10 Best Dog Calming Supplements, Treats & Chews (+1 to Avoid)

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If your pup is a worrier, perhaps our list of the best calming supplements for dogs is just what the two of you need to get through tough moments. Calming supplements work to bring relaxation to dogs during instances that bring on stress and anxiety. They’re a great aid in helping dogs through thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, visitors, nail trims, or any other moments that may bring your best buddy some tension and worry!

Dogs with separation anxiety and those who get destructive in their nervousness can benefit from calming supplements too. Helping your dog achieve some peace is often as simple as feeding them a tasty soft chew or liquid-dosed snack they’ll think is a treat.

Which dog calming supplement will be the one that works best for your dog?

We can’t make that choice for you, but we can help you make an informed decision. In addition to our list of the best calming supplements for dogs, we have the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about calming aids for dogs and the factors to consider before making your choice.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Dog Calming Supplements 

Ingredients

Because so many ingredients in calming supplements are derived from natural sources, choosing high-quality products that source their components from reputable sources is important. Sticking with organic options in this instance may be your best bet. And whenever possible, choose products that don’t contain artificial preservatives, colorings, or flavors.

Form

You’ll find most calming supplements are formulated as soft chews, so you can easily feed them to your pup to help with stress and anxiety symptoms. Some calming aids are sold in liquid form. Liquid formulas come with a dropper-style lid so you can easily squeeze the appropriate dose over your dog’s dinner or moisten any of their favorite snacks or treats to guarantee they’ll eat it when they need relief.

Hemp Quality

Hemp is a phytoextraction plant, which means it absorbs heavy metals from the ground in order to clean the soil around the plant. Therefore, it’s important to buy quality organic Hemp products that offer third-party testing results to ensure you’re giving your dog the cleanest and safest product possible.

Related: 10 Best Eye Supplements for Dogs

The 10 Best Calming Chews, Treats, & Supplements for Dogs

#1 – Cannanine™ Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum (CBD) Hemp Oil For Anxiety

This product is also available in a tasty soft chew form on Amazon Prime

Cannanine™ Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil works to reduce anxiety by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a group of receptors located throughout the body, brain, and central nervous system of all animals. When introduced to the ECS, Cannanine binds to these receptors, helping to bring the body and mind back into balance. And not only does this premium Hemp oil for dogs help with anxiety, but it’s also one of the best calming supplements for aggressive dogs, as Hemp promotes a sense of calm that builds into lasting relief with each successive dose. And with three dosage formulas available, you can find just the right amount for your dog. Since quality is of the utmost importance, Cannanine is made using organically-grown hemp that’s hand-collected on family farms in Colorado.

Pros

• Winner of the ‘Purity Award’ 3 years in a row
• Effective anxiety relief with NO THC
• Available in 250mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg strengths
• Provides allergy and itch relief
• Easy to use dropper for applying to food or treats
• Third-party tested for purity
• Made in the USA
• Every purchase provides 7 meals for shelter pets

Cons

• May seem expensive, but premium Hemp is worth the cost

#2 –  iHeartDogs 9-in-1 Calming Chews for Dogs

Help your furry friend find themselves again when worry sets in with iHeartDogs 9-in-1 Calming Chews for Dogs with Hemp, Melatonin, Chamomile, Passion Flower, Valerian Root & Probiotics. These yummy soft chews offer a 240mg dose of organic hemp powder that offers natural relief from anxiety. And working with the beneficial hemp is a powerful bouquet of calm-inducing ingredients you can safely trust to support better sleep, less anxiety, and improved digestion. With auto-ship, you can save 5% on every order and feed more shelter dogs.

Pros

• Eases anxiety while improving digestion
• Promotes better sleep
• Veterinarian formulated
• Affordable option
• Third-party tested for purity
• Made in the USA
• Each bag purchased provides 14 healthy meals to shelter dogs

Cons

• You’ll have to tell your dog no when they beg for more

#3 – Zesty Paws Senior Advanced Calming & Cognition Soft Chews for Dogs

A great calming supplement for senior dogs, Zesty Paws Senior Advanced Calming & Cognition Soft Chews for Dogs supports brain health and cognitive function while offering stress reduction through a form of Ashwagandha known as Sensoril. Ashwagandha, a medicinal herb also known as Indian ginseng, is known for its body-wide benefits, including its power to relieve stress and anxiety. These tasty chews also include DHAGold, lion’s mane mushroom, and chamomile, making them great for nervous behaviors brought on by storms, thunder, car rides, separation, or fireworks. And because of its help with hyperactivity, these chews can be considered one of the best calming supplements for hyper dogs. They’re made in the USA from US and globally sourced ingredients. And when you sign up to receive text messages and email from Zesty Paws, you’ll enjoy 20% off your order.

Pros

• Contains Sensoril, a clinically studied form of Ashwagandha
• Dogs love the chicken flavor
• No artificial flavors, preservatives, or synthetic colors
• Great for senior dogs needing a cognitive boost

Cons

• On the pricey side
• Some dogs may not care for the flavor

 

#4 – Solid Gold Calming Chews for Dogs

Solid Gold Calming Chews for Dogs contain a proprietary blend of chamomile, valerian root, L-theanine, Ashwagandha, L-tryptophan, and melatonin to help your dog find their composure. These calming chews also contain NutrientBoost, a blend of nutrients, plasma, amino acids, and protein to support digestion, immunity, and nutrient absorption. And with a smoked bacon flavor that makes tails wag, they’re easy to feed your dog. Made in the USA with US and globally sourced ingredients.

Pros

• Helps with everyday stress and sleep issues
• No corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives added
• Large quantity for affordable price
• Decreases hyperactivity in some dogs
• For dogs of all sizes

Cons

• May upset some dogs’ stomachs

#5 – GNC Pets Omega Calming Dog Supplements

Giving your dog relief from anxiety and stress is simple with GNC Pets Omega Calming Dog Supplements. A chicken-flavored soft chew that’s easy to swallow, this choice of best calming supplement for dogs features a safe and effective blend of L-tryptophan, chamomile, and ginger to support calm and relaxation in adult dogs. GNC also packs their supplements with omega fatty acids and flaxseed for anti-inflammatory benefits to the body. And just like their supplements for humans, GNC Pets’ uses quality ingredients and safe manufacturing practices in the USA.

Pros

• Promotes stress and anxiety relief with natural ingredients
• Offers the anti-inflammatory benefits of omegas and flaxseed
• Easy to chew and swallow
• Highly affordable option
• Available in 124 count and 240 count
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Some reviewers report strong odor in the chews

#6 – Helopssa Hemp Calming Chews for Dogs

Helopssa Hemp Calming Chews for Dogs helps dogs keep calm and composed when stressful moments strike using natural ingredients such as valerian extract, chamomile extract, hemp oil, passionflower, and L-tryptophan. And with ginger and turmeric, your dog will also enjoy less aches and pains in their joints. They’ll also love the duck flavor of these chewy bites, which makes delivering relief that much easier. Aggressive dogs may also benefit from this effective calming aid.

Pros

• Provides gentle sedation
• Also provides inflammatory relief
• Contains hemp seed oil
• Appetizing taste of duck
• No artificial chemicals or ingredients
• For dogs of all ages and sizes

Cons

• Some buyers reported diarrhea and vomiting in their dog

#7 – Charlie & Buddy Pet Hеmp Oil

To give your dog some peace and a hearty dose of beneficial oils, easily squeeze a dose of Charlie & Buddy Pet Hеmp Oil over your pup’s dinner or on their favorite treat. Free of THC, gluten, and GMOs, this organic hemp oil is also rich in omegas 3, 6, and 9, as well as vitamins B and E. It relieves stress and anxiety while helping with chronic pain, arthritis, and inflammation. Choose this affordably priced calming aid for dogs if your pup needs help getting restful sleep or support for a balanced mood. Made in the USA.

Pros

• Organic hemp oil with NO THC
• Also contains omega fatty acids and vitamin E
• Gluten free and non-GMO
• Use drops orally or topically
• Lab tested for purity
• For cats and dogs

Cons

• May not relieve severe anxiety

#8 – PREMIUM CARE Hemp Calming Chews for Dogs

Another of the best natural calming supplements for dogs, PREMIUM CARE Hemp Calming Chews for Dogs lets you give your anxious dog the taste of duck while calming their nerves. In this vet-recommended calming aid, you’ll find natural ingredients like organic passion flower and ginger root, plus chamomile, valerian root, and l-tryptophan to promote a sense of relaxation without drowsiness. The addition of organic hemp and hemp seed oil ups the calming power of these chews and helps your pup maintain healthy stress levels and emotional balance.

Pros

• Veterinarian recommended
• Includes organic hemp powder and hemp seed oil
• Available in 60-count or 120-count
• Exciting duck flavor
• Free from artificial preservatives, wheat, corn, and added sugars

Cons

• Picky pups may not enjoy the taste
• While a lifesaver for some dogs, other parents report little difference in their dogs

#9 – VETRISCIENCE Composure Calming Treats

VETRISCIENCE Composure Calming Treats feature a proprietary colostrum calming complex biopeptide blend that works with L-theanine and thiamine to manage stress and support calmer behavior. These chicken-liver-flavored chews include thiamine, or B1, in their formula, as a lack of this essential vitamin could potentially lead to mental confusion, muscle weakness, reduced appetite, and nervousness. And as a big bonus, they’re designed to work within half an hour as well as provide stress relief for up to four hours. They are also formulated by veterinarians and manufactured in the USA with naturally sourced ingredients.

Pros

• Works within 30 minutes
• Lasts up to 4 hours
• Can be given daily as needed
• Yummy chicken liver flavor
• Highly affordable
• Veterinarian formulated

Cons

• May cause hyper behavior in some dogs

#10 – NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement

One of the best calming supplements for small dogs, NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid blends thiamine and L-tryptophan to help with stress and melatonin for quality rest and relaxation. The addition of ginger helps with upset stomachs, providing relief for motion sickness. Thanks to a re-sealable jar, your pup’s chews will stay soft and moist. These chews are designed for dogs over twelve weeks of age.

Pros

• Can be used daily as needed
• Helps with motion sickness too
• Sold in multiple quantities to meet your needs
• Re-sealable jar for maximum freshness
• Free of wheat
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Reviewers mention chews have strong smell

 

❌ So, What’s the Calming Supplement I Should Avoid?

Avoid buying “hemp” calming treats or oils on Amazon or Chewy. We love Amazon and Chewy for most products, but not this kind for a very specific reason.

Currently, Amazon and Chewy do not allow for the sale of broad-spectrum hemp oil (aka CBD) products in their stores. Some sellers have created products and simply labeled them “hemp oil” and removed the term “broad spectrum” or “CBD”. When purchasing a product like this, you have no idea how much CBD / broad-spectrum hemp your dog is ingesting. Instead, choose a product directly from the manufacturer who also provides a certificate of analysis. The CBD product we use and recommend here at iHeartDogs is Cannanine.

❌ Never Purchase a Product Merely Labeled “Hemp Oil” – Look for “Broad Spectrum Hemp” or “CBD”

 

FAQ About Calming Treats, Chews, & Supplements for Dogs

What ingredients do calming supplements for dogs contain?

Most commonly, you’ll find the following active ingredients in the best natural calming supplements or treats for dogs:

• L-theanine – an amino acid found in tea and mushrooms known for its ability to ease stress, anxiety, and insomnia
• L-tryptophan – an amino acid found in beef, poultry, eggs, and dairy that’s essential for creating protein and the production of certain brain chemicals such as serotonin
• Chamomile – often made into a tea that’s sipped to help with relaxation, chamomile acts as a mild sedative that gently eases stress
• Hemp – derived from hemp plants for use in dog calming supplements, cannabidiol or Hemp offers another great natural source of anxiety relief for dogs
• Melatonin – a hormone made by the pineal gland in response to darkness that can be beneficial for dogs with severe anxiety and sleep issues
• Lemon Balm – an herb with calming properties good for anxiety and digestion
• Passionflower – another herb used for its help as a calming agent that works by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain
• Valerian Root – a beneficial herb long known for its mild sedative power and ability to aid in sleep

This isn’t a complete list of agents used in calming treats or supplements, but you’ll see these common ingredients featured in many of our choices for the best calming supplement for dogs.

Related: 11 Best Urinary, Kidney, & Bladder Supplements for Dogs

What is the best calming supplement for dogs?

That’s totally up to your dog. Some dogs may find more relief from one product, while another pup does better with a different option. Plus, taste and texture can also play a role. If your dog is picky, you surely know this! So, truly, the best calming supplement for dogs is the one that fits your furry one’s needs best.

Will Hemp make my dog feel high?

No. Hemp does not make dogs high. The THC in cannabis is responsible for the psychoactive effects felt when consuming or combusting cannabis. For over-the-counter calming supplements, Hemp is extracted from hemp plants, meaning you’ll find no THC in the supplement’s makeup.

Does hemp reduce dog anxiety?

While Hemp is a compound found in hemp plants, hemp is the plant itself. And yes, hemp seed oil can help your dog’s anxious moments. When it comes to including hemp in food and supplements, product makers turn to oil made from hemp plant seeds. Hemp seed oil not only promotes relaxation and anxiety relief, but it also quiets inflammation, reduces pain, improves skin and coat, and so much more.

Additionally, certain terpenes found in hemp plants can also help provide anxiety relief and relaxation. Terpenes are plant compounds that give plants, fruits, and vegetables their scents and flavors. For example, linalool is the terpene that gives lavender plants their lovely aroma and is known for its help in reducing stress.

Do calming treats make dogs sleepy?

Because some of the best calming supplements for dogs contain ingredients that act as mild sedatives, dogs may get drowsy after taking a supplement for nerves. But always remember, like us, every dog is an individual, so while one pup may be ready for a nap after a calming chew, others may be ready to go about their day with less anxiety and little sleepiness.

How do calming supplements, treats, or chews work in dogs?

Calming supplements work by supplying ingredients that can support the nervous system and promote a calm demeanor. These substances may affect neurotransmitters in the brain, or simply provide a comforting taste or sensation. The effectiveness can vary depending on the dog’s individual response.

Are calming chews safe for all dogs?

Generally, calming supplements are safe for most dogs, but individual reactions can vary. Certain health conditions or medications might interact negatively with these supplements, so it’s recommended to consult with your vet before starting any new supplement regimen. Pregnant or nursing dogs should also avoid these supplements unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian.

How long does it take for calming supplements to work?

The time it takes for calming supplements to work can vary greatly depending on the product and the individual dog. Some supplements begin to take effect within 30 minutes, while others may require consistent use over several weeks. Always follow the product’s specific instructions for the best results.

Can my dog overdose on calming supplements?

While it’s generally hard for dogs to overdose on calming supplements, giving more than the recommended dose can potentially lead to side effects such as lethargy or gastrointestinal upset. It’s crucial to follow the product’s dosing instructions and consult your vet if you notice any adverse reactions.

Are there any side effects to giving my dog calming treats?

Side effects from calming supplements are usually rare and mild, but can include things like drowsiness, changes in appetite, or gastrointestinal upset. Each dog reacts differently to supplements, so monitoring your pet for any changes after starting a new supplement is important.

Can I give my dog human calming supplements?

It’s not recommended to give your dog human calming supplements. While some ingredients are common in both human and dog supplements, the concentrations can be different, and some human supplements may contain substances that are harmful to dogs. Always use products specifically designed for pets.

Are there any natural alternatives to calming supplements?

Yes, there are natural alternatives such as providing regular exercise, creating a safe and quiet space, using pheromone diffusers, and practicing behavior modification techniques. However, if your dog suffers from severe anxiety, it might be necessary to use calming supplements or seek veterinary assistance.

Do calming treats and chews also provide nutrition?

Calming treats and chews primarily serve to soothe anxiety and stress, but some may also provide minor nutritional benefits. However, they should not be considered a substitute for a balanced diet. It’s best to consider them as a supplement to a healthy diet, rather than a food source.

Can I give my dog calming supplements daily?

It depends on the product and the reason for use. Some calming supplements can be given daily, while others should only be used during specific stress-inducing situations. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with your vet for long-term use.

Related: Best Puppy Calming Treat

What Are The Pros and Cons of Giving a Dog Benadryl vs. a Calming Supplement?

Benadryl, an over-the-counter medication, can be an effective temporary solution for managing your dog’s allergies, motion sickness, or anxiety. It’s readily available and generally safe when administered under vet guidance. However, it can cause side effects like dry mouth, increased heart rate, and drowsiness, and isn’t a long-term anxiety solution. It can also interact with other medications your dog may be taking.

Conversely, calming supplements, often formulated with natural ingredients like chamomile or melatonin, can be used long-term and typically have fewer side effects. The effectiveness of these supplements can vary from dog to dog, but they tend to have a gentler action. Some calming supplements may take time to show noticeable effects and could be costlier than Benadryl. Always consult your vet before starting any new medication or supplement regimen for your pet.

Conclusion: Best Treats, Chews, and Supplements for Calming Your Dog

If your pup is one who frets at certain situations or has full-out anxiety, help them blow away their worries with one of these best calming supplements for dogs! We’ve included options that are great for senior dogs as well as dogs who suffer from aggression, hyperactivity, and separation anxiety. Surely, you’ll find the chew or liquid that can help your furry bestie find some Zen.

Related: The 4 Best Supplements for Puppies (+1 to Avoid)

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