A calm workspace starts with a calm pup.
Picture this: You’re five minutes into a high-stakes presentation over Zoom. You’re in the flow. Suddenly, the mail carrier steps onto the porch, and chaos erupts. Your dog, who was dozing peacefully under your desk moments ago, is now barking frantically at the door. Your professional veneer cracks, and you spend the next ten minutes apologizing while trying to mute your microphone between barks.
If you work from home with a dog, you know this scenario all too well.
At Work and Wag Wellness, we know that a productive workday depends on a balanced home environment. We love our dogs, but their anxiety—whether it’s separation anxiety when you close the office door, noise phobias from thunderstorms, or just general hyperactivity—can be a major hurdle to getting work done.
Key Takeaways: Quick Picks for Busy Owners
- Best Overall: Zesty Paws Calming Bites (Great for daily "office hours" use).
- Best for Noise Anxiety: PremiumCare Hemp Chews (Perfect for thunderstorm days).
- Best Non-Herbal: Vetoquinol Zylkene (Gentle, milk-protein based).
- Best Budget: NaturVet Quiet Moments (Good entry-level option).
You don't want to sedate your best friend; you just want to take the edge off so they can relax. That’s where natural calming treats come in.
In this comprehensive 2025 review, we’ve researched the market to find the safest, most effective natural options to help your co-worker with four paws chill out, so you can log on.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Calming Treat
Before we dive into the reviews, it’s crucial to understand what you’re giving your dog. The market is flooded with "miracle cures," but as responsible pet owners, we need to look at the science.
We aren't talking about heavy pharmaceuticals here. We are looking at holistic supplements designed to promote relaxation without causing extreme drowsiness.
The "Big 4" Calming Ingredients
When shopping for calming treats for work-from-home scenarios, look for these active ingredients on the label:
- Hemp Seed Oil & Powder: (Note: This is not marijuana and contains no THC). Hemp is rich in Omega fatty acids and is widely used to support calmness and reduce inflammation. It acts somewhat like CBD but is generally more accessible and affordable.
- L-Theanine: An amino acid commonly found in green tea. It’s known for promoting relaxation and focus without making the user sleepy—perfect for keeping your dog alert but calm during the workday.
- Chamomile & Valerian Root: Herbal allies that have been used for centuries to soothe nervous systems and induce a mild, calming effect.
- Tryptophan: The same amino acid in turkey that makes you sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner. It helps the body produce serotonin, a mood-stabilizing hormone.
The 4 Best Natural Calming Treats for 2025
We evaluated these products based on ingredient transparency, customer reviews regarding effectiveness for anxiety triggers (like Zoom calls or delivery trucks), palatability (will they actually eat it?), and overall value.
Disclaimer: Please consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen for your dog, especially if they are currently on medication.
1. The All-Around Favorite: Zesty Paws Calming Bites (Turkey Flavor)
Best For: General daily anxiety and "velcro dogs" who can't settle away from you.
Zesty Paws is a juggernaut in the pet supplement space for a reason. Their Calming Bites are widely trusted and use a comprehensive blend of natural ingredients. They feature Suntheanine® (a pure form of L-Theanine) to stimulate alpha brain waves for deep relaxation, alongside organic hemp, kelp, and chamomile.
They are soft chews, making them easy to administer like a regular treat before you sit down at your desk for a deep-work session.
Pros:
- Uses branded, clinically studied Suntheanine®.
- Grain-free with no artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Highly palatable turkey flavor that most dogs love.
Cons:
- Some owners report it takes about 30-45 minutes to fully kick in, so you need to plan ahead.
- Strong herbal smell (though dogs seem to like it).
2. The Hemp Powerhouse: PremiumCare Hemp Calming Chews
Best For: High-strung dogs or situational anxiety (thunderstorms, fireworks, loud construction nearby).
If you are specifically looking for the benefits of hemp, PremiumCare is a top contender. These chews rely heavily on organic hemp seed powder and oil, combined with passion flower and ginger root (which is great if your dog gets an upset stomach from nervousness).
These are often praised by remote workers whose dogs get triggered by specific loud noises outside the home office window.
Pros:
- USA-made using organically grown hemp.
- Includes ginger root to help settle nervous stomachs.
- Duck-flavored, offering a unique alternative for chicken-sensitive dogs.
Cons:
- The dosage requires multiple chews for larger dog breeds, which can get expensive.
3. The Vet-Formulated Option: Vetoquinol Zylkene Calming Supplement
Best For: Dogs sensitive to herbal ingredients or those needing non-drowsy focus.
Zylkene is different from the others on this list. It doesn't rely on herbs like chamomile or hemp. Instead, its active ingredient is alpha-casozepine, a natural protein derived from milk that has clinically proven calming properties (think about how calm a baby is after warm milk).
This is often recommended by vets because it is incredibly gentle and non-sedating. It won't knock your dog out; it just helps them cope with change. It comes in capsules that you can open and sprinkle over their breakfast before your workday starts.
Pros:
- Clinically proven ingredient (alpha-casozepine).
- Non-drowsy formula; excellent for maintaining alertness without anxiety.
- Great for dogs with sensitivities to plant-based herbal ingredients.
Cons:
- It is pricier than average herbal chews.
- It is not a "treat" (capsule), so it may be harder to give to picky eaters unless disguised in food.
4. The Budget-Friendly Choice: NaturVet Quiet Moments Soft Chews
Best For: Occasional use and budget-conscious WFH owners.
If you are just starting out and want to see if calming treats work for your dog without spending a fortune, NaturVet is a great entry point. They use a straightforward blend of Chamomile, Thiamine, and L-Tryptophan.
They are excellent for "taking the edge off" during a particularly busy meeting schedule, but might not be strong enough for severe separation anxiety.
Pros:
- Very affordable.
- Manufactured in the USA in an FDA-audited facility.
- Includes ginger for sensitive stomachs.
Cons:
- Contains grains (wheat), which may not be suitable for all dogs.
- Effects seem shorter-lasting than the premium brands based on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for calming treats to work?
Most soft chews take between 30 to 45 minutes to digest and take effect. We recommend giving them to your dog about an hour before a scheduled meeting or a predicted thunderstorm.
Can I give my dog calming treats every day?
Generally, yes. Most natural supplements (like Zesty Paws or NaturVet) are designed for daily use. However, always check the manufacturer's label and consult your vet, especially if your dog has liver or kidney issues.
Will these treats make my dog sleep all day?
They shouldn't! Natural ingredients like L-Theanine and Chamomile are "anxiolytics," meaning they reduce anxiety without necessarily acting as a sedative. Your dog should still be alert, just less reactive to triggers.
Final Thoughts on Managing WFH Dog Anxiety
Calming treats are a fantastic tool for your Work and Wag Wellness toolkit, but they aren't a magic cure-all. They work best when combined with other strategies.
To maximize your productivity and your dog's happiness, try giving them a calming chew about 30 minutes before your busiest work block, and pair it with a long-lasting enrichment activity, like a frozen Kong or a puzzle toy.
A calm dog means a focused owner. Here’s to a peaceful, productive 2025 for you and your furry supervisor!
Have you tried natural calming treats for your dog while working from home? Tell us which ones worked for you!