Best Calming Treats For Dogs
Best Calming Treats For Dogs
Table of Contents
What are the Best Calming Treats For Dogs?
- Best Overall Calming Dog Treats: Honest Paws Calm Bites
A full-spectrum hemp-based calming supplement formulated with organic CBD, chamomile, and L-tryptophan to support emotional balance, composure, and routine stress management for many dogs, including high-energy and anxious profiles. - Best for Clinical-Grade CBD Formulation: ElleVet Calm & Comfort Chews
A research-backed option developed with veterinary oversight, featuring proprietary cannabinoid blends, omega-rich oils, and active ingredients associated with stress modulation, joint comfort, and steady behavior during separation anxiety or overstimulation. - Best for Stress and Environmental Triggers: Penelope’s Bloom CBD Dog Treats for Stress + Anxiety
A broad-spectrum CBD formula paired with calming ingredients such as chamomile flower and natural amino acids, positioned among the best calming treats for dogs, best calming chews for dogs, and CBD chews for dogs for stressful situations, travel routines, and noise sensitivity. - Best for Daily Anxiety Support: Holistapet CBD Calming Chews for Dogs
A soft-chew format designed for picky eaters, combining hemp-derived compounds with soothing botanicals to promote relaxation, calm behavior, and restful sleep patterns as part of a daily calming supplement routine. - Best for High-Potency Hemp Extracts: NuLeaf Naturals CBD Calming Chews for Dogs
A minimalist, lab-tested formula focused on whole-plant cannabinoid profiles, offering consistent calming benefits for dogs with persistent stress, mild anxiety, or high-energy tendencies.
What are Calming Treats For Dogs?
Calming treats for dogs are healthy dog treats that contain active ingredients with calming properties. Classified as calming supplements, they usually contain CBD oil, chamomile, or melatonin.
Calming dog treats make dogs feel safe and relaxed. The active ingredients interact with the brain to promote a state of calmness.
Are Calming Treats Safe?
Yes, calming treats for dogs are safe.
Calming supplements are made with dog-friendly ingredients and usually feature a flavor and texture dogs love. Here are some of the situations in which calming treats are useful:
- Traveling (car, train, plane)
- During thunderstorms
- Noise phobias
- Separation anxiety episodes
- Generals nervousness
- Destructive behaviors and hyperactivity
- Easing stressful situations
- Curbing excessive barking
Do Calming Dog Treats Work?
Yes, calming treats for dogs work.
Calming treats for dogs promote relaxation in anxious and stressful situations. They can also be useful in helping to curb destructive behavior and unwanted behavior.
Calming treats for dogs can also be used to manage the stress that arises from medical problems such as joint pain and stiffness in older dogs with arthritis.
How do Dog Calming Treats Work?
Calming treats for dogs work by interacting with the brain and changing the brain chemistry in a way that promotes calmness and relaxation.
When a dog is in a stressful situation, their fight, flight, or freeze response kicks in. This is a dog’s natural reaction to a perceived threat, and it can make it unpredictable, destructive, or dangerous. If this reaction is a response to something it can’t see, like thunder, the anticipation can compound the stress a dog is feeling.
Calming treats helps to subdue the anxiety brought on in these scenarios in several ways, based on the active ingredient.
For example, they can make increase serotonin production to ease stress. CBD oil interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors, thus promoting a state of calmness. Amino acids like L-theanine and L-tryptophan quell aggressive behavior, while passionflower increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and relieves anxiety.
What are the Benefits of Calming Treats for Dogs?
Using calming dog treats makes the dog relaxed and puts the owner’s mind at ease. Here are the benefits of using calming treats for dogs:
- Calmer Dog. Giving dogs a calming treat before a stressful event can help provide anxiety relief and stress relief so dogs can better enjoy, or at least ignore, the moment of stress.
- Disorder Relief. Dogs can suffer from mental disorders the same way humans do. Calming treats can help ease symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and stress in dogs.
- Increased Safety. A stressed or anxious dog can be unpredictable and lash out or run out of fear. This can lead to unfortunate scenarios for the dog, and calming treats can help them to feel more secure at the moment, lowering the chance of a mishap.
- Overall Wellness. Many calming dog treats feature additional active ingredients that support overall health. For example, they can contain vitamins, minerals, immune boosters, probiotics, or antioxidants.
The Best Calming Treats For Dogs Reviewed
There are dozens of calming treats for dogs on the market. We have reviewed the top seven products to help you find the right calming supplement for your dog.
Honest Paws Calm Bites
Honest Paws Calm Bites are full-spectrum hemp-infused calming bites produced for daily emotional balance and situational stress support. The formulation includes hemp extract, organic peanut butter, and complementary calming ingredients intended for routine use. The standard “regular bites” product has 5 mg of CBD per bite (serving), for a total of 150 mg per 30-count bag, while the “mini bites” have 1.6 mg of CBD per bite (serving). Minor cannabinoids such as CBC and CBG contribute to entourage activity. These bites serve dogs that display mild anxiety, restlessness, or sensitivity to changes in routine.
Pros:
- Full-spectrum cannabinoid profile
- Transparent third-party testing
- Balanced minor cannabinoid presence
- Palatable soft chew texture
Cons:
- Lower per-bite CBD concentration for large breeds
- Limited flavor variety
Ingredient Analysis: Based on product labeling and the COA, the formulation contains hemp-derived cannabinoids (CBD-dominant, with CBC and CBG), a peanut butter base, and supporting plant compounds. The latest COA confirms 6.082 mg of CBD per 4.8 g serving, plus trace amounts of CBC and CBG. Ingredients include Organic MCT Oil, Organic US Grown Hemp Oil, Organic Peanut Butter
Hemp Source: USA-grown hemp
Extraction Method: supercritical CO2 extraction
Potency Options: Standard bite (4.8g per bite); Mini Bite (1.5g per bite)
Subscription Program: Honest Paws offers a flexible subscription program for its Calm Bites. Subscribing typically provides benefits such as a discount (around 15-25% off) and free shipping on recurring orders.
Flavor Options: Peanut butter
Price: $26.00 with subscription or $28.49 full price (official website)
Review: Honest Paws Calm Bites function as daily calming dog treats for routine stress patterns, noise sensitivity, and schedule disruptions. The formulation aligns with wellness-focused pet supplements rather than episodic high-potency calming products.
- All-natural and non-GMO ingredients
- Promote calmness and support cognition
- 5 mg of full-spectrum hemp oil per treat
- Delicious peanut butter flavor and soft texture
- Easy to dose and straightforward to give
- Reviews were tricky to find on their website
Ingredient Analysis: Active ingredients in these calming treats for dogs include organic full spectrum hemp oil, and this gives the treat its calming effects on dogs. Inactive ingredients include organic MCT oil, barley flour, oats, and peanut butter, and these are used for texture and flavor.
Review: Customers like that these calming treats for dogs are chewable enough to be eaten by their dogs who have dental issues, and the treats worked their magic in helping to ease their dog’s anxiety. There were over 500 reviews on the brand’s website, and we could find no negative or overtly critical reviews anywhere within them.
ElleVet Calm & Comfort Chews
Summary:
ElleVet Calm & Comfort Chews are situational-use CBD + CBDA soft chews formulated for acute stress support when dogs face specific triggers such as thunder, travel, grooming, vet visits, or fireworks. Each chew delivers 46 mg of proprietary, complete-spectrum hemp extract featuring CBD and CBDA, designed to provide calming support approximately 1.5–2 hours after administration, helping dogs navigate peak stress periods with reduced reactivity and improved composure. These are among the best calming chews for dogs, providing targeted, situational support rather than daily maintenance.
Pros:
- Clinically oriented formulation
- High cannabinoid density
- CBDA inclusion
- Individually wrapped chews
Cons:
- Higher price tier
- Limited daily-use suitability
Ingredient Analysis:
Cannabinoid profile includes CBD, CBDA, CBC, CBG, and trace THC within compliant limits. The oil base improves bioavailability. The latest COA reflects a strong CBD: THC ratio of 24.6:1. The ingredients include Hemp Oil (CBD + CBDA), Brewer’s Yeast, Coconut Glycerin, DigestaWell PET (flavor), Dry Molasses, Guar Gum, Lecithin, Organic Sesame Seed Oil, Palteva (flavor), Peanut Butter, Pork flavoring, Potato Starch, Rice Bran, Sorbic Acid, Sugar, Sweet Potato, Tapioca Starch
Hemp Source: USA-grown hemp (privately-owned farms in Colorado)
Extraction Method: cold-extraction method
Potency Options: Single potency — 46 mg CBD + CBDA per chew
Subscription Program: ElleVet Sciences offers a flexible subscription program for its Calm & Comfort Chews, providing significant savings: 25% off the first order and 15% off subsequent deliveries, plus free shipping on orders over $150.
Flavor Options: pork and peanut butter flavoring
Price: $17–$126.65 with subscription or $20–$149 full price (official website)
Review: ElleVet Calm & Comfort Chews are designed for dogs facing intense situational stressors, including travel, grooming, thunderstorms, or veterinary visits. These chews occupy the clinical end of the calming supplement spectrum.
Penelope’s Bloom CBD Treats
Summary:
Penelope’s Bloom Stress + Anxiety CBD Dog Treats combine full-spectrum CBD with calming botanicals and GABA to provide multi-faceted support for relaxation. Each treat contains approximately 20 mg of CBD (from a total of 600 mg in the bag, which contains about 30 treats) along with additional natural ingredients designed to promote mood regulation, emotional balance, and effective calming for dogs during travel, loud noises, separation, or changes in routine. These treats are specifically intended for dogs experiencing chronic nervous tension, pacing, or reactivity.
Pros:
- Broad-spectrum botanical ingredient profile
- Available in multiple strength options
- Combines CBD with vegan ingredients
Cons:
- Ingredient complexity makes the uniform effect less predictable
- Fewer veterinary references
Ingredient Analysis:
Active ingredients include full-spectrum CBD plus chamomile powder, passion flower powder, valerian root, L-tryptophan, L-theanine, GABA, and ginger root extract. Other ingredients include organic potato, brown rice flour, oats, flaxseed, coconut oil, cinnamon, and molasses to enhance palatability and nutrient support. The latest COA showed a CBD-dominant formulation with no detected THC, supported by food-grade base ingredients. Extensive contaminant screening confirms passing results for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbiology.
Hemp Source: USA-grown organic hemp
Extraction Method: super-critical CO2 oil extraction method
Potency Options: 10 mg per treat (small/medium) and 20 mg per treat (large breeds)
Subscription Program: Penelope’s Bloom offers a flexible subscription program for their CBD Dog Treats for Stress + Anxiety. Opting for the subscription allows 20% savings.
Flavor Options: Sweet potato and blueberry natural flavors
Price: $39.99–$64.99 with subscription or $44.99–$69.99 full price, depending on strength (official website)
Review:
Penelope’s Bloom treats are broadly formulated to address stress, nervousness, and hyperactivity, positioning them among the practical best dog calming chews for emotional balance and lifestyle stress support. The THC-free, vegan profile supports households requiring strict compliance.
Holistapet CBD Calming Chews for Dogs
Summary:
HolistaPet CBD Calming Chews are soft-chew calming dog treats that blend broad-spectrum hemp extract with calming-supporting ingredients such as L-tryptophan, choline chloride, phosphatidylcholine, and chamomile, designed to help dogs with overactive responses and persistent nervousness. These chews are often recommended by pet parents seeking the best calming treats for hyperactive dogs and daily calming support in a palatable format. These soft chews fit daily calming routines.
Pros:
- Complementary neuro-supporting botanicals
- Broad-spectrum CBD with no detectable THC
- Soft texture suitable for dogs with chewing sensitivity
Cons:
- CBD potency per chew may be lower than targeted situational products
- Minimal minor cannabinoids
Ingredient Analysis: Active components include a broad-spectrum CBD extract, L-tryptophan, choline chloride, phosphatidylcholine, and chamomile, supported by sweet potato, peanut butter, sunflower lecithin, and natural flavors to enhance palatability. CBD-dominant formula with no detectable THC, CBC, or CBG. The latest COA confirms 7.71 mg total cannabinoids per unit.
Hemp Source: USA-grown hemp
Extraction Method: CO2 extraction method
Potency Options: 5 mg per chew (150 mg jar) for dogs under 20 lbs., 10 mg per chew (300 mg jar) for dogs 25-40 lbs., and 20 mg per chew (600 mg jar) for dogs 40-60 lbs.
Subscription Program: Holistapet offers a subscription program for its CBD products, including Calming Chews, with “Subscribe & Save” options and a membership called “HolistaPals” for convenient auto-delivery and cancellation.
Flavor Options: Peanut butter
Price: $34.36–$47.96 with subscription or $42.95–$59.95 full price, depending on strength (official website)
Review: HolistaPet chews serve dogs needing gentle daily calming support rather than episodic stress intervention.
NuLeaf Naturals CBD Calming Chews for Dogs
Summary:
NuLeaf Naturals CBD Calming Chews combine a whole-plant cannabinoid profile, including CBD and CBN, with chamomile and L-theanine to support nervous system balance and restful states. This formula positions itself as a thoughtful, best-calming chew for dogs that addresses restlessness, mild stress, and nervous responses through synergistic cannabinoid and botanical activity.
Pros:
- CBN inclusion
- Whole-plant formulation
- Minimal additives
Cons:
- Single potency format
- Limited flavor range
Ingredient Analysis:
Ingredients typically include CBD, CBN, chamomile, L-theanine, apple sauce, vinegar, cinnamon, coconut glycerin, oatmeal, peanut butter, and supplemental oils. The cannabinoid profile provides a balanced sensory base with low THC. The latest COA lists 4.97 mg CBD and 2.28 mg CBN per unit.
Hemp Source: Colorado-grown hemp
Extraction Method: subcritical and supercritical CO2 extraction
Potency Options: 6 mg per chew (4 mg CBD and 2 mg CBN)
Subscription Program: NuLeaf Naturals offers a “Subscribe & Save” program that includes their CBD Calming Chews for Dogs. This subscription service provides a discount and the convenience of automatic, recurring deliveries.
Flavor Options: Apple cinnamon
Price: $15.39–$41.00 depending on membership (official website)
Review: NuLeaf Naturals’ calming chews deliver supportive calming benefits rooted in a botanical-augmented cannabinoid profile that suits dogs with ongoing nervousness, situational stress, or high-sensitivity triggers.
What Ingredients Should I Look for in Dog Calming Treats?
When shopping for calming treats for dogs, you should look for several ingredients such as:
- CBD Oil. CBD oil is derived from hemp, not from cannabis, and has been shown to interact with receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems to help maintain balance in the body and keep the brain working normally.
- Passionflower. Passionflower increases the production of GABA – one of the main inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. This reduces nerve cell activity in an anxious dog’s brain.
- Valerian Root. Valerian root is an herbal supplement with a mild sedative effect in dogs that can help reduce anxiety.
- Melatonin. Melatonin is a sleep hormone that encourages dogs to become relaxed by making them feel sleepy.
Overall, just like with dog food, calming treats should be made with natural ingredients. They tend to have better nutrient values and are easier and safer for the dog to digest.
When Should You Give a Dog Calming Treats?
It is best to give calming dog treats about 40 minutes before an anticipated stressful event such as fireworks or storms. This is only helpful if you know the event is coming, though.
There are supplements that can be used on a daily basis that provide a more mild calming effect, and these can be used in dog training for hyperactive dogs, as long as the dog does not become too lethargic after taking the supplement.
How Many Calming Treats can a Dog Have?
The number of calming treats a dog can have per day depends on the dog’s size and the level of active ingredients within the treats.
For example, if using the Honest Paws Calm Bites, you can give one treat a day to dogs less than 25 lbs; two treats to dogs between 25 and 50 lbs; and three treats to dogs over 50 lbs.
It is imperative to consult with your veterinarian before using calming treats for dogs. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
How Long do Calming Treats For Dogs Take to Kick In?
Typically, calming treats take about 40 minutes to take effect.
During that time, you may want to distract your dog with a dog chew or some activity. Taking your dog for a walk will stimulate their metabolism and help the active ingredient kick in faster.
Giving them a distraction of any kind will be helpful to keep their minds busy and engaged. This can be especially useful during things like storms as it can help them stay focused on what they are doing for more extended and ignore the beginning of whatever event stresses your dog out.
What Are the Side Effects of Calming Treats For Dogs?
Feeding too many calming treats for dogs can cause stomach upset and, based on the ingredients, side effects such as drooling, lethargy, increased sleepiness, and uncoordinated walking. If high in fillers and added sugars, these treats can even lead to weight gain and obesity.
Do Vets Recommend Calming Treats?
Yes, most veterinarians recommend calming treats for dogs.
They help curb unwanted behavior such as trying to escape, shaking, hiding, aggression, and in some cases, destructive behavior.
Calming treats are also handy in reducing general and situational pet anxiety brought on by loud noises, car rides, and situations in which the dog is frightened or uncomfortable.