How to Make Homemade Calming Treats for Dogs: A Simple, Effective Solution for Anxiety

As a Veterinary Technician/Nurse specializing in nutrition, I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to provide our furry friends with the best care possible. Sometimes, our dogs need a little extra help to relax, whether it’s due to separation anxiety, thunderstorms, or just those pesky vet visits that they can’t seem to enjoy. That’s where homemade calming treats for dogs come into play. If you’ve ever wondered how to make homemade calming treats for dogs, you’re in the right place! Not only are these treats a healthier alternative to store-bought options, but they also give you the opportunity to tailor them to your dog’s specific needs. In this post, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about making calming treats that your dog will love—trust me, they’ll be begging for more!

Why Choose Homemade Calming Treats for Dogs?

When it comes to your dog’s health and well-being, you always want the best. Many store-bought calming treats are packed with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and unknown chemicals. While these treats may work in the short term, they’re not the best option for long-term use, especially if your dog has any allergies or sensitivities. That’s where homemade calming treats come in!

Making calming treats at home gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose high-quality, natural products that are not only safe but also nutritious. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding way to care for your dog’s needs. With the right ingredients, you can create treats that are not only calming but also packed with nutrients that support your dog’s overall health.

What Ingredients Are Best for Homemade Calming Treats?

Now that you’re on board with making homemade calming treats for your dog, let’s talk about the best ingredients to use. There are a number of natural ingredients that are known to have calming properties and are safe for dogs to consume. Here are a few I swear by:

• Chamomile: Chamomile is a natural herb that helps with anxiety and promotes relaxation. It’s gentle on your dog’s stomach and can be added to treats in the form of tea or powder. It’s one of my go-to ingredients for a calming boost.
• Lavender: Lavender isn’t just for humans! It has soothing properties that can help your dog feel relaxed. You can infuse it into treats using lavender oil or dried flowers. Just make sure to use it sparingly, as essential oils can be potent.
• Peanut Butter: Dogs love peanut butter! Besides being tasty, peanut butter is also rich in healthy fats and protein. It’s perfect for incorporating calming ingredients like chamomile and valerian root into your treats.
• Valerian Root: This herb is known for its sedative effects, which makes it perfect for calming anxious dogs. It’s often used in combination with other herbs to create a relaxing effect. You can find it in powder or capsule form.
• Sweet Potatoes: Not only are sweet potatoes great for digestion, but they also have a natural calming effect. They’re high in fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to any treat recipe.

These ingredients are all-natural, safe, and effective when used in moderation. The best part? They’re easy to find and incorporate into your dog’s favorite treat recipes. I personally love how versatile these ingredients are, as you can mix and match them to create the perfect calming treat that suits your dog’s taste and needs.

How to Make Homemade Calming Treats for Dogs: A Simple Recipe

Alright, now that you know which ingredients to use, let’s get down to business and talk about how to actually make the treats. Below is a simple, step-by-step recipe for homemade calming treats that I make for my own dogs when they need some extra relaxation.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup of peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free!)
• 1/4 cup of chamomile tea (cooled)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 1/2 cups of oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon of valerian root powder
• 1/2 cup of finely mashed sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, chamomile tea, and honey (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the oat flour and valerian root powder to the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the mashed sweet potatoes. You want the dough to be slightly sticky but manageable.
5. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into fun shapes using cookie cutters. You can also simply roll the dough into small balls if you’re feeling lazy (no judgment here!).
6. Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your pup.

These homemade calming treats are a huge hit with my dogs! They love the peanut butter and sweet potato combo, and I love knowing that I’m giving them something healthy and relaxing. The chamomile and valerian root help calm their nerves, especially when we’re heading to the vet or during a thunderstorm.

Storage Tips for Homemade Calming Treats

Once you’ve made your batch of calming treats, you’ll want to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh. Here’s how I recommend storing them:

• Air-tight container: Store your treats in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, store the treats in the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to two weeks.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, you can freeze the treats. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last for up to three months.

With these storage tips, you can ensure your homemade calming treats are always ready when your dog needs them most. Plus, you can make large batches and have a stash on hand for those days when your pup needs a little extra TLC.

How Often Can I Give My Dog Calming Treats?

One of the most common questions I get from pet parents is, “How often should I give my dog these calming treats?” It’s a great question, and the answer really depends on your dog’s individual needs and behavior. As with anything, moderation is key. While homemade calming treats are made from natural ingredients, too many can still upset your dog’s stomach or lead to unwanted side effects, especially if you’re using ingredients like valerian root or chamomile in larger quantities.

From my experience, I recommend starting slow. If you’re introducing calming treats for the first time, give them to your dog no more than once a day and observe how they respond. Over time, you can adjust the frequency based on your dog’s anxiety level or the situation. For example, if your dog gets anxious during storms or when you leave for work, you might want to offer a treat before those specific events. But, remember, these treats are a supplement, not a replacement for proper training and behavior management.

It’s always a good idea to check with your vet before adding anything new to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has underlying health conditions or is on medication. For dogs with chronic anxiety, calming treats can be part of an overall anxiety-management plan, but they should never be the sole solution.

Can Homemade Calming Treats Help with Specific Types of Anxiety?

Yes! Homemade calming treats can be an excellent tool for helping dogs with different types of anxiety. Whether your dog struggles with separation anxiety, fear of loud noises like thunderstorms, or general nervousness, you can make tailored treats to address their specific needs. I’ve worked with plenty of anxious dogs, and over the years, I’ve learned that each dog reacts differently to various calming ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of how you can target different types of anxiety with specific ingredients:

Separation Anxiety

If your dog becomes distressed when you’re not home, you’re not alone! Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral issues pet parents face. For this type of anxiety, ingredients that help promote relaxation, like chamomile and valerian root, are your best friends. These ingredients can help calm your dog’s nervous system, making them feel more at ease when you’re not around. You can add some peanut butter for added flavor and to make the treat extra appealing.

Noise Anxiety (Thunderstorms, Fireworks, etc.)

Noise anxiety can be especially tough because it often catches dogs off guard. If your dog is frightened by loud noises, lavender and chamomile are both great natural sedatives. These herbs have a soothing effect that can help ease your dog’s nerves during stressful situations. You can even add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the treats for an extra calming effect. Another great ingredient to use is turkey, which contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps promote serotonin production and contributes to a calm state. Just be sure the turkey is cooked and free of any seasonings or additives!

General Anxiety and Stress

For general anxiety, a more balanced approach might be best. Sweet potatoes, which are high in fiber and antioxidants, are great for stress relief because they support digestive health, which is often linked to emotional health in dogs. Incorporating both chamomile and valerian root can also help calm the nerves of a dog who experiences general anxiety, whether it’s caused by new environments, other pets, or just a bit of nervous energy. These ingredients together can provide a calming effect that lasts a few hours, helping your dog chill out during stressful situations.

Are There Any Precautions to Consider?

Absolutely! While homemade calming treats are generally safe for most dogs, there are a few precautions to keep in mind, especially when you’re using herbs and other potent ingredients. As I mentioned earlier, always consult with your vet if you’re unsure about the ingredients you’re using, particularly if your dog has allergies, sensitivities, or any pre-existing health conditions.

1. Avoid Toxic Ingredients

Some ingredients that are safe for humans can be toxic to dogs, so always be mindful of what you’re adding to your treats. For example, chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, and onions are all harmful to dogs and should never be included in your homemade treats. Stick to dog-safe ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and peanut butter, and be sure the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol (a sugar substitute that’s toxic to dogs). If you’re ever in doubt about an ingredient, it’s always better to do a quick search or ask your vet before using it.

2. Don’t Overuse Calming Ingredients

Herbs like valerian root, chamomile, and lavender can have a sedative effect, but too much of them can make your dog feel groggy or even sick. Always stick to the recommended amounts in the recipe and don’t overdo it, especially with herbs that affect the nervous system. A little goes a long way!

3. Watch for Allergies

Like people, dogs can have food sensitivities or allergies. If you’re making homemade treats for the first time, start with a small amount to see how your dog reacts. Look out for any signs of upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, or skin rashes. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, discontinue the treats and consult with your vet to find out which ingredient may have caused the reaction.

4. Portion Control

Even though these treats are homemade, they still contain calories, so it’s important not to overfeed your dog. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. If you’re using treats as part of a behavior modification plan, try to adjust the rest of your dog’s food intake accordingly to prevent overfeeding. This is especially important for dogs that are prone to weight gain.

How to Make Treats That Fit Your Dog’s Unique Preferences

Every dog is different, so one of the fun parts of making homemade calming treats is customizing the flavors and textures to suit your dog’s preferences. Maybe your dog loves the crunch of biscuits, or maybe they prefer soft and chewy treats. You can easily tweak the texture by adjusting the flour and liquid amounts in the recipe. For instance, adding more liquid will create a softer, chewier treat, while reducing the liquid and using whole wheat or oat flour will result in a crunchier biscuit.

Another thing to consider is flavor. Some dogs are picky eaters (I know because mine definitely are!), so you might have to experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect combo. If your dog isn’t a fan of chamomile or lavender, try other soothing herbs like rosemary or lemon balm. You can even add some pureed fruit like apples or blueberries for added flavor and nutritional benefits.

Can Homemade Calming Treats Replace Professional Treatment?

Homemade calming treats are a fantastic natural remedy for managing mild to moderate anxiety in dogs. However, it’s important to remember that they are not a substitute for professional treatment in cases of severe anxiety or behavioral issues. As a veterinary technician, I’ve worked with many dogs who needed more than just calming treats to manage their anxiety. Sometimes, anxiety can be rooted in deeper issues, such as past trauma or medical conditions, which require professional evaluation and treatment.

If your dog’s anxiety is chronic or severe, it might be time to consult a professional, such as a veterinary behaviorist or your regular vet. They can help diagnose the cause of your dog’s anxiety and recommend a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medication, therapy, or behavior modification. That said, calming treats can still be a useful tool as part of a larger plan to manage your dog’s anxiety, especially when combined with other interventions like training, exercise, and routine.

From my experience, many dog owners find that homemade calming treats are an effective part of a larger anxiety-management toolkit. For instance, calming treats can be used before or during stressful situations, like trips to the vet or car rides, but they’re not likely to be a complete solution for dogs who experience constant or severe anxiety. It’s all about balance!

DIY Treat Variations: How to Mix Things Up

Let’s be honest: our dogs can be picky eaters! If you’ve been making the same calming treats for a while and your dog starts turning their nose up at them, it might be time for a change. Thankfully, making variations of your homemade treats is easy, and it allows you to keep your dog’s taste buds entertained while still providing all the calming benefits. Here are a few ideas on how to mix things up:

1. Use Different Protein Sources

While peanut butter is a fan favorite, there are plenty of other protein-rich ingredients you can try. For example, you could use turkey, chicken, or beef in place of peanut butter for a change of flavor. These proteins are great sources of tryptophan, which helps boost serotonin and promotes relaxation. You could even make meat-based treats by blending lean ground meat with calming ingredients like sweet potatoes or chamomile.

2. Add Different Fruits and Vegetables

If your dog is a fan of fruit or veggies, why not incorporate them into your calming treats? Blueberries, apples, and bananas are all dog-friendly fruits that add natural sweetness and antioxidants. You can mix them into your dough or puree them to add to the treat batter. Similarly, carrots, peas, or even zucchini can be mixed into the dough for a nutritional boost that also aids in digestion and helps support overall health.

3. Try a Different Texture

If your dog loves a chewy texture, consider adjusting the baking time to create a softer, more pliable treat. Alternatively, for those dogs that enjoy a good crunch, you can roll the dough out thinner and bake the treats a little longer for that satisfying snap. Experiment with different shapes too—some dogs prefer bite-sized pieces, while others love fun shapes like stars, bones, or hearts.

Understanding the Ingredients: A Deeper Dive

When it comes to making calming treats for dogs, it’s important to know why certain ingredients work. The more you understand what each ingredient does, the better you can tailor the recipe to your dog’s specific needs. Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the key ingredients that make calming treats effective:

1. Chamomile

Chamomile isn’t just for humans! It’s one of my favorite herbs to use because it’s gentle, non-toxic, and effective at reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Chamomile contains compounds like apigenin, which binds to receptors in the brain that help calm your dog’s nervous system. This makes chamomile a great option for dogs who are stressed during car rides, visits to the vet, or even during thunderstorms. I always make sure to brew it into a tea and allow it to cool before adding it to my dog’s treats.

2. Lavender

Lavender is another excellent option for calming dogs. The scent alone is known for its soothing properties, which is why you often find it used in calming sprays and essential oils for pets. The good news is that it works just as well in treats! Lavender has been shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure in both humans and dogs, making it a great choice for stress reduction. However, use it sparingly—too much can make your dog feel overwhelmed or drowsy. A little goes a long way!

3. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent addition to calming treats not only because they’re delicious but also because they’re high in fiber and antioxidants. They help stabilize blood sugar levels, which can be important for dogs who are prone to anxiety triggered by drops in blood sugar. The natural sweetness also helps mask the taste of herbs like valerian root or chamomile, which some dogs might find bitter.

4. Valerian Root

Valerian root is well-known for its sedative properties. It’s often used in human supplements to aid sleep, and it works wonders for dogs with anxiety. If your dog experiences more severe anxiety or panic attacks, valerian root can help them relax. Just remember to use it in moderation! Valerian root can make dogs feel a bit groggy, so it’s best reserved for high-stress situations, like thunderstorms or visits to the vet.

References

• PawPatron – For more pet care tips and advice from professionals.
• Google Health – Trusted health resources for pet owners.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods or supplements to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has a pre-existing health condition or is on medication. While homemade calming treats can help manage mild anxiety, they should not replace professional treatment for severe anxiety disorders.

Bianca N