Calming 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: 9.4/10
Is your furry friend often feeling stressed or anxious? The Advanced Calming Chews for Dogs offer a natural way to help your dog feel more relaxed. These chews are designed to ease worries during scary events like thunderstorms or when you have to leave them alone. They can also help with restless energy and make car rides or vet visits a bit easier for your pup.
What We Like:
- Effectively helps dogs with anxiety and stress from various situations.
- Contains natural ingredients like valerian root, chamomile, and melatonin for a calming effect.
- Also supports hip and joint health.
- Made in the USA with human-grade ingredients, free from sugar, wheat, corn, GMOs, and preservatives.
- Formulated by vets in an FDA-registered facility, ensuring high quality.
- Safe for dogs of all breeds and sizes, including puppies.
What Could Be Improved:
- While effective for many, results can vary depending on the individual dog’s needs and the severity of their anxiety.
- Some dogs might not enjoy the flavor, making administration a bit tricky.
These calming chews are a great option for pet parents seeking a natural and vet-approved solution for their dog’s anxiety. They offer a blend of calming and supportive benefits, making them a valuable addition to your dog’s wellness routine.
2. NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement – Helps Promote Relaxation
Rating: 9.0/10
Is your dog a bundle of nerves during thunderstorms, car rides, or when you leave them home alone? The NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement is designed to help your furry friend find their zen. These tasty soft chews are packed with ingredients to promote relaxation and reduce stress, making everyday activities much more peaceful for both of you.
What We Like:
- Promotes Relaxation: Helps your dog stay calm during stressful events like storms, fireworks, or travel.
- Reduces Stress and Tension: Supports normal nervous system function for a more relaxed pup.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Contains melatonin, ginger, L-Tryptophan, and thiamin to naturally ease anxiety.
- Tasty Soft Chews: Dogs love the taste, making it easy to administer as a treat.
- Trusted Brand: NaturVet has been providing quality pet supplements since 1994 and is made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dosage Adjustments: Some users might find they need to adjust the dosage for their specific dog’s needs, which can be trial and error.
- Individual Results Vary: Like any supplement, effectiveness can differ from one dog to another.
Overall, the NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement offers a delicious and effective way to support your dog’s well-being during stressful times. It’s a great option for pet parents seeking a reliable calming solution.
3. Zesty Paws Calming Chews for Dogs Composure & Relaxation for Everyday Stress & Separation Peanut Butter 90 Count
Rating: 8.5/10
Is your furry friend a bit anxious? Does everyday life sometimes get them wound up? The Zesty Paws Calming Chews in Peanut Butter flavor are here to help! These tasty treats are designed to bring a sense of calm to your dog, whether they’re dealing with separation worries, loud noises, or just a general case of the jitters. They’re packed with ingredients that work together to promote relaxation and a happy, at-ease pup.
What We Like:
- Offers calming support for dogs experiencing normal stress and nervousness.
- Features Suntheanine, a premium form of L-Theanine known for promoting relaxation.
- Includes Ashwagandha, an adaptogen that can help dogs cope with external stresses.
- Great for managing anxiety during storms, car rides, and fireworks.
- Made with a blend of beneficial ingredients like Valerian Root, Organic Hemp Seed Powder, and L-Tryptophan.
- The peanut butter flavor is a hit with many dogs, making it an easy way to give them support.
What Could Be Improved:
- Effectiveness can vary from dog to dog, so it might not work for every pup.
- Some dogs might need more than one chew for significant issues, which could make the 90-count bag go quickly.
Overall, Zesty Paws Calming Chews offer a promising way to help your dog find their calm. They are a good option for pet parents looking for natural support for their dog’s everyday anxieties.
4. Calming Chews for Dogs 200ct Hemp Dog Calming Chews – Anxiety and Stress Relief Treats Melatonin Bites Sleep Aid for Small/Medium/Large Dogs Calm Dog – Separation
Rating: 9.3/10
Is your furry friend a bundle of nerves during thunderstorms, car rides, or when you leave them home alone? These 200ct Hemp Dog Calming Chews are designed to bring peace to your pup’s life. They offer a natural way to ease anxiety and stress, helping your dog relax and even sleep better. With a delicious chicken flavor, these treats make managing your dog’s worries a pleasant experience for both of you.
What We Like:
- Effectively calms dogs during stressful situations like fireworks, separation, and travel.
- Contains natural ingredients like melatonin, chamomile, and valerian root for gentle relief.
- Fast-acting, providing calm within 30-45 minutes and lasting for hours.
- Comes in a large 200-count bag, offering great value and flexible dosing for dogs of all sizes.
- Free from common allergens like grains, corn, and soy, making them suitable for sensitive dogs.
- Vet-recommended and GMP compliant for quality and safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- For severe anxiety, consulting a veterinarian is still recommended before use.
These calming chews provide a tasty and effective solution for anxious dogs. They offer a natural way to help your dog feel more secure and relaxed during challenging times.
5. VetIQ Calming Support Supplement for Dogs
Rating: 8.8/10
Does your furry friend get a little anxious when the thunder rolls or when you leave the house? The VetIQ Calming Support Supplement for Dogs offers a helping paw. These tasty chews are designed to help your dog relax and feel more at ease, whether it’s from loud noises, car rides, or even the vacuum cleaner. Made right here in the USA, this 60-count bottle is a great way to support your dog’s well-being.
What We Like:
- Veterinarians recommend it, so you know it’s a trusted choice for your dog’s calm.
- It helps your dog cope with everyday stress and anxiety, making their day a little brighter.
- These chews promote relaxation, helping your dog get the rest they need.
- It supports balanced behavior by helping to keep your dog’s stress levels steady.
- Made in the USA for quality you can trust.
What Could Be Improved:
- The effectiveness can vary from dog to dog, so it might not work the same for every pup.
- Some dogs might not find the chews appealing, making it a bit harder to give them.
Overall, VetIQ Calming Support Supplement offers a promising solution for anxious pups. It’s a great option to explore for helping your dog feel more relaxed and comfortable.
Choosing the Best Dog Calming Treats: A Guide for Worried Pet Parents
Does your furry friend get anxious during thunderstorms, fireworks, or car rides? Dog calming treats can offer a natural and delicious way to help them relax. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you navigate the world of dog calming treats.
1. Key Features to Look For
Taste and Palatability
Your dog won’t eat a treat they don’t like. Look for treats with flavors dogs generally enjoy, like chicken, beef, or peanut butter. Many brands offer different flavor options, so you might need to experiment to find your dog’s favorite.
Ingredient Quality
High-quality ingredients mean a better product. Check the ingredient list for natural, recognizable items. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. We want good stuff for our pups!
Calming Ingredients
This is the heart of the treat! Common calming ingredients include:
- L-Theanine: An amino acid found in green tea that promotes relaxation without drowsiness.
- Tryptophan: An amino acid that helps produce serotonin, a mood-regulating chemical.
- Chamomile: A herb known for its calming properties.
- Valerian Root: Another herb that can help reduce anxiety.
- CBD (Cannabidiol): Derived from hemp, CBD is increasingly popular for its potential to ease anxiety. Ensure it’s THC-free for pet safety.
Dosage and Potency
Treats come in different strengths. Make sure the dosage is appropriate for your dog’s size and weight. The packaging usually provides clear feeding guidelines.
Texture and Size
Consider your dog’s chewing habits. Some dogs prefer soft, chewy treats, while others enjoy a crunch. The size should also be manageable for your dog to eat easily.
2. Important Materials
The “materials” in calming treats refer to the ingredients used. As mentioned above, the most important are the natural calming agents. Beyond those, you’ll find fillers, binders, and flavor enhancers.
Beneficial Materials
- **Natural Proteins:** Chicken, beef, salmon for flavor and nutrition.
- **Healthy Fats:** From sources like flaxseed or fish oil for overall well-being.
- **Vitamins and Minerals:** Support general health.
Materials to Watch Out For
- **Artificial Additives:** Colors, flavors, and preservatives can be harsh.
- **Excessive Fillers:** Like corn, wheat, or soy, especially if your dog has sensitivities.
- **Unknown or Vague Ingredients:** If you can’t pronounce it, it might be best to skip it.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Enhancers
- **Third-Party Testing:** Reputable brands often have their products tested by independent labs for purity and potency. This is a big plus!
- **Natural Sourcing:** Ingredients sourced from reputable farms or suppliers tend to be higher quality.
- **Limited Ingredient Formulas:** Good for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
Quality Reducers
- **Proprietary Blends:** When brands don’t specify the amounts of key calming ingredients, it’s hard to judge effectiveness.
- **Low Concentration of Active Ingredients:** Some treats might have tiny amounts of calming ingredients, making them less effective.
- **Poor Manufacturing Practices:** This can affect the freshness and potency of the treats.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
When to Use Calming Treats
Calming treats are great for a variety of stressful situations:
- Separation Anxiety: When you leave your dog alone.
- Loud Noises: Fireworks, thunderstorms, construction.
- Car Rides: For dogs who get motion sickness or anxious.
- Vet Visits or Grooming: To make these experiences less stressful.
- New Environments: Moving to a new home or boarding.
- Travel: To help dogs adjust to new surroundings.
What to Expect
Most calming treats work best when given about 30-60 minutes before the stressful event. Results can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs become noticeably calmer, while others might show a more subtle reduction in anxious behaviors. It’s important to remember that treats are a supplement, not a cure-all. They work best when combined with training and environmental management.
Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplement to your dog’s diet, especially if they have existing health conditions or are on medication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Calming Treats
Q: How quickly do dog calming treats work?
A: Typically, you should give the treats about 30-60 minutes before the stressful event. This allows the ingredients to be absorbed and start working.
Q: Are dog calming treats safe for daily use?
A: Many calming treats are made with natural ingredients and can be used daily if needed. However, it’s always best to follow the product’s specific instructions and consult your vet.
Q: Can calming treats make my dog sleepy?
A: While some calming ingredients promote relaxation, they usually don’t cause heavy sedation. Your dog should remain alert but calmer.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t like the taste?
A: If your dog refuses to eat a particular brand, try another one with a different flavor. Taste is very important for palatability.
Q: How do I know if a calming treat is working?
A: Look for a reduction in anxious behaviors like excessive barking, pacing, panting, or destructive chewing during stressful times.
Q: Can I give calming treats to puppies?
A: Some calming treats are formulated for puppies, but it’s crucial to check the age recommendations on the packaging and consult your veterinarian.
Q: Should I use calming treats for severe anxiety?
A: For severe anxiety, calming treats can be a helpful part of a broader plan. However, you should also work with your vet or a professional dog trainer for behavioral modification strategies.
Q: What’s the difference between calming treats and CBD treats?
A: Calming treats can contain various natural ingredients. CBD treats specifically use CBD (cannabidiol) from hemp to help with anxiety and relaxation.
Q: How much should I give my dog?
A: Always follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging. This is usually based on your dog’s weight.
Q: Can my dog overdose on calming treats?
A: While generally safe, giving too many treats can lead to digestive upset or other issues. Stick to the recommended dosage.
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.