11 Calming Rooibos Tea Dog Treat Gummies

Zen Paws has quickly become a favorite in the natural pet care community, and their Rooibos Calmies are a shining example of why. They take a simple, effective approach, focusing on high-quality ingredients without a lot of fluff. Their philosophy is all about gentle support for everyday stressors.

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The star ingredient here is, of course, rooibos tea, and Zen Paws sources theirs from organic, sustainable farms in South Africa’s Cederberg region, the home of rooibos. This ensures a high concentration of antioxidants and flavonoids. What sets this gummy apart is the inclusion of L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. It works by increasing levels of calming brain chemicals like GABA and serotonin. The gummies themselves are made with beef gelatin for a chewy texture dogs love, and are flavored with a hint of natural apple for palatability. They’re free from common allergens like corn, soy, and wheat, making them a great choice for many dogs.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

Zen Paws Rooibos Calmies are perfect for the dog who experiences general, low-level anxiety throughout the day. If your pup is constantly a little on edge, paces, or has trouble settling down, the combination of rooibos and L-Theanine provides steady, gentle support without knocking them out.

Tranquil Tails focuses on classic herbal remedies, combining the power of rooibos with other well-known calming botanicals. Their approach is holistic, aiming to soothe both the mind and the body. These gummies are a go-to for situational anxiety, like car rides or vet visits.

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This formula is a powerhouse of calming herbs. Alongside a potent rooibos tea extract, it features chamomile and passionflower. Chamomile is famous for its mild sedative properties, helping to relax muscles and calm upset stomachs (which often go hand-in-hand with anxiety). Passionflower is known to increase levels of GABA in the brain, leading to a feeling of calm. The blend is thoughtful and synergistic. The gummies are pectin-based, making them a good option for dogs who might have sensitivities to animal-based gelatin. They use a touch of honey as a natural sweetener and preservative, which also adds to the appealing taste. Sourcing is transparent, with all ingredients being non-GMO and sourced from North America whenever possible.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

Tranquil Tails is the ideal choice for predictable, stressful events. If you know a thunderstorm is coming, or you have a long car trip planned, giving your dog one of these gummies 30-60 minutes beforehand can make the experience much more manageable for everyone involved.

Pawsitive Vibes is a modern brand that embraces the full spectrum of natural wellness, incorporating trendy yet effective ingredients. Their Serenity Chews are designed for dogs with more intense anxiety, particularly noise phobias and hyperactivity.

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This is a robust formula. It starts with a base of antioxidant-rich rooibos tea and then adds hemp seed powder and oil. It’s important to note this is not CBD; hemp seed is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support brain health and can have a calming effect over time. They also include organic turmeric to help reduce inflammation, which can sometimes be a hidden contributor to anxious behavior. The blend is rounded out with magnesium, a mineral crucial for nerve function and relaxation. The gummies are grain-free and use a chicken liver flavor that most dogs find irresistible. Pawsitive Vibes also provides third-party lab results for purity and potency, which is a huge plus for transparency.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

If your dog hides, trembles, and panics during fireworks or thunderstorms, Pawsitive Vibes Serenity Chews are a top-tier option. The potent, multi-faceted formula provides strong support for highly stressful situations and is also great for generally hyperactive dogs who need help toning it down a notch.

Red Bush Rover’s is all about authenticity. Their brand is built around the heritage of rooibos tea, and their products are simple, pure, and effective. They don’t use a lot of extra ingredients, preferring to let the quality of their star ingredient shine.

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What you see is what you get with Red Bush Rover’s. The ingredient list is refreshingly short: rooibos tea concentrate, grass-fed beef gelatin, and a touch of glycerin to keep the gummies soft. That’s it. This minimalist approach is fantastic for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. The brand prides itself on using a special brewing process that extracts the maximum amount of beneficial compounds from the rooibos leaves. The result is a gummy that is packed with calming antioxidants. While it may not have the fast-acting punch of formulas with added herbs, it provides excellent foundational support for the nervous system when used consistently.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

This is the perfect entry-level calming treat. If you’re new to calming supplements or have a dog with a long list of allergies, Red Bush Rover’s is a safe and gentle place to start. It’s best used as a daily supplement to build resilience to stress over time, rather than for immediate relief.

Happy Hounds takes a ‘whole body’ approach to calmness. They believe that a balanced dog is a happy dog, and their Herbal Harmony Bites are formulated to support not just the nervous system, but also digestion and immunity, which can be impacted by chronic stress.

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This is a truly comprehensive formula. It starts with rooibos and chamomile for direct calming effects. Then, it adds in prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health, recognizing the strong link between the gut and the brain. A healthy gut microbiome can significantly improve mood and reduce anxiety. They also include ginger to soothe nausea associated with stress and astragalus root, an adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress. The gummies are soft and easy to chew, making them suitable for senior dogs, and they have a natural peanut butter flavor that’s a universal canine favorite. The company is committed to sustainability, using recycled packaging and ethically sourced ingredients.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

Happy Hounds is the best choice for dogs whose anxiety is chronic and seems to affect their overall well-being, especially their digestion. If your stressed pup often has an upset stomach or seems generally ‘off’, this holistic formula can help bring their whole system back into balance.

The Anxious Pet is a brand that, as the name suggests, specializes in products for stressed-out animals. Their formulas are often developed with input from veterinarians and are known for their potency and efficacy. Their Rooibos Relief Gummies are a serious tool for managing significant anxiety.

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This formula combines rooibos with Tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter. By providing the building blocks for serotonin, these gummies can help regulate mood and promote a sense of well-being. They also include GABA, a neurotransmitter that directly helps to calm nerve activity in the brain, essentially putting the brakes on anxiety. The dosage of these active ingredients is higher than in many other treats, so it’s important to follow the feeding guidelines carefully. The gummies are made with pork gelatin and have a smoky bacon flavor that is highly palatable. The Anxious Pet also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, showing their confidence in the product.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

This is a heavy-hitter for dogs with moderate to severe anxiety, including separation anxiety, aggression related to fear, or rescue dogs with a history of trauma. If simpler formulas haven’t been effective, The Anxious Pet’s potent blend offers a stronger level of support.

Some dogs are perfectly calm during the day but become restless and anxious as soon as the lights go out. Snoozy Paws was created specifically to address this problem, with a formula designed to promote restful sleep for the whole household.

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Snoozy Paws builds on a rooibos and chamomile base and adds two key ingredients for sleep: valerian root and melatonin. Valerian root is a well-known herbal sedative that has been used for centuries to treat insomnia. It works by increasing GABA levels in the brain, inducing a sense of tranquility. Melatonin is a hormone that the body naturally produces to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Supplementing with a small, pet-safe dose of melatonin can help reset a dog’s internal clock and signal that it’s time to sleep. These gummies are designed to be given about an hour before bedtime. They are chicken-flavored and use a soft, pectin-based gummy that’s easy to digest before sleep.

Pros and Cons

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If your dog paces, whines, or constantly repositions themselves all night long, Snoozy Paws is your answer. It’s the perfect solution for senior dogs with sundowners syndrome or any pup who just can’t seem to switch off when it’s time for bed.

K9 Calm & Collected is a brand geared towards performance and working dogs. They understand that these dogs need to be calm and focused, not drowsy or sluggish. Their Rooibos Jellies are formulated to take the edge off without impairing performance.

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This unique formula blends rooibos with a selection of B vitamins (B1, B6, B12), which are essential for a healthy nervous system. Stress can deplete B vitamins, so replenishing them is key to maintaining emotional balance. They also include Thiamine (Vitamin B1), which has been shown to have a calming effect on its own. The other star ingredient is lemon balm, a gentle herb from the mint family that is known to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being without causing sleepiness. The ‘jellies’ have a firmer texture than some other gummies, making them less messy to handle and perfect for taking to training classes or competitions. They have a mild, savory lamb flavor.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

K9 Calm & Collected is the go-to for agility dogs, therapy dogs, or any pup in a training program. It helps them manage the excitement and stress of a stimulating environment, allowing them to focus on the task at hand. It’s also great for dogs who get over-aroused on walks or at the dog park.

For pet owners who prioritize certified organic ingredients above all else, Organic Companion is the gold standard. Their Rooibos & Valerian Root Gummies are crafted with meticulous care, ensuring every single ingredient (where possible) meets USDA organic standards.

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This is a simple yet potent organic blend. It features USDA certified organic rooibos, which guarantees it was grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The second active ingredient is organic valerian root, a powerful calming herb that is particularly effective for anxiety stemming from fear. To aid in palatability and digestion, they use organic apple puree and organic ginger root powder, which is a natural anti-nausea agent. The gummy base is organic, grass-fed beef gelatin. This is a very clean, high-quality product, and the brand’s commitment to organic sourcing is evident in every bite. It’s a powerful calming treat that you can feel incredibly good about giving your dog.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

If you’re an ‘organic-only’ household and your dog needs significant calming support, this is the product for you. It’s particularly well-suited for dogs with deep-seated fears, such as those who are terrified of the vet or groomer, where the potent effect of valerian root can be most beneficial.

Pet-Clarity addresses a unique aspect of anxiety: the inability to focus. For some dogs, anxiety manifests as scattered, frantic energy. Their Focus & Calm bites are designed to quiet the mental noise and allow for a more centered state of mind.

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This is a fascinating, nootropic-inspired formula for dogs. It combines the calming base of rooibos with Ginkgo Biloba, an herb known for supporting cognitive function and blood flow to the brain. This can help senior dogs with cognitive dysfunction and younger dogs who struggle with focus during training. They also include chamomile for its gentle relaxing properties. The key differentiator is the omission of any strong sedatives like valerian or melatonin. The goal isn’t sleep, but clarity. The gummies are fish-oil based, providing a healthy dose of Omega-3s (DHA and EPA) which are crucial for brain health. The fishy flavor is a huge hit with most dogs.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

Pet-Clarity is the perfect choice for senior dogs showing signs of confusion or ‘sundowning’, as the cognitive support can be very helpful. It’s also an excellent aid for puppy training or any dog that gets easily distracted and overwhelmed in a learning environment.

Good Dog Wellness is a brand that feels like it was started by a fellow dog owner in their kitchen. Their products are straightforward, made with love, and focus on simple, effective solutions without a big marketing fuss. Their Soothing Rooibos Gummies are a great all-around option.

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This formula strikes a lovely balance between simplicity and effectiveness. It uses a high-quality rooibos extract as the foundation and adds a moderate dose of passionflower for its reliable, gentle calming effects. To make the gummies extra appealing, they use unsweetened applesauce and a hint of cinnamon (which has anti-inflammatory properties). The texture is soft and chewy, made with a combination of pectin and gelatin, and they are easily broken into smaller pieces for tiny dogs or for more precise dosing. They are made in small batches in the USA to ensure freshness and quality. It’s a reliable, trustworthy product that does exactly what it promises: gently soothe your dog.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

Good Dog Wellness is the perfect daily driver for a dog with mild to moderate anxiety. It’s gentle enough for consistent use, tasty enough for picky eaters, and effective enough to take the edge off everyday stressors like being left alone or dealing with a noisy neighborhood. It’s a fantastic, reliable, all-around choice.

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the options? Don’t worry! Choosing the right calming gummy is just about matching the product to your dog’s specific needs. Here are the key things to look for:

1. Read the Ingredient List Carefully

The best products have a clean, transparent ingredient list. Look for high-quality rooibos (organic is a plus!) listed near the top. Be wary of proprietary blends that don’t disclose the amounts of active ingredients. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, as well as excessive sugars or fillers like corn and soy.

2. Consider the ‘Active’ Calming Ingredients

Rooibos is the star, but what are its supporting actors? Think about what you want to achieve:

• For General Calm: L-Theanine, Lemon Balm, and Chamomile are great non-drowsy options.
• For Situational Stress (Car Rides, Vets): Passionflower and Valerian Root offer stronger, faster-acting relief.
• For Sleep: Melatonin and Valerian Root are the go-to ingredients.
• For Focus/Seniors: Ginkgo Biloba, B Vitamins, and Omega-3s are excellent choices.

3. Check the Gummy Base

The substance that makes the treat a gummy matters, too! Most use either gelatin (usually from beef or pork) or pectin (a plant-based alternative). If your dog has a sensitivity to beef or pork, or if they have a sensitive stomach in general, a pectin-based gummy might be a better choice.

4. Look for Brand Transparency and Testing

Reputable brands are proud of their quality. Look for companies that openly share where their ingredients are sourced. The absolute best practice is third-party lab testing, where an independent lab verifies the product’s purity and potency. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a great sign that the company is committed to quality and safety.

5. Start Low and Go Slow

Whatever you choose, always introduce it slowly. Start with half the recommended dose to see how your dog reacts. It can take time for herbal supplements to build up in their system, so be patient. And, as always, it’s a great idea to have a chat with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen. They know your dog’s health history and can provide the best guidance.

Is rooibos tea actually safe for dogs?

Yes, absolutely! Unlike black or green tea, rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free. It’s packed with antioxidants like aspalathin and nothofagin, which can help combat oxidative stress, and it’s known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It’s considered one of the safest herbal infusions you can share with your pup.

How long do calming gummies take to work?

This can vary quite a bit depending on the dog and the formula. For treats with fast-acting ingredients like passionflower or valerian root, you might see effects in as little as 30 to 60 minutes. For formulas that work by building up support in the system (like those with L-theanine or just rooibos), it might take several days or even a couple of weeks of consistent use to notice a significant, lasting change in your dog’s baseline anxiety.

Can I give my dog these gummies every day?

For most of the formulas designed for general anxiety, daily use is intended and is perfectly safe. They work best when used consistently to maintain a level of calm. However, for formulas containing stronger sedatives like melatonin or high doses of valerian root (like our Snoozy Paws pick), it’s best to use them only as needed for specific situations, like bedtime or a vet visit, to avoid excessive drowsiness.

What’s the difference between rooibos and something like CBD for dogs?

That’s a great question! Both can have calming effects, but they work very differently. Rooibos works through its unique blend of antioxidants and flavonoids to provide gentle, soothing support to the nervous system. CBD (Cannabidiol) interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, sleep, and pain. CBD is often considered more potent and can have a wider range of effects. Rooibos is a much gentler, foundational herb that is a great starting point for managing mild to moderate anxiety without jumping straight to more complex supplements.