The 11 Best Calming Dog Treats To Help an Anxious Pup

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Anxiety is a normal part of life for dogs as much as it is humans. A trip to the vet, a thunderstorm, moving to a new home, or a new house guest can all cause anxiety and reactivity in even the healthiest and happiest of pups. Some pups are even stressed by day-to-day happenings: separation from their humans, trucks rolling past the house, or the sound of a text message notification—we’ve seen it all.

As pet parents, our instinct is to steer clear of anything that upsets our dogs, but many anxiety-inducing events can’t be avoided. The best we can do in those cases is to soothe our stressed pups. One popular method is to use a calming dog treat.

To help you choose the right calming treats for your dog, we’ve consulted with Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM, who serves as the Chief Veterinarian at Petco. Plus, we rounded up some of the best treats available to help your pet—and you—relax.

Not sure where to start? Hop down to our explainer on scientifically supported ingredients, or dive into our list of top picks.

Best for Daily Use: NaturVet Emotional Support Daily Calming Aid

For dogs that experience frequent anxiety, Dr. Miller recommends this daily calming aid from NaturVet: “For pets that need longer-lasting calming support, these chews are safe for puppies over 12 weeks and use passion flower, ginkgo biloba, and chamomile.”

Specially formulated for long term use, the chicken-flavored chew is intended to help with ongoing stress behaviors like digging, pacing, and separation anxiety by facilitating a calm, restful state. Plus, they’re made with natural, recognizable ingredients like canola oil, dried potatoes, and rosemary extract. Patience is key, as the treats do take time to work. The label recommends 2 to 3 weeks to see the full effects.

Details to note:

• Active ingredients include passion flower, ginkgo biloba, licorice, chamomile, thiamine, melatonin, and more
• Recommended for daily use to see the best results
• Comes in 70-, 140-, 180-, 240-, and 360-count packages
• Made in the USA with a wheat–free formula
• Certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)

Nutrition information (active ingredients):

• Magnesium Aspartate: 158 mg
• Passion Flower: 131 mg
• Oyster Shell: 105 mg
• Ginkgo biloba: 26 mg
• Ziziphus: 26 mg
• Licorice: 26 mg
• Schizandra: 26 mg
• Chamomile 25 mg
• Polygala: 16 mg
• Dan Shen: 11 mg
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 5 mg
• Niacin (Vitamin B6): 5 mg
• Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): 5 mg
• Melatonin: 0.262 mg.

Inactive Ingredients: Brewers Dried Yeast, Canola Oil, Dried Potato Product, Flaxseed, Glycerin, Lecithin,Maltodextrin, Mixed Tocopherols, Natural Flavoring, Rosemary Extract, Sorbic Acid, Tapioca Starch, Vegetable Oil, Water.

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Best for Fast Results: VetriScience Composure Soft Chews Calming Treats

This sedative-free, veterinarian-formulated supplement offers an appealing chicken flavor and claims to help keep dogs calm for up to four hours. The Chewy reviews are a mixed bag: some reviewers had great success with these for their dog’s separation anxiety, some reviewers felt these worked best for more mild situations like car rides, and others felt these calming treats weren’t as effective as other methods, such as a Thundershirt.

When they do work, however, they should work fast—VetriScience says that the calming effects should kick in within 30 minutes. The supplements can be used daily for ongoing anxiety, or as needed in stressful situations. 

Details to note:

• Available in 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-count packs as well as in liquid form
• Flexible for use as a daily supplement or as-needed, with the option to increase the dosage for high-stress situations
• Active ingredients include Thiamine, L-Theanine, and Colostrum Calming Complex, a proprietary calming formula
• Comes in two breed sizes (small and medium/large) and even a formula for cats
• Also available in bacon and peanut butter flavors

Nutritional information (active ingredients):

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 134 mg
• Colostrum Calming Complex Biopeptide Blend: 22 mg
• L-Theanine: 21 mg

Inactive ingredients: Brewers Yeast, Canola Oil, Chicken Liver Flavor, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Mixed Tocopherols, Propionic Acid, Proprietary Blend (Maltodextrin, Sodium Alginate and Calcium Sulfate), Rosemary Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Soy Lecithin, Vegetable Oil.

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Best Probiotic: Purina ProPlan Calming Care (Verified Review)

With increasing evidence that good digestive health is tied to good mental health, this probiotic targets anxiety through the gut. Unlike many calming dog treats, probiotics require consistent use to be most effective, and they take time to see results—as much as six to eight weeks.

We tried it ourselves and saw good results in an older dog who was suffering from the blues, and we spoke with a vet technician who sang its praises for transforming an anxious rescue dog. It isn’t for everyone, though—many reviewers commented on the high cost of an everyday supplement, and not everyone saw the same positive results.

Details to note:

• Probiotics take time to work—for best results, make it part of your daily feeding routine
• Each box contains six weeks’ worth of individually-packaged doses, available in six-, twelve-, and 15-week quantities
• In a manufacturer study, 90% of canine participants experienced a positive change in behavior.
• Also available in a specialized formula for cats

Nutritional information (active ingredients):

• Bifidobacterium longum BL999: 1×109 CFU

Inactive ingredients: Liver flavor, Maltodextrin. B-2519.

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Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Ollie Calming Chews Dog Supplements

These top-rated calming chews from Ollie are another recommendation from Dr. Miller. “These premium chews feature ginkgo biloba leaf, chamomile flower, and passion flower,” she says. “They are good for dogs over a year old and are made with all-natural ingredients for those with sensitive stomachs.”

Your pup will get an extra boost of calming from L-tryptophan, valerian root, and melatonin. Reviewers rave about the treats, saying they “actually work”—which isn’t said about all calming treats. Plus, pet parents can feel good about the natural ingredients and brand reputation for thoughtful nutrition.

Details to note:

• Limited ingredients good for sensitive stomachs
• Calming ingredients include ginkgo biloba, chamomile, passion flower, l-tryptophan, valerian root, and melatonin
• Made with all-natural ingredients
• Safe for dogs 12-months and older

Nutrition information (active ingredients):

• Ginkgo Biloba Leaf: 75 mg
• Chamomile Flower Powder: 50 mg
• Passion Flower Powder: 50 mg
• L-Tryptophan: 25 mg
• Valerian Root: 25 mg
• Melatonin: 1 mg

Inactive ingredients: Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Citric Acid (as preservative), Flaxseed Meal, Natural Peanut Butter and Banana Flavor, Organic Palm Fruit Oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Tapioca Starch, Vegetable Glycerin.

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Best CBD Treat: Austin and Kat Bailey’s No More Wiggles Chews

Natural pet supplement company Austin and Kat was founded by a pet parent (Kat) looking to support her dogs’ (Austin and Brady) various needs. CBD is a primary ingredient throughout the product line, but you’ll find the strongest dosage in these No More Wiggles hemp chews.

Fans have praised the treats for not only their calming effects on hyperactive and over-reactive dogs, but for their overall wellness support as well. The chews can be served whole or broken up for small dogs, but some reviewers noted that you’re likely to get some crumbs and waste with those smaller pieces.

Details to note:

• 14mg of CBD per chew, plus L-tryptophan, mushroom extracts and a blend of valerian root, chamomile, lavender, and passionflower
• Also available in oil form (Bailey’s No More Wiggles Oil) and as a food topper (Bailey’s No More Wiggles Tranquility Topper)
• Many dogs won’t need the full 14mg dosage—it’s recommended pet parents start with just 2mg per 10 pounds of body weight
• All-natural inactive ingredients like apple, cinnamon, coconut oil, flax seed, oat flour, molasses, and peanut butter
• If your dog hasn’t had CBD before, check with your vet to make sure it’s a good fit for your pup

Nutrition information (active ingredients):

• Proprietary blend of Valerian Root Extract, Chamomile, Lavender, Passionflower, and L-Tryptophan: 93 mg
• Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract: 80 mg
• Organic Reishi Mushroom Extract: 40 mg
• Organic Cordyceps Mushroom Extract: 40 mg
• Organic Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract: 40 mg
• CBD from Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract: 14 mg
• CBDA from Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract: 5.6 mg

Inactive Ingredients: Apple, Cinnamon, Coconut Glycerin, Coconut Oil, Flaxseed, Mixed Tocopherols, Molasses, Oat Flour, Peanut Butter, Salt, Spirulina

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Best for Occasional Calming: Greenies Calming Supplements

Most pet parents already know Greenies for their dental chews and pill pockets, but the company also make a variety of targeted supplements like these calming chews. Reviewers praise them for use on car rides, trips to the vet, thunderstorms, and other routine-but-stressful occasions. Plus, the chicken flavor gets top marks too.

Each calming chew includes L-tryptophan and L-theanine for powerful calming effects. The non-active ingredients include a number of recognizable foods like dried chicken, millet flour, and rosemary extract.

Details to note:

• Intended for occasional use in stressful situations
• Active calming ingredients are L-tryptophan and L-theanine
• Available in 40- and 80-count quantities
• Made in the USA
• Works for dogs of all sizes, from small (1 treat) to large (3 treats)

Nutritional information (active ingredients):

• L-Tryptophan: 540 mg
• L-Theanine: 110 mg

Inactive Ingredients: Canola Oil, Citric Acid (preservative), Dried Chicken, Glycerin, Lecithin, Millet Flour, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Natural Flavor, Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor, Rosemary Extract, Vinegar, Water, Wheat Flour.

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Best Hemp Calming Treat: Pet Honesty Hemp Calming Chews

“A great option featuring naturally calming hemp, ashwagandha and chamomile, these chews promote a sense of relaxation without drowsiness,” says Dr. Miller.

The hemp-based chews are rated for all life stages, made with natural ingredients, and certified by the National Animal Support Council. Separation anxiety, nighttime restlessness, and those super-scary nail trims are among the list of triggers mentioned by reviewers. Not every pup liked the flavor, but many pet parents saw a big improvement in their pup’s anxiety.

Details to note:

• Also available in a maximum-strength formula
• Received a seal of quality from the National Animal Supplement Council
• Recommended for daily use
• Made with natural ingredients including carrots, flaxseed, and oat flour
• Available in both chicken and beef flavors

Nutritional information (active ingredients):

• Valerian Root: 200 mg
• Chamomile: 160 mg
• Organic Hemp Seed Powder: 100 mg
• Passion Flower: 90 mg
• Hemp Seed Oil: 75 mg
• L-Theanine: 60 mg
• Organic Ginger Root: 60 mg
• L-Tryptophan: 50 mg
• Organic Ashwagandha Root: 50 mg
• Magnesium Citrate: 33 mg

Inactive Ingredients: Carrot, Coconut Glycerin, Flaxseed, Mixed Tocopherols, Natural Chicken Flavor, Natural Flavor (from Oregano, Plums, Flaxseed), Natural Turkey Flavor, Oat Flour, Palm Fruit Oil, Powdered Cellulose, Rice Flour, Rosemary Extract, Sunflower Lecithin, Sweet Potato.

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Best for Nervous Travelers: Vet’s Best Comfort Calm Chews

Traveling can be stressful for pets and humans alike—even more so when your dog gets carsick. For pups on the move, these chicken-flavored soft chews do double-duty, with both relaxing ingredients like L-tryptophan, thiamine, and ginger root to soothe an upset stomach.

In reviews, pet parents observe that the treats help their dogs through thunderstorms, long car rides, and trips to the vet too. But not all customers found these chews to be effective—one-star reviews mention needing prescription-level anxiety medication instead, which would rule out any calming treats as an option.

Details to note:

• Active calming ingredients include L-Tryptophan, thiamine, valerian root, and chamomile
• Available in both 30- and 90-count packages
• Reviewers note that the effects can take up to an hour or more to kick in, which may not be fast enough for all situations
• Vet-approved formula, with a seal of approval from the National Animal Supplement Council

Nutrition information (active ingredients):

• L-Tryptophan: 120 mg
• Ocean Kelp (Ascophyllum Nodosum): 120 mg
• Ginger Root Powder: 50 mg
• Valerian Root Powder: 50 mg
• Thiamine HCI: 36 mg
• Chamomile: 20 mg

Inactive Ingredients: Cane Molasses, Canola Oil, Dried Chicken Liver, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Mixed Tocopherols, Potato Flour, Potato Starch And Sorbic Acid.

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Best for Hyperactive Pups: Chill by Mount Ara Peanut Butter Spread

For dogs who are always on the move, this spreadable peanut butter treat offers not only yummy calming ingredients but something to do too. Squeeze the calming spread onto a lick mat to help focus your dog’s excess energy or distract them from an anxiety trigger.

For food-sensitive pups, this spread is a great option. It’s made with minimal, natural ingredients, including chamomile, melatonin, molasses, oat bran, oat flour, and peanut butter.

Details to note:

• Soothing melatonin tops a list of all-natural, real food ingredients like peanut butter, molasses, and oats
• The Mount Ara Super BITE Dog Bone is a fun way to serve the treat spread, but it may not be durable enough for strong chewers—use your favorite lick mat, KONG, or other fillable toy as an alternative
• Squeeze out as much or as little as you need for your pup for more precise feeding and less waste

Nutritional information (active ingredients):

• Chamomile: 50mg
• Melatonin: 1mg

Inactive ingredients: MCT Oil, Organic Molasses, Organic Oat Bran, Organic Oat Flour, Peanut Butter (for flavor)

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Best Herb-Free Calming Chew: Pet Naturals Calming

While herbal ingredients like chamomile and passion flower may be helpful for calming anxious pups, the science hasn’t caught up to the claims yet. This calming chew from PetNaturals uses real ingredients but skips the herbs. These treats are a great option for occasional use and certified by the NASC.

“These supplements support relaxation especially when your pet is experiencing increased levels of stress,” says Dr. Miller. “Natural ingredients such as L-theanine, calming colostrum, and thiamine support a calm state without using sedatives.”

Details to know:

• Calming ingredients include thiamine, a calming colostrum blend, and L-theanine
• Made without any herbal ingredients such as chamomile or ashwagandha
• Appealing chicken liver flavor
• Best used for situational stress rather than long-term anxiety relief
• Available in a 30-count package

Nutrition information (active ingredients):

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 65 mg
• Colostrum Calming Complex Biopeptide Blend: 9 mg
• L-Theanine: 8.5 mg

Inactive Ingredients: Brewers yeast, calcium sulfate, canola oil, chicken liver flavor, citric acid, glycerin, maltodextrin, mixed tocopherols, propionic acid, rosemary, extract, silicon dioxide, sodium alginate, soy lecithin, vegetable oil.

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Best for Puppies: ZestyPaws Puppy Calming Bites

It’s a known fact that most puppies operate in just two modes: zooming or sleeping. When the zooming turns into anxiety over loud noises and new experiences, these puppy calming bites promise to help. Their calming power comes from chamomile, passion flower, L-theanine, organic ginger root, ashwagandha, and a proprietary blend of valerian root and L-tryptophan. Plus, they’re formulated without artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

The treats even have a proprietary blend of probiotics to help tiny tummies, which is a key factor in their overall happiness. And the turkey flavor adds helps make them enticing.

Details to note:

• Calming ingredients include chamomile, passion flower, L-theanine, organic ginger root, ashwagandha, valerian root, and L-tryptophan
• Specially formulated for young dogs
• Made in the USA without artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
• Available in a 90-count package

Nutrition facts (active ingredients):

• Organic chamomile: 40 mg
• Proprietary relaxation blend (valerian root, L-tryptophan): 35 mg
• Organic passionflower: 20 mg
• L-theanine: 15 mg
• Organic ginger root: 15 mg
• Ashwaganda: 10 mg

Inactive Ingredients: Coconut Glycerin, Flaxseed, Fructooligosaccharides, Garbanzo Flour, Lamb, Mixed Tocopherols, Natural Flavors (from Oregano, Flaxseed and Plums), Palm Fruit Oil, Pea Flour, Powdered Cellulose, Rosemary Extract, Sunflower Lecithin.

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What To Know About Calming Treats for Dogs

The popularity of calming dog chews means that there’s no shortage of options on the market. But not all treats are created equal. When it comes to choosing the best option for your pup, it’s important to follow AAFCO guidelines, prioritizing real ingredients. For calming, many experts recommend looking for ingredients tested and proven to provide soothing effects on dogs:

• Casein (a milk protein)
• Tryptophan (that nap-inducing amino acid found in turkey)
• Melatonin (a hormone that aids in sleep)
• L-Theanine, sometimes called Suntheanine (another amino acid linked to relaxation)

Other options include treats with probiotics, which rely on the apparent gut-brain connection to address anxiety through better digestive care, and cannabidiol, commonly called CBD, which is a hemp-based substance that is shown to reduce anxiety.

“Full-spectrum hemp is another great ingredient to look out for,” says Dr. Miller, explaining that research on hemp-based products is promising. She also likes natural ingredients like chamomile and passion flower—while there isn’t enough evidence available to confirm their effectiveness on dogs, many pet parents have seen good results.

Dr. Miller says that the best calming treats also won’t work for every dog (you may have to try a few), and they’re most effective when given 20-30 minutes before the stressful event begins. Other anxiety management techniques, such as behavior training, pressure wraps, and crate training are useful with or even before you try treats. No matter what route you take, Dr. Miller recommends first discussing your calming needs with your vet.

How We Chose

For this selection of calming dog treats, we considered the advice of our expert Dr. Whitney Miller in choosing safe and effective supplements, our own experiences and those of our colleagues and friends, and reviews from pet parents across a variety of retail platforms.

We particularly looked at the nutrition information of each treat, prioritizing treats containing ingredients proven to be effective for calming dogs. We also considered a range of dog situations, sizes, and sensibilities to ensure a good range of solutions. For any round up, we also draw on years of shared experiences with our much-loved, strongly-opinionated, and sometimes-anxious pets.

Further Reading

• Dog Calming Treats: Do They Really Work? Experts Answer
• The Best Calming Beds for Anxious Dogs
• There’s a Classical Music Playlist to Help Ease Your Pet’s Separation Anxiety
• The Best Calming Dog Toys and Puzzle Toys for Anxiety
• Separation Anxiety in Dogs: What It Is and How to Help
• 7 Surprising Ways Your Dog Says “I’m Stressed”