A Pet Parent’s Review of Top Calming Pet Treats

[Julia Jhonson]

If you’ve ever had a pet that’s nervous, jittery, or just won’t settle down, you know how stressful it can be—for both of you. Loud noises, new people, trips to the vet… even a simple car ride can turn into a panic party. That’s where Calming Pet Treats come into play.

This blog post takes a look at some of the top calming treats available on the market today, all from the perspective of a pet parent who’s been there, done that, and has the half-chewed furniture to prove it.

Life Before Calming Pet Treats

Meet Sarah. She’s a full-time graphic designer, part-time dog wrangler, and full-time “mom” to a seven-year-old rescue pup named Max and a three-year-old tabby named Luna. Max is terrified of thunderstorms. Luna turns into a nervous mess every time someone rings the doorbell.

Before discovering Calming Pet Treats, Sarah had tried everything—soothing music, thunder shirts, lavender sprays, even sitting on the floor with them during storms. Sometimes it helped, but most times, not enough.

What Are Calming Pet Treats Anyway?

Calming Pet Treats are soft chews or biscuits made with natural ingredients that promote relaxation. Things like chamomile, L-theanine, valerian root, CBD (in some), or melatonin are common.

They're designed to gently ease your pet into a calmer state without knocking them out completely or making them drowsy for hours.

And honestly, for pet parents like Sarah, they can feel like a small miracle in a bite-sized package.

Trying and Testing: The Top Picks

Over a six-month period, Sarah tried out several brands of Calming Pet Treats with Max and Luna. Here are her top four picks and what she had to say about each.

1. Zesty Paws Calming Bites (for Dogs)

Main Ingredients: Hemp, chamomile, valerian root

Sarah noticed Max visibly relaxing within about 30 minutes after eating these. His breathing slowed, and he no longer shook when thunder started. They’re soft, chewy, and apparently tasty—Max always asked for more.

Pros:

• Quick response
  
  

• No drowsy aftermath
  
  

• Natural, safe ingredients
  
  

Cons:

• A little pricey
  
  

• Strong smell
  
  

Verdict: Great for situational stress like fireworks or car rides.

2. NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid (for Cats)

Main Ingredients: L-tryptophan, melatonin

Luna usually hides when guests come over. After trying this, she stayed in the room, alert but not anxious. No signs of sedation, just a noticeable mellow vibe.

Pros:

• Effective in social settings
  
  

• Easy to chew and digest
  
  

Cons:

• Cats can be picky about the flavor
  
  

• Needs consistency for best results
  
  

Verdict: Perfect for cats dealing with general anxiety or changes in routine.

3. PetHonesty Calming Hemp Treats (for Dogs & Cats)

Main Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, ginger root, chamomile

Sarah loved this option because she could use the same treat for both pets. It worked better for Luna than Max, but both animals showed signs of reduced stress levels.

Pros:

• Multi-pet solution
  
  

• No artificial additives
  
  

Cons:

• Slightly larger chew, harder for smaller cats
  
  

• Mild results for bigger dogs like Max
  
  

Verdict: A decent everyday treat for multi-pet households.

4. VetriScience Composure Chews (for Cats & Dogs)

Main Ingredients: Colostrum calming complex, L-theanine

Sarah used this mostly for vet appointments. One chew an hour before, and the visit was smoother for both Max and Luna.

Pros:

• Quick-acting
  
  

• Trusted by vets
  
  

Cons:

• Needs precise timing
  
  

• Can dry out if not stored properly
  
  

Verdict: Great for predictable stress moments like grooming or trips to the vet.

What to Expect (And Not Expect)

Sarah’s honest take? Calming Pet Treats aren’t magic pills—but they are incredibly helpful.

They won’t fix behavior issues or cure anxiety overnight. But when used consistently, they can absolutely make daily life easier—for everyone.

You still need to pair them with positive reinforcement and a calm environment. But they’re a valuable part of a bigger anxiety-management toolbox.

And one more tip from Sarah: always read the label. Not all calming treats are made the same, and dosages vary by size and species.

Final Thoughts: Worth It? Absolutely.

At the end of the six months, Sarah had a calmer home. Max still didn’t love thunderstorms, but he wasn’t trembling in the corner anymore. Luna wasn’t hiding under the bed every time a friend came over.

And Sarah? She could finally breathe a little easier, too.

Calming Pet Treats didn’t change who her pets were—but they helped them feel more secure, and that made a world of difference.

Call to Action

If your pet struggles with stress or anxiety, don’t wait until the next meltdown. Try a few different Calming Pet Treats, keep track of what works, and be patient.

Every pet is different. But with the right approach (and maybe a little chamomile), a calmer, happier pet might just be one treat away.

Got a favorite calming treat that works for your furry friend? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media with your review!