Dogs are family members and our best friends, but they, too, may experience anxiety and nervousness. If your dog is suffering from stress or anxiety, incorporating calming dog food into its diet may help alleviate some of these symptoms. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key ingredients that can help calm your dog’s nerves and promote a sense of well-being.

Understand the Importance of Calming Dog Food

Providing your canine with calming dog food is an effective way to improve their overall health and well-being. Just like humans, puppies can experience stress and anxiety that may manifest in various ways, such as lack of appetite, nervousness, or reactiveness towards other dogs or people. However, incorporating calming dog food into their diet can positively influence their behavior and mood. Look out for foods containing ingredients like L-tryptophan, L-carnitine, vitamin B, chamomile flower extract, and melatonin to ensure a positive impact on your dog’s mental health.

Look for High-Quality Protein Sources

When it comes to calming dog food, a quality protein is essential. Protein provides the necessary building blocks for muscle development and repair and helps keep your pup feeling full and satisfied. Look for a high-quality source of protein such as salmon, chicken, turkey, or lamb. These proteins are easily digestible for dogs and contain essential amino acids that support overall health. Additionally, high-quality protein can help maintain consistent blood sugar levels that may reduce anxiety in dogs.

Choose Complex Carbohydrates over Simple Ones

Another essential ingredient to look for in calming dog food is complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs take longer to digest than simple carbs, providing a more sustained release of energy for your pup. They can help keep their blood sugar levels stable and prevent anxiety, that may arise from sudden spikes or crashes in their blood sugar levels. Look for ingredients like brown rice, sweet potato, and oats, that make all great sources of complex carbohydrates. Avoid foods with high amounts of simple carbohydrates, such as corn or wheat, which can cause inflammation and digestive issues in some dogs.

Include Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential nutrients that may contribute to your dog’s overall health and well-being. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and are known for their positive effects on brain function, including reducing anxiety and improving cognitive function. Look for calming dog foods containing sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flaxseed. Not only will these ingredients help calm your dog, but they can also improve the health of their skin and the shine and texture of their coat.

Adding Natural Calming Supplements like Melatonin or Chamomile

In addition to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, natural calming supplements like melatonin, passionflower, lemon balm, or chamomile can also contribute to calming your dog’s nerves. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and can help pets relax and sleep better. 

Passionflower contains several active compounds, including flavonoids and alkaloids, which may have a relaxing effect on the nervous system. This herb may help to decrease stress and anxiety in dogs and can be used to calm hyperactivity problems.
Additionally, passionflower has got anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may also help to support overall health and well-being in dogs.

Chamomile contains also flavonoids and terpenoids, and chamazulene, which do have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, relaxing, and sedative properties.
When consumed by dogs, chamomile may promote the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin has a calming effect on the nervous system, which may help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs.

 Search for calming dog foods that contain these ingredients, but always consult your veterinarian before adding any new supplements to your dog’s diet as they may interact with medication or have adverse effects on certain breeds.