Best Dog Calming Treats for Anxious Dogs (8 Most Effective in 2022)

Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby Texas

Last Update:

The Rundown

Best Dog Calming Treats Overall: PremiumCare Natural & Relaxing Calming Chews
“These hemp-based treats will calm even the rowdiest of dogs thanks to a scientifically formulated recipe of chamomile, valerian and ginger root, and organic passionflower. Its made from natural ingredients and is guaranteed safe for all dogs.”

Best Value for the Money: Valerio Organic Dog Hemp Chews
“These highly affordable treats provide the same benefits as other full-spectrum products for just a fraction of the price. It utilizes powerful ingredients to relieve your dog’s stress, anxiety, and frustration.”

Best Powdered Supplement: Dr. Harvey's Relax & Stress Herbal Supplement
“You can sprinkle this all-natural powdered aid onto your dog’s regular meal and watch as they overcome general anxieties and pressing triggers. Its blend comprises of spirulina, alfalfa, valerian root, and kelp.”

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Despite their generally enthusiastic demeanors, dogs can easily develop anxiety. While training is the best way to undo the effects of separation or depression, calming treats can significantly improve their behavior. 

If your dog spends a lot of time alone, is sensitive to loud noises, or has excessive energy, dog calming treats can provide a dependable, short-term remedy. However, not every over-the-counter treat is suitable for your dog. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best dog calming treats so you can choose the right one for your beloved canine companion.

Product Name
Best Overall Calming Treats
Best Value for Money
Our ranking
Ranked #1
Ranked #2
Ranked #3
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PREMIUM CARE Calming Treats for Dogs - Made in USA - Helps with Dog Anxiety, Separation, Barking, Stress Relief, Thunderstorms and More - Natural Calming Relaxer for Aggressive Behavior - 120 Chews
Valerio Organic Dog Hemp Chews 90ct, USDA Organic Hemp Oil, Chamomile, Calming Aid, Joint, Hip Pain, Calm Chew, Thunder, Travel, Fireworks, Soft Treat (1 Pack (90 Count))
Dr. Harvey's Relax & Stress - Herbal Supplement for Dogs, 7 oz. Jar
Our grade
Our Rating 94/100
Our Rating 92/100
Our Rating 91/100
Feature 1
All-natural calming formula enhanced with Organic Passion Flower to support normal emotional balance and manage behavioral problem
Hemp oil inclusions also provide a balance of amino acids and vitamin E to combat free radicals
Contains a proprietary blend of herbal ingredients such as spirulina, nutritional yeast, and flaxseed
Feature 2
Tasty duck flavored chews that promote a sense of relaxation without drowsiness
Provides additional benefits such as inflammation relief and an immune system boost at an affordable price
Easy to incorporate into your dog’s daily meal—most dogs take well to it
Best Overall Calming Treats
Our ranking
Ranked #1
Thumbnail
PREMIUM CARE Calming Treats for Dogs - Made in USA - Helps with Dog Anxiety, Separation, Barking, Stress Relief, Thunderstorms and More - Natural Calming Relaxer for Aggressive Behavior - 120 Chews
Our grade
Our Rating 94/100
Feature 1
All-natural calming formula enhanced with Organic Passion Flower to support normal emotional balance and manage behavioral problem
Feature 2
Tasty duck flavored chews that promote a sense of relaxation without drowsiness
Buy Now Button
Best Value for Money
Our ranking
Ranked #2
Thumbnail
Valerio Organic Dog Hemp Chews 90ct, USDA Organic Hemp Oil, Chamomile, Calming Aid, Joint, Hip Pain, Calm Chew, Thunder, Travel, Fireworks, Soft Treat (1 Pack (90 Count))
Our grade
Our Rating 92/100
Feature 1
Hemp oil inclusions also provide a balance of amino acids and vitamin E to combat free radicals
Feature 2
Provides additional benefits such as inflammation relief and an immune system boost at an affordable price
Buy Now Button
Best Powdered Supplement
Our ranking
Ranked #3
Thumbnail
Dr. Harvey's Relax & Stress - Herbal Supplement for Dogs, 7 oz. Jar
Our grade
Our Rating 91/100
Feature 1
Contains a proprietary blend of herbal ingredients such as spirulina, nutritional yeast, and flaxseed
Feature 2
Easy to incorporate into your dog’s daily meal—most dogs take well to it
Buy Now Button
Sources researched
9
Sources researched
Customer reviews
12,357
Customer reviews
Hours spent testing
12
Hours spent testing
Products tested
8
Products tested

Best Dog Calming Treats for Anxious Dogs (8 Most Effective in 2022)

Check out our top recommendations for the best dog calming treats to resolve stress and anxiety in dogs.

  1. Best Overall Calming Treats: PremiumCare Natural & Relaxing Calming Chews
  2. Best Value for Money: Valerio Organic Dog Hemp Chews
  3. Best Powdered Supplement: Dr. Harvey's Relax & Stress Herbal Supplement
  4. Best Option with Hemp: PetHonesty Advanced Calming Hemp + Treats
  5. Best Low-Calorie Treats: Mighty Petz MAX Calming Treats
  6. Best Tablet Supplement: Maxxicalm Calming Aid Supplement
  7. Best Chewable Calming Treat: Bonies Natural Calming Dog Treats
  8. Best Vet Approved: Zesty Paws Calming Bites

1. PremiumCare Natural & Relaxing Calming Chews

Best Overall Calming Treats: Contains highly beneficial organic ingredients that aid in fear-based anxieties such as separation issues and general stress

PREMIUM CARE Calming Treats for Dogs - Made in USA - Helps with Dog Anxiety, Separation, Barking, Stress Relief, Thunderstorms and More - Natural Calming Relaxer for Aggressive Behavior - 120 Chews
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Key Features

  • Contains high-quality, all-natural ingredients with proven benefits
  • Tasty duck flavored chews that promote a sense of relaxation without drowsiness
  • All-natural calming formula enhanced with Organic Passion Flower to support normal emotional balance and manage behavioral problem
  • Comes with 120 chews, which is excellent value for money

If you’re housing an unruly dog or one that has trouble being left alone, these hemp-based chews are bound to provide unbeatable stress relief. It contains an impressive blend of organic and sustainable ingredients that are pleasantly delicious even to picky eaters. 

These soft, duck-flavored chews are an all-time online favorite, with more than 4,000 positive reviews on Amazon alone. Owners across the country vouch for this all-natural remedy, whose ingredients are sourced entirely in the United States. 

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Because they are manufactured at a cGMP-compliant facility, owners need not worry about any artificial additives or unsustainable methods. 

After regular use, your dog can maintain an average emotional balance and disposition. Ingredients like L-tryptophan reduce hyperactivity and promote relaxation. 

2. Valerio Organic Dog Hemp Chews

Best Value for Money: Highly nutritious, effective mood stabilizers that come at an affordable price

Valerio Organic Dog Hemp Chews 90ct, USDA Organic Hemp Oil, Chamomile, Calming Aid, Joint, Hip Pain, Calm Chew, Thunder, Travel, Fireworks, Soft Treat (1 Pack (90 Count))
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Key Features

  • Hemp oil inclusions also provide a balance of amino acids and vitamin E to combat free radicals
  • Provides additional benefits such as inflammation relief and an immune system boost
  • Stearidonic acid helps prevent lymphomas

Valerio’s delicious, hemp-based chews eliminate the need for prescription medication and won’t cost you an arm and a leg! Its hemp oil inclusions offer an excellent balance of omega fatty acids and vitamins that reduce inflammation and calm your dog. 

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Made with turkey, duck, and chicken, your dog will love these tasty chews. They are also free of any artificial additives and harmful ingredients like soy, gluten, and dairy. 

Its delicious recipe encourages underweight dogs to increase their appetite and thus receive better nutrition. With regular consumption, your dog gets an immunity boost and can avoid contracting common dysfunctions or diseases.

3. Dr. Harvey’s Relax & Stress Herbal Supplement

Best Powdered Supplement: All-natural powdered supplements for dogs that help induce relaxation without any harmful side effects

Dr. Harvey's Relax & Stress - Herbal Supplement for Dogs, 7 oz. Jar
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Key Features

  • Easy to incorporate into your dog’s daily meal—most dogs take well to it 
  • Contains a proprietary blend of herbal ingredients such as spirulina, nutritional yeast, and flaxseed
  • Perfectly safe and doesn’t contain harmful dyes or preservatives

This holistic powder blend is ideal for dogs who have noise aversions, demonstrate destructive behaviors, or have general anxiety. 

Depending on how much your dog weighs, 1 to 4 scoops of this appetizing powder can eliminate adverse reactions within social settings or when left to its own devices.

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Without any preservatives, artificial ingredients, or fillers, this powder instead contains herbs and whole foods such as red clover, spirulina, valerian root, rosemary leaf, and skullcap, which can effectively calm high-strung dogs. 

Dogs that don’t take well to supplements in pill or tablet form will have no trouble congesting this powder.

4. PetHonesty Advanced Calming Hemp + Treats

Best Option with Hemp: Gentle,non-sedative premium chews that provides stronger relief for dogs with debilitating anxiety  

PetHonesty Premium Calming Hemp Treats for Dogs - All-Natural Soothing Snacks with Hemp + Valerian Root, Stress & Dog Anxiety Relief - Aids with Thunder, Fireworks, Chewing & Barking
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Key Features

  • Extra-strength natural ingredients make for a non-sedating calming supplement
  • Soft chews have a palatable duck flavor that any dog will love
  • Contains melatonin and chamomile to promote relaxation

PetHonesty’s calming treats are manufactured in a GMP-certified facility with high-quality ingredients that incite relaxing effects. Its featured ingredients include valerian root, which minimizes anxiety, and chamomile, reducing stress, fear, and even motion sickness. 

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PetHonesty Advanced Calming Hemp + Treats for Dogs can counter any fear-based problem. If your dog experiences anxiety in social situations, during car rides, or on vet visits, one dose can calm your pet in as quickly as 30 to 45 minutes. 

These treats don’t consist of any synthetic or lab-made fillers, additives, dyes, or preservatives. Its hemp seed inclusions are also free of any CBD and THC.

5. Mighty Petz MAX Calming Treats

Best Low-Calorie Treats: Low-calorie, low-sodium treat that helps alleviate symptoms without the additional pounds. 

MAX Hemp Calming Treats for Dogs – Dog Situational Anxiety Relief & Anti Stress Bites w. Melatonin, Hemp Oil. Behavioral Support Chews for Pet Composure, Separation, Chewing, Barking, Thunder Storms
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Key Features

  • Low sodium options are ideal for dogs at risk of ion poisoning
  • Low allergen inclusions suit dogs with aversions and intolerance
  • Hemp seed oil helps manage behavioral problems

If your dog have issues with composure, separation, panicked chewing, and loud noises, Mighty Petz MAX Calming Treats can keep your dog calm and comfortable. Its maximum concentration of active ingredients includes hemp, ginger, chamomile, and melatonin. 

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It contains at least 200mg of hemp powder and 50mg of hemp oil, whose natural properties promote calmness and composure. Valerian root and passionflower help correct hypersensitive behavior and reduce tension. 

Other benefits of these calming treats include lowered blood pressure, making it easier for your restless pup to fall asleep. Chamomile also helps relax your tense dog’s muscles. Essential vitamins and minerals help maintain optimal health.

6. Maxxicalm Calming Aid Supplement

Best Tablet Supplement: Non-drowsing supplement idea for pet parents who prefer to avoid caloric treats

maxxipaws maxxicalm Natural Non-Drowsy Calming Aid Supplement for Dogs with Behavioral Training Guide - 120 Tasty Tablets
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Key Features

  • These all-natural tablets help stressed pups cope without the caloric backlash
  • Ideal for working in tandem with dog training
  • Promotes a balanced immune system without the drowsiness

If your canine companion is noise sensitive, experiencing significant life changes, or having sleep problems, Maxxicalm Calming Aid Supplement helps undo behavioral issues without any side effects. 

Two of its active ingredients include taurine, which promotes a healthy heart, and inositol, which helps the liver process fat. But how do they eliminate stress? Ultimately, a healthier dog makes for a calmer one!

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Even better, these calming tablets come with a canine behavioral guide that pet owners can use to incorporate into training. If you’re worried that your dog won’t take well to these tablets, don’t be! You can easily crush them into their daily meal. 

With ingredients like taurine, chamomile, L-theanine, and vitamins, your dog reaps the benefits of calming and stabilizing effects the more you use the Maxxicalm Calming Aid.

7. Bonies Natural Calming Dog Treats

Best Chewable Calming Treat: Alleviates symptoms of anxiety, behaviors such as excessive barking, trembling, and growling

BONIES Natural Calming Multi-Pack Large for Dogs 25 LBS or More - Natural Dog Treat - Low Calories - Chicken Flavor - 5 Bones
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Key Features

  • Formulated for long-lasting chewing and is easily digestible
  • Made with brown rice, which is easy to dissolve in water for easier consumption
  • Contains chamomile and lavender as calming agents

Bonies Natural Calming Dog Treats are specially formulated by board-certified nutritionists to ensure total safety and enjoyment. Its chamomile and lavender inclusions help reduce nervousness, anxiety, spraying, barking, and other effects of stressful situations. 

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These treats come in four different sizes, ideal for small (5 to 15 pounds) and hefty (over 50 pounds) breeds alike. The low-calorie dental bone also freshens breath and scrapes tartar off affected teeth.

Do you cater to a picky eater? These bones boast a mouthwatering chicken flavor all dogs will love. One bone is only 66 calories, perfect for a daily topper or treat.

8. Zesty Paws Calming Bites

Best Vet Approved: These chicken-flavored chewable supplements alleviate nervousness, anxiety, and fear thanks to its Suntheanine inclusions

Zesty Paws Dog Calming Bites - Stress Relief Support Supplement Helps to Calm Anxiety Barking Separation and Travel Issues
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Key Features

  • Clinically studied Suntheanine component promotes long-lasting relaxation
  • Sensoril Ashwagandha promotes focus and clarity
  • Other proven ingredients minimize aggressive outbursts and reduce scratching

If you live with a hyperactive dog, not having the means to indulge them in a sport or exercise daily can be challenging. Fortunately, Zesty Paws Calming Bites contain clinically studied ingredients that promote calming sensations and reduce bad habits. 

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Its primary ingredient is Suntheanine, whose calming properties subdue dogs under stressful conditions. It eliminates fear towards environmental factors such as thunderstorms or extra-stimulating social situations. 

These calming bites also contain Sensoril Ashwagandha, an advanced and scientifically proven ingredient that promotes calmer relaxation, clarity. Its other benefits include healthier skin, stronger joints, and regulation of blood pressure.


Benefits and Safety of Using Calming Treats

There are multiple reasons your dogs may need a calming treat, and its benefits are undeniable. These include the following: 

  1. Visiting the vet is easier: More often than not, a typical dog won’t enjoy a trip to the vet. Between probing and scraping, there are many reasons your dog might become anxious. With the help of a calming aid, diagnosing your canine and undergoing treatment is that much more seamless. 
  2. Your dog will become a better socializer: If your dog suffers from social anxiety, a calming treat can prevent unwanted behaviors such as barking, growling, and aggression. 
  3. Your dog won’t be as anxious when left home alone: Positively reinforcing your dog with a calming treat over time will allow them to thrive independently. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety can learn to undo damaging behaviors such as excessive chewing, digging, barking, and spraying. 
  4. It’ll increase their appetite: If your dog is a picky eater, many calming chews and tablets are highly palatable, encouraging even the choosiest dogs to lap up their meals. 
  5. They are completely safe to consume: Most calming treats, chews, and supplements are manufactured with all-natural and organic ingredients. These ingredients include chamomile, L-tryptophan, valerian root, melatonin, and lavender, among others. 

What To Look For in Dog Calming Treats

Not every calming treat will have the same effect on various dogs. How effective a specific product is will depend on your dog’s preferences and what the chew itself includes. When shopping for the right calming supplement, consider the following: 

1) No Filler Products

Safe and effective calming treats shouldn’t contain any filler ingredients or artificial additives. Steer clear of any sign of soy, wheat, and sugar. While they aren’t immediately harmful to your dog, they don’t provide any nutritional value. 

2) Exciting Flavor

Naturally, a great-tasting treat will be more attractive to a picky eater. Most supplements have an herbal taste, which may not appeal to dogs who prefer chicken, pork, or fish. If necessary, purchase a supplement with flavored options or use a powder in conjuction with these foods for picky eaters

3) Premium-quality Ingredients

There are many natural ingredients that achieve the same calming effects, though you’ll want to keep an eye out for the following: 

  • Valerian root: Because of its ability to treat conditions such as epilepsy, this anti-convulsant helps relax the muscles. If your dog suffers from seizures, valerian root paired with these foods can improve their overall health. 
  • Passionflower: This high-quality ingredient inhibits specific neurotransmitters from breaking down, thus subduing stress-inducing behaviors like barking or growling.
  • Chamomile flower: This go-to herb for anxiety relief helps soothe the digestive system, heal wounds, and calm aggressive behavior. 
  • L-tryptophan: This essential amino acid is self-producing in the body—the more your dog produces, the better it can regulate its stress levels. 
  • Ginger root: While this root doesn’t directly impact your dog’s stress levels, it can eliminate motion sickness, which inadvertently causes anxiety.

Questions & Answers

Are calming treats safe for your dog?

Yes. Calming treats overseen by third-party inspections guarantee safety and provide pet parents with peace of mind. Plus, many of these treats are made entirely with natural and organic ingredients. However, it’s imperative to perform an allergy test with your dog to ensure there are no adverse reactions. 

How do I know my dog needs calming treats? 

There are many behavioral clues to look out for if you can’t decide whether your dog needs calming treats. Watch out for: 

  • Aggression and barking at strangers or known familiars
  • Urinating and defecating in places they normally wouldn’t
  • Depression and severe lack of energy
  • Panting, pacing, and recklessness 
  • Repetitive and compulsive behaviors

How quickly do calming treats work?

Depending on various factors such as active ingredients and CBD inclusions, calming treats can take anywhere between half an hour to 8 hours to kick in. If your calming treats are hemp-based or contain CBD, higher concentrations will create more lasting effects. 

Are calming treats safe to use at any age?

It depends—if your dog is older, calming treats be extremely beneficial to dogs facing issues like dementia or age-related stress. Alternatively, teaching calmness and relaxation in your dog’s early years can eliminate the need for calming supplements in the future.

Mike Powell

Mike is an avid dog lover and writer. He’s based in Los Angeles, CA where he grew up in a household surrounded by pets. He’s been a dog owner all his life and he uses this extensive experience of having dogs as part of his family to share valuable, practical tips to improve other people’s dog parenting experience.