Calming Supplement Chews for Anxious Dogs: Canine Chill Pills!

Pacing, excessive grooming, tummy troubles — the symptoms of canine anxiety can help you understand that your poor pooch on edge.

Not only is anxiety emotionally bothersome for your dog, but it can have physical side effects too, making management a must. 

Recognizing anxiety in your dog is fairly easy, but treating it is another bag of bones entirely, thanks to the sheer number of treatment options out there. Calming supplements are one potential option, and they continue to grow in popularity with some pup parents. 

We’ve fetched the facts about calming supplements to give you a clearer picture of what might work for you and your doggo.

Read on to learn more or just check out our quick picks if you’re in a hurry!

Calming Chews for Anxious Dogs: Quick Picks

• #1 Gracie To The Rescue’s Calming Treats [Most Socially Responsible Calming Treats — ALSO Best Organic Option] These chews feature organic ingredients like hemp seed oil and chamomile while also donating supplements to local animal shelters for every chew container sold.
• #2 Finn Calming Chews [Best Soft Calming Treats] — These beef liver-flavored calming treats contain several different organic ingredients designed to soothe your canine’s frazzled nerves from hemp and l-tryptophan to chamomile and melatonin.
• #3 VetriScience Composure Chews [Best Calming Treats for Picky Pooches] — Calming treats can’t work if your dog won’t eat them, but these supplements come in four different flavors (including a flavorless liquid) to tempt your pup’s picky palate.

How Do Calming Supplements Work?

Calming supplements contain ingredients that promote relaxation, which may take the edge off mild to moderate cases of canine anxiety.

The efficacy of these supplements varies. Some studies link the active ingredients to an improvement in overall anxiety while others dismiss their claims entirely. 

This makes talking to your vet a must before trying any canine calming supplement to ensure the right fit. 

Ingredients vary by supplement, but the most common are: 

• Valerian root: Often used by people as a sedative, valerian root is a natural ingredient that may help calm anxious dogs. In fact, dogs who were allowed to smell valerian root extracts exhibited decreased vocalizations and activity in a kennel environment (where anxiety runs rampant ) according to a study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science. Valerian root isn’t for all dogs, however, and can have adverse effects in some, especially those on medication.
• L-theanine: The amino acid L-theanine is believed to increase dopamine in the brain, easing anxiousness. A study published in a 2015 issue of Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that L-theanine reduced symptoms in dogs prone to storm-associated anxiety. Perhaps most encouraging, owner satisfaction with the treatment in the study was 94%.   
• L-tryptophan: Believed to increase serotonin levels in the brain, L-tryptophan may help your dog regulate his anxiety. It’s shown promise in one study published in a 2000 issue of Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, as it appeared to reduce aggression and hyperactivity, common side effects of anxiety. However, this study had a pretty limited scope (it only involved 33 dogs), so more research is needed.
• Chamomile: Found to have a mild sedative effect, chamomile may also have anti-anxiety properties. Unfortunately, while it is thought to be safe for dogs, and one of its primary active ingredients (apigenin) is relatively well-understood, controlled studies with canines have yet to take place. 
• CBD: CBD or cannabidiol is a plant extract that’s often used to treat anxiety in humans. While there are only a handful of dog studies to-date and more research is necessary, there is some encouraging data available. One 2018 study published in a 2018 issue of Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association concluded that CBD is typically well-tolerated by dogs, and a 2019 survey of veterinarians found that many reported it to be effective at treating anxiety (as well as pain and seizures). CBD typically appears as CBD oil or hemp in dog supplements.
• Melatonin: A hormone that promotes relaxation and sleep, melatonin is often included in calming treats to help anxious dogs suffering from hyperactivity. There are no clear cut scientific studies surrounding dogs and melatonin, though some vets find it effective in alleviating stress caused by separation anxiety, fireworks, and storms.

A few ingredients that are used less often and are less studied, include:

• Passion flower: Passion flower is a plant believed to have calming or sedative effects on dogs in homeopathic medicine. There are no definitive scientific studies to back-up this claim, nor verify its safety for dogs.
• Ginger: We can’t find any studies specifically investigating the safety or efficacy of ginger in dogs, but it is well-known for calming properties on the human stomach. Nevertheless, one 2017 study published in Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research has also linked it to reducing overall anxiety in lab mice. 
• Thiamine: Also known as Vitamin B1, thiamine is linked to reducing anxiety in humans. However, no study thus far has examined its use, efficacy, or safety in canines.  
• Helianthemum nummularium: Results are mixed on the overall effectiveness of this plant (which is also known as rock rose) against anxiety, according to a 2010 study published in Annals of Epidemiology. Extracts of the rock rose are typically prepared in homeopathic remedies, which are typically not shown effective in empirical trials. As put by the study’s authors: “it is likely that the placebo effect operates to a significant extent in both approaches.” 
• Clematis vitalba: Commonly known as old man’s beard, this flower is used to treat anxiety in homeopathic circles, but no studies have been done on humans or canines to verify this claim or the safety of the extract.  
• Impatiens glandulifera: Also referred to as Himalayan balsam, this plant has long been used in folk medicine to treat ailments including anxiety. In limited studies, however, the extract hasn’t shown a change in lab mice behavior, and there have been no controlled studies conducted on dogs
• Prunus cerasifera: Also called cherry plum, this plant and other Bach Flower Remedies are popular among some owners, but they have not been shown to have significant impact on human anxiety (or any other ailment) in studies. 
• Ornithogalum umbellatum: Known by its common name Star of Bethlehem, this supplement demonstrates the fact that caution is important when using natural supplements, and many are not safe. In fact, this additive is potentially dangerous and may cause irreversible blindness when administered to dogs, according to one study. 
• Colostrum calming complex: Also called C3 by its manufacturer, VetriScience, colostrum calming complex is made using cow’s milk obtained within 12 hours of the birth of a calf. The company states that the nutrient-dense complex contains amino acids including decapeptide that boost the effect of gamma-Aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that can make the brain less reactive to stressful stimuli. Amino-rich formulas derived from colostrum have shown promise in a 2005 study of human Alzheimer patients published in Regulatory Peptides. However, no studies specifically using C3 have been done on humans or dogs.
• Zylkene: Zylkene (beef-hydrolyzed milk protein, aka alpha-S1 tryptic casein/alpha-casozepine) is quite similar to the colostrum calming complex and works in essentially the same way.

The Best Calming Supplements for Dogs: Over-the-Counter Options for Dogs with Anxiety 

As we mentioned above, the market is full of calming supplements for dogs that contain a host of ingredients, both natural and man-made. Below, we’ve sorted out the best calming supplements and calming chews to help your pooch chill out and live his best doggone life.

1. Gracie To The Rescue Calming Treats

About: Gracie To The Rescue’s Calming Treats are made with organic ingredients, including hemp seed oil and chamomile powder. The formula is intended for pups aged 12 weeks and above.

Features:

• Each container contains 120 treats
• Have calming properties without causing drowsiness, per the manufacturer 
• Company has a “Paw It Forward” campaign, where a week’s supply of supplements are donated to a shelter for every container of treats sold
• Made in the USA

Options: Only available in one size, concentration, and flavor.

2. Finn Calming Chews

About: Finn’s Calming Chews are liver-flavored soft chews that calm your dog’s nerves through the use of organic hemp powder as well as other calming ingredients like chamomile, passion flower, and L-Tryptophan.

Features: 

• Beef liver flavored soft chews that dogs enjoy, with 90 chews per tin
• Includes several calming ingredients including organic hemp powder, passion flower, l-tryptophan, chamomile, and melatonin
• Made with no cellulose powder, silicon dioxide, maltodextrin, corn, soy, or wheat
• Each batch of dog calming chews is lab-tested and tracked through the supply chain from ingredient supplier, manufacturing, and processing to ensure safety

Options: Only available in one size, concentration, and flavor.

3. PremiumCare Calming Treats

About: PremiumCare Calming Treats are the perfect size for owners in search of on-the-go anxiety management. The 120-count jar makes ongoing or as-needed administration easy, and it is made with organic hemp-based ingredients.

Features: 

• Duck flavored soft calming chews are tasty and easy to eat
• Made in the USA with no corn, soy, or dairy
• Suitable for all dog breeds and ages
• Work by calming your dog rather than sedating, according to the manufacturer

Options: Only available in one size, concentration, and flavor.

4. PetHonesty Hemp Calming Treats

About: PetHonesty Hemp Calming Treats use a mixture of natural ingredients to relax your dog, including organic hemp seed powder and oil, chamomile, and valerian root. Formed into soft, bite-sized calming chews, they’re easy for any breed to eat.

Features: 

• Made without wheat or corn
• Veterinarian-reviewed formula
• Come in 90-count tubs
• Made in the USA at a GMP-certified facility

Options: Available in chicken, beef liver, and maximum-strength duck flavors.

5. VetriScience Composure Chews

About: VetriScience Composure Chews are calming treats that can be given daily or on an as-needed basis for storms and other anxiety triggers. Made to calm rather than sedate, the manufacturer reports that these won’t leave your pup drowsy.

Features:

• Suitable for dogs of all sizes and ages
• Veterinarian-approved formula 
• Made in the USA 
• Starts working within 30 minutes
• Soft chew is suitable for most dogs and can be crumbled over food

Options: Offered in one concentration, four flavors, and two quantities: 60 and 120-count packages.

6. NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid

About: The NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid is a soft chew suitable for dogs of all sizes. Combining calming chamomile with the sedative properties of melatonin, it may help your pooch remain calm during those pesky fireworks and thunderstorms.

Features:

• Suitable for mild to moderate canine anxiety according to the manufacturer
• Added ginger helps soothe sour tummies
• Reportedly provides comfort and relief within 30 minutes
• Calming chews are safe for dogs over 12 weeks old

Options: Available in one flavor, one concentration, and two quantities: 70 and 180-count tubs.

7. Zesty Paws Calming Dental Sticks

About: Zesty Paws Calming Dental Sticks are a fun twist on anti-anxiety treatment. Made with a soothing mix containing chamomile and valerian root, the manufacturer reports that they’re safe for use as-needed.

Features:

• Promote relaxation without drowsiness
• Peppermint flavor freshens breath
• Chew design keeps your anxious pooch busy and cleans his teeth
• Made in the USA using a grain-free formula

Options: Available in one flavor, one concentration, and two quantities: a 12-ounce and 25-ounce package.

8. Rescue Remedy for Pets

About: Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Drops for Pets are plant-based and alcohol-free. Suitable for one time or ongoing calming applications, the manufacturer reports that the formula can be used on dogs, cats, lizards, and more.

Features:

• Flavorless, making it easy to mix into food or water
• Made in England 
• Doesn’t require refrigeration
• Usable for dogs of all ages and sizes

Options: Available in one flavor, one concentration, and two quantities: 10-mL and 20-mL bottles with dropper included.

9. STRELLALAB Hemp Calming Treats

About: STRELLALAB’s Hemp Calming Treats use hemp and other organic ingredients in an effort to soothe dogs suffering with anxiety. These dog calming chews can be used daily or for occasional treatment for storms or fireworks.  

Features:

• The soft chew form is teeth-friendly and crushes easily over food if needed
• The 120-count container lasts between 24-120 days, depending on your dog’s weight
• Made in the USA with no corn, soy, or dairy
• Dosing starts for dogs over 25 pounds to those over 100 pounds

Options: Only available in one size, concentration, and flavor.

10. Ready Pet Go! Natural Calming Treats

About: Ready Pet Go!’s Calming Treats come in 90-count packages, offering up to a 3-month supply depending on your dog’s weight. Made with hemp powder, chamomile, and more, these dog calming treats seek to give your pooch a touch of relaxation using natural ingredients.

Features:

• Come in a tasty bacon and cheese flavor
• Safe for daily use to help ease ongoing anxiety or on an as-needed basis for fireworks and storms
• Safe for puppies to adult doggos according to the manufacturer 
• Made in the USA at a GMP-certified, FDA-registered facility

Options: Only available in one size, concentration, and flavor.

11. Zesty Paws Calming Soft Chews

About: Zesty Paws Calming Soft Chews have a chicken-free formula containing a number of ingredients that promote relaxation, including organic hemp seed powder, organic chamomile, and more. Best of all, it’s earned the National Animal Supplement Council’s quality seal. 

Features:

• Formed into easy-to-eat small calming chews
• Suitable for all breeds
• Packaged in 90-count containers
• Made in the USA with globally-sourced ingredients

Options: Available in turkey, peanut butter, turkey with melatonin, and turkey mini-bite varieties.

Different Types of Calming Supplements: Chews, Tinctures, & Tablets to Help Your Dog Deal with Stress

As with all medications, calming supplements come in several forms for administering. Which form works best will vary by your dog’s preference and overall medication tolerance. The most common types are: 

Chews

Typically flavored with peanut butter or a protein as an incentive, chews are given to your dog like a treat.

Tinctures

This liquid-extract form is administered orally or over food via a dropper. 

Tablets

Tablet-form supplements are typically round pills that may or may not be flavored.

What Kinds of Pets Can Benefit from a Calming Supplement for Dogs?

Like all treatments, calming supplements work better when dealing with some kinds of stressful situations than others. Dogs who typically benefit from calming supplements are:

• Dealing with separation anxiety: If your dog fears being alone, a calming supplement can give him the temporary relief he needs when you need to venture out without him.
• Fearful of loud noises: Storms and fireworks aren’t an everyday event, making the occasional calming supplement ideal for controlling your dog’s anxiety as needed.
• Suffering from generalized anxiety: Some pups are nervous Nellies by nature, and a calming supplement can provide everyday relief without a prescription.
• Recently adopted: Joining a new family and routine is stressful. Relaxing your new friend with a calming supplement can smooth out the adjustment period.

Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs 

Our dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling anxious, but they can clue us in with their behavior. Not every dog will act the same when they’re feeling anxious, with some pups making their troubles known loudly and proudly while others mask them as much as possible.  

That said, the most common signs your dog is anxious are:

• Pacing
• Restlessness
• Hiding
• Improper elimination
• Trembling
• Panting
• Excessive drooling
• Whining or barking
• Excessive grooming (particularly paws)
• Destructive chewing 

If you suspect your dog is anxious, call your vet and schedule an exam to rule out other health conditions if the cause isn’t obvious, such as fearing storms or fireworks.

Additional Steps to Soothing Your Anxious Dog

While calming supplements can help your dog relax, the best approach to tackle anxiety is a comprehensive one.

Treating the source of your dog’s anxiety through counter-conditioning and training, rather than only masking the stress symptoms, is always ideal.

Dogs with more serious anxiety may need the help of more high-dose dog anxiety medication that can be more powerful than the supplements covered here. Talking with your vet can narrow down the best treatment plan. 

Other tools and techniques you can use include:

• Increasing exercise: Upping your dog’s activity levels can alleviate stress. This is particularly important in woofers exhibiting anxiety related to a change in routine.
• Crate training: An anxiety-proof crate gives your pooch a place to unwind, feel safe, and relax. Ideal for keeping dogs with separation anxiety safe and out of trouble, a crate can also be used to isolate your storm-fearing dog with calming music during thunder.
• Thundershirt: Like swaddling a baby, a Thundershirt provides your dog with security when he’s feeling anxious during an event, like a storm or fireworks. Snug but not restrictive, thundershirts may be used alone or in combination with another anxiety-controlling method.
• Prescribed medication: For doggos with severe anxiety, medication like Xanax may be the best option. These specially formulated medications target chemicals in your pupper’s brain to help him relax.
• Desensitization/Counterconditioning: If specific things send your pup’s anxiety through the roof like other dogs, desensitization or counterconditioning training can tackle his fear. This gradual training exposes your pooch to his trigger over time, reducing and finally eliminating the phobia and subsequent anxiety. 
• Providing a chew toy: Chewing and licking help to release endorphins in your doggo’s brain, which will help calm him down a bit. Plus, these types of anxiety dog toys and chews help keep his brain busy too.

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Have you tried any of the calming supplements above or another with your pooch? What works best for calming your doggo? Let us know in the comments.