Dogs, much like humans, can experience anxiety due to various triggers—thunderstorms, separation, loud noises, or changes in routine. While training, environmental adjustments, and veterinary advice are key to managing canine anxiety, incorporating calming treats into your dog’s routine can provide an additional layer of comfort.
These treats, made with natural, dog-safe ingredients known for their soothing properties, can help ease stress while offering a tasty reward. In this article, we’ll explore four homemade calming dog treat recipes. Each recipe includes ingredients with calming benefits, step-by-step instructions, and tips for safe use.
Why Calming Treats Work for Dogs
Some ingredients naturally help ease anxiety in dogs. Chamomile and valerian root have gentle calming effects, while THC-free hemp seed can promote relaxation.
Ground flaxseed adds omega-3s for brain health and stress support. Chewing also helps reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins. These treats blend calming ingredients with dog-friendly bases like pumpkin, peanut butter, and turkey for a soothing, tasty snack.
Always check with your vet before introducing new treats, especially those with herbs like chamomile or valerian. Start with small amounts to ensure your dog tolerates them well.
Calming Dog Treats for Anxiety
Below are four recipes crafted to calm your dog, each with an ingredient table and detailed steps for a successful outcome.
#1 Frozen Blueberry Calming Bites
Why It Works: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that support overall health, while Greek yogurt provides probiotics that can improve gut health—a key factor in reducing anxiety, as the gut-brain connection is significant in dogs. Peanut butter adds a flavor dogs love, and hemp seed or oil offers natural calming properties, potentially reducing stress responses.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| ½ cup blueberries | Antioxidant-rich fruit for health and flavor. |
| ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt | Creamy base with probiotics for gut calm. |
| 1 tbsp peanut butter | Adds taste and healthy fats (xylitol-free). |
| 1 tsp hemp seed or oil | Natural calming support for anxiety relief. |
Step 1: Prepare the Blueberries
Wash ½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) under cold water. If using fresh, mash lightly with a fork; if frozen, thaw slightly for easier blending.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine mashed blueberries, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp peanut butter (unsalted, no xylitol), and 1 tsp hemp seed or oil. Stir until smooth—blend in a food processor if a finer texture is preferred.
Step 3: Fill the Molds
Spoon the mixture into silicone molds (small paw or round shapes) or an ice cube tray, filling each section fully. Tap gently to settle and remove air pockets.
Step 4: Freeze the Bites
Place the molds in the freezer for 3-4 hours, until solid. Check after 3 hours—bites should be firm for a cool, calming treat.
Step 5: Serve
Pop out one bite and serve—start with 1 small treat (1-2 tsp) to test your dog’s response to hemp.
#2 Turkey & Sweet Potato Soft Chews
Why It Works: Turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can promote relaxation by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Sweet potato provides fiber and slow-digesting carbs, helping to stabilize energy levels, while parsley has mild calming properties and freshens breath. The soft, chewy texture is ideal for dogs who find comfort in chewing.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| ½ cup cooked ground turkey | Lean protein for satisfaction and tryptophan. |
| ½ cup mashed sweet potato | Soothing carbs with vitamins for calm energy. |
| ½ cup oat flour | Gentle grain for texture and fiber. |
| 1 egg | Binds the chew and adds protein. |
| 1 tsp dried curly parsley | Calming herb that freshens breath. |
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ½ cup ground turkey for 5-7 minutes until fully browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat and cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Potato
Peel and chop 1 small sweet potato, boil for 10-15 minutes until soft, then mash to yield ½ cup. Let cool.
Step 4: Mix the Dough
In a bowl, combine cooked turkey, mashed sweet potato, ½ cup oat flour, 1 egg, and 1 tsp dried parsley. Stir until a soft dough forms—slightly sticky but workable.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll dough into 1-inch balls or flatten into discs, placing them on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until firm but soft. Cool for 20 minutes before serving.
#3 Peanut Butter Banana Melts (Freezer Treats)
Why It Works: Bananas provide natural sweetness and potassium, which supports muscle and nerve function, while peanut butter adds a comforting flavor and healthy fats. Greek yogurt supports gut health, and flaxseed offers omega-3s to reduce stress responses. Valerian root powder, a natural calming herb, can help soothe anxiety, but it should be used sparingly and with veterinary approval.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 ripe banana, mashed | Natural sweetness with potassium for calm. |
| ¼ cup unsweetened peanut butter | Rich flavor and fats (no xylitol). |
| 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt | Creamy texture with probiotics for gut ease. |
| 1 tsp ground flaxseed | Omega-3s for coat and mild calming effect. |
| ¼ tsp valerian root powder | Herbal calming agent—use sparingly. |
Step 1: Mash the Banana
Peel and mash 1 ripe banana in a bowl with a fork until smooth—ripe bananas enhance sweetness and ease mixing.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Add ¼ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free), 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp ground flaxseed, and ¼ tsp valerian root powder. Stir until fully combined—valerian adds a subtle calming boost.
Step 3: Fill the Molds
Spoon into silicone molds or an ice cube tray, filling each section. Tap to settle the mixture evenly.
Step 4: Freeze the Melts
Freeze for 3-4 hours, until solid—check at 3 hours for firmness.
Step 5: Serve
Serve one melt (1-2 tsp) chilled—monitor your dog’s reaction to valerian initially.#
#4 Pumpkin & Chamomile Calming Bites
Why It Works: Pumpkin is rich in fiber, supporting digestion and providing a sense of fullness that can help calm an anxious dog. Chamomile is a well-known calming herb that can reduce stress and promote relaxation, while flaxseed adds omega-3s for brain health. The oat flour base creates a soft, chewy texture that’s easy to eat and comforting for dogs.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 cup oat flour | Gentle base for texture and fiber. |
| ½ cup pure pumpkin purée | Soothes digestion with fiber and nutrients. |
| 1 egg | Binds the bite and adds protein. |
| 1 tbsp dried chamomile | Calming herb to ease anxiety (or tea bag contents). |
| 1 tsp ground flaxseed (optional) | Omega-3s for added calm and coat health. |
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a bowl, combine 1 cup oat flour, ½ cup pumpkin purée (plain), 1 egg, 1 tbsp dried chamomile (or contents of 1 tea bag), and 1 tsp ground flaxseed (if using). Stir into a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Step 3: Shape the Bites
Roll dough into 1-inch balls or flatten into small discs, placing them on the baking sheet—space 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake the Bites
Bake for 18-22 minutes, until firm but soft inside. Cool for 20 minutes to room temperature.
Step 5: Serve
Offer one bite—start small to assess chamomile’s effect.
Storage and Serving
Store frozen treats in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months; serve straight from the freezer, 1 small treat (1-2 tsp) daily. Store baked treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for 2 months; thaw as needed, serving 1-2 daily (half for small dogs, up to two for large). Use as needed for anxiety—limit to 10% of daily calories.
Tips for Using Calming Treats Safely
- Introduce Gradually: Start with a small portion of any new treat to ensure your dog doesn’t have an adverse reaction, especially to calming herbs like chamomile, valerian root, or hemp.
- Consult Your Vet: If your dog is on medication (e.g., for anxiety or other conditions), check with your vet before using treats with calming herbs, as they may interact with certain drugs.
- Monitor Portion Sizes: These treats are meant to supplement your dog’s diet, not replace meals. Adjust their daily food intake to account for the extra calories to prevent weight gain.
- Storage: Frozen treats like the Blueberry Bites and Peanut Butter Banana Melts should be kept in the freezer, while baked treats like the Turkey Chews and Pumpkin Bites can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Watch for Allergies: Ensure all ingredients are safe for your dog. For example, always use xylitol-free peanut butter, as xylitol is toxic to dogs. If your dog has food sensitivities, substitute ingredients as needed (e.g., use coconut flour instead of oat flour for grain-free diets).
When to Use Calming Treats
Calming treats can be particularly helpful in the following situations:
- During Loud Events: Fireworks, thunderstorms, or parties can trigger anxiety in dogs. Offer a treat 30 minutes before the event to help your dog relax.
- Separation Anxiety: If your dog struggles when you leave the house, give a calming treat as part of a departure routine, paired with a comforting toy or blanket.
- Travel or Vet Visits: Car rides or vet appointments can be stressful. A frozen treat can serve as a distraction, while a soft chew can provide comfort during the event.
- Daily Stress Relief: For dogs with mild, chronic anxiety, incorporating calming treats into their daily routine can provide ongoing support.
Benefits of the Ingredients
- Blueberries & Banana: Antioxidants and potassium for calm energy.
- Turkey: Tryptophan for mild relaxation and protein.
- Pumpkin & Sweet Potato: Fiber and nutrients to soothe digestion.
- Hemp, Chamomile, Valerian: Natural calming agents for anxiety relief.
- Yogurt & Flaxseed: Probiotics and omega-3s for gut and coat health.