Dogs can benefit from natural calming foods to reduce stress and anxiety.
L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, has been shown to promote relaxation in dogs.
Chamomile, a popular herbal remedy, can be added to your dog's food to calm their nerves.
Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseed, support brain health and may reduce anxiety.
Calming Food for Dogs
Pet Naturals Calming Treats for Dogs are a great option for stressful events like travel, vet visits, and thunderstorms. They come in a delicious chicken liver flavor and contain all-natural ingredients like L-Theanine and Colostrum.
Solliquin treats from Nutramax are formulated as a long-term relaxation solution, not a single-use treatment. They can be given to dogs and cats from as small as 8lbs to as large as 30lbs.
Some calming treats for dogs, like Pet Naturals, are recommended for specific situations. Pet Naturals treats are designed to help dogs feel more calm and relaxed during stressful events.
Nutramax's Solliquin treats are often used consistently over a few months to see a difference in behavior. Most customers report seeing a positive change in their dog's behavior after a few months of daily use.
Additional reading: What Scents Are Calming to Dogs?
Ingredients and Supplements
Alpha-casozepine, a lactose-free derivative of a protein in cows' milk, has been shown to potentially reduce anxiety and fear of strangers in dogs.
It's found in Zylkene, which comes in capsules that can be given whole or opened and mixed with your dog's food.
Valerian, a plant that may help pets sleep through the night and ease anxiety, has some reported success in reducing anxiety-related behaviors, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Probiotics, specifically Bifidobacterium longum BL999, have been associated with reduced anxious behaviors in dogs, such as excessive vocalization and pacing.
This probiotic can take up to 6 weeks to take effect and is found in Purina Pro Plan Calming Care, which comes in individual packets of flavorful powder to mix with your dog's food.
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Common Behavioral Supplement Ingredients
Alpha-casozepine is a lactose-free derivative of a protein in cows' milk that helps reduce anxiety in dogs by acting on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Zylkene, a product containing alpha-casozepine, comes in capsules that can be given whole or opened and mixed with your dog's food.
L-tryptophan is an amino acid precursor for the formation of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is key to regulating many behavioral processes, including emotion, mood, aggression, and anxiety.
Some veterinary calming diets contain L-tryptophan, and research has suggested that these diets may help dogs better cope with stress.
Valerian is a plant that may help pets sleep through the night and may ease anxiety, although controlled research studies are not available.
The Pet Remedy diffuser, which contains valerian, has been reported to reduce the intensity of anxiety-related behaviors, although it may take several weeks to see any therapeutic effect.
Magnolia bark causes calmness without sedation by enhancing the activity of soothing receptors in the brain, helping to control feelings of fear, stress, and anxiety.
For dogs with frequent anxiety, giving magnolia bark chews daily for at least 30-45 days may be the most effective approach.
Probiotics
Probiotics can play a significant role in supporting your dog's mental health.
The gut microbiome is made up of diverse populations of intestinal bacteria, which has been linked to behavioral problems in dogs, including fear and anxiety-related disorders.
A study conducted at the Purina Pet Care Center found that the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BL999 reduced anxious behaviors in Labrador Retrievers.
Bifidobacterium longum BL999 is available in Purina Pro Plan Calming Care, a product that comes in individual packets of flavorful powder to be mixed with your dog's food.
It can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of Bifidobacterium longum BL999 to become noticeable.
For more insights, see: Is Purina Dog Food Bad for Dogs
Flavor and Taste
Dogs are picky eaters, so it's essential to choose treats with flavors they love.
All the treats on this list include flavors dogs adore, like beef and chicken.
Some dogs go crazy for liver flavor, which is a great option for finicky eaters.
Flavors like these can make all the difference in getting your dog to eat their calming treats.
A fresh viewpoint: Can I Give My Dog Calming Treats Every Day
Zesty Paws for Dogs
Zesty Paws Calming Treats are a great option for anxious dogs. They contain organic, all-natural ingredients that help soothe anxious behavior.
Each treat contains thiamine and chamomile, which act as natural relaxers that help calm jumping, biting, and other anxious or aggressive behaviors. These ingredients are key to reducing stress in dogs.
You can give Zesty Paws Calming Treats to your dog before stressful events like travel, vet visits, or thunderstorms. They're also a good option for everyday anxiety.
Here are some other calming food options for dogs:
- Lick mats
- A KONG or Zogoflex stuffed with a dog's favorite food
- Snuffle mats
- Slow feeders
- Problem-solving puzzles
These food toys and puzzles can distract dogs from stressful events and promote soothing alternative behaviors. They're most effective when given in a quiet, safe space.
Evaluating and Choosing
To evaluate the top calming treats for anxious dogs, we considered a list of categories that ensure only the best options are included. These categories were used to assess each dog treat.
We looked at the ingredients and formulation of each treat to determine their effectiveness in calming anxious dogs. The ingredients used in these treats are carefully selected to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
We also considered the ease of use and administration of each treat, as well as the manufacturer's reputation and customer reviews. This helps dog owners make informed decisions about which treats to use for their pets.
Related reading: Do Dog Calming Collars Work
Vet Approved
When choosing a CBD product for your furry friend, it's essential to consider the vet approval factor. Our Board of Advisors, comprising top veterinarians in holistic veterinary medicine, ensures that our products are both safe and effective.
We work closely with our Board of Advisors to guarantee the quality of our products. This collaboration is crucial in providing accurate and up-to-date information on the latest research and clinical trials.
Clinical trials and research are at the heart of our product development. We stay informed about the latest medical opinions from experts in the field to provide the best possible solutions for your dog's health.
Our products are based on the most current information available, giving you peace of mind when choosing a CBD product for your pet.
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Evaluating Top Solutions for Anxious Dogs
To evaluate the top solutions for anxious dogs, we considered a list of categories that ensure only the best options are included.
Each category helps assess the effectiveness and safety of calming treats for dogs.
The top calming treats contain organic, all-natural ingredients that help soothe anxious dogs.
Some treats, like Zesty Paws Calming Bites, contain thiamine and chamomile, natural relaxers that calm jumping, biting, and other anxious behaviors.
Pet Naturals treats are specifically recommended for stressful events like travel, vet visits, and thunderstorms, and come in a delicious chicken liver flavor.
Other treats, like NaturVet Quiet Moments, contain a unique blend of thiamine and L-tryptophan to promote the reduction of stress and tension.
These ingredients help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety in anxious dogs.
Some calming treats, like Pet Naturals, contain L-Theanine and Colostrum, all-natural ingredients that help calm anxious dogs.
The use of ginger in Quiet Moments treats helps settle nervous stomachs while traveling, making them a great option for dogs on the go.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What foods make dogs fall asleep?
Dogs can fall asleep faster with foods containing L-tryptophan, such as unseasoned turkey meat. Adding this to their evening meal may promote calmness and restfulness.
How to help a dog with food anxiety?
Help your dog with food anxiety by feeding them at scheduled times, in a calm environment, and a balanced diet with reduced protein intake
Sources
- CALM: CBD Oil for Dogs Anxiety Stress (cbddoghealth.com)
- Zylkene® (Vetoquinol®) (chewy.com)
- Composure® (Vetriscience®) chews (chewy.com)
- Solliquin® (Nutramax®) chews (chewy.com)
- Zogoflex (chewy.com)
- KONG (chewy.com)
- AKC Rx (akcpetrx.com)
- Anytime Calming Chews for Dogs — Anxiety & Stress Relief (reggie.com)
- Zesty Paws (chewy.com)
- Only Natural herbal supplements (amazon.com)
- Alpha Paw Calming Chews (amazon.com)
- Native Pet (amazon.com)
- Shameless Pets Calming Chews (amazon.com)
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