The Best Melatonin Supplements for Dogs in 2024

Dogs are fun, energetic animals with a huge zest for life. It’s why we love having them around! With all of their enthusiasm, though, dogs can also get extremely scared and anxious when their routines change, their people leave for the day or they hear sudden loud noises.

Melatonin is a natural supplement that can be given to dogs during those times when their innocent little hearts just can’t handle the stresses of life. To help you choose the best melatonin source for your dog, we’ve looked through all of the top choices on the market this year, so let’s get right into it!

Our Top 6 List

Last update on 2024-10-24 at 18:28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Zesty Paws Calming Bites for Dogs

Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Soft Chews for Dogs - with Suntheanine & Melatonin - Anxiety Composure Aid with L Tryptophan for Dog Stress Relief - for Storms + Barking & Chewing - 90 Chew Treats

Check Today's Price

These calming bites are an advanced formula for severely anxious dogs or dogs that have exhibited aggressive behaviors. A blend of several natural calming ingredients compliments the melatonin dosage to give your dog a really chill vibe. Whether your dog is scared during a car trip, fireworks show or separation, these turkey-flavored bites help to prevent anxious biting and scratching.

The main active ingredient in this formula is Suntheanine, which is a pure form of L-theanine, commonly found in tea. Suntheanine promotes calming alpha brain waves while keeping your dog alert at the same time. Melatonin, organic chamomile, valerian root, L-tryptophan and hemp are just a few of the other natural calming agents used in this formula.

Takeaways

  • Natural and organic ingredients.
  • Contains melatonin, Suntheanine and L-tryptophan.
  • Anxiety relief during stressful situations.
  • Reduces aggression.
  • Administered in soft turkey-flavored chews.

2. NaturVet – Quiet Moments Calming Aid for Dogs

NaturVet - Senior Wellness Quiet Moments Calming Aid for Dogs - Plus Melatonin - Helps Reduce Stress & Promote Relaxation - Great for Storms, Fireworks, Separation, Travel & Grooming - 65 Soft Chews

Check Today's Price

Elderly dogs may not be able to run and jump around like they used to, but inside they can still experience the same fears and anxieties that they had in their youth. These calming bites have been formulated especially for senior dogs to help them stay relaxed during periods of extra stress like vet visits or grooming appointments.

Dogs will think these tasty soft chews are a just a normal treat, but they are actually a complex formula of naturally calming ingredients like thiamine, L-tryptophan, ginger and, of course, melatonin. Made by veterinarians, these supplements have earned the National Animal Supplement Council seal, which demonstrates that they are made with quality ingredients and the highest industry standards.

Takeaways

  • Specially formulated for senior dogs.
  • Contains melatonin, thiamine, chamomile and ginger.
  • Wheat free.
  • NASC compliant and made in the USA.
  • Great for vet trips, fireworks shows and thunderstorms.

3. K9 Choice Melatonin

K9 Choice Melatonin 1 mg 180 Capsules

Check Today's Price

Soft chews have their drawbacks, and this supplement is perfect for pet owners who want to use capsule form instead. With one full milligram of melatonin per dose, these capsules contain the highest dosage of any of the choices we looked at. Because of that, you should give this supplement only to adult dogs.

In capsule form rather than soft chew form, your dog will not mistake his melatonin dose for a treat that he learns to beg for. The capsules are easy to open so that you can sprinkle the melatonin into your dog’s food. Other ingredients in the capsule are rice flour, gelatin, silica and magnesium stearate.

Takeaways

  • High dose of melatonin.
  • Capsule form not mistaken for a treat.
  • Helps with separation anxiety.
  • 180 1 mg capsules per bottle.
  • Made in a human-grade facility.

4. Dog Calming Aid Treats

Calming Treats for Dogs - Melatonin, L Tryptophan, Chamomile Flower, Passion Flower and Thiamine Mononitrate

Check Today's Price

Sometimes a dog needs a mild calming aid while traveling in the car or experiencing separation from their owner for the first time. These soft chews have a small amount of melatonin, but the main ingredient is natural chamomile. Because these chews aren’t too strong, they can be given to a puppy from 12 weeks old.

Perfect for road trips, Calming Aid treats are made with ginger to help support sensitive stomachs and reduce carsickness. Thiamine, passionflower and L-tryptophan have also been added to reduce anxiety and promote calmness. This supplement is totally natural without any icky chemicals, byproducts or fillers.

Takeaways

  • Mild formula can be given to puppies from 12 weeks.
  • All natural formula.
  • Main ingredient is chamomile.
  • Ginger helps to calm dog’s mind and belly.
  • Eases dog’s mood during car trips.

5. NaturVet Quiet Moments

NaturVet - Quiet Moments Calming Aid for Dogs - Plus Melatonin - Helps Reduce Stress & Promote Relaxation - Great for Storms, Fireworks, Separation, Travel & Grooming - 70 Soft Chews

Check Today's Price

NaturVet makes another chamomile and melatonin treat for dogs that need a little help with relaxation. Packaged in resealable bags, these soft chews are excellent for stashing in the glove compartment just in case you need them on a car trip. If your dog has sensitivity to wheat, these wheat-free chews are a great choice. The National Animal Supplement Council has given this brand of melatonin chews its seal of approval.

Dosage is easy to figure out as these chews can be given to any size of dog. The smallest breeds simply get one soft chew per serving while other breeds of dogs can take up to six soft chews. This formula is also made with L-Tryptophan and ginger.

Takeaways

  • Resealable bag is great for stashing in the car.
  • Promotes relaxation during stressful times.
  • Helps promote healthy nervous system functioning.
  • Made with chamomile, melatonin, ginger and L-tryptophan.
  • Made in USA

6. Calming Dental Sticks for Dogs

Calming Dental Sticks for Dogs - Stress & Anxiety Relief with Hemp, Melatonin & Chamomile - Dog Tartar Teeth Cleaning & Breath Freshener - Composure for Fireworks, Thunderstorms & Barking - 12 OZ

Check Today's Price

I’m always a fan of killing two birds with one stone, and these calming dental sticks do just that. The chewing will help your dog’s teeth to stay clean while the natural supplements contained in the stick will promote a calm mood. Each dental stick is infused with melatonin, Suntheanine, valerian root, chamomile, magnesium and hemp extract.

If your dog loves to chew on bones and toys, NutraStix can keep him occupied during long car trips. The peppermint oil, kelp and taurine will freshen his breath and eliminate built up tartar on his teeth. At the same time, the natural calming herbs and minerals will make him a happy, relaxed dog.

Takeaways

  • Cleans teeth and freshens breath.
  • Calms dog’s nerves during stressful events.
  • Holistic formula with melatonin, chamomile and magnesium.
  • Can be used by dogs of all ages.
  • Sticks contain protein, fat and fiber.

Verdict & Review

Zesty Paws Calming Bites for Dogs

9.5

Test-Dog Approval

9.5/10

Ingredients

9.6/10

Price/Value

9.5/10

Effectiveness

9.5/10

Pros

  • Natural organic ingredients
  • Melatonin, Suntheanine, and L-tryptophan
  • Anxiety relief
  • Decreases aggression
  • Turkey flavor

Cons

  • We didn't encounter any cons.

After trying out a lot of different dog melatonin supplements, I still prefer the Advanced Calming Bites from Zesty Paws. These soft chews are seriously calming, but they don’t have so much melatonin that I have to worry about my dog becoming dependent on them. I love that all of the ingredients in these chews are natural and organic and there are no artificial flavors or colors.

One of the main reasons I prefer this brand is because it has Suntheanine mixed in. When I give my dog something to calm him down, I don’t want him to fall asleep or start acting like a zombie. I want him to still be his crazy self! Suntheanine promotes an alert calmness that won’t cause your dog to get oddly drowsy in the middle of the day.

Buying Guide

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced in the pineal gland right before we fall sleep. The hormone provides a sense of calm throughout the whole body and helps stop our racing thoughts so that we can doze off. Like us humans, dogs produce melatonin before they fall asleep.

Supplements are very popular for people and pets alike. It can be used to soothe anxiety and aggression and to promote restful sleep. With so many risks associated with pharmaceutical drugs, this is a great natural alternative to anti-anxiety medications.

Why use a Supplement For Dogs?

It’s easy to think that dogs live the life of Reilly without a care in the world. Why would they need a supplement for anxiety? The truth is, even the most well cared for dogs experience a lot of fear, stress and sadness. All dogs, but especially small dogs with little nervous systems, can have a hard time dealing with their daily stresses.

Your dog might be a pampered pooch that gets anxious when she’s left alone, or you might have adopted a rescue dog that came to you with a lot of post-traumatic stress. Either way, dogs sometimes need a little help calming down. These supplements can help dogs with:

  • Aggressive behavior
  • Separation anxiety
  • Stressful trips to the vet or groomer
  • Fireworks shows
  • Thunderstorms

How Do I Know What Dosage To Use For My Dog?

All supplements have instructions about dosage on the package, but you should always double-check with your vet. Here are the general guidelines:

  • 1 mg for dogs weighing less than 10 pounds
  • 1.5 mg for dogs weighing between 10 and 25 pounds
  • 3 mg for dogs up to 100 pounds

You’ll find that most supplements for dogs contain much less than the recommended dosage of melatonin. With the addition of calming herbs and roots like chamomile and ginger, doggy calming supplements usually only contain micrograms of the substance. By purchasing holistic soft chews for your dog and following the instructions on the label, there is very little risk of giving your dog too much of this hormone.

Are There Any Risks?

Like all supplements, it should be used in moderation only when it’s needed. Giving your dog way more than is recommended for your dog’s size could cause problems. Make sure you follow the instructions on the package and any advice from your vet, and if you’re using deliciously flavored soft chews, keep them up high where your dog can’t reach them.

Giving your dog too much of it may cause your dog to become dependent on the supplement for sleep. Also, if a dog eats too much of it for a long period of time, the overdose could cause the dog to stop producing melatonin naturally. Overdosing can also cause your dog to become too drowsy, fall into a dangerously deep sleep or sleep for too long.

How Should I Administer It?

You can give your dog melatonin in chewable form or in capsule form, depending on what you think would work best. If you give your dog a chewable, your dog will most likely love it and think it’s a treat. The drawback to administering it as a soft chew is that you’ll have to hide the package to prevent begging. Capsules, on the other hand, allow you to just add the supplement to your dog’s dish without them knowing about it.

We have found that the chewable supplements  have a lot more benefits than drawbacks. Chewables usually contains a host of other healthy calming herbs along with just the right touch of melatonin. Most of the capsule supplements we’ve seen come in much higher doses, which makes us a little nervous when administering them.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top