The Best Dog Calming Treats That Actually Work

All dog owners want nothing more than a happy, relaxed, and stress-free pup. But sometimes, no matter what you do, it seems like they just can't calm down.

I’ve raised over a dozen dogs over the years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that not every bark means the same thing. Some dogs bark because they’re excited. Some hate being alone. While some can't settle down at night. 

When Pochui was a pup, he used to bark at every little sound. Neutering helped, but not completely. He was still always on guard mode. Doesn’t matter if it’s just a little bird flying too close to the window or the neighbors cutting their grass. Pochui would just bark and bark and bark. We tried crate training, desensitization, late-night walks, pretty much everything.

But it wasn’t until I started using dog calming treats alongside our routine that things actually improved.

So, if you’re here because you’re searching for the best dog calming chews, well, then you're in the right place. Our guide is for all exhausted pet parents out there want to help their dog settle down, but are also worried about side effects or giving them something that might do more harm than good. We'll walk you through how dog calming treats work and help you understand if calming chews are the best option for your pooch.

What Are Dog Calming Chews?

Dog calming chews are soft treats designed to help reduce stress, anxiety, and hyperactivity in dogs.

Unlike sedatives or medication, calming chews typically use natural ingredients like l‑theanine, valerian root, or l‑tryptophan to gently support your dog’s nervous system. Many of these compounds interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin or GABA, which play a key role in regulating mood, fear, and tension.

They're basically a supplement for dogs, supporting your dog’s overall mental health without changing their personality or knocking them out.

The best dog calming chews work gradually, making it easier for your pup to handle loud noises, separation, travel, vet visits, or just everyday triggers. They come in flavors dogs actually want to eat, and they’re easy to add into a routine, especially for dogs who won’t tolerate brushing, collars, or other anxiety tools.

Are Dog Calming Treats Effective?

Dr. DePorter, a board-certified veterinarian based in Oregon, says that yes, but results vary. Some dogs, like my Pochui, respond quickly. Others need time. The right ingredients make all the difference. Plus, a high-quality calming treat won’t actually sedate your dog. Rather, they’ll just feel more balanced and stable. 

In our case, Pochui was still as playful as ever, but he no longer felt anxious about outside sounds. It’s as if the calming treats made him more confident in his surroundings. He seemed more at ease, lounging comfortably even when the usual triggers were present. It was a subtle change, but one that we greatly appreciated.

11 Best Dog Calming Treats in 2025

Before anything else, let’s head straight to our list of the best dog calming treats you can buy today that don't feature hemp as the main ingredient. (If you prefer hemp-based dog calming treats, check out this guide!)

(Note: We may get a commission when you purchase from any of these links. That said, you can rest assured that it doesn't affect our opinion in any way.)

Nutramax Solliquin Calming Chews

If you're hesitant about calming chews and want something with solid vet backing, Solliquin is worth a close look. It’s been used in clinical settings, and a safety study showed it was well tolerated even at doses higher than recommended. Out of 48 dogs and cats, very few experienced mild symptoms like vomiting – and only at high doses. That’s reassuring if you’re worried about side effects.

According to Dr. DePorter, 87.5% of pet owners in one trial said Solliquin helped reduce fear and anxiety in their dogs compared to previous supplements. Vets even suggest using it short-term for things like vet visits or long-term for daily anxiety. If your dog panics during car rides, training, or everyday triggers, this is a gentle, research-supported option that might help them feel safer.

Main Ingredient(s): L-Theanine, Magnolia/Phellodendron Extract, Whey Protein Concentrate‍

Price: $19.99 for 75 soft chews‍

Get it on Amazon

NaturVet Calming Dog Chews

We’ve trusted NaturVet for years. They’ve actually been making pet supplements for over two decades now, which shows just how trustworthy they are in this field.

NaturVet’s dog calming chews combine familiar ingredients like melatonin, thiamine, and L‑tryptophan, which help support calm behavior without sedation. It won’t “knock them out,” but it may help take the edge off when your dog’s stress is running high, like during storms, car rides, or when left alone. The texture’s soft, the flavor’s decent, and they’re easy to give during daily routines or right before a known trigger.

Plus, the resealable bag keeps them fresh, so that's great.‍

Main Ingredient(s): Melatonin, Thiamine, L‑Tryptophan

Price: $16.83 for 70 counts

‍Get it on NaturVet | Get it on Amazon

Natural Dog Company Calming Chews

Natural Dog Company's dog calming treats are vet-formulated and packed with well-known ingredients like valerian root, chamomile, and melatonin without artificial fillers or sedatives. They're made in an FDA-registered and NASC-certified facility, which helps with peace of mind if you’re cautious about quality. You also get a generous 90-count jar, which makes daily use less of a splurge.

These THC-free chews get consistently strong reviews from dog parents who’ve tried everything. Many say their dogs actually like the taste (bacon-flavored), and report noticeable improvements in restlessness and pacing within the first week. If you're looking for a trustworthy pick with clean sourcing and a track record of real results, this is one to consider.

Main Ingredient(s): Thiamine (Vitamin B1), L-Tryptophan, Melatonin, Valerian Root, Chamomile, Passionflower‍

Price: $28.91 for 90 counts‍

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VETRISCIENCE Composure Chews

Science-backed and vet-approved. VETRISCIENCE has been making pet supplements for decades, and this formula works fast to calm nervous dogs. The chicken flavor makes it easy to give as a treat. Personally recommended by Dr. Theresa L DePorter.

Main Ingredient(s): L-Theanine, Colostrum Calming Complex, Thiamine

Price: $20.00 for 60 counts

Get it on VetriScience | Get it on Amazon

Pet Naturals Calming Dog Chews

At just $10.99 for 30 chews, this vet-recommended formula is one of the most affordable dog calming chews around. It uses three ingredients linked to reduced stress, better sleep, and emotional balance in dogs.

While it won’t work for every pet, the sheer volume of glowing reviews shows how often it does. Rescuers especially rely on these to help new or traumatized animals settle in without sedation. They also double as a great option for cats when mixed with food.

Some dogs aren’t fans of the taste, and the effect is a little mildfor us. But for light to moderate anxiety, it's a gentle, safe starting point.

Main Ingredient(s): L-Theanine, Thiamine, Colostrum Calming Complex‍

Price: $10.99 for 30 chews

Get it on Amazon

WagWell Calming Chews

WagWell's calming chews are newer to the market, so there aren’t a lot of reviews yet, but the formula does check a lot of boxes. You’re getting plant-based ingredients like magnolia bark and phellodendron, alongside chamomile and melatonin. Best of all, it contains Suntheanine, a patented form of L-theanine that's known to be one of the best L-theanine brands out there.

That said, it does have a pretty strong odor, so some picky dogs might not want to even go near. But for dogs that do like the flavor, they seem to work well for travel days, overstimulating events, and general tension. It might be worth trying a half dose first, like the brand recommends, to find what works best for your pup.

Main Ingredient(s): Chamomile, Magnolia Bark, Phellodendron, Melatonin, Passionflower, Suntheanine®‍

Price: $32.00 for 1 pack

Get it on Amazon

WuffWell Calming Chews

This soft chew option combines Valerian Root, Passion Flower, Chamomile, and L-Tryptophan—four ingredients with documented calming properties. At just $0.21 per chew, it’s a budget-friendly option for multi-dog households or long-term use.

Several pet parents say this is the only product that worked after trying both chews and prescription meds. Dogs with crate anxiety, barking issues, and separation stress showed marked improvement—with no drowsy side effects. They're peanut butter-flavored and soft enough for seniors and picky eaters, though a few dogs still refused them. And if you’re sensitive to strong smells, this one won’t stink up your pantry.

Main Ingredient(s): Valerian Root, Passion Flower, Chamomile, L-Tryptophan‍

Price: $28.99 for 140 chews‍

Get it on Amazon

Kradle Calming Chews

These chicken-flavored calming chews use a thoughtful blend of ingredients to help dogs relax without knocking them out. The formula leans more functional than flashy, and while results vary, some pet parents report noticeable improvements in separation anxiety and restlessness.

What stands out here is the consistency. When given daily, many say these chews “take the edge off” without digestive upset or sedation even for sensitive seniors. Some owners didn’t see a major change, but others noted calmer behavior within hours. Bonus: they’re not stinky, and picky dogs seem to like the taste.‍

Main Ingredient(s): GABA, L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, Chamomile, Magnolia Bark‍

Price: $19.86 for 75 chews‍

Get it on Amazon

VetIQ Calming Soft Chews

Affordable and effective. VetIQ makes vet-approved supplements at a budget-friendly price. These chews help dogs handle stress without artificial junk. If you need something simple and reliable, give these a try.

Main Ingredient(s): Chamomile Powder, Thiamine Mononitrate, L-Tryptophan, Theanine, Lavender Extract

Price: $11.98 for 60 counts

Get it on Amazon

Solid Gold Keep Calm & Wag On Chews

It’s been 40 years since Solid Gold started making pet nutrition products. These dog calming treats help reduce stress while also supporting digestion and immune health. So, if you want an all-around wellness boost, this is a strong pick.

Main Ingredient(s): Chamomile, Valerian Root, L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, L-Tryptophan, Melatonin

Price: $27.97 for 120 counts

Get it on Solid Gold | Get it on Amazon

How Do Dog Calming Treats Work?

Not all calming chews are created equal. Some work because they use proven ingredients in the right amounts. Others are just flavored treats with buzzwords on the label. If you want to help your dog feel calmer without risking their safety, you need to know what’s inside –and what those ingredients actually do.

Below are some of the most well-studied active ingredients you’ll find in top-rated calming chews, along with the science behind how they affect your dog’s brain and body.

L‑Theanine (from Green Tea)

This is one of the ingredients I trust most – and one I use with my own dogs.

L‑theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea. In both humans and animals, it’s been shown to increase alpha brain waves (the ones associated with relaxation), without causing sedation.

A 2015 study on dogs with noise phobia found that a twice-daily dose of l‑theanine over 63 days reduced noise-induced anxiety and nervous behaviors in dogs. It works by modulating neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, which are directly involved in mood regulation and stress response.

Most dogs tolerate l‑theanine well. It’s safe, non-drowsy, and often one of the first ingredients I look for when choosing a calming chew.

Valerian Root

I’ve used valerian-based chews with dogs that get nervous during thunderstorms or fireworks, and it made a noticeable difference. Valerian root is a herbal ingredient that’s been used for centuries to promote sleep and calm the nervous system.

A 2025 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior tested valerian on anxious dogs and found modest improvements in behaviors like fear and restlessness. Brain scans (EEGs) showed some calming activity, and researchers noted a possible effect on dopamine levels. No side effects were reported.

Another 2021 review on herbal supplements highlights valerian’s calming potential through its effect on GABA. It’s not a sedative, but it may gently support the nervous system, especially during short-term stress.

That said, the research is still early. The valerian study didn’t include a placebo group, and the results were modest. But if your dog gets nervous during vet visits or storms, valerian could be a helpful, low-risk ingredient, especially when combined with other dog calming ingredients like L-theanine or passionflower.

L‑Tryptophan

L‑tryptophan is another amino acid, and it’s a precursor to serotonin, the chemical that helps us (and dogs) feel more emotionally balanced.

That said, current research in dogs shows mixed results. A 24-week study on hound dogs found no consistent behavioral changes despite adding tryptophan at different levels. Another randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving over 130 mildly anxious dogs also showed no significant improvements in behavior or stress biomarkers after 8 weeks on a tryptophan-enriched diet.

Meanwhile, a 2019 metabolic study revealed that tryptophan needs vary widely by breed, with Beagles requiring far more than Dachshunds or Labradors. This means dosage and amino acid balance matter more than many products account for.

In short, tryptophan is safe and biologically important, but it hasn’t shown strong calming effects in dogs by itself. It may still help when paired with other ingredients like L‑theanine or valerian in multi-ingredient formulas.

Chamomile & Passionflower

Chamomile is another gentle herbal ingredient that may reduce muscle tension and irritability in dogs. Meanwhile, passionflower supports GABA activity. When paired with other calming agents, can help take the edge off of mild anxiety.

These ingredients aren’t usually strong enough to work alone, but they’re often part of a supportive blend.

Studies on passionflower in animals are still limited, but in combination with valerian and tryptophan, it may contribute to lower cortisol levels and calmer behavior.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone the body naturally produces to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It’s often used in dogs to support sleep, reduce nighttime anxiety, and manage noise phobias.

Vets sometimes recommend melatonin before travel or vet visits to reduce overstimulation. It’s especially helpful for senior dogs who struggle with confusion or restlessness at night.

Most calming chews only include melatonin in low, pet-safe doses. I’d still double-check with your vet if your dog is on any medications or has health conditions.

Are Dog Calming Treats Safe?

For most dogs, yes. But always check with your vet. Some dogs react differently to certain ingredients. Stick to trusted brands with clear ingredient lists. Avoid treats with artificial additives or fillers.

Potential Dog Calming Treat Side Effects

Side effects are rare but possible. They may include:

• Drowsiness (if given too much)
• Upset stomach
• Loose stools
• Allergic reactions (uncommon but possible)

Start with a small dose and watch for changes. If your dog acts differently, stop and talk to your vet.

Are There Dog Calming Treat Alternatives?

Calming treats aren’t the only option. Some dogs need extra support. Other ways to help include:

• Training and desensitization – Teach your dog to handle stress differently.
• Puzzle toys – Keep their mind busy to ease nervous energy.
• Calming music – Soft sounds can reduce stress levels.
• Weighted blankets – Some dogs feel more secure with gentle pressure.
• Exercise – A tired dog is a calmer dog. More movement can reduce anxiety.

Sometimes, a mix of methods works best. Calming treats are a great tool, but they work even better when paired with other strategies.

Help Your Dog Feel Their Best

A calm dog is a happy dog. If stress and anxiety are a problem, calming treats might be the solution. We all want what’s best for our dogs. Whether it’s the right treat or another approach, the goal is the same: helping them feel safe and relaxed.

Try a calming treat, watch the results, and see if it makes a difference. Your dog deserves to feel at peace. And you deserve that peace too!