Dogs can show anxiety in many different forms. Pacing, howling, barking, or simply hiding are all signs that your dog is feeling the swirling dread of anxiousness. Luckily, there are delicious, healthy, and effective treats for your pup that calm and soothe them, helping to prevent the signs of anxiety and afford your dog some calm and comfort when they genuinely need it.
CBD treats are all the rage at the moment, as the calming benefits of hemp and its derivatives (minus THC, the chemical that causes a “high”) are truly beginning to be known, with CBD being an excellent help for dogs suffering from anxiety.
We examined the CBD dog treats for dogs with anxiety with the highest reviews to give you the best solution for your stressed-out pup, making vet visits, thunderstorms, or traveling much more enjoyable.
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Naturvet Hemp Quiet Moments Soft Chews
All breed and age-appropriate
Added calming ingredients like melatonin
Added ginger for nausea (such as travel sickness)
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Best Value
ThunderWunders Hemp Calming Dog Chews
Excellent value for the price
Suitable for all breeds
Suitable for Puppies
Check Price
Premium Choice
Vet Worthy Calming + Hemp Soft Chews
Contains full-spectrum hemp
Combines L-Theanine with Tryptophan
It has a mild poultry flavor
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Best for Puppies
Green Gruff Relax
Gentle Flavoring
Suitable for all ages
Includes valerian and ashwagandha
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Nulo Calming Soft Chew
Veterinarian Formulated
Formulated with organic chamomile and Ashwagandha Root
Added Magnesium
Check Price
The 10 Best CBD Treats for Dogs With Anxiety
We ranked the Naturvet Hemp Quiet Moments Soft Chews our best overall CBD dog treat for anxiety because of the fantastic mix of ingredients it provides that has been proven to produce calming, anti-nausea, and anti-anxiety effects in dogs (and in people).
Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, hemp seed powder, chamomile, ginger, passionflower, l-tryptophan, melatonin
Treat Type: Soft chew
Quantity: 60, 180, or 360 pieces per pack
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This combination uses hemp oil and powder to get the best of both worlds from the hemp plant. Plus, an added dose of melatonin can not only help to calm your pup but can help them drift off to sleep.
These soft chews are small and easy to eat, which is a big plus if you have a nauseous and nervous dog while traveling. The added ginger in the chew will also help with nausea, as ginger has long been known for its anti-emetic properties for humans and dogs.
We also liked that this brand offers three sizes to choose from, making it more cost-effective for those with larger or smaller dogs.
Pros
All breed and age-appropriate
Added calming ingredients like melatonin
Added ginger for nausea (such as travel sickness)
Cons
No flavor mentioned on the product site
This small but mighty bite is perfect for those pets who get stressed during thunderstorms, fireworks, or any unavoidable triggers. These treats also use hemp seed oil and powder for the maximum calming benefit, combined with passionflower for its sedative effects and ginger as an anti-nausea element for those long car journeys.
All breed and age-appropriate
Added calming ingredients like melatonin
Added ginger for nausea (such as travel sickness)
- All breed and age-appropriate
- Added calming ingredients like melatonin
- Added ginger for nausea (such as travel sickness)
No flavor mentioned on the product site
- No flavor mentioned on the product site
Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, hemp seed powder, chamomile, thiamine, passionflower, ginger, melatonin
Treat Type: Soft chew
Quantity: 60 or 180 pieces per pack
Thiamine has been included in this mix, as there is anecdotal evidence of thiamine being responsible for the nervous responses in a dog’s body. It also contains melatonin for that sleepy, completely relaxed effect.
We think that this calming chew is the best CBD dog treat for anxiety for the money because of the number of quality ingredients found within the product for the price. In addition, the two options keep it wallet-friendly for those with larger hounds.
Pros
Excellent value for the price
Suitable for all breeds
Suitable for Puppies
Cons
No flavor is noted on the product site.
The Vet Worthy calming chews were the only CBD treats we could find in our research that contained full-spectrum hemp. Full-spectrum hemp contains small amounts of every chemical component of the hemp plant. While any undesirable effects some of these compounds may cause have been completely taken away, the big positives are all heightened by the whole spectrum of soothing, calming components.
Excellent value for the price
Suitable for all breeds
Suitable for Puppies
- Excellent value for the price
- Suitable for all breeds
- Suitable for Puppies
No flavor is noted on the product site.
- No flavor is noted on the product site.
Ingredients: Hemp blend (help powder, hemp seed oil, and full-spectrum hemp), l-theanine, tryptophan
Treat Type: Soft chew
Quantity: 30 pieces per pack
In a nutshell, this is a premium product for your pup, as all the benefits of the entire hemp plant are thought to reduce anxiety in dogs, but current studies seem to show that it may not be as effective as once hoped.
The flavor is palatable and relatively inoffensive (a poultry flavoring), so if your pup is feeling nervous and nauseous, this chewy treat should be easy for them to eat.
Pros
Contains full-spectrum hemp
Combines L-Theanine with Tryptophan
It has a mild poultry flavor
Cons
Only suitable for adult dogs
Not ideal for puppies or small breeds
With an unusual yet gentle smoked coconut flavor, the Green Gruff Relax chews are seemingly fantastic for puppies and young dogs. However, being a puppy is stressful and nerve-wracking. With so many experiences, sights, and smells around, it’s no wonder your pup may get a little nervous now and again.
Contains full-spectrum hemp
Combines L-Theanine with Tryptophan
It has a mild poultry flavor
- Contains full-spectrum hemp
- Combines L-Theanine with Tryptophan
- It has a mild poultry flavor
Only suitable for adult dogs
Not ideal for puppies or small breeds
- Only suitable for adult dogs
- Not ideal for puppies or small breeds
Ingredients: Organic hemp powder, organic chamomile, cricket flour, ashwagandha, hemp oil, valerian, L-tryptophan
Treat Type: Soft chew
Quantity: 24 or 90 pieces per packet
Green Gruff has organic ingredients and added valerian and ashwagandha. Valerian is a mild sedative, and ashwagandha is scientifically proven in studies to reduce the stress hormone cortisol in dogs. The treats will comfort your dog in the short term and improve overall health in the long term, even including a sustainable, high-quality protein source by using cricket flour.
While we think the mild flavoring of soaked coconut is a plus, there will be dogs who don’t like the taste. However, Green Gruff offers a 24-piece pack to try first before buying the 90-piece bag.
Pros
Gentle Flavoring
Suitable for all ages
Includes valerian and ashwagandha
Cons
Contains some potential allergens
Some dogs may not like the taste
Nulo Calming Soft Chews aim to provide all the relaxation your pup needs, without any sedating effects that may make them drowsy, so they can continue to be their bouncy selves without the sharp edge of anxiety.
Gentle Flavoring
Suitable for all ages
Includes valerian and ashwagandha
- Gentle Flavoring
- Suitable for all ages
- Includes valerian and ashwagandha
Contains some potential allergens
Some dogs may not like the taste
- Contains some potential allergens
- Some dogs may not like the taste
Ingredients: Organic hemp seed oil, organic chamomile, l-tryptophan, l-theanine, ashwagandha, magnesium, vitamin B1
Treat Type: Soft chew
Quantity: 90 pieces per pack
If you need to be out and about with your dog, but they’re nervous in the car or busy places, these CBD treats can help clear their mind and reduce their stress before you depart.
Magnesium is included in this formulation to help your dog retain an optimum amount of magnesium in their bodies. When your dog is stressed or anxious, magnesium is used in more significant amounts. By including it in these treats, you can ensure your dog’s muscles and nervous system have all the magnesium they need to function correctly.
Pros
Veterinarian Formulated
Formulated with organic chamomile and Ashwagandha Root
Added Magnesium
Cons
Diarrhea warning if your dog is sensitive to some ingredients
Not suitable for puppies
Packed with calming ingredients, these super treats use a blend of hemp with comforting passionflower and valerian while adding ginger for its anti-nausea effects. They may be the most alluring and mouthwatering products of all that we’ve reviewed!
Veterinarian Formulated
Formulated with organic chamomile and Ashwagandha Root
Added Magnesium
- Veterinarian Formulated
- Formulated with organic chamomile and Ashwagandha Root
- Added Magnesium
Diarrhea warning if your dog is sensitive to some ingredients
Not suitable for puppies
- Diarrhea warning if your dog is sensitive to some ingredients
- Not suitable for puppies
Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, organic hemp seed powder, chamomile powder, passion flower, valerian root powder, L-theanine, organic ginger root powder, magnesium, biopterin, melatonin
Treat Type: Soft chew
Quantity: 90 pieces per packet
Peanut butter and honey flavor will help assure you that there’ll be no fighting to get your pup to gobble down their CBD treat, even when they’re nervous. For larger dogs, only three chews are needed daily, which makes them a good choice for those with dogs over 81lbs.
The bioperine (derived from black pepper) included in the formulation helps the body to absorb the other soothing ingredients in the chews. The 100 milligrams (mg) of chamomile in each treat also helps dogs that may struggle with hyperactivity by tempering their energy levels. Combined with melatonin, Nutrivet can help calm them and ensure they get good sleep quality.
Pros
Tempting flavor
Veterinarian formulated
Bioperine to help with absorption
Cons
Formulated for adult dogs only
May cause diarrhea in sensitive dogs
- Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Mini Bites CBD Dog Treats
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Ingredients: Organic hemp seed, organic chamomile, passionflower, valerian root, l-tryptophan, melatonin, l-theanine, organic ginger root, ashwagandha, magnesium
Treat Type: Soft chew
Quantity: 90 pieces per pack
Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Mini Bites contain not only organic hemp seed and organic chamomile but also, like other treats on this list, contain passionflower, magnesium, and organic ginger root.
Tempting flavor
Veterinarian formulated
Bioperine to help with absorption
- Tempting flavor
- Veterinarian formulated
- Bioperine to help with absorption
Formulated for adult dogs only
May cause diarrhea in sensitive dogs
- Formulated for adult dogs only
- May cause diarrhea in sensitive dogs
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Ingredients: Organic hemp seed, organic chamomile, passionflower, valerian root, l-tryptophan, melatonin, l-theanine, organic ginger root, ashwagandha, magnesium
Treat Type: Soft chew
Quantity: 90 pieces per pack
The inclusion of both l-tryptophan and l-theanine, along with melatonin, helps to keep your pup calm. The good thing about these treats is that they still contain all the common ingredients that can help your dog beat anxiety at effective levels, even if they are a small breed, making dosing much more manageable.
These soft chews are made explicitly for small breed dogs such as Chihuahuas or Jack Russells. They are flavored with tasty turkey, making them amazingly palatable for your pub. Suntheanine, the patented brand of l-theanine included in this recipe, claims to be clinically proven to aid relaxation.
Sensoril, a clinically studied form of ashwagandha, is also included in these chewy treats. Because these treats are for small dogs, they shouldn’t be given to dogs over 30lbs.
Pros
Specifically for small breed dogs
Uses patented L-theanine and Ashwagandha
Tasty Turkey Flavor
Cons
Adult dog-only formulation
Not suitable for medium to extra-large dogs.
The Pet MD calming hemp chews are little heart-shaped treats that pack a punch. They also contain hemp powder and hemp seed powder to help give the full benefits of CBD. In addition, they include passionflower, an antispasmodic, and ginger to help dogs that might feel nauseous when nervous, competing in competitions, or on long car journeys.
Specifically for small breed dogs
Uses patented L-theanine and Ashwagandha
Tasty Turkey Flavor
- Specifically for small breed dogs
- Uses patented L-theanine and Ashwagandha
- Tasty Turkey Flavor
Adult dog-only formulation
Not suitable for medium to extra-large dogs.
- Adult dog-only formulation
- Not suitable for medium to extra-large dogs.
Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, hemp seed powder, chamomile, thiamine, passionflower, ginger, l-tryptophan, melatonin
Treat Type: Soft chew
Quantity: 120 pieces per package
Veterinarians have recommended Pet MD Calming Hemp Chews and, like others on this list, they also contain tryptophan and melatonin, which can help to relax your dog and make sure they get some sleep if they’re anxious.
The company states that these chews are proudly made in the USA. Still, there isn’t any information on exactly where they source their ingredients. Also, the treats are best suited to smaller dogs, as dogs over 100 pounds would need a whopping six treats for one dose.
Pros
Ginger included for nausea
Help oil and hemp powder
Veterinarian recommended
Cons
Not suitable for puppies
Not cost-effective for dogs over 100lbs as six treats are needed for one dose
- Natural Rapport “The Only Hemp” Dog Treats
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Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, hemp seed powder, chamomile powder, passionflower, valerian root, l-tryptophan, organic ginger root powder
Treat Type: Soft chew
Quantity: 120 pieces per pack
These soft, chewy treats containing CBD are puppy friendly and processed in a specific way to retain nutrients. They’re not cold pressed or pressed too harshly, and they’re not baked, meaning that every nutritious bite has the full range of calming ingredients that your pup would need if they were anxious.
Ginger included for nausea
Help oil and hemp powder
Veterinarian recommended
- Ginger included for nausea
- Help oil and hemp powder
- Veterinarian recommended
Not suitable for puppies
Not cost-effective for dogs over 100lbs as six treats are needed for one dose
- Not suitable for puppies
- Not cost-effective for dogs over 100lbs as six treats are needed for one dose
Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, hemp seed powder, chamomile powder, passionflower, valerian root, l-tryptophan, organic ginger root powder
Treat Type: Soft chew
Quantity: 120 pieces per pack
These treats are perfect for dogs with long-term anxiety as they can be given ( and are recommended to be given) consistently for 4 to 6 weeks, meaning that your dog gets a “loading dose” of the calming ingredients, allowing them to coast through anxiety-causing events with absolute ease.
There is only one size available, however. For larger dogs, they’re not as good value for the money since a dog over 75 pounds needs four treats for a single dose.
Pros
Mostly organic ingredients
Processed in a unique way to retain nutrients
Puppy Friendly
Cons
Not cost-effective for large dogs
Only one size pack
- Natures Logic Calming Biscuits CBD Treats for Dogs
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Ingredients: Millet, barley, tapioca root, peanut butter, porcine gelatin, organic hemp seed oil, coconut oil, dried banana, pork bone broth
Treat Type: Biscuit
Quantity: 60 pieces per package
If your dog doesn’t like the feel or taste of soft chews, these biscuity delights are for you. With millet and tapioca to give crunch and peanut butter to enhance flavor, these relaxing treats are made with pork bone broth to provide an excellent source of glucosamine and chondroitin.
Mostly organic ingredients
Processed in a unique way to retain nutrients
Puppy Friendly
- Mostly organic ingredients
- Processed in a unique way to retain nutrients
- Puppy Friendly
Not cost-effective for large dogs
Only one size pack
- Not cost-effective for large dogs
- Only one size pack
Ingredients: Millet, barley, tapioca root, peanut butter, porcine gelatin, organic hemp seed oil, coconut oil, dried banana, pork bone broth
Treat Type: Biscuit
Quantity: 60 pieces per package
When combined with hemp, glucosamine and chondroitin can relieve pain and soothe anxiety for highly strung, older dogs. These treats are formulated for adult dogs only, however. Hence, they aren’t suitable for puppies. Also, the pack size (approximately 60 treats per pack) isn’t the biggest we’ve seen, meaning that if you have a larger dog, you may need to buy a few packages to get you through the month.
Pros
Biscuit form
Bone broth provides chondroitin and glucosamine
Peanut butter makes them very palatable
Cons
Formulated for adult dogs only
Only one size pack is available
Biscuit form
Bone broth provides chondroitin and glucosamine
Peanut butter makes them very palatable
- Biscuit form
- Bone broth provides chondroitin and glucosamine
- Peanut butter makes them very palatable
Formulated for adult dogs only
Only one size pack is available
- Formulated for adult dogs only
- Only one size pack is available
Buyer’s Guide: What To Look for When Buying CBD Treats for Your Anxious Dog
When looking into what treats may be a good fit for your pup, there are a few points to consider, mainly because you want to alleviate your dog’s uncomfortable anxiety (and all the symptoms that come with it) and make sure they feel relaxed.
One of the most important factors to keep in mind when shopping for CBD treats is what your dog likes and dislikes. Consider whether they want a particular flavor (do they love peanut butter, or will they do better with a meaty flavor?) or a specific type of treat, such as soft chews versus biscuits.
Ingredient Quality
Some essential, calming ingredients are found in CBD treats for anxious dogs, mainly hemp and its derivatives. Hemp oil and hemp seed powder contain CBD (cannabidiol), which is the ingredient that induces the calming, soothing effects you’re looking for.
The quality of these ingredients is of the utmost importance, as locally sourced (US) hemp is likely to be more quality controlled than hemp imported from elsewhere.
There are also tighter restrictions on the amounts of CBD and active ingredients allowed in treats in the US, which makes them effective, but reduces the risk of any potential adverse side effects.
Additional Ingredients
There have been many studies surrounding ingredients that are attributed to reducing anxiety in dogs (and people), such as passionflower, ashwagandha, valerian, and chamomile. Adding these ingredients, as well as less common ingredients such as melatonin, will help to enhance the comforting feeling CBD gives your pup.
While not always crucial that they’re included, it’s a good idea to look for a product that has balanced amounts of these ingredients, which can help boost the effectiveness of each treat.
Pricing
Value for money is always an excellent point to consider when looking for the best of the best. We looked at pack size, dosages, and the amounts of ingredients in each treat when considering our selections for price. While more premium options will be more expensive, we want to see the quality reflected in the price. A high-quality product with a reasonable price tag always brings a smile to our faces.
Customer Satisfaction and Reviews
The bottom line with CBD treats is customer satisfaction, both from the dog’s and the owner’s points of view. Are the treats packaged well, are they easily given to dogs, did your dog like the taste, and (most importantly) were they effective? These are all questions we frame in our minds when looking at product reviews.
Ease of Dosing
The last thing we consider when looking at the quality of CBD treats is the ease of dosing. If the treats are too large, they won’t be suitable for smaller dogs since giving an accurate dose (particularly with an active ingredient like CBD) is tough when you must break apart tablets by cutting them into quarters or halves.
The same is true for large dogs that need to take multiple chews as a single dose, as it’s less likely they’ll eat the whole dose at once. However, if they don’t particularly like the taste, it can be tricky to ensure they eat them all!
Final Thoughts
Our top picks for CBD treats for dogs with anxiety all have excellent positives, with the Naturvet Help Quiet Moments coming in first due to the quality of the ingredients, the very positive reviews, and the ease of dosing. The ThunderWunders treats came in at a close second; they are very effective at relaxing your dog and easing their anxiety without breaking the bank.
Finally, for those who want to treat their pet to a luxury treat when they’re feeling nervous, the Vet Worthy Calming + chews are our choice, combining the soothing effects of L-theanine with the power of full-spectrum hemp, which truly is impressive and an excellent feature of the premium product.
CBD has many benefits for dogs with anxiety. Helping your dog prepare for an event that they might find stressful is one of the best uses for the natural ingredient there is.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6168022/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787822000326?dgcid=rss_sd_all https://vetspec.com/help-advice/keeping-your-dog-calm-and-focused/?v=79cba1185463 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5356289/
Featured Image Credit: Ingrid Yeh, Writer
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6168022/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787822000326?dgcid=rss_sd_all https://vetspec.com/help-advice/keeping-your-dog-calm-and-focused/?v=79cba1185463 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5356289/
