14 Best Foods to Calm Dogs

As a dog owner, you know how hard it is dealing with an anxious dog. From the loud noises to hyperactivity (zoomies!), sometimes our furry friends need a little extra help calming down - and that's where your dog's diet comes in! In this article, we'll discuss 15 calming foods for dogs.

Top 14 foods to calm dogs

Let's take a look at some of the best foods and natural remedies to relieve your dog's anxiety. 

In addition to our list, calming chews are a great way to relax your anxious dog. Our chews are made with all-natural herbs and vitamins formulated to keep your dog calm.

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1. Turkey

Turkey contains L Tryptophan, an amino acid that helps your dog's serotonin production, which in turn keeps your dog calm.

Serotonin is an important chemical messenger that moves messages from one nerve cell to another.

Additionally, it has a lot of influence over how your dog feels, sleeps, and digests food. It can even control immune system functions like healing wounds and controls blood pressure levels.

Overall, Serotonin affects many organs including the brain and intestines. In the brain, it influences mood, cognition, and sleep.

It may even help anxiety related behavior problems.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are a great fresh and healthy snack that can make all the difference in your pup's wellbeing.

Not only do they help with digestion, but they're packed full of antioxidants and other essential vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin C for dogs, that will help keep your dog fit and happy.

Furthermore, fresh blueberries are a surprisingly powerful calming agent for dogs, thanks to the abundance of naturally occurring compounds.

If you're looking for a safe and natural way to relieve your dog's anxiety symptoms, a handful of fresh blueberries might be the answer! 

3. Kale

Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, the benefits of kale go far beyond looking cool on Instagram.

From reducing inflammation to easing anxiety, it’ll have your furry friend shaking off the jitters in no time.

Simply add it to their dog food or put a fancy spin on it! You can dress up their meal with a dash of olive oil, lemon juice and some raw shredded cheese!

4. Oily Fish

Salmon and Trout are great examples of oily fish.

This superfood isn't just tasty for your pup, but packed with essential Omega-3 fatty acids that can support healthy skin and even boost your dog's immune system.

So, if you want to give your dog all the benefits of these incredible nutrients, look no further than the ultimate source: oily fish!

Lastly, you can supplement with fish oil as an alternative to fresh fish.

5. Goat's Milk

Goat's milk is an excellent source of trace minerals, making it a great addition to your dog's diet.

Not only is goat's milk packed with vitamins and minerals, but its unique and easily digestible proteins are highly beneficial to your pet.

With added trace minerals and vitamins like calcium, phosphorus, b vitamins, and magnesium, you can rest easy knowing your pup is getting all the nutrients they need.

Adding goat's milk to their regular meals will provide better nutritional balance and help maintain bone health so that your furry friend stays strong and healthy!

6. Spinach

Spinach is an excellent and nutritious snack for your dog.

It's high in essential vitamins like vitamin A and C, as well as folic acid, iron and calcium. Spinach also has a good amount of fiber to help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.

Furthermore, spinach is low in calories which is great if you're looking to manage their weight.

Even better, it can be mixed with other ingredients like pumpkin or sweet potato for an even more nutrient-packed treat!

7. Asparagus

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be beneficial to your dog's diet.

These green stalks are full of essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, vitamin K, iron, and fiber. The fiber is great for your pup's digestive system and can help them keep their weight in check.

Asparagus also contains lots of phytonutrient antioxidants that may be beneficial for your canine companion's overall health.

If you're considering adding asparagus to your dog's diet, make sure to buy organic asparagus in order to avoid pesticides and other toxins from conventional sources.

Cook these spears lightly before giving them to your pup so they are more digestible. Once cooked, mix the cooked asparagus into other vegetables or canned food with some broth or oil for added flavor and nutrition.

Your furry friend will love the yummy benefits of this enjoyable vegetable!

8. Avocado

Avocados are great for dogs. Not only are they packed with vitamins and minerals, like vitamin E and B as well as potassium and fiber, but they’re also low in cholesterol and have healthy fats that can benefit your pet.

Thanks to their creamy texture, avocados can also act as an appetizing topping on foods that might be less appealing to your dog.

9. Eggs

Many pet owners don't realize just how beneficial raw eggs can be for their dog's health. Eggs are full of protein, vitamins B-12 and A and important minerals like zinc, selenium and iron.

They also contain Omega-3 fatty acids that support skin, coat and heart health. As if that wasn't enough, eggs are also an excellent source of lutein; an antioxidant which can help protect against disease and cataracts.

Not only are they a one-stop shop of nutrition, but they're also convenient - they can be boiled, scrambled or served raw mixed with dog food as an easy meal addition.

So next time you're putting together a home-cooked meal for your fur baby, make sure to add some egg goodness in the mix!

10. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an increasingly popular food choice for pet owners because of their nutritional benefits.

High in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, sweet potatoes provide the essential nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and active. The complex carbohydrates can even help regulate blood sugar levels.

Sweet potatoes are also a great source of antioxidants and carotenoids which can help boost immunity and protect against disease. They are low in fat and cholesterol making them a healthier alternative to treats like bacon or cheese.

With their sweet flavor and natural graininess, sweet potatoes can make a delicious snack for your pup that is good for them as well!

11. Beef

Beef is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. Its high-quality protein can help build muscle in active dogs and help maintain lean muscle mass in senior dogs.

Vitamins from beef can support energy levels, healthy brain function, vision, immunity, and coat health.

The minerals found in beef can promote bone strength, cardiovascular health and oxygen metabolism, among other benefits.

12. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are an often overlooked but surprisingly nutritious food.

They're a great source of dietary fiber, magnesium, zinc and iron, providing your dog with the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Not only are pumpkin seeds an excellent way to boost your dog's nutritional intake; they also contain tryptophan which helps regulate serotonin production in their body and promote a sense of calmness.

Adding pumpkin seeds to your pup's diet can be one of the best things you do for them: just make sure they're not roasted or seasoned so as to avoid any extra salt or unhealthy ingredients.

13. Almonds

Almonds are an excellent choice of snack for your dog, as they are vitamin-rich and highly nutritious.

Not only are almonds a great way to pack extra vitamins and minerals into your dog's diet, but they also contain many healthy fats and proteins which can help to improve the health of your pup's skin and coat.

Additionally, almonds are relatively low calorie and make a great substitute for treats if you're trying to keep your pup slim.

Plus, they make a delicious addition to a meal or can be used as a reward during training! Give your dog the nutritional benefits that come from incorporating almonds into their diet - you won't regret it!

Additional note: Almonds can cause digestion issues if your dog is given the entire nut. Instead, try almond butter on a spoon!

14. Quinoa

Quinoa has been hailed for its nutritional properties for humans. But did you know it can benefit your canine friends, too?

This ancient grain is rich in carbohydrates and contains significant amounts of protein, phosphorus, copper, potassium and other essential minerals.

Plus, it’s gluten free and easy to digest, so dogs get all the benefits without risking any unpleasant indigestion or allergies.

Added to their regular diet or served up as an occasional treat, quinoa makes a delicious addition to your dog's food.

Bottom line

If you have a dog that suffers from separation anxiety or your just looking to reduce anxiety in general, give these foods a try.

Shop Today: Calming Chews For Dogs for Free Shipping. 

Have you tried giving your dog calming treats? Which calming foods for dogs have you tried?

Let us know in the comments below!