L-tryptophan. Found in food such as lean turkey, L-tryptophan helps the release of serotonin, a brain chemical which can elevate the mood of dogs to reduce anxiety as well as helping with sleep. Hemp. The hemp plant is renowned for its naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids, which can have calming and anxiety-reducing effects on dogs by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain. Hemp that’s safe for our pooches is THC free - meaning it’s free from tetrahydrocannabinol; the compound that causes intoxication. This means THC free hemp won’t have psychoactive effects on your dog, and is safe for them to consume. When shopping for natural dog treats (or any dog treats, really), it’s wise to give the ingredient list a close look. This will tell you which ingredients are used in the greatest proportion and whether there are any artificial or potentially harmful additives.

The biggest question in your head surrounding calming dog treats is probably, do they even work? Though it’s always dependent on your individual dog and their level of anxiety, the answer is usually yes, they can help. The term “natural” can mean a lot of things, but it has a certain connotation when it comes to pet food and treats.What’s more, as calming treats are considered ‘nutritional supplements’ rather than medication, there’s the chance that pet food manufacturers can make unsubstantiated claims. Non-natural ingredients, according to the AAFCO, are items that are “chemically synthesized, such as vitamin ingredients, mineral ingredients, preservatives, and special-purpose food additives,” such as “artificial flavors and colors, chelated minerals, mineral amino acid complexes, vitamin supplements, propylene glycol, calcium ascorbate, and other preservatives (such as BHA and BHT).” Chamomile. The flowering plant has been used for hundreds of years as a natural relaxation aid and mild sleep remedy. In this article, we’ll look at natural dog treats, including what they are, whether they’re healthy, and which are the best natural dog treats for your pup’s diet. What Are Natural Dog Treats? Valerian root. The compounds on valerian root contain mild sedative properties, which can cause a feeling of relaxation in some dogs.

There are a lot of great options for natural dog treats on this list, but before you introduce anything new into your dog’s diet—including natural dog treats—make sure to talk with your veterinarian. Your vet can assess your dog, his health history, and his individual nutritional needs to give you deeper insights on the best diet for your dog, including which treats are the best. Further Reading

It's a dog thing!

Commercial dog treats have to pass certain standards to be sold in the UK, so in general they are safe for dogs to eat. That said, there are different standards of dog treats - and your pooch may have specific dietary requirements that mean you should pay special attention to the ingredients. There are dog calming products on the market that resemble ‘tablets’, more like a traditional health supplement. These generally contain the same natural calming ingredients for dogs as mentioned above, and could have the same effect, but may be crumbled or added into food. As a more appetising option, calming dog treats or calming biscuits for dogs may be a tastier route for you and your pooch.