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Calming chews and supplements

Calming chews and supplements are some of the most popular anxiety products for dogs. Some may help some dogs, but the research behind them is thin, so talk to your vet before you try one.

Dog taking a bone-shaped treat from a hand

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What the research says

L-theanine. The study most often cited tested a branded L-theanine product on storm-sensitive pet dogs. According to a summary in Today’s Veterinary Practice, 18 dogs completed the trial and treatment was judged successful in 12. There was no placebo group, so every owner knew their dog was getting the supplement.

Alpha-casozepine. A 2017 review in Veterinary Evidence found no evidence that this milk-protein ingredient works when given shortly before a stressful event, and only limited, weak evidence for longer-term use.

Probiotics. In a research abstract from Nestlé Purina, 24 anxious Labrador retrievers were given the probiotic strain BL999 for six weeks and a placebo for six weeks. On the probiotic, they barked, jumped, spun and paced less. The research was done by the company that sells the product, and it involved one breed.

Quality. In an American Veterinary Medical Association news report, a veterinary pharmacologist explains that supplements don’t have the same oversight as drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The same report says many supplements fail quality tests for potency and contaminants.

Which dogs they may suit

  • Dogs whose worry is mild
  • Dogs facing a stress you can predict, such as a car trip or visitors
  • Dogs your vet has checked over, with a product your vet is happy with
  • Owners using the product alongside training and a steady routine

What to look for

  • A label that names each active ingredient and how much is in each chew or dose.
  • Independent quality testing. That’s the advice of Dr. Lisa Freeman of Tufts University in the AVMA report.
  • A product made for dogs.
  • One change at a time, so you can tell what’s helping.
  • A full list of everything your dog takes, to show your vet.

When to see your vet instead

Go to your vet first if your dog’s anxiety is severe, if they could hurt themselves, if there’s any aggression or if the behavior changed suddenly. Cornell University’s canine health center advises seeing a veterinarian over picking up an over-the-counter supplement, and notes that anti-anxiety medication is an option. Never swap prescribed medication for a supplement.

Our picks

We picked these from popular, well-reviewed listings on Amazon.com in October 2026. We haven’t tested them ourselves. Each card says why the product is included and which dogs it may suit. Prices change often, so the button takes you to Amazon to check.

Purina Pro Plan Calming Care

Purina Pro Plan Calming Care

By Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements

Why it's included A daily probiotic powder you add to your dog's food. It's built around one named ingredient, a probiotic strain called BL999 that Purina has studied for calm behavior.

May suit Dogs who find visitors, noises or changes in routine stressful. Purina says it can take up to six weeks to see the full effect.

Ask your vet before giving any supplement, especially if your dog takes medication or has a health condition.

Check price on Amazon
Greenies Calming Chews

Greenies Calming Chews

Why it's included Chicken-flavored soft chews with L-theanine and L-tryptophan, from the makers of Greenies dental treats.

May suit Adult dogs who happily take a chew and need some support around occasional stressful events.

Ask your vet before giving any supplement, especially if your dog takes medication or has a health condition.

Check price on Amazon
VetriScience Calm & Confident Chews

VetriScience Calm & Confident Chews

Why it's included Bite-sized chicken chews with colostrum, L-theanine and vitamin B1. The formula was sold as Composure until it was renamed.

May suit Dogs facing a known stressor, such as a car ride or vet visit. VetriScience suggests giving it about 30 minutes beforehand.

Ask your vet before giving any supplement, especially if your dog takes medication or has a health condition.

Check price on Amazon

Related guides

When to talk to your vet. This page shares general information. If your dog panics, could hurt itself or changes suddenly, please speak with your vet. Read our disclaimer.

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