As a dog owner, one of the most helpless feelings you have is when your dog is experiencing anxiety, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Oftentimes, dogs will tremble, shake, bark, and even chew on things or pee in the house when they’re nervous or anxious. The good news is that you have more options than ever before to help calm your dog and enhance their overall quality of life. That’s where knowing your options for the best calming chews for dogs comes into play. There are a range of products available to help calm your dog and keep them from a nervous episode.
A new study performed at Lincoln University finds that anxious behavior in dogs shouldn’t be simply defined but looked at as a symptom of underlying frustrations. Identifying and understanding those root causes is going to be the best way to put canine companions at ease. But what if Fido is just naturally anxious? Although not a cure-all, calming chews may be able to take the edge off. StudyFinds did the research, consulting 10 pet and veterinary websites in an effort to bring you a consensus list of the best calming chews for dogs. Our list comprises the seven most frequently listed chews from across these sites. Think the experts overlooked a winning treatment? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
The List: Best Calming Chews for Dogs, According to Experts
1. VetriScience Composure Calming Chews for Dogs
Feeling overwhelmed by your pup’s anxiety? You’re not alone! Many pet parents turn to medication, but The Spruce Pets says vets often recommend VetriScience Composure calming chews as a natural solution. These tasty treats are packed with ingredients like colostrum, L-theanine, and thiamine that may have properties that promote relaxation.
VetriScience offers a wide range of supplements and treats for both dogs and cats. Their commitment to researching the perfect compounds and supplements means you can rest assured that your dog is in good hands with these calming chews.
According to Discover Magazine, VetriScience Composure chews are fast-acting. They can work within 30 minutes and the calming effects can last up to four hours. That means these chews are perfect for helping your dog through thunderstorms, vet visits, or any situation that triggers their anxiety.
Worried about side effects? Healthy Solutions for Pets emphasizes that VetriScience Composure chews are made with all-natural ingredients, making them gentle on your dog’s system. Plus, you can adjust the dosage based on your pup’s size – one to three chews a day depending on their weight.
Remember, a holistic approach is key! For ultimate success, these calming chews work best alongside a healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and regular exercise. So, ditch the stress and embrace the Zen with calming chews!
2. NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid
Next up on the list of the top calming chews for dogs is NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid. These tasty dog chews are formulated just like some of your pooch’s favorite treats, and the best part is they actually work to calm your dog.
Thunderstorms, fireworks, and other loud, booming sounds will impact most dogs, regardless of breed. Quiet Moments calming treats are formulated specifically for these types of events. Alpha Paw reviewers tried Naturvet Quiet Moments Calming chews with their pup, and they were amazed by the results! These soft chews worked quickly to calm their furry friend down, and the taste was a hit, too.
NaturVet has been around for a long time, so you know these products are proven and tested. These calming chews for dogs are affordable and effective, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to get their dog started with calming treats.
Why NaturVet Quiet Moments? Paoli Vet Care explains that these chews contain a special blend of L-tryptophan and thiamine, which may help reduce stress and tension. They even have ginger to soothe your pup’s tummy during travel! Whether you need daily support or a one-time fix for a stressful situation, NaturVet Quiet Moments has you covered.
3. Purina ProPlan Calming Care
Purina is one of the leading brands in dog care and dog nutrition, so it makes sense that it also offers a fast and effective calming chew. Although these Purina calming treatments aren’t necessarily chewy treats, your dog will love this mixed in with their regular food. And if you feel like your dog’s stress is messing with their digestion, you’re not alone! The Spruce Pets tells us gut health can be linked to mental health. That’s why Purina Pro Plan’s Calming Care supplement uses probiotics to target anxiety through the digestive system!
Probiotics can work wonders for your dog’s allergies, issues with their coat, and their stress levels. Purina’s formula has been proven to help keep dogs chilled out and reduce certain unwanted behaviors. This unique daily supplement contains a special type of bacteria called Bifidobacterium longum (BL999). This good bacteria helps reduce cortisol, a stress hormone, keeping your pup feeling calmer overall.
Testers at Rover gave Purina Pro Plan Calming Care Chews a try with an anxious senior pup and saw positive changes! They also spoke to a vet tech who saw amazing results calming a rescue dog. The key? Unlike some treats, probiotics take time to build up in the system – be patient and expect results in six to eight weeks. So, ditch the stress and promote a positive emotional state in your pup with Purina Pro Plan Calming Care!
4. Honest Paws Calm CBD Bites
Is your pup a nervous Nellie during thunderstorms or from separation anxiety? VetStreet suggests Honest Paws Calm CBD Bites as a natural way to ease their stress. These tasty peanut butter treats are infused with 5mg of organic CBD per bite.
CBD is proven to help relieve stress in dogs and Honest Paws is one of the leading manufacturers of pet CBD products. Honest Paws also produces a line of oils and topicals that will keep your dog healthy all year long.
You can’t go wrong with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and that’s exactly what Honest Paws offers. Honest Paws also uses 100% organic hemp grown right here in the United States, so you know you’re giving your dog a safe and tested product (Canine Journal).
According to Discover Magazine, they work quickly – your pup may feel calmer within an hour. But that’s not all! These treats even contain L-Theanine and L-Tryptophan, which can offer additional calming support. Whether your pup struggles with traveling, new environments, loud noises, or separation anxiety, Honest Paws Calm CBD Bites can be a lifesaver.
5. VetIQ Calming Soft Chews
Looking for calming chews that actually work? Alpha Paw says their dog LOVES VetIQ Calming Support chews. These treats are made in the USA and free from common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy – perfect for pups with sensitive tummies. VetIQ comes highly recommended by both veterinarians and dog owners.
The slightest environmental factor can trigger allergies in dogs, so it’s nice to know these treats don’t contain any extra fillers. Healthy Solutions for Pets tells us VetIQ chews use ingredients like chamomile and L-theanine to promote relaxation, without drowsiness! Plus, they are affordable and come in a yummy hickory smoke flavor that pups adore.
Don’t just think thunderstorms! These VetIQ Calming Soft Chews are effective at treating many anxiety issues with your dog. Discover Magazine says VetIQ Calming chews can also help hyper pups settle down. With their delicious taste and calming blend of ingredients, these chews can help your furry friend in any situation.
6. PetHonesty Advanced Calming Hemp Treats for Dogs
Next up on the list of best chews for calming your dogs belongs to PetHonesty Advanced Calming Hemp Treats for Dogs. These calming hemp treats are packed with relaxing nutrients and supplements to keep your dog chilled out during the most stressful moments of the day. Retrievist says PetHonesty offers a budget-friendly option with similar ingredients to pricier brands. These tasty treats are packed with natural calming ingredients like hemp, chamomile, and L-tryptophan, formulated to help your pup relax within 30-45 minutes. Plus, they come in yummy chicken and beef flavors!
For anyone with an anxious, nervous dog, you know that time is of the essence. Canine Journal loves that PetHonesty prioritizes quality and safety. Their unique no-heat cooking method helps preserve the natural goodness of each ingredient for maximum benefit. They even offer calming chews for other doggy dilemmas like allergies and joint pain.
7. Zesty Paws Calming Bites
Feeling like your pup’s anxiety is at an all-time high? Paoli Vet Care says Zesty Paws Calming Bites can help. Zesty Paws is an organic treat designed to help keep your dog calm and stay relaxed throughout the day. Packed with natural ingredients like chamomile, these tasty treats act as natural relaxants to calm jumping, biting, and other anxious behaviors.
Zesty Paws produces other supplements for your dog’s health including Allergy and Immune Bites, Probiotic Bites, and Hip and Joint Bites. Regardless of which ones your dog needs, Zesty Paws supplements are designed to keep your dog healthy and living their best life. Healthy Solutions for Pets highlights that Zesty Paws is a trusted brand for a reason – they work!
Stressors such as fireworks, car rides, and loud noises have the potential to make your dog aggressive, a trait that no dog owner ever wants to see from their pooch. Reader’s Digest also mentions that they’ll love the delicious peanut butter flavor of these treats. Plus, just a couple of chews are all it takes to promote relaxation and reduce hyperactivity. The dosage is easy to adjust based on your dog’s size, making it a great option for all pups.
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Sources:
- Reader’s Digest
- Healthy Solutions for Pets
- Paoli Vet Care
- VetStreet
- Canine Journal
- Retrievist
- Discover Magazine
- Alpha Paw
- Rover
- The Spruce Pets
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.