Best Calming Treats for Dogs with Separation Anxiety 2025

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Best Calming Treats for Dogs with Separation Anxiety 2025

Written by Emily Bayne

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 09/27/2023, edited: 01/30/2025

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The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.

Separation anxiety is one of the most challenging canine behavioral issues— and it affects pet parents just as much as the dogs who have it. Not knowing what you will come home to— shredded dog beds or a chewed-up door frame— or checking the pet cam to see your dog at the door for hours— is incredibly stressful.

As a mom of a VERY anxious rescue who has been on 3 separate medications since April to manage his anxiety — I get it.

I understand not everyone wants to go the prescription route, as I was certainly hesitant to. Luckily, there are many calming treats on the market to help pet parents manage their pet's separation anxiety naturally.

We researched the gamut of calming treats for dogs to find the top contenders in the pet market. We took quality, active ingredients, and product development practices into consideration when choosing the products on this list. We even consulted with veterinarian Dr. Georgia Jeremiah for her product recommendations!

Whether your dog has storm anxiety or an unshakable fear of the vet, read on for our favorite calming treats on the market!

Overview

Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites
Elllevet Calm and Comfort Hemp Chews
Open Farm Calming Supplement Chews for Dogs
Only Natural Pet Hemp Calming Support Soft Chews
Vetriscience Composure Calming Treats
FAQ

Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites

Best option at big box stores

Zesty Paws Calming Bites is an extensive line of chewable supplements to help with behavior, anxiety, and even joint issues.

Our favorite of this line is the Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites (their version of extra strength.) Unlike the regular calming bites, these contain melatonin to help with relaxation.

They are formulated with their trademark "Proprietary Relaxation Blend," which has valerian root (a natural sedative), melatonin (the chemical mammals produce to induce sleep), and L-Tryptophan which some vets prescribe to help curb problem behaviors and restlessness.

These herbal supplements also contain Ashwagandha (try saying that 3 times fast), which research shows to help lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol.

Honestly, if these came in a human version, I would buy them for myself!

Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites

Editor's Choice

Up to 35% off with Chewy Autoship Shop on Petco

Why Wag! loves Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites

You won't have to go on a wild goose chase to track these treats down since you can find them at most big box stores.
Nervous and hyper puppies rejoice — Zesty paws calming treats also come in a puppy version!
Are the regular zesty bites too big for your pet’s preference? No problem! They come in a mini version too!
With natural herbs and amino acids as the active ingredients, this is a formula you can feel confident about giving to your babies.
My dog goes paws-it-vely bananas for the tasty turkey flavor!

Considerations & concerns

If you have a peanut allergy, be cautious about which flavors you choose.
They have a turkey flavor, which is peanut-free, but the flavors on the packaging are in tiny letters, so make sure to pay close attention if you have food allergies.

What pet parents say about Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites

"These are great to give prior to vet visits, thunderstorms, fireworks or anytime when noise is a factor to a stressed dog. I also found they were a saving grace after my dog had a dental cleaning; he was quite stressed with post-anesthesia issues. He kept pacing throughout the house for hours. Although the vet gave him Rimadyl, it wasn't working well to calm him down during the pain "wear-off" timeframe. I contacted the vet and asked if it was okay to give him one of these chews and he said it was fine. It calmed him immensely. He was able to relax and rest quietly. I'll always have these on hand."

"My 90 pound Dobermans have a very hard time with Thunder/Lightening Storms. Rather than give them drugs we tried these. They totally calm these guys with no side effects. I am very thankful that I found these."

Why Wag! loves Ellevet Calm and Comfort Hemp Chews

Formulated by vets and backed by science
Small batch-tested so you can be certain about what you're giving your doggo
Analyzed for purity before it hits the shelves (unlike some CBD pet products with misleading labels)
Flavored with natural pork to get your doodles drooling!

Considerations & concerns

Dr. Georgia warns that this product is a bit pricy — but remember — you get what you pay for!
Currently only available through their website (not in stores)

What pet parents say about Ellevet Calm and Comfort Hemp Chews

"I cannot say enough positive things about these. My dogs used to be terrified of fireworks, but now it's not an issue thanks to their Calm & Comfort chews. I am thankful to have such a great product. The customer service I have received is unmatched too. 5 stars. Highly recommend!"

"We've been using this product for a couple of years now and they have undoubtedly given us so many memories with our Great Dane that I'm confident we wouldn't have been able to make otherwise."

"[I] love this product! [It] has helped my dog so much!"

Why Wag! loves Open Farm Calming Supplement Chews for Dogs

Quality, traceable ingredients (You can check out their websites for the origins of each of their ingredients!)
Made with whole foods like apples, sweet potatoes, oats, and honey rather than yucky artificial flavorings!
Ingredients that support healthy digestion and calm the stomach (There's nothing worse than an anxious dog with an anxious stomach to boot!)

Considerations & concerns

Some pet parents say they have trouble getting picky pets to eat these treats, while others say their dogs scarf them right down.

What pet parents say about Open Farm Calming Supplement Chews for Dogs

"My dog has been medicated for anxiety for about 3-4 years now, and we are weaning her off and trying supplements now. I love the ingredients and price of the chews. She also loves them. So far I find they are a good support to have while weaning her off medications, however I'm not seeing super calming results. She is a high strung dog naturally, so I know these are not going to be fix-all. But I think it's good for her to be on just to help take even a bit off of her anxiety."

"Dogs love them. And surprisingly they are one of the few "calming" treats that make my dogs chill."

"These calming chews have really helped my young Dalmatian with her car anxiety. I gave her the correct dose of chew about 15-20 minutes before the car ride and they have done wonders. She went from puking and pooping during car rides, and overall anxiety in the car to no accidents and much calmer during the ride. Couldn't be more happier as I want to be able to bring her with me during days out without stressing her out, and concerns of messes in the car."

"We first tried Reggie calming chews to help with our new pup's separation anxiety, we found that the dosage was not enough and the quality just wasn't there. Open Farm chews are not only less expensive, they're higher quality and actually effective! Our dog loves the chews and they have helped his anxiety immensely!"

Why Wag! loves Only Natural Pet Hemp Calming Support Soft Chews

My dog gives these treats 4 paws up for their smoky flavor.
These offer mild sedative effects that are great for mild anxiety or between doses of his prescription meds
The soft, chewy texture would make these great for dogs with dental issues
The airtight, screw-on lid keeps things fresh and mess-free
Easy to break apart for accurate dosing.
Batch-tested for accuracy.

Considerations & concerns

The CBD calming chews from this same brand are our absolute fave — however, due to red tape surrounding CBD sales in some states — they are only available in select pet stores and not available at all online.
These hemp chews tend to make my dog hungry/eat more, so keep this in mind if your dog hasweight issues.

What pet parents say about Only Natural Pet Hemp Calming Support Soft Chews

"I have 2 pits that get very nervous during thunderstorms and honestly at every noise, knock or bump. I've tried several other "Calming" tablets and really don't notice a difference. We're actually in the middle of a Texas thunderstorm as I'm writing this review and my dogs are laying down sleeping instead of pacing back and forth or crying. As with most of my dog's products I like to keep them as natural as possible. These soft chews are Holistic and use Hemp seed oil, Chamomile and Lemon Balm among with other natural ingredients."

"I have my first dog that struggles with loud noises, i.e. thunder, fireworks, etc. I wanted to try something natural that didn't make him loopy or just pass out. I wanted him to just be calm. These treats are working out great! I knew we would be getting a thunderstorm within an hour. I gave my dog the treats according to his weight listed on the packaging. He gobbled them up! By the time the storm arrived, he was calmly sitting on the couch, instead of hiding and shaking in the laundry like he normally is. The key is getting ahead of the anxiety. I can't control someone lighting off fireworks, but at least of I know something is coming, I can plan to give my dog the treats. I would recommend."

"I have a 11yr old Chiweenie. Her name is Lily. Whenever there's fireworks or thunderstorms she shakes and pants uncontrollably. Other than that she's fine. I purchased this product with a little hope it would help her. To my amazement, it worked!! I give her one right before i see a storm coming and it lasts 6 hours! She loves the taste and i have no problem giving them to her!!!!"

Why Wag! loves Vetriscience Composure Calming Treats a stale treat?!)

Also comes in an extended-release version for long-acting anxiety relief (a great choice for road trips or a day spent at the groomer)

Uses a high-quality form of L-theanine, called "Suntheanine," rather than the lower-quality alternatives.
Third-party testing ensures accurate results (and no skewed data in favor of the product!)
Uses natural preservatives like rosemary and tocopherols

Considerations & concerns

Some Vetriscience products contain peanutflavoring, so be sure to check the packaging if you or someone in your home has an allergy.

What pet parents say about Vetriscience Composure Calming Treats

"I have a highly sensitive dog whose thunderstorm fears have gotten so bad that he shakes and pants uncontrollably and sometimes even throws up. Enter Composure, a true game-changer in our house, not only for thunderstorms but also for vet visits.

The trick, I've found, is timing: you have to give this BEFORE the storm starts in order for it to work, though it does work fast (I'd say within fifteen minutes or so). We've learned to follow the weather closely, and it's made all the difference in the world.

What inspired me to write this review was the moment during a storm a couple of days ago when my pup came into the room wagging at the SAME TIME it was thundering. The word "miraculous" might seem overblown, but if you could see the difference Composure has made in my dog's life, you might agree. :) I hope it helps your family member(s), too!”

"I got these for my dog who is a little anxious and recently became scared to go outside after some bad experiences. After taking this, he is just as reluctant to go outside, but once he is outside he will sniff around and explore a little instead of heading immediately back in after he's peed or trying to run home after some noise startles him.

I hope with some more time using this he will learn that outside isn't as scary as he expects it to be and get back to enjoying it like he used to. He's still nervous and jumpy on it, so it's no miracle cure. This calms him just enough that I can give him treats and actually counter-condition when we're outside instead of him refusing treats because he was too nervous - and that makes a difference. He also loves the flavor, goes nuts for it."