Whether your dog suffers from separation anxiety, is terrified of traveling, feels threatened by thunderstorms, or deals with another type of anxiety, you simply want your dog to feel more relaxed so they can enjoy a better quality of life.
I know from experience how difficult it can be to find solutions for your dog’s anxiety. The Thundershirt works great for some, but not all dogs. Some vets recommend pheromone diffusers, but they didn’t do a thing for my dog’s anxiety. Long-term medication use can have downsides and side effects.
Hemp Calming Chews For Dogs With Anxiety & Stress
Our Top Recommendation for Calming Treats for Dogs!
The Helopssa Hemp calming treats contain active ingredients like ginger, turmeric, hemp oil, passionflower, chamomile-valerian extract, and l-tryptophan. They’re ideal for all dog breeds and sizes and help reduce anxiety, hyperactivity, and aggression while also supporting immunity.
*We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
That’s why we’ve come up with this list of the 10 best calming treats for dogs. These natural treats for dog anxiety come with mostly positive reviews from actual pet owners. They have generally seen great results after providing the calming bites or chews to their canines.
Best Calming Treats for Dogs
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemp Calming Chews For Dogs With Anxiety & Stress | • Made in an otherwise “human only” FDA certified food facility • For all ages, sizes and breeds | |
 | pawlife Hemp Calming Treats for Dogs Plus Glucosamine | • Has ingredients that relieve anxiety, joint pain, and upset stomach • Many ingredients are organic | |
 | LICKS- Dog Zen- LiquiPaks- 15 Use (Braised Beef)- Calming Aid and Stress Management | • Liquid works faster than solid treats • Hemp-free | |
 | Moe’s Happy Hemp Calming Bites Dog Anxiety Relief and Calming Aid for Hyperactive or Aggressive Pets | • Promote healthy skin and coat • Relieve skin allergies | |
 | Plano Paws Hemp Treats – Safe Calming Chews for Dogs | • Grain-free • Contains 6 calming ingredients | |
 | Zesty Paws Calming Bites for Dogs | • Contains natural and organic ingredients • No artificial flavors or preservatives | |
 | NEXPAW Calming Treats for Dogs with Melatonin | • Calms dogs without using hemp oil • Made in the USA | |
 | NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid for Dogs Plus Melatonin | • Safe for puppies 12 weeks and older • Wheat-free | |
 | VetriScience Laboratories Composure, Calming Behavior Support Supplement for Dogs | • Works within 30 minutes and lasts for up to 4 hours • Made in the USA | |
 | PETIPET Calming Bars Dog Treats | • Human-grade, non-GMO ingredients • Made in an otherwise “human only” FDA certified food facility |
Below are 10 of the best dog treats for anxiety.
#1 – Hemp Calming Chews For Dogs With Anxiety & Stress
Suppose you’ve noticed your pet acting antsy lately or yawning excessively. In that case, these Hemp Calming Chews should kill their anxious behavior and eventually bring them to a heightened state of solace, at least momentarily.
What’s more, these Hemp Calming chews are delectable treats that will provide quick and lasting relief to your dog’s anxiety and hyperactive behavior with ingredients like hemp oil, passion flower, valerian, and chamomile extract.
The taste factor will be like a blessing for your doggo’s taste buds, and your favorite friend can finally bid farewell to gulping down anxiety-reduction pills. Their additional possible uses include:
- Reducing fear during fireworks
- Accepting to new guests
- Anxiety during vet visits
- Road trips dizziness
- Road trips dizziness
Notable Features and Characteristics:
- Tastier than other supplements for anxiety reduction
- Formulated in the USA
- Helps reduce anxiety, aggression, and supports immunity
- Duck flavored
Owner Reviews:
While a few customers have complained that some ingredients are not suitable for their pet’s stomach, Hemp Calming chews have generally received positive reviews. Pets who suffer separation anxiety and irritable scratching seemed to benefit the most from this product.
To top it up, pet parents who’ve struggled with destructive dogs have witnessed a significantly calmer demeanor in their pets, whether when sniffing new guests or leaving them home alone.
Bottom Line:
Awareness about animal and pet behavior is finally picking up momentum, and it’s about time. This product is formulated to ease your pet’s anxiety issues and help cultivate healthy, less irritable behaviors in your furry friend.
Whether it’s for nervous scratching or saving your doggo from the trauma of festive sounds, it’s definitely worth a shot.
#2 – pawlife Hemp Calming Treats for Dogs Plus Glucosamine
The duck-flavored hemp treats from pawlife contain ingredients to relieve anxiety, stomach upset, and joint pain. That makes it a great choice for people with senior dogs. It’s made in the USA and many of the ingredients are organic. The active ingredients in these calming chews include:
- Organic hemp seed oil and powder
- Glucosamine
- Organic chamomile
- Organic passionflower
- Valerian root
- L-tryptophan
- Organic ginger root
Notable Features and Characteristics:
- Made in the USA
- Has ingredients that relieve anxiety, joint pain, and upset stomach
- Many ingredients are organic
Owner Reviews: A few pets experienced diarrhea after eating these treats, and some don’t like the taste. However, most dogs seem to benefit from these calming treatments.
Bottom Line: The pawlife Hemp Calming Treats are a great option, especially if you have a senior dog who struggles with joint pain.
#3 – LICKS- Dog Zen- LiquiPaks- 15 Use (Braised Beef)- Calming Aid and Stress Management
Unlike most calming chews, these come in a LiquiPak. It is supposed to help cut the activation time down compared to solid treats. Unlike the other treats on our list, these are free from hemp. Instead, they contain l-theanine and Ashwagandha root to calm pets without the drowsiness that hemp oil may cause.
LICKS are made in the United States from human-grade ingredients and are up to 10 times more effective than solid treats. Unlike hemp-based products, Dog Zen LiquiPaks only treat dog anxiety and don’t provide any other benefits.
Notable Features and Characteristics:
- Made in the USA
- Liquid works faster than solid treats
- Hemp-free
Owner Reviews: There is only one complaint about this product not working and a couple of complaints about the cost. However, most dog owners rave about how well the LiquiPaks Calming Aid works and how much their pets love the taste. That’s even when they’re already so stressed out they won’t take normal treats. The product is a little oily and can be difficult to dispense, but owners say that it’s totally worth washing your hands after dispensing it thanks to how well it works.
Bottom Line: If you want to avoid hemp oil or you have a dog who doesn’t need the added pain-relief benefits of hemp oil, these Dog Zen LiquiPaks are going to be your best bet for a product that actually works to help relieve your dog’s anxiety.
#4 – Moe’s Happy Hemp Calming Bites: Dog Anxiety Relief and Calming Aid for Hyperactive or Aggressive Pets
These treats combine hemp oil with other natural calming ingredients like chamomile and valerian root for the ultimate calming treat. In addition to reducing anxiety, these chicken-flavored treats also claim to help things like:
- Calm hyperactivity
- Reduce inflammation and stiffness
- Promote healthy skin and coat
- Relieve skin allergies
- Reduce restlessness, scratching, paw licking, and chewing problems
Additionally, a portion of each purchase is donated to the National Mill Dog Rescue to help dogs in need.
Notable Features and Characteristics:
- Made in the USA
- Combines hemp oil with chamomile and valerian root
- Donates part of each purchase to National Mill Dog Rescue
Owner Reviews: While these treats didn’t help relax all dogs, they did help the majority of the dogs who tried them. While there were fewer comments about improved pain levels compared to other hemp treats, even hyper dogs seemed to be calmed down by these treats. Most dogs like the taste, and with 120 treats per jar, this product is a better value than some of the other treats on our list.
Bottom Line: If you’re hesitant to try some of the more expensive calming treats on our list, Moe’s Happy Hemp Calming Bites are a great product to start with. You get many more treats per jar than some of the other treats. Most people report seeing their dogs calm down significantly within about an hour of eating one (or more, based on the dog’s size) of these treats.
#5 – Plano Paws Hemp Treats – Safe Calming Chews for Dogs
The Plano Paws Hemp Treats combine 6 natural ingredients – organic hemp protein powder, thiamine, organic chamomile, valerian, l-tryptophan, and l-theanine – for the ultimate calming aid. Unlike some of the other bites on our list, these are grain-free. They’re made in the USA and have a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.
These bites are non-GMO and contain no corn, wheat, or soy. They also don’t have any artificial flavors or preservatives. Better than that, for every product sold, they donate 1 pound of dog food to a shelter in need.
Notable Features and Characteristics:
- Made in the USA
- Grain-free
- Contains 6 calming ingredients
Owner Reviews: There were more complaints from owners about their pet not liking the taste of these chews compared to the others on our list. There were also more complaints that the product didn’t help their anxious dog. However, there were still more than enough people raving about how much these bites helped relieve their pet’s anxiety to make up for the complaints.
Bottom Line: There is a chance that your dog won’t like the taste of these treats or that they won’t work. However, if you’re looking for a grain-free, affordable option, these might be the best place to start. A word of caution, though – there are a few reports of it making dogs paranoid or even more hyper. You should give these treats when you’ll be home to watch your dog the first time.
#6 – Zesty Paws Calming Bites for Dogs
In addition to calming anxious dogs, Zesty Paws Calming Bites claims to “reduce jumping, biting, and barking from dogs that display aggressive or hyperactive tendencies.” The valerian root is also supposed to help reduce behaviors like scratching and paw-licking.
Notable Features and Characteristics:
- Contains natural and organic ingredients
- Has a special form of L-Theanine (Suntheanine) that helps stimulate brain waves to promote relaxation with no drowsy effect
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Owner Reviews: Like any treat, some pets didn’t like the taste, and others got diarrhea after as little as one chew. However, there are a lot of “miracle” stories of dogs whose quality of life has significantly improved after starting these calming bites.
Bottom Line: There is a risk that these bites may upset your dog’s stomach, but they could also be the one thing that calms your dog’s anxiety when nothing else works.
#7 – NEXPAW Calming Treats for Dogs with Melatonin
This is one of the top-rated dog calming chews you can find that doesn’t contain any hemp. Instead, it has melatonin and other natural ingredients to help calm anxious pets. These chews contain no wheat or fillers.
Notable Features and Characteristics:
- Made in the USA
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Calms dogs without using hemp oil
Owner Reviews: There are few reviews about these treats making pets sick. Some canines don’t like to eat them, but many experience significant improvement in their anxiety symptoms.
Bottom Line: If you don’t want to use hemp or CBD oil on your dog, these may be the best calming chews on the market. Even if they don’t work, there’s less chance of stomach upset than with other calming aids.
#8 – NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid for Dogs Plus Melatonin
These treats claim to promote normal nervous system function and reduce stress and tension. They’re wheat-free, made in the USA, and don’t contain hemp.
Notable Features and Characteristics:
- Safe for puppies 12 weeks and older
- Made in the USA
- Wheat-free
Owner Reviews: There are a few reports of a paradoxical effect with this product, where dogs became even more hyper. Despite that, these treats work well on most dogs.
Bottom Line: These treats are safe for puppies and have few reports of making a pet sick. While there’s a chance they won’t work, they’re still a good choice.
#9 – VetriScience Laboratories Composure, Calming Behavior Support Supplement for Dogs
These calming treatments were formulated by veterinarians. They come in 3 treat flavors as well as a flavorless liquid. They’re made in the USA and are safe for long-term daily use.
Notable Features and Characteristics:
- Composure calming formula includes colostrum, l-theanine, and thiamine; all recognized ingredients to support calmer behavior and relaxation.
- Works within 30 minutes and lasts for up to 4 hours
- Made in the USA
Owner Reviews: Most dogs love the taste of these chews, and many dogs experience great relief from their separation anxiety. However, some dogs don’t see any results, even after eating the whole package when unsupervised.
Bottom Line: With few complaints about stomach trouble or picky dogs, these are a great choice to try for calming your anxious dog.
#10 – PETIPET Calming Bars Dog Treats
These treats contain non-GMO, human-grade ingredients. Unlike the other treats on our list, these treats also contain healthy food ingredients like carrots, apples, strawberries, mangoes, and ginger. The small size of the treats means it’s easier to customize the dose, which is especially handy for small dogs.
Notable Features and Characteristics:
- Human-grade, non-GMO ingredients
- Uncooked, so hemp and chamomile calming agents don’t lose any potency from the heat
- Made in an otherwise “human only” FDA certified food facility
Owner Reviews: Dogs either love or hate the taste of these calming bars. Assuming you can get your dog to eat them, they seem to be effective on most pets.
Bottom Line: It’s a tossup whether your dog will like the taste, but there is a reasonable chance these treatments will reduce their anxiety if they eat them.
How Do I Know if My Dog Needs Calming Treats?
Not all dogs have anxiety, so not all pets will need calming bites. How do you know if your dog struggles with anxiety?
Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
Some of the most common signs of anxiety in dogs include:
- Panting when they haven’t been exercising
- Shaking when they aren’t cold
- Barking or howling excessively
- Hiding
- Hyperactive energy
- Unusual aggression
What Causes Anxiety in Dogs?
Many different things can cause a pet’s anxiety. Some of the most common triggers include:
- Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms
- Separation anxiety (being alone or away from their favorite person)
- Social anxiety when around unfamiliar dogs or people
- Car rides, especially if they get car sick
- Trips to the vet
- Genetic tendency (small dogs tend to have more anxiety than large breeds)
- Fears, phobias, or past traumas
- Some medical conditions (especially losing sight or hearing)
Things to Think About When Choosing Dog Calming Chews
You may realize from our top picks below that choosing a calming product for your pet isn’t simple. There are many factors you must consider when picking calming treats for your dog.
- Do you want to try or avoid hemp? Hemp is an increasingly popular ingredient in calming bites and chews, so you must decide whether it’s something you want to give your pet.
- Is the treat grain-free? If your dog isn’t on a grain-free diet, then it doesn’t matter. However, for pets who do better without grains in their diet, it can be tricky to find calming treats that are grain-free.
- Where are the treats made? Since other countries have different quality standards than the United States, it’s typically better to go with treats made in the USA.
- Does the company offer a refund? It’s a simple fact that no calming bite will work on every dog, and some dogs are extremely picky eaters. Since calming bites tend to be more expensive than other treats, look for companies that offer money-back guarantees.
- How big are the treats and packaging? If you have a large canine, then a small package of small chews may not be a good value. If you have a small dog, large chews may be difficult for them to eat.
Dog Calming Treatment Ingredients
What ingredients should you look for in the best calming treats for dogs? Here are some of the most common (and effective) ingredients used in these bites and chews to help with anxiety.
1. Hemp
Don’t confuse hemp with marijuana – they’re two different cannabis plants. Hemp does not contain the high-causing THC that’s found in marijuana. Hemp oil is made from the seeds of the hemp plant. CBD oil is made from the leaves and stems of the hemp plant. However, the terms “hemp oil” and “CBD oil” are often used interchangeably.
Hemp oil and CBD oil affect your dog’s endocannabinoid system. It can lead to reduced anxiety, pain, or seizures.
2. Valerian Root
Humans have been using valerian root to calm anxiety for centuries. Now, our pets can experience these benefits, as well. In addition to helping with anxiety, valerian root may help reduce seizures.
Not all dogs react well to valerian root, though. Some dogs may not react at all, while others may have negative reactions.
3. Ginger Root
While ginger root doesn’t directly help with anxiety, it can help prevent upset stomachs that can come with anxiety or car travel. If your dog has anxiety about riding in the car because they get carsick, look for calming treats that contain ginger root.
4. Passionflower
Passionflower has a lot of calming properties and may even help canines that struggle with aggression. It may also help prevent seizures.
5. Chamomile
You may sip chamomile tea before bed to help you relax. Chamomile has the same relaxing effect on your dog. In addition to its calming properties, it can also soothe upset stomachs. That makes it a great ingredient option for pets who struggle with carsickness.
6. L-Tryptophan
L-tryptophan is the ingredient in turkey that makes everybody sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner. It’s an amino acid that is a precursor for serotonin, a feel-good chemical in the brain.
Why is Hemp Oil so Popular in Calming Chews?
You may have noticed that many of the dog calming treats on our list contain hemp oil. Hemp and CBD oil are becoming increasingly popular for treating conditions like anxiety, pain, and seizures in both people and pets.
Marijuana is one strain of the cannabis plant, and it is illegal under federal law since it contains the high-causing compound of THC. Hemp is a different strain of cannabis plant that is legal because it contains trace levels of THC. Rather, it contains CBD, a compound that seems to affect the endocannabinoid system without the high of THC.
Technically, hemp oil is only made from the seeds of the hemp plant, while CBD oil is made from the stalks, buds, and leaves of the hemp plant. However, the terms “hemp oil” and “CBD oil” are often used interchangeably.
Very little research has been done yet on how effective CBD oil is for pets. However, human research has shown that CBD may help improve anxiety and other problems in people. There are plenty of anecdotal stories of how effective CBD and hemp are for dogs, however.
The simple fact of the matter is that people are giving hemp-infused calming treatments better reviews than calming treats that don’t contain hemp. Without any scientific studies yet, that’s the best evidence we can find that hemp oil truly helps relieve anxiety in dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Calming Dog Treats
Ans. While not all dogs benefit from calming treats, many dogs do get significant relief from their anxiety symptoms. There’s no good way to know if they’ll help your anxious dog until you try.
Ans. Most calming treats take half an hour to an hour to take effect. That means you need to try to plan ahead and give the treats before something you know will trigger their anxiety.
Ans. The effects of dog calming treats may last anywhere from a few hours to a whole day. It depends on what ingredients are included in what doses and how your dog reacts.
Ans. Each type of dog calming treat will have different dosing instructions, usually based on your dog’s weight. Follow the instructions on the packaging. It’s also a good idea to start with a low dose to see if your dog has a negative reaction. Common dosing seems to be one treat for dogs up to 25 pounds, 2 treats for dogs 25-50 pounds, 3 treats for dogs 50-75 pounds, and 4 treats for dogs more than 75 pounds.
Ans. Calming treats may be safe for puppies as young as 4 months old. However, it’s always best to talk to your vet before giving calming treats to your puppy.
Ans. While it is safe to give Benadryl to dogs, it can be tricky to give the right dose. That’s especially true for small dogs. Benadryl causes drowsiness as a side effect of treating allergies. While it isn’t designed specifically for anxiety, some dogs do experience reduced anxiety when given Benadryl.
Wrapping Up The Best Dog Calming Chews
There are a ton of calming treats for dogs on the market these days, but we’ve done our research to recommend the best of the best to help reduce your dog’s anxiety and help them lead a better quality of life.
If one type of calming chew doesn’t work for your dog, don’t be afraid to try another. You owe it to your dog to help them find relief for thunderstorms, traveling, being alone, or anything else that causes them unnecessary anxiety.
Have you had great success with a dog calming chew not mentioned here? Be sure to leave a comment down below to help out our other readers!
You May Also Enjoy…
- 5 Best Heavy Duty Dog Crates for Separation Anxiety
- 8 Natural Anxiety Remedies for Dogs
- 10 Best Interactive Dog Toys for Large Dog
- Sedatives for Dogs: Using Medications for Dog Anxiety
References
Jennifer Nelson is a passionate dog lover and pet care professional based in Denver, Colorado. With over 12 years of experience as a pet groomer, Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to the health and well-being of dogs.
She is an accomplished pet care professional and writer who truly embodies the spirit of a dog lover. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to the dog community make her a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the care and wellbeing of these wonderful animals.
Jennifer’s writing style is warm, engaging, and informative, and her articles are always well-researched and backed by her extensive professional experience. Her goal is to provide readers with valuable insights and advice on all aspects of dog care, from feeding and grooming to exercise and health.