Best Dog L-Theanine Supplements (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed
L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea that’s become one of the most veterinarian-recommended calming ingredients for dogs. Unlike sedatives that make your dog drowsy, L-theanine promotes a state of relaxed alertness by increasing calming brain chemicals like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. Whether your dog struggles with anxiety during vet visits, thunderstorms, car rides, or everyday stress, an L-theanine supplement can help them stay calm without losing their personality. Here are our top picks for the best L-theanine supplements for dogs.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: VetriScience Composure Calm & Confident – clinically tested, works in 30 minutes
- Best Value: Zesty Paws Calming Chews – Suntheanine with ashwagandha in tasty soft chews
- Best Premium: Virbac Anxitane – pure pharmaceutical-grade L-theanine tablets
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Ingredients | Form | Servings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VetriScience Composure Calm & Confident | L-Theanine (Suntheanine), Colostrum, Thiamine | Soft Chews | 120 | Clinically proven fast-acting calming |
| Zesty Paws Calming Chews | Suntheanine, Organic Chamomile, Thiamine | Soft Chews | 90 | Everyday stress & relaxation |
| Virbac Anxitane M & L | Pure L-Theanine 100mg | Chewable Tablets | 30 | Vet-prescribed pure L-theanine |
| VetriScience Composure for Small Dogs | L-Theanine, Colostrum, Thiamine | Bite-Sized Chews | 30 | Small breeds & puppies |
| Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites | Suntheanine, Melatonin, Ashwagandha, Valerian | Soft Chews | 90 | Advanced calming with melatonin |
| VetriScience Calm & Confident Liquid | L-Theanine, Colostrum Complex | Liquid | 8 oz | Dogs who refuse chews |
| LHQR Advanced Calming Chews | L-Theanine, Melatonin, Tryptophan, Passionflower | Soft Chews | 200 | High-count value pack |
| NaturVet Quiet Moments | L-Tryptophan, Chamomile, Thiamine, Melatonin | Soft Chews | 60 | Situational stress (storms, travel) |
1. VetriScience Composure Calm & Confident – Best Overall
- Vets' #1 Calming Chew: As the only calming chews for dogs clinically tested to work within 30 minutes and last up to 4 hours, Calm & Confident (previously Composure) dog calming chews are the preferred choice in veterinary clinics across the country
- No Sedative Effects: Our effective and proven dog calming aid is designed to help dogs manage everyday stress and situational anxiety without feeling groggy or tired. It's safe to give as needed or for long-term daily use, and you can double or triple the dose in times of added stress
- Loved By Dogs: Delicious peanut butter flavor makes these colostrum calming chews a treat for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes
VetriScience Composure (now called Calm & Confident) is the only calming supplement for dogs that’s been clinically tested and proven to work within 30 minutes.
Each chew delivers a targeted blend of Suntheanine (a premium, trademarked form of L-theanine), Colostrum Calming Complex (C3), and thiamine (vitamin B1). The C3 colostrum blend is unique to VetriScience and works alongside L-theanine to support brain health and cognitive function while promoting calm behavior. The calming effect lasts up to four hours per dose, and you can safely double or triple the dose during particularly stressful events.
Available in chicken, bacon, and peanut butter flavors, the 120-count bag makes this an excellent value for daily or as-needed use. VetriScience is NASC certified, third-party tested, and made in the USA.
What We Like
- Only calming chew clinically proven to work within 30 minutes and last up to 4 hours
- Safe to double or triple the dose during high-stress events
- No sedative effects—dogs stay alert and calm, not groggy
What Could Be Better
- L-theanine dose per chew (21mg) is relatively modest
- Results may vary—some dogs respond better than others
Bottom Line: VetriScience Composure is the #1 vet-recommended L-theanine supplement for dogs, backed by clinical testing and proven to deliver fast-acting, non-sedating calming support.
2. Zesty Paws Calming Chews – Best Value
- Calming Support for Your Pup! - These delicious premium chewables may help dogs with normal stress, nervousness, and hyperactivity to help them stay calm, comfy, happy, and at ease!
- Featuring Suntheanine - Every chew contains Suntheanine, a clinically studied and super premium form of L-Theanine that helps promote a sense of relaxation and calmness for your pup.
- Includes Ashwagandha - This adaptogen may promote relaxation and help any small, medium, or large dogs cope with normal external stresses.
- Helps Dogs with Normal Stress - Calming Bites help support dogs with normal stress, plus nervous and hyperactive behavior for storms, car rides, firework displays, and more.
- Treat Your Pup to Pawsome Ingredients - Valerian Root, Organic Hemp Seed Powder, Organic Passionflower, Magnesium Citrate, L-Tryptophan, and Organic Ginger Root for additional calming support for Fido.
Zesty Paws packs 30mg of Suntheanine per chew—more than many competitors—making these a potent and affordable everyday calming option.
Each turkey-flavored soft chew delivers Suntheanine (a GRAS-designated pure form of L-theanine) alongside organic chamomile and thiamine. The formula is designed to promote relaxation and stimulate calming brain waves without causing drowsiness. The grain-free recipe makes it safe for dogs with gluten sensitivities, and the 90-count bag provides one to three months of supply depending on your dog’s size.
Zesty Paws is one of the most recognized pet supplement brands on Amazon, and their calming line consistently receives strong reviews from pet parents.
What We Like
- 30mg of Suntheanine per chew—higher than many competitors
- Grain-free formula safe for dogs with gluten sensitivities
- Trusted brand with thousands of positive reviews
What Could Be Better
- Some dogs may not respond to the formula alone
- Turkey flavor may not appeal to all dogs
Bottom Line: Zesty Paws delivers the highest Suntheanine dose per chew at an accessible price, making it the best value L-theanine calming chew for daily use.
3. Virbac Anxitane M & L – Best Pure L-Theanine
- Helps keep cats and small dogs calm and relaxed
- Great for grooming, travel, thunderstorms, anxiety, fearful changes in environment & other stressful situations
- No known interactions with other therapeutics
- Can be given for short-term or long-term use
- Contains L-Theanine
Virbac Anxitane is the gold standard in veterinary-grade pure L-theanine for dogs, containing a synthetic pharmaceutical-grade form of the amino acid.
Each tablet delivers 100mg of pure L-theanine—significantly more per dose than any calming chew on the market. Virbac, a global veterinary pharmaceutical company, developed Anxitane specifically for pets, and it’s one of the most frequently prescribed calming supplements in veterinary clinics. The M & L formulation is designed for dogs 25 lbs and up, while a 50mg version is available for smaller dogs and cats.
Anxitane contains only L-theanine and inactive tablet ingredients, making it the purest option available. Veterinarians particularly recommend it for use alongside behavior modification programs.
What We Like
- 100mg pure pharmaceutical-grade L-theanine per tablet
- Developed by Virbac, a respected veterinary pharmaceutical company
- Research-backed efficacy for reducing fear and anxiety in dogs
What Could Be Better
- Higher cost per dose than multi-ingredient calming chews
- Only 30 tablets per bottle
Bottom Line: Virbac Anxitane is the premium choice for pet parents who want the purest, highest-dose L-theanine supplement available, backed by veterinary research.
4. VetriScience Composure for Small Dogs – Best for Small Breeds
- Vets' #1 Calming Chew: As the only calming chews for small dogs clinically tested to work within 30 minutes and last up to 4 hours, Calm & Confident (previously Composure) dog calming chews are the preferred choice in veterinary clinics across the country
- Fast-Acting Anxiety Relief: Our vet-formulated calming dog treats deliver anxiety relief, composure, and a sense of calm quickly, with ingredients like colostrum, l-theanine and Vitamin B1. Give 30 minutes before car rides, grooming or vet visits, thunderstorms, or fireworks, or use daily for a calmer, more confident dog
- No Sedative Effects: Our effective and proven small dog calming aid is designed to help dogs manage everyday stress and situational anxiety without feeling groggy or tired. It's safe to give as needed or for long-term daily use, and you can double or triple the dose in times of added stress
- High-Quality Ingredients: Our vet-formulated small dog calming supplements are certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), routinely undergo third-party testing, and contain no hidden ingredients, artificial flavors, or synthetic colors
- Loved By Small Dogs: Delicious chicken flavor makes these colostrum calming chews a treat for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes
Small dogs often have the biggest anxiety, and these bite-sized VetriScience chews are perfectly portioned for pups under 30 lbs.
This is the same clinically tested Composure formula—Suntheanine L-theanine, Colostrum Calming Complex, and thiamine—but in a smaller chew designed for small breeds and puppies. The chicken liver flavor is irresistible to most small dogs, and the chews are soft enough for dogs with dental sensitivities. Dogs under 30 lbs get half a chew, while dogs 31-60 lbs get one full chew.
Like the full-size version, it’s safe to double the dose during stressful events and can be used daily or as needed.
What We Like
- Same clinically tested formula in a smaller size for small breeds
- Chicken liver flavor appeals to small, picky dogs
- Safe for puppies and can be used daily or situationally
What Could Be Better
- Only 30 chews per bag, which goes quickly with daily use
- Not cost-effective for dogs needing multiple chews per day
Bottom Line: VetriScience’s small-dog formula brings the same clinically proven calming power to small breeds in a perfectly portioned, palatable chew.
5. Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites – Best Multi-Ingredient Formula
- A natural formula for anxiety – Zesty Paws Calming Bites are turkey flavored chewable supplements with natural and organic ingredients that help dogs with nervous, anxious, or aggressive behaviors feel calm and comfortable.
- Features Suntheanine – These calming treats contain 30mg of Suntheanine per chew, which is a pure and GRAS-designated form of L-Theanine that helps stimulate brain waves to promote relaxation with no drowsy effect.
- For a Calm, Cool & Collected Senior Pup - Advanced Calming & Cognition Bites is a chewable supplement that supports cognitive function, memory recall, and normal stress for your canine.
- Featuring DHAgold - At 150mg per chew, DHAgold is an algae derived source of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), an Omega-3 fatty acid that helps to support brain health for your furry best friend.
For dogs with more severe anxiety, Zesty Paws’ Advanced Calming Bites layer Suntheanine with melatonin, ashwagandha, and valerian root for maximum calming power.
This upgraded formula takes the standard Calming Chews and adds Sensoril Ashwagandha (a clinically studied adaptogen), melatonin, valerian root, organic passionflower, L-tryptophan, and hemp seed powder. The multi-pathway approach means these chews address anxiety through several mechanisms—promoting calming brain waves, reducing cortisol, supporting relaxation, and regulating sleep. The grain-free turkey flavor is a hit with most dogs.
If your dog didn’t respond well to a basic L-theanine-only product, this comprehensive blend may provide the additional support they need.
What We Like
- Comprehensive multi-ingredient formula addresses anxiety from multiple angles
- Clinically studied Sensoril Ashwagandha for stress adaptation
- Grain-free with no artificial flavors or preservatives
What Could Be Better
- Higher price point than basic calming chews
- Complex formula may include ingredients some dogs are sensitive to
Bottom Line: Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Bites are the best choice for dogs with moderate to severe anxiety who need more than L-theanine alone.
6. VetriScience Calm & Confident Liquid – Best Liquid Formula
- Vets' #1 Calming Aids: Calm & Confident (previously Composure) calming supplements for dogs and cats are the preferred choice in veterinary clinics across the country
- Fast-Acting Anxiety Relief: Vet-formulated calming liquid supplement for dogs and cats helps to deliver anxiety relief and a sense of calm quickly, with ingredients like colostrum and l-theanine. Give the recommended dose 30 minutes before car rides, grooming or vet visits, thunderstorms, or fireworks, or use daily for a calmer pet
- No Sedative Effects: Pet calming aid liquid is designed to help dogs and cats manage everyday stress and situational anxiety without feeling groggy or tired. It's safe to give as needed or for long-term daily use, and you can double or triple the dose in times of added stress
- Easy to Give: This unflavored, easy-dose liquid calming care supplement for dogs and cats is easy to give: simply pour over food, mix into warm water to make a broth, or give directly from a spoon!
- High-Quality Ingredients: Our vet-formulated pet calming supplements are certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), routinely undergo third-party testing, and contain no hidden ingredients, artificial flavors, or synthetic colors
Not every dog will eat a chew, and VetriScience’s liquid Composure Max formula makes L-theanine supplementation easy for even the pickiest pets.
This unflavored 8 oz liquid contains the same Colostrum Calming Complex and L-theanine found in the chews but in an easy-dose format. You can pour it over food, mix it into warm water to make a broth, or give it directly from a spoon. The liquid is ideal for dogs who have difficulty chewing, are too small for chews, or simply refuse solid supplements. Some dogs will even lick it right off the spoon.
The liquid formula uses the same clinically tested base as VetriScience’s chews and can be given daily or as needed.
What We Like
- Unflavored liquid is versatile—mix with food, water, or give directly
- Based on the same clinically tested formula as VetriScience chews
- Works for both dogs and cats
What Could Be Better
- May need to be refrigerated after opening
- Dosing requires measuring, less convenient than chews
Bottom Line: VetriScience’s liquid formula is the best L-theanine option for dogs who won’t eat chews, delivering clinically tested calming support in a versatile liquid form.
7. LHQR Advanced Calming Chews – Best Bulk Value
- Advanced Multi-Stage Calming Formula: Our dog calming chews are scientifically formulated with a powerful blend of Melatonin, L-Theanine, and Tryptophan. This synergistic complex works to quickly calm nervous energy, ease anxiety, and promote a state of relaxed alertness, making these dog anxiety chews ideal for thunderstorms, separation, or travel.
- Soothing, Natural & Non-Drowsy Relief: Gentle yet effective, these calming treats for dogs leverage the natural power of Chamomile and Passionflower to soothe stress without causing significant drowsiness. Enhanced with Vitamin B1 and L-Lysine for nervous system support, they are a safe, grain-free alternative to harsh medications, providing peace of mind for you and comfort for your pet.
- Rapid-Acting & Long-Lasting Results: Experience fast relief when your dog needs it most. These calming bites for dogs begin working within 30-45 minutes, delivering up to 12 hours of sustained calm. Simply administer one chew before a known stressful event to help your dog remain composed through fireworks, vet visits, or being home alone.
- Irresistible Chicken Flavor for Easy Feeding: Turn stress relief into a delightful treat! Our calming treats for dogs feature a delicious chicken flavor that even picky eaters love. Forget the struggle of forcing down pills or powders—these soft dog calming treats are eagerly enjoyed, ensuring your furry friend gets the consistent support they need without any fuss.
- Exceptional Value for Every Dog: With 200 chews per jar, this single purchase provides a long-term supply for dogs of all sizes. The dosage can be easily adjusted based on your dog's weight and anxiety level, making these dog anxiety chews a cost-effective and convenient solution for ongoing behavioral support and lifelong well-being.
With 200 chews per bag, LHQR’s calming formula offers the best per-chew value for multi-dog households or large breeds that need daily supplementation.
Each soft chew delivers L-theanine alongside melatonin, tryptophan, passionflower, chamomile, flaxseed oil, vitamin B1, and L-lysine. The chicken-flavored chews use a gradual-onset approach, with the manufacturer recommending starting at half the daily serving for the first 3-5 days before increasing to the full amount. This multi-ingredient formula covers several calming pathways for comprehensive anxiety support.
The 200-count bag is significantly larger than most competitors, making it ideal for pet parents who use calming supplements regularly.
What We Like
- 200-count bag offers exceptional per-chew value
- Multi-ingredient formula with L-theanine, melatonin, and tryptophan
- Gradual-onset dosing approach for gentler introduction
What Could Be Better
- Newer brand with fewer verified reviews
- Individual L-theanine dosage per chew not clearly specified
Bottom Line: LHQR is the best bang-for-your-buck L-theanine calming chew, delivering 200 multi-ingredient chews at a fraction of the per-chew cost of premium brands.
8. NaturVet Quiet Moments – Best for Travel & Storms
- HIGH-QUALITY HEALTH SUPPLEMENT FOR DOGS: Bring your friendly pup the calm he needs during separation, storms, grooming or travel with tasty soft chew calming aid dog supplements that promote normal nervous system function.
- PET SUPPLEMENTS FOR ANXIETY: Ensure that your canine companion receives the support needed to reduce stress and tension. NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement.
- WHOLESOME DOG SUPPLEMENTS FOR NERVOUSNESS: Each dog soft chew in this NaturVet Calming Aid dog supplement is enhanced with melatonin, ginger, L-Tryptophan and thiamin to reduce tension and stress when dogs over 12 weeks experience anxiety during storms or when traveling.
- TASTY, DOG SOFT CHEW SUPPLEMENT: Help your pet stay calm and relaxed with Quiet Moments tasty soft chews. These soft chew dog supplements taste like a treat and are packaged in a re-sealable jar for continued freshness.
- PET PRODUCTS YOU CAN TRUST: Since 1994, NaturVet has been serving the four-legged community with wholesome, vitamin-infused dog supplements so that your pup or senior dog maintains a healthy lifestyle. Made in the USA, each pet product from NaturVet is cGMP compliant facility.
NaturVet’s Quiet Moments formula combines L-tryptophan (a precursor to calming brain chemicals) with chamomile, thiamine, ginger, and melatonin for event-specific calming.
While this formula uses L-tryptophan rather than L-theanine as its primary amino acid, the combination works through similar serotonergic pathways to promote relaxation. The addition of ginger makes it especially helpful for dogs with motion sickness during car rides. The time-released formula provides gradual, sustained calming support, and the peanut butter-flavored tablets are made in a cGMP compliant facility.
NaturVet’s 30-year track record and veterinarian-formulated recipes make this a reliable choice you can trust.
What We Like
- 30-year trusted brand with veterinarian-formulated recipes
- Ginger inclusion helps dogs with motion sickness
- Time-released formula for sustained calming effect
What Could Be Better
- Uses L-tryptophan rather than L-theanine as the primary calming amino acid
- Lower melatonin content than some competitors
Bottom Line: NaturVet Quiet Moments is the go-to choice for travel anxiety and storm stress, with a time-released formula that includes motion-sickness support.
How to Choose the Best L-Theanine Supplement for Your Dog
When evaluating L-theanine supplements for dogs, pay close attention to the form and dose of L-theanine used. Suntheanine is a trademarked, clinically studied form of L-theanine that’s considered the gold standard. Products using Suntheanine have the most research backing their efficacy. The dose per chew matters too—look for products that deliver at least 20-30mg of L-theanine per serving, though pure L-theanine products like Anxitane offer 100mg.
Think about whether you want a standalone L-theanine product or a combination formula. Pure L-theanine supplements are best for dogs with mild anxiety or those who are also on other medications, since there are fewer ingredient interactions to worry about. Combination products that include melatonin, ashwagandha, or colostrum may be more effective for dogs with moderate to severe anxiety, since they target multiple calming pathways simultaneously.
Consider your dog’s specific anxiety triggers. For situational anxiety (storms, fireworks, vet visits), a fast-acting product that works within 30 minutes is ideal. For daily anxiety management, look for products safe for long-term use. For dogs with both anxiety and sleep issues, a formula that includes melatonin alongside L-theanine covers both concerns.
Finally, check for quality certifications. Look for NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) certification, third-party testing, GMP manufacturing, and USA-made products. Products from established veterinary companies like VetriScience and Virbac carry additional credibility since they’re recommended and used in veterinary clinics nationwide.
Benefits of L-Theanine Supplements for Dogs
The standout benefit of L-theanine is that it promotes calm without sedation. Unlike medications that make dogs drowsy and lethargic, L-theanine increases alpha brain waves—the same type of brain activity associated with relaxation and meditation in humans. This means your dog can feel calmer and more at ease while still being alert, responsive, and engaged with their environment.
L-theanine works by boosting the production of several important neurotransmitters: GABA (which inhibits excitatory neural activity), serotonin (which regulates mood), and dopamine (which supports feelings of well-being). This triple neurotransmitter support provides a more balanced calming effect than single-pathway approaches, and the effects typically begin within 30-60 minutes of ingestion.
Research has also shown that L-theanine can help dogs who are fearful of unfamiliar people or situations. In controlled studies, dogs given L-theanine were more willing to approach and interact with strangers, suggesting the amino acid can help reduce social anxiety and fear-based behaviors. This makes it particularly useful as part of a behavior modification program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is L-theanine safe for dogs?
Yes, L-theanine is considered very safe for dogs with minimal side effects, even with long-term use. It’s a naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea and has been extensively studied in both human and veterinary applications. The standard dosage range is 50-100mg per 50 lbs of body weight.
How quickly does L-theanine work in dogs?
L-theanine typically begins working within 30-60 minutes and the calming effects can last approximately 3-4 hours. Products like VetriScience Composure have been clinically proven to work within 30 minutes.
Can I give L-theanine to my dog every day?
Yes, L-theanine is safe for daily use. Many veterinarians recommend it as a long-term daily supplement for dogs with ongoing anxiety. It can also be used on an as-needed basis for situational stress.
Does L-theanine make dogs sleepy?
No, L-theanine promotes relaxed alertness rather than drowsiness. It’s one of the main advantages over sedative medications—your dog stays calm but doesn’t become lethargic or disoriented.
Can L-theanine be used with other medications?
L-theanine is generally safe to use alongside other medications, but always consult your veterinarian first. It’s commonly used in conjunction with behavior modification programs and can complement other calming strategies like pheromone diffusers and anxiety wraps.
What’s the difference between L-theanine and L-tryptophan for dogs?
Both are amino acids with calming properties, but they work through different mechanisms. L-theanine increases GABA, serotonin, and dopamine while promoting alpha brain waves. L-tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. Some products combine both for comprehensive calming support.
What’s the right L-theanine dosage for my dog?
The general guideline is 50-100mg per 50 lbs of body weight. However, dosage varies by product, and many veterinary supplements provide lower amounts alongside complementary ingredients. Always follow the product label or your veterinarian’s recommendation.
