Table of Contents
Summary ✍️
Just like humans, dogs can experience stress and anxiety from changes in their routine, loud noises, separation, or even boredom. The good news? Some everyday foods from your kitchen, especially those with calming ingredients, can help your bud feel more at ease. In this blog, we explore five ‘human’ foods dogs can eat to reduce anxiety. These simple foods are not only safe for dogs, but also help reduce anxiety in a natural way. From mood-balancing turkey to antioxidant-rich blueberries, we’ll show you how these ingredients work and how to safely incorporate them into your dog’s diet.
Key Takeaways 🔑
Some human foods that are safe for dogs also support a calm, balanced mood.
Look for nutrients like tryptophan, magnesium, antioxidants, and omega-3s.
Healthybud products are packed with anxiety-fighting ingredients like turkey, sweet potato, and broccoli.
Consult your vet before making major changes to your dog’s diet.
Always introduce new foods slowly and in moderation.
Duck Calming Aid
$17.00 CAD
For the Anxious Dogs Soft, chewy functional treats packed with calming superfoods, our Calming Aid treats are a natural way to help ease your dog’s anxiety. Whether it’s car rides, grooming, thunderstorms, or separation anxiety, these functional treats help your… read more
5 'Human' Foods Dogs Can Eat to Reduce Anxiety 😋
Anxious pacing. Whining at the door. Hiding during thunderstorms. If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Dog anxiety is incredibly common, and it can show up in different ways depending on your pup’s personality (for instance, some dogs bark or shake while others become clingy or withdrawn).
A study published in Scientific Reports found that, out of nearly 14,000 dogs surveyed, more than 70% exhibited at least one anxiety-related behaviour.
Whether your dog is nervous around new people, afraid of loud noises, or struggles with separation, anxiety can seriously affect their quality of life.
While behaviour training, enrichment, and exercise are key tools for managing anxiety, many pet parents don’t realize that nutrition also plays a major role in emotional health. Just like us, dogs’ brains are influenced by what they eat.
Certain foods contain natural compounds that support a healthy nervous system, improve mood, and even reduce stress hormones. The best part is some of these calming ingredients are already in your kitchen, or in your dog’s Healthybud treats!
Let’s dive into five ‘human’ foods that help dogs feel calmer and emotionally balanced, and how to safely feed them.
🦃 TURKEY
Post-Thanksgiving naps are often not only due to your full belly. Turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin. Serotonin is a feel-good brain chemical that regulates mood, promotes relaxation, and can ease feelings of stress. For dogs, turkey offers much more than lean protein. It’s a functional food that helps stabilize mood and support emotional wellbeing.
Found in:
Healthybud includes turkey in multiple products designed to nourish both body and mind—like our Turkey Meal Bites, Turkey Meal Patties and Turkey Gut Booster Chews. These products deliver the calming benefits of turkey in a delicious, easy-to-digest form that dogs love.
Turkey Meal Patties
$45.00 CAD
⭐️ New & Improved Formula! ⭐️ A complete & balanced freeze-dried raw meal packed with natural superfoods, pre-biotics, post-biotics and more! Healthybud’s easy to serve, rehydratable freeze-dried beef patties provide the powerful benefits of raw food with the convenience of kibble. Packed with delicious &… read more
🍠 SWEET POTATO
This vibrant orange veggie is a superstar when it comes to supporting mental health. Sweet potatoes are packed with complex carbohydrates, magnesium, and vitamin B6—all of which support nervous system function and a calmer mood.
Magnesium is particularly powerful. It helps regulate the nervous system, ease muscle tension, and reduce cortisol (a stress hormone).
Found in:
You’ll find sweet potato in Healthybud’s Sweet Potato Chews—a simple, single-ingredient snack that’s both calming and gut-friendly. It’s also a base ingredient in our Duck Calming Aid Chews, helping your pup feel grounded from the inside out.
Sweet Potato Chews
$12.00 CAD
The clean, all-natural vegan chew that lasts Does your bud love to chew? Need a way to keep them busy? Toss them this all-natural vegan treat with a chew that lasts. Natural source of vitamin A & beta-carotene Helps maintain healthy skin,… read more
🌼 CHAMOMILE
Chamomile may not be a food per se, but the herb is a staple in wellness teas for good reason. This soothing herb has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety, ease digestive upset, and support better sleep. Chamomile works by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain—the same ones targeted by anti-anxiety medications. But it does so gently and naturally, making it a great option for dogs who need extra support without side effects.
Found in:
Healthybud’s Duck Calming Aid Chews are formulated with chamomile extract, carefully dosed to provide a calming effect without sedation. It’s the perfect addition to your dog’s routine before fireworks, vet visits, or car rides.
🫐 BLUEBERRIES
These little berries are bursting with antioxidants—compounds that protect the brain and body from oxidative stress. High levels of oxidative stress have been linked to anxiety, so it’s no surprise that antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries can help improve mood and cognitive function. Blueberries are also a great source of vitamin C and fibre, supporting overall immune and gut health—which, as research shows, is closely tied to emotional health.
Found in:
Blueberries are found in Healthybud’s Turkey Gut Booster Functional Treats & Meal Toppers, which support digestion and mental clarity thanks to their high antioxidant content. A healthy gut equals a healthier, happier mind.
Turkey Gut Booster
$16.00 CAD
Digestive Health in Every Bite Soft, chewy, superfood-packed functional treats —the Gut Booster is made to support your dog's gut health and digestion. If your pup struggles with upset stomachs, loose stools, or scooting, these nutritious treats are made to… read more
🎃 PUMPKIN SEEDS (PEPITAS)
Pumpkin seeds are tiny but mighty when it comes to mood support. They’re rich in magnesium, zinc, omega-3s, and tryptophan—a combo that promotes calm, improves sleep, and supports brain function. They also contain plant-based protein and healthy fats that contribute to stable energy levels and focus.
Found in:
You’ll find pumpkin seeds in Healthybud’s Duck Calming Aid Chews as part of a synergistic blend of anxiety-fighting ingredients. Combined with turkey, sweet potato, and chamomile, they round out the formula with a nutritious crunch that supports overall wellness.
Feeding Tips: Human Foods Dogs Can Eat to Reduce Anxiety 🍽️
Adding calming foods to your dog’s diet doesn’t have to be complicated—but it should be done thoughtfully. Here are a few pro tips to get you started:
✅ Start Small: Introduce one new food at a time in tiny amounts. Observe your bud for any signs of digestive upset (gas, loose stool, etc.) before increasing the portion.
✅ Choose Whole or Freeze-Dried Options: Whenever possible, offer fresh, unseasoned versions of these foods—or opt for dog food that’s frozen at peak freshness, like Healthybud’s freeze-dried raw food.
✅ Use as Toppers or Treats: Mix a small spoonful of mashed sweet potato or finely chopped turkey into your dog’s meal. Or offer blueberries and pumpkin seeds as a healthy afternoon snack.
✅ Be Strategic: Use calming treats like Healthybud Duck Calming Aid Chews before stressful events—like car rides, grooming, or thunderstorms—to help your bud stay grounded.
✅ Watch Portions: Even healthy human foods should only make up a small portion of your dog’s overall intake. Use them as functional add-ons, not meal replacements.
Digging Deeper: ‘Part of a Comprehensive Therapeutic Plan’ 🔎
In an article published by PetMD, veterinarian Jennifer Coates explains that dietary interventions may help manage stress-related behaviour in dogs when used alongside training and other therapies.
One study she cited found that anxious dogs fed a diet rich in L-tryptophan (serotonin-producing amino acid) and alpha-casozepine (a calming milk protein) for seven weeks showed fewer stress behaviours and reduced cortisol levels.
“Diet alone won’t cure dogs of their anxiety, but it looks like it could be used as part of a comprehensive therapeutic plan.” – Jennifer Coates, DVMThat means calming ingredients like turkey (rich in tryptophan) really can make a difference when it comes to anxiety support. It's just one more reason to include these functional foods in your dog’s daily diet.
FAQs 👀
🧐 Can I give my dog human food every day?
💡 Some human foods are safe for dogs, but not all. Focus on whole, dog-safe foods like the ones in this post, and feed them in moderation or as part of a balanced, vet-approved diet.
🧐 Are Healthybud products suitable for anxious dogs?
💡 Yes! Many Healthybud meals and treats are made with calming ingredients like ashwagandha, chamomile, L-Theanine and reishi mushroom. Our Duck Calming Aid Chews were specially formulated to help your pup relax—without the use of CBD. Crafted with calming herbs and medicinal mushrooms, these soft & chewy bites can be used as a treat or a meal topper. They’re vet-approved, picky-eater guaranteed, and a convenient way to support your dog’s mood.
Duck Calming Aid
$17.00 CAD
For the Anxious Dogs Soft, chewy functional treats packed with calming superfoods, our Calming Aid treats are a natural way to help ease your dog’s anxiety. Whether it’s car rides, grooming, thunderstorms, or separation anxiety, these functional treats help your… read more
🧐 How soon will I notice a difference in my dog’s anxiety levels?
💡 Every dog is different. You might notice a subtle change in energy or demeanour within a few days or weeks, especially when used alongside other tools like exercise, enrichment, and training.
🧐 Should I give calming treats before a stressful event like fireworks or vet visits?
💡Absolutely. Offering calming snacks ahead of time can help take the edge off. Pair with a calming routine or safe space for best results.
🧐 Do calming foods help with separation anxiety?
💡They can definitely help take the edge off. While calming foods won’t “cure” separation anxiety on their own, they can be part of a well-rounded plan that includes gradual desensitization training, enrichment, and consistent routines.
🧐 What’s the difference between calming treats and medication?
💡Calming treats use gentle, natural ingredients to support relaxation without sedating your dog. Medications are typically prescribed for severe anxiety and work more quickly or intensely. If your dog has extreme anxiety, it’s best to speak with your vet about the right combination of support.
Turkey Meal Bites
$45.00 CAD
A complete & balanced freeze-dried raw meal packed with all-natural superfood ingredients Healthybud’s easy to serve freeze-dried turkey bites provide the powerful benefits of raw food with the convenience of kibble. Packed with delicious & natural ingredients and superfoods, this product was made with the… read more
Conclusion 🐶
Your dog’s emotional health matters—and what you feed them can have a meaningful impact. By adding anxiety-reducing human foods dogs can eat to your pup’s bowl (or treat routine), you’re giving them natural, wholesome support from the inside out.
At Healthybud, we believe in functional ingredients that serve a purpose. Whether it’s turkey for tryptophan or blueberries for antioxidants, every product is designed to help your dog live a calmer, happier, longer life.
🚨 Special Promo Alert!
As a thank you for reading our blog, enjoy a 15% discount on all Healthybud products! Use code BLOG15 at checkout.
Author Bio:
Coeli Fortun is a certified Canine Nutrition Coach with the American Veterinary Community (NAVC). Her passion lies in holistic pet health, and she has been part of the pet industry since 2017. Coeli specializes in premium pet care through tailor-made meal plans and offers expert advice on nutrition and hygiene. With five senior fur babies under her care, Coeli continues to explore and share the world of holistic pet health with pet parents everywhere.
