5 Vet-Approved Calming Treats and Chews to Help Your Dogs Anxiety

If you’ve ever Googled “calming treats for dog anxiety” at 2 a.m. while your pup trembles under the bed because someone dared to light a firework three blocks away, welcome. You’re in the right place. Dog anxiety is real, and if you live with a four-legged bundle of nerves, you know it’s not just a “quirk”—it’s a lifestyle.

Whether it’s thunderstorms, car rides, separation anxiety, or the sheer horror of the vacuum cleaner, some dogs just struggle to stay chill. And while we’d love to believe our soothing voice and peanut butter Kongs are enough, sometimes they need a little extra help. That’s where calming treats come in.

But let’s be honest: the pet aisle is full of “miracle” chews that promise to turn your anxious pup into a Zen master. Most of them? Meh. So I did the legwork, talked to vets, and found five calming treats that actually help with dog anxiety. No gimmicks. No weird ingredients. Just stuff that works.

How I Picked These Calming Treats for Dog Anxiety

I wouldn’t give my dog something I wouldn’t eat myself. Okay, maybe not literally—he loves beef-flavored everything, and I draw the line there—but you get the point. These calming treats are vet-approved, made with legit ingredients, and come from brands that aren’t just slapping a paw print on a bag and calling it science.

I looked for the NASC Quality Seal (basically the VIP pass of pet supplements), and calming ingredients like L-theanine, chamomile, and passionflower. CBD didn’t make the cut—not because it’s bad, but because most vets say the research isn’t solid enough yet to recommend it across the board.

I also pulled insights from Good Housekeeping’s roundup of best calming treats for dogs, because if anyone knows what actually works, it’s the folks who spend their days testing pet products and sniffing out the good stuff (sometimes literally).

Now let’s get into the good stuff—starting with the chew that lives in my emergency drawer.

1. VetriScience Composure Chews

Best calming treats for: Sudden freak-outs (thunderstorms, vet visits, the mailman’s existence)

These are the chews I keep in my “oh crap” drawer. You know, the one next to the emergency peanut butter and the lint roller. Because when the sky starts rumbling or the vet sends a reminder text, I know I’ve got about five minutes before my dog starts spiraling into full panic mode.

VetriScience Composure chews are fast-acting, which is a blessing when your dog decides the safest place is wedged behind the toilet. They’re packed with L-theanine, Vitamin B1, and something called a Colostrum Calming Complex—which sounds like a fancy skincare ingredient but actually helps dogs chill without turning into sleepy potatoes.

They come in flavors like chicken and peanut butter, which means my dog thinks he’s getting a treat for surviving the apocalypse. And honestly? He kind of is.

They’re also a top pick in The Spruce Pets’ guide to calming aids for dogs, which gave me extra confidence that I wasn’t just buying flavored fluff.

2. Purina Pro Plan Calming Care

Best calming treats for: Dogs with chronic, everyday anxiety

Some dogs are just wired like that. They bark at dust particles, panic when the wind changes direction, and generally operate on a level of anxiety that would make a therapist sweat. For those pups, Purina’s Calming Care is a slow-burn solution.

It’s a probiotic powder you sprinkle on their food once a day. The star ingredient is Bifidobacterium longum (BL999), which helps regulate the gut-brain axis. Translation: a calmer belly = a calmer brain.

It’s not a quick fix—you’ll need about six weeks to see results—but for dogs with chronic anxiety, it’s a game-changer. Think of it as emotional fiber.

3. Kradle Calming Bliss Bars

Best calming treats for: Predictable stress (car rides, guests, your in-laws)

Kradle’s Bliss Bars are like a chill pill in snack form. Their BotaniTek™ blend includes passionflower, ashwagandha, and L-theanine—all natural ingredients that help your dog relax without knocking them out.

They’re perfect for those “I know this is going to be stressful” moments. Long car ride? Break off a piece. Hosting a dinner party with loud humans? Toss them a bar. The peanut butter and bacon flavor is usually a hit, unless your dog is one of those weirdos who turns their nose up at bacon (in which case, I have questions).

Kradle also makes smaller chews and other formats, so you can find what works best for your pup’s anxiety triggers.

4.  Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites

Best calming treats for: General dog anxiety and helping them sleep

Zesty Paws is basically the Whole Foods of dog supplements. Their Advanced Calming Bites are loaded with calming ingredients: organic hemp powder, chamomile, valerian root, passionflower, L-theanine, and melatonin.

These are great for dogs who get anxious at night, hate being left alone, or just need help winding down. The melatonin might make them a little sleepy, so save these for bedtime or travel days.

They come in turkey flavor, which most dogs find irresistible. Mine once tried to steal the bag off the counter, so… yeah, they’re tasty.

5. Redbarn Bully Springs

Best calming treats for: Dogs who chew their feelings

Some dogs don’t need supplements—they need something to gnaw on until the stress melts away. Chewing releases endorphins, gives them a job to do, and keeps them from eating your couch cushions.

Redbarn Bully Springs are made from beef pizzle (don’t Google it, just trust me), and they’re tough enough to keep even the most aggressive chewers busy. Unlike soft calming treats that disappear in two seconds, these last. And they redirect all that nervous energy into something productive.

Perfect for when you’re leaving the house, dealing with loud guests, or when the delivery guy dares to ring the doorbell.

Final Thoughts on Calming Treats and Dog Anxiety

Let’s be honest—calming treats are amazing. They can take your dog from “the world is ending” to “I guess I’ll nap now” in record time. But they’re not magic. What chills one pup might do absolutely nothing for another. You might have to play a little trial-and-error roulette before you find the one that doesn’t just get eaten and ignored.

And here’s the thing: calming treats are just one piece of the puzzle. You still need the basics—training, routine, and a home that doesn’t feel like a circus. Your dog’s anxiety might be triggered by something deeper, so before you start tossing treats like confetti, have a chat with your vet. They’ll help you rule out anything medical and make sure your dog’s stress isn’t masking something more serious.

Because at the end of the day, your dog doesn’t need you to be perfect. They just need you to be their safe place. The one who shows up, who understands their weird little quirks, and who doesn’t judge them for losing it over a plastic bag blowing across the yard.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new supplements, treats, or dietary changes to your dog’s routine—especially if your pet has existing health conditions or takes medication. Product recommendations in this article are based on independent research and personal experience; results may vary depending on your dog’s individual needs.