Some dogs are naturally more active and boisterous than others, but you'll also find dogs who are affected by stress and anxiety. Calming dog treats can help de-stress your dog and help him deal with stress, anxiety, or excess energy. Calming dog treats have their place but shouldn't be used as an alternative to exercise, mental stimulation and training.
It's important to choose the right option for your dog, so read on to learn more about the best calming dog treats. We've also included some recommendations at the end, with LegitPet Calming Hemp Treats for Dogs as our top pick.
Calming dog treats can get their antianxiety and de-stressing properties from a range of calming ingredients. Most treats contain several for optimum effect. These are some of the most common.
It's important to know both how many calming dog treats you receive in a package and what the correct dosage is for your dog. Only then will you know how much these treats will cost you monthly.
For example, if your chosen product contains 100 individual treats in a package and the dosage is one treat per day, a single pack will last you more than three months, but if the dosage is five treats per day, it will only last you 20 days. Of course, big dogs have larger doses than small dogs, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
You might choose to buy certified organic calming dog treats if you're concerned about pesticide use.
Most calming dog treats are small chews or crunchy treats, but you'll occasionally find other treat types such as calming rawhide-style chews or calming dental treats.
There's no need to pay more for grain-free treats unless your dog has a legitimate allergy. In fact, whole grains are excellent for heart health.
Dog calming treats vary in price from $10-$50, depending on various factors including package size, active ingredients, and overall quality.
A. In theory, calming treats should work equally well on all dogs, but in practice, they seem to work better on some dogs than others. This can vary based on a range of factors including the severity and cause of the dog's stress or anxiety, the dog's size, temperament, and natural reaction to the calming ingredients in each treat. For example, in rare cases, dogs can become more anxious after consuming valerian root, whereas most dogs become calmer. For the best results, you should pair your chosen calming dog treats with behavioral training.
A. This depends on your chosen treats. Some start calming your dog down within 30 minutes, whereas others need to be taken daily for a couple of weeks until you see the full calming effect.
LegitPet’s Calming Hemp Treats for Dogs
Our take: Effective calming treats containing a range of active ingredients, including hemp, L-tryptophan, valerian root, and chamomile.
What we like: Made in the USA using all-natural ingredients. Pack contains 120 chews. No corn, dairy, soy, or other filler ingredients.
What we dislike: As with all calming products, they don't seem to work for some dogs.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Zesty Paws’ Calming Dental Sticks for Dogs
Our take: These calming dental chews both calm your dog and clean their teeth simultaneously, all at an affordable price.
What we like: Calming ingredients include suntheanine, melatonin, hemp, and valerian root. Peppermint flavor helps freshen breath. No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
What we dislike: It may take a couple of weeks to see noticeable improvements.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
VetriScience Laboratories’ Composure Calming Treats for Dogs
Our take: Daily calming treats that help dogs manage stress without any side effects.
What we like: Made with a “colostrum calming complex” biopeptide blend, plus it contains L-theanine and thiamine. Calming effects achieved within 30 minutes. Can be purchased in three flavors dogs love, including chicken liver, bacon or peanut butter.
What we dislike: It may not work for severe anxiety.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
