Top 5 Anxiety Support Supplements For Dogs in 2024
Don't buy anxiety support supplements for your dog until you read this!
Choosing the right anxiety support supplement for your dog relies on three key points: Safe Ingredients, Effectiveness, and Value for money.
Did you know that dogs can experience stress and anxiety just like humans do? In fact, it's one of the most common conditions in dogs, especially in today’s day in age. Studies have shown that there have been increased levels of anxiety in pets in the past few years since the pandemic. For example, dog separation anxiety has jumped over 700% in only two years.[1]
Dogs suffering from anxiety and stress can experience a range of issues if left untreated, both psychological and physical. But there’s good news: there are ways to help, and maybe even prevent issues, when it comes to anxiety in your dog.
If your dog is suffering from anxiety—whether it’s separation, social, travel, or general anxiety—a quality anxiety supplement may help. Anxiety support has become one of the most popular supplements for canines, and for good reason. High-quality calming treats can help give dogs quick relief from many symptoms, signs, and problems that come with stress and anxiety.
Understanding the best methods to relieve anxiety in dogs can be complicated. That's why Pup Living dedicated significant time to researching this topic. Our research sheds light on key things to look for and potential pitfalls when choosing products to support a dog's calmness. Explore how these products have the potential to make a meaningful difference in your pup's life.
How to Tell if Your Dog is Experience Anxiety
Anxiety in dogs can be triggered by numerous things, such as separation, noises, traveling, changes in environment or schedules, vet visits, and more. Here are some signs to look out for if you think your pup may be having issues:
- Aggressive and/or destructive behavior
- Repetitive and/or compulsive behaviors
- Low energy or depression
- Unsettled stomach
- Growing or barking
- Restlessness and/or pacing
- Drooling
In the search to find safer alternative options for anxiety support for dogs, pet professionals, and researchers have started to study how certain supplements can help dogs feel calm and relaxed. And we’re here to help. Keep reading to find out what you should look for and what to watch out for when choosing a supplement to help with your dog’s anxiety.
Benefits of Calming Chews for Dogs
Promotes Mood Balance & Relaxation[2,3,4]
- Encourages a calming effect on the brain
- Boosts mood and temperament
Eases Stress, Anxiety, & Anger[5-9]
- Helps reduce the risk of aggressive or destructive behavior
- Aids with symptoms of various forms of anxiety
Muscle Relaxant & Reduces Restlessness[5,6,7]
- Helps block nerve transmissions in the brain
- Aids in calming hyperactive behaviors
Promotes All-Natural Health & Wellness[7,8,10,11]
- Encourages healthy inflammation responses
- Improves sleep quality, brain function, and energy levels
What You Need In The Perfect Anxiety Support Supplement
Taking all of the beneficial attributes listed above into consideration, we've boiled down a list of four key characteristics you should always look for in quality anxiety support and calming treats for dogs. Try to seek out all of these qualities:
Healthy, Safe Ingredients & Dosages
Your dog deserves the best. When it comes to supplements for your dog, make sure you’re getting the best, cleanest ingredients possible.
Calming supplements should be made with natural, herbal ingredients. Look for ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, passion flower, and L-theanine. These ingredients are well-studied and have been shown to have positive effects on dogs who suffer from anxiety and stress.
Added Beneficial Ingredients
A great bonus when it comes to anxiety supplements is if it includes ingredients that promote additional wellness benefits. For example, some calming chews include hemp seed oil, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, and also has natural anti-inflammatory properties.[7,10]
Beneficial For Dogs Of All Ages
Although many items throughout your dog’s life are targeted for specific ages, anxiety support supplements don’t have to operate this way. We recommend choosing a supplement that is good for all ages, as any dog can experience anxiety and stress.
One of the biggest complaints we hear from dog owners is that their dog has no interest in taking supplements or pills. Dogs, like humans, can be picky. Take into consideration what your dog likes and dislikes. This may be a trial-and-error process, but worth it in the end. Naturally flavored supplements make the supplement a treat for them and can make administering them much easier.
What To Avoid when buying Anxiety Support Supplement
Artificial Colors & Dyes
Artificial colors make things look more visually appealing. However, artificial colors have been linked to hyperactivity as well as several biochemical processes within the body. The only reason artificial colors are used in any food is to make the food look more appealing. There's no reason to use artificial coloring in food and is completely unnecessary for people and pets. There are many naturally derived colors available to manufacturers.
Common Allergens & Harmful Preservatives
Labels on supplements are sometimes created with the intention of being deceiving or confusing to the consumer. This is due to the fact that many supplements come with fillers, preservatives, potential allergens, and other unnecessary additives like sugars or food coloring. These additives provide no medical benefit and disregarding them may potentially cause your dog to suffer from allergic reactions or sensitivity.
When it comes to choosing supplements for your dog, be picky. Check the ingredients and don’t settle for less than healthy.
TOP 5 Anxiety SUPPLEMENTS FOR DOGS 2024
Based on our own extensive research, the metrics provided by our Pup Living Ranking System, and consideration of thousands of reviews by shoppers just like you, we've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five products in this category, on the market today.
1. Anxiety Chews
Total Ranking
1151 votes
9.7/10
A+
Overall GradePROS
- Contains Natural Ingredients
- Promotes Calmness & Relaxation
- Great for All Ages & Sizes
- Appealing Flavor & Scent
- GMP Certified & Veterinarian Formulated
- Excellent US-based customer service
- 30-day, risk-free, money-back, product guarantee
CONS
- Only Available Online
The Bottom Line
PupGrade’s Anxiety Chew offers an incredible value featuring an enticing, dog-friendly flavor and a long list of natural herbal ingredients packed with many healthful benefits. They contain a blend of powerhouse dog anxiety essentials like Organic Ginger Powder, L-Tryptophan, Organic Chamomile, Valerian Root, Organic Passion Flower, L-Theanine, and Ashwagandha Root. These tasty, easy-to-consume chews allow for consumption regardless of your pup’s age. Their chews promote a calming, relaxed feeling without the brain fog and hazy feeling, and are suitable for all breeds, sizes, and ages.
Made with only the good stuff and 100% junk free! That means your dog is getting savory, flavorful chews free of grains, wheat, corn, artificial colors, dyes, AND harmful preservatives. Feed your dog with peace of mind knowing this GMP Certified supplement has been tested rigorously to ensure there are no harmful ingredients.
Their return policy includes a 30-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee, proving the company stands behind its products.
*Results are based on the PupLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn About Our Top Pick2. Calming Soft Chews
Total Ranking
742 votes
9.1/10
A-
Overall GradePROS
- All-Natural Ingredients
- Non-Drowsy Formula
- Vegetarian Chicken Flavoring
- Non-GMO
CONS
- Fewer Beneficial Ingredients
- Not Long Acting
- Only available online
The Bottom Line
Pawfy is a trusted brand that prides itself on using all-natural, responsibly sourced ingredients. Their non-drowsy formula is well-loved by pet owners. And dogs love it, too, due to their use of vegetarian turkey flavor which is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
While this is a great product, it does have fewer beneficial ingredients compared to PupGrade. Their formula includes only four natural active ingredients compared to PupGrade’s impressive 10 active ingredients. Due to the ingredients Pawfy has chosen, this is strictly for anxiety and stress, and may not provide any other added wellness benefits.
*Results are based on the PupLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Calming Chews
Total Ranking
644 votes
8.7/10
B+
Overall GradePROS
- Natural Ingredients
- Time-Release Soft Chews
- Vet Approved
- 100% Guarantee
CONS
- Doesn’t Contain Hemp Seed Oil
- Fewer Calming Ingredients
- Many Chews Needed for Large Dogs
The Bottom Line
Waggedy's Calming Chews with Melatonin are a natural supplement that can help to reduce anxiety and stress in dogs. They are made with a blend of calming ingredients, including melatonin, chamomile, and L-tryptophan.
We were missing hemp seed oil as an ingredient, and a few other natural calming ingredients like PupGrade has, but is overall still a great formula. However, their suggested use states dogs 100 lbs or more need six total chews. Therefore, the supply per container can get pricey if you have a larger dog.
*Results are based on the PupLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. Hemp Calming Max Strength
Total Ranking
497 votes
8.1/10
B-
Overall GradePROS
- Natural Ingredients
- Non-Sedative Calming Chew
- No Added Wheat, Corn, or Sugar
CONS
- Not Intended for Dogs Younger Than 1-Year-Old
- Picky Eaters Don’t Love Flavor
- Contains Sorbic Acid
- No Stated Money-Back Guarantee
The Bottom Line
PetHonesty’s Calming Max Strength Chews showcase an impressive ingredient lineup. These chews are full of natural calming ingredients and don’t include any common allergens, wheat, corn, or sugar. This formula does contain sorbic acid, however. While it is a safe amount, this ingredient may upset some pups’ stomachs.
While these chews are suitable for all breeds and sizes of dogs, they are not suitable for puppies younger than 1 year of age. Additionally, some pet parents have reported their picky pup doesn’t love the flavor, while others said their dogs love it. At this price point, it may put a damper on your wallet if your dog is picky.
*Results are based on the PupLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Calming Aid with Melatonin
Total Ranking
247 votes
7.9/10
C+
Overall GradePROS
- Advanced Formula
- Includes Probiotics
- Cold-Pressed
CONS
- Contains Rice
- Expensive
- Greasy
- May Cause Upset Stomach
The Bottom Line
Nootie’s Calming Aid with Melatonin uses an advanced formula that can aid with anxiety and stress, as well as digestive support as it includes probiotics. These chews are cold-pressed, meaning they have been extracted without the use of heat and can be more effective as the nutrients stay intact.
However, these chews do contain rice, which is not always the best choice for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Some owners did report upset stomachs in their dogs, so if you’re pet does have a sensitive stomach, this may not be the best choice for them. Additionally, pet owners found these treats to be greasy and can even leave grease stains on carpet and fabric. With the higher price point, some pet owners may not be willing to risk the potential side effects.
*Results are based on the PupLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreFinal Thoughts
The Bottom Line
When choosing an anxiety supplement for your dog, it's important to look for a product that's made with high-quality ingredients, delivered in optimal doses, and from a brand you can trust.
After searching the internet for the best dog anxiety supplement, we evaluated several brands based on their customer service, ingredients, and pricing. We believe that PupGrade's Anxiety Chew is the best on the market.
PupGrade's Anxiety Chew is made with a blend of natural ingredients that have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in dogs. The chews are also easy to give, and they have a delicious natural duck flavor that dogs go crazy for.
In addition to its high-quality ingredients and great customer service, PupGrade also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. So, if you're not happy with the product, you can return it for a full refund.
We highly recommend PupGrade's Anxiety Chew for dogs with anxiety. It's a safe, effective, and affordable way to help your furry friend feel calm and relaxed.
Take advantage of this Offer while supplies last - Use code below:
Resources:
- Pet anxiety surges dramatically during COVID, according to study by Green Element. News release. Green Element. May 31, 2022. https://greenelementcbd.com/pages/pet-anxiety-2022
- Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001;26(5):369-373. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11679026/
- Barbosa PR, Valvassori SS, Bordignon CL Jr, Kappel VD, Martins MR, Gavioli EC, et al. The aqueous extracts of Passiflora alata and Passiflora edulis reduce anxiety-related behaviors without affecting memory process in rats. J Med Food. 2008 Jun;11(2):282-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18598170/
- Elsas SM, Rossi DJ, Raber J, White G, Seeley CA, Gregory WL, Mohr C, Pfankuch T, Soumyanath A. Passiflora incarnata L. (Passionflower) extracts elicit GABA currents in hippocampal neurons in vitro, and show anxiogenic and anticonvulsant effects in vivo, varying with extraction method. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(12):940-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20382514/
- Gollakner, R. (n.d.). Chamomile: VCA Animal Hospitals. VCA Animal Hospitals. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chamomile
- Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular medicine reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377
- Taylor, S., & Madden, J. (2016). The Effect of Pet Remedy on the Behaviour of the Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 6(11), 64. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani6110064
- Gollakner, R. (n.d.). Chamomile: VCA Animal Hospitals. VCA Animal Hospitals. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chamomile
- Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular medicine reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377
- Callaway, James, et al. Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. Jour Dermatological Treatment. 2005. 16: 87-94. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16019622/
- PetMD. (2017, August 16). Valerian root for dogs: Does it work? PetMD. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/valerian-root-dogs-does-it-work
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