The Best Calming Chews For Dogs
Like humans, dogs experience a wide range of emotions. That includes positive feelings like joy and excitement, as well as negative ones like stress and anxiety. If your dog struggles with hyperactivity or anxiety related to being in new environments or separated from you, a calming chew is a great option to help them feel calmer. These treats are made with natural ingredients such as hemp, chamomile, and ginger root to help regulate your dog's stress levels. We've rounded up our favorite calming chews to keep your dog mellow and relaxed, whatever situation they're in. Read on to find the right one for you and your pooch.
Premium Care Calming Treats for Dogs
A dog's best friend
Many factors can cause your dog to feel anxious, from loud noises to visits to the vet. Whatever is upsetting your dog, Premium Care’s treats help your dog cope with these external stressors while enhancing brain function. Made with natural ingredients like organic hemp seed oil, organic passionflower, and chamomile, these treats help promote a sense of rest without making your dog feel drowsy. This is especially ideal if you’re training your dog and need them to calm down and focus. The chews work quickly, which is great if you and your dog are suddenly in a high-stress environment.
Pros:
- Tasty duck flavor
- Long-lasting; effects can last through the night
- Includes hemp protein powder for extra protein for your dog
Cons:
- Bottle might be too large if your dog doesn’t need so many calming treats
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement
Something to chew on
If you’re in the market for some calming dog chews but don’t want to commit to a large bottle, we recommend going for NaturVet’s Quiet Moments chews. They come at a great price for 60 chews, so your dog can try them out and see how they work, rather than buying a large size they might not like. These soft and chewy treats help regulate your dog’s nervous system when they’re feeling overstimulated or anxious. While the flavor isn’t as bold as other treats, we like these as basic treats that are simple and effective across the board.
Pros:
- Includes melatonin, which may help with sleep
- Also includes hemp seed to help calm your dog
- Cute heart-shaped chew
Cons:
- Some dogs may prefer treats with a tastier flavor
Zesty Paws Calming Bites
Sweet and salty
It’s hard to pinpoint why peanut butter is such a favorite among dogs. It might be the salty-sweet flavor and the combination of salt, sugar, fat, and protein. Whatever the reason, Zesty Paws’ peanut butter-flavored chews are sure to be a hit with your dog. They’re made with organic ingredients, including hemp seed, chamomile, and valerian, as well as other key ingredients. If you’re the type of dog owner who likes to switch things up, we recommend having these peanut butter-flavored treats handy and mixing them up now and then with other flavors.
Pros:
- Formulated with Suntheanine, a clinically studied form of L-Theanine that helps promote a sense of calm
- Key ingredient Sensoril, an advanced form of the Ashwagandha herb, helps increase focus
Cons:
- Not for dogs who prefer meat-flavored treats
Finn Natural Calming Aid Treats
The crème de la crème
Take one glance at Finn’s packaging and you’ll know that your dog is in for a special treat. The bright teal tin looks minimal and clean, but what’s inside is even more enticing. These chews have a bold, beefy flavor and are made with natural calming herbs like chamomile, ginger, and melatonin. These treats definitely are high-end thanks to their quality ingredients, so we suggest using these as a rare treat for your dogs for occasions like long trips or fireworks. They also are a great gift for any friends who own dogs.
Pros:
- Ideal for those looking for a more premium treat
- Hearty, meaty flavors, including cheese and bacon
- Includes key ingredients L-theanine and L-tryptophan, which are calming amino acids
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point compared to other brands
Dailydose Calming Dental Chew
Best of both worlds
We love a good two-in-one product, and Dailydose’s calming dental chews knock it out of the park. These medium-sized chews are formulated with the company’s patented dental formula, which includes honey bee royal jelly that helps break down plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth and gums. It’s almost like a delicious, edible toothbrush, and it even has melatonin to keep your dog at ease. If your pooch is prone to dental issues, this might be a great chew to invest in. Keep in mind that these are a great “in-between” product to have; the chews don’t have key ingredients such as hemp or chamomile like many other calming chews do, but their other benefits more than make up for that.
Pros:
- Ideal to have in addition to other calming treats
- Chews are good to use in between weekly brushings
- Softer than other treats, so theyre easy on the teeth
Cons:
- Bag doesn’t come with that many chews
Frequently Asked Questions
Are calming treats right for my dog?
Some dogs can experience less desirable side effects such as drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea, or diarrhea. Make sure you consult your vet before you start giving them to your dog. However, as long as you’re feeding your dog in the correct portions, they are most likely safe, especially since most of these treats are made with natural ingredients.
How do I know how much to feed my dog?
Portion sizes are based on your dog’s size. Make sure you check the label to ensure you’re giving your dog the correct number of chews.
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