6 Best Dog Calming Treats and Supplements of 2025, Recommended by Vets
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All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
Is your dog stressed or anxious? If so, it’s time to talk to your veterinarian about calming treats and supplements for dogs.
Calming treats can be helpful for stressful situations, such as fireworks or thunderstorms. Or, if the anxiety is ongoing, a dog calming supplement along with behavioral therapy and modification can make all the difference in promoting relaxed and balanced behavior in your pup.
To help you choose the best dog calming treats or supplements for the job, our panel of veterinary experts selected their top picks based on quality and combination of ingredients, brand reputation, ease of administration, and proven efficacy.
What To Look For When Choosing Dog Calming Treats and Supplements
The best calming treats for dogs should be from a trusted brand, are effective and easy to administer, and come recommended by your veterinarian.
Review the attributes below to help you choose the best calming treat for your dog’s individual needs.
Trusted Brand
Choose dog calming treats and supplements made by reputable brands with research behind their products. Your veterinarian can recommend trusted brands known for years of research and clinical trials backing the effectiveness and safety of the calming product.
Another place to look is the National Animal Supplement Council, a nonprofit pet supplement trade group. Member companies that pass a comprehensive third-party audit every two years and maintain compliance with NASC quality standards earn the right to put a quality seal on their pet supplements.
Ease of Administration
Calming treats and supplements come in various forms, including chews, powders, pills, and capsules. Consider which type will be easiest to administer for your dog.
If your dog prefers tasty treats, a chew may be the best choice. Powders can be easily mixed into your dog’s food, and a pill or capsule can be hidden in a pocket-style treat.
Whatever you choose, it must be one your dog will happily partake in, particularly if it’s recommended to give daily.
Quality of Ingredients
Ensure the calming chews contain high-quality, well-sourced ingredients that are easy to digest and won’t trigger any known intolerances in your pup.
The active ingredients should be backed by research and considered by your veterinarian to be safe and effective for your dog. Common calming ingredients include amino acids like L-theanine and tryptophan, and plants like chamomile and ashwagandha.
Time to Effectiveness
Think about what you are using the calming treat for, whether it’s a one-time situation like a visit to the groomer or sudden thunderstorm, or for something more ongoing like dog separation anxiety.
Some calming products start to work within 30 minutes, while others benefit from consistent daily use over several weeks to show the full effects.
Veterinarian’s Advice
Always check with your veterinarian to ensure the calming supplement is right for your dog’s age, health, and situation. Follow all dosing guidelines and talk to your veterinarian about any concerns.
How We Selected the Best Calming Treats and Supplements for Dogs
This list of the best dog calming treats and supplements was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD.
They were asked to choose the best calming treats and supplements for dogs in their honest opinion, across multiple categories, based on the following:
- Quality and combination of ingredients
- If it’s backed by science-based research
- Brand reputation
- Whether it has earned the NASC Quality Seal
- Ease of administration
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of vets and animal health experts. Manufacturers and vendors cannot buy placement in Vet Verified content, or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products
Our sole goal with this program is to provide pet parents with the information they need to make the best decision for their pets.
Dog Calming Treats and Supplements FAQ
What calming dog treats actually work?
Calming dog treats backed by studies proving their effectiveness work. Pairing with behavioral therapy and modification increases how well they work. Choose one with your veterinarian’s advice for the right ingredients for your unique dog’s situation and understand that effectiveness can vary from starting in 30 minutes to taking several weeks for full effect.
Do vets recommend calming treats for dogs?
Yes, veterinarians do recommend calming treats for dogs where the supplement is backed by studies proving effectiveness. Veterinarians also recommend combining calming treats with behavior therapy and modification.
Is it OK to give my dog calming treats every night?
Many dog calming treats are approved for daily use. Read the directions on the back of the packaging to confirm it can be used daily for your unique dog’s situation, health, and age, and confirm with your veterinarian.
What is the strongest calming medicine for dogs?
Prescription based medications for behavioral conditions can be used in conjunction with many supplements and conditions. Some commonly prescribed dog anxiety medications include Alprazolam, Amitriptyline, Buspirone, Clomipramine, Diazepam, and more. It is typically best to pair prescription medications, behavioral therapy, and calming supplements for a multi-modal approach to calming treatment for pets.
Never give the human version of any of these drugs to your dog or give without a prescription from your veterinarian.