10 Calming Toys and Chews for Anxious Dogs

Anxiety is common in dogs. From thunderstorms to fireworks, separation, travel, or a visit to the vet, there are a myriad of things that can put a pooch on edge. And the triggers can vary from dog to dog. No matter what the trigger, it’s heartbreaking to see your beloved furry baby shake or pant with worry. Over the years, I’ve found that even if we can’t always eliminate the triggers, the right calming toys and Chews for Anxious Dogs can go a long way in helping our canine companions manage these uncomfortable feelings and ride them out safely. 

The best dog anxiety relief toys are those that provide the right mix of comfort and distraction. I’ve rounded up 10 such calming toys and chews that have helped sooth my pups during their anxious moments, and I hope they work just as well for your furry baby too. From heartbeat-simulating plushies to slow-chew treat puzzles, each of these is made your dog’s mind and body and make scary moments a tad manageable.

How Calming Toys Help Anxious Dogs

Common anxiety triggers in dogs include, 

• Loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks
• Being left alone
• Changes in routine or environment 
• Boredom 

When a dog is exposed to these triggers, there’s a spike in stress hormones and restless energy. Chewing is one of the fastest ways to relieve that tension. Calming dog toys are a type of anti-anxiety dog product designed to counter these stressors. 

Giving a nervous dog a tough chew toy or bone can work like medicine because it makes their brain release soothing endorphins, thus lowering stress. Some toys go beyond anxiety relief toys for pets. Plush “heartbeat” toys, for instance, mimic a mother’s warmth and pulse. 

Certified canine massage therapist and experienced therapy dog handler Michelle Lehr says that studies show dogs are comforted by the sound of a heartbeat, producing calming oxytocin, the “love hormone”, when they think mom is nearby. Likewise, puzzle and treat-dispensing toys mentally engage a worried dog. Hiding treats or kibble inside these toys can distract a dog from scary triggers, making them focus on a fun task instead. 

Best Calming Toys and Chews for Dogs

Whether you’re looking for anxiety relief toys for pets that pulsate or dispense treats or stress-reducing dog chews, there is no dearth of options. However, not all calming toys for dogs are created equal. Their effectiveness can vary depending on the situation, the trigger, your dog’s personality, and of course, the quality. Based on these parameters, I’ve picked out the following best toys for anxious dogs that have always worked like a charm for my pooches:

1. SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy (Heartbeat Plush Toy)

What it is: A soft, plush “puppy” toy equipped with a battery-powered pulsing heartbeat and optional warming pack. It even looks like a real puppy for extra snuggle factor

Why it works: The faux heartbeat and warmth mimic a mother dog. In fact, experts say this heartbeat sound can calm young pups with separation anxiety by making them feel less alone. It worked like a charm in helping my pup settle into his new home, especially during the night as well as during Puppy crate training

Best for 

• Dogs with separation anxiety or crate stress
• Puppies who miss their litter
• Any dog who likes to cuddle
• Also great for thunderstorm phobias
   

Pros

• Realistic heartbeat and heat
• Machine washable
• Comes in various “breeds”
• Velcro heart pouch that pups can’t tear it out easily
  

Cons

• Not chew-proof, you need to supervise its use 
• Batteries (AA) need replacing every couple of weeks with continued use

Where to buy: Available on Amazon and many pet stores

2. KONG Classic

What it is: A durable, hollow rubber toy in a snowman shape, famous for being fillable with treats or peanut butter.
Why it works: The KONG satisfies a dog’s natural chewing instinct while mentally engaging them. Chewing and licking the treats out of a KONG keeps an anxious dog busy and releases endorphins, thereby reducing stress during crate training or even helping establish a puppy night routine.

Best for

• Bored or separation-anxious dogs that are food-motivated
• Great teething toy for puppies
  

Pros

• Durable non-toxic rubber
• Dishwasher-safe
• Versatile 
• Affordable

Cons

• Treats stuffed in KONG can add calories
• Not indestructible. Super strong chewers can shred it over time 
• Not all dogs may want to engage with it when very anxious, so it’s not a cure-all

Where to buy: Widely available (Amazon, pet stores)

3. Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy

What it is: A wishbone-shaped chew toy made of durable nylon infused with real peanut or bacon flavor. It’s ergonomic and sized for good “grip.”
Why it works: Benebones encourage dogs to chew by taste and design. The deep grooves are filled with real crushed peanuts and natural flavor. Dogs love these. The crunchy nylon with peanut butter scent keeps them occupied for a long time. Chewing toys like these are also among the best toys for teething puppies as they release calming endorphins in the brain

Best for

• Heavy chewers with strong jaws, like Pit Bulls, Labradors, etc., that need tough chews
• Anxious dogs who like flavored chews 

Pros

• Made of super-strong nylon with real flavor
• Very durable
• Helps clean teeth
• Comes in different sizes
• The peanut/bacon taste is a big hit with most dogs
  

Cons

• Not edible, though digestible if a small piece breaks
• Not recommended for very aggressive chewers
• Lacks the “soft comfort” factor of a cuddle toy

Where to buy: Available on Amazon, Chewy

4. ZippyPaws Burrow Puzzle Toy

What it is: A soft “hide-and-seek” plush puzzle, often shaped like a log or honey pot, that comes with several small squeaky stuffed toys like squirrels or bees. The dog digs into the burrow to pull out the smaller toys. 

Why it works: Burrow toys are among the most innovative dog anxiety relief toys that tap into their natural digging and foraging instincts, providing mental enrichment. Your dog literally burrows into the plush “den” to retrieve the hidden squeaky toys. This kind of hide-and-seek play keeps dogs “busily engaged.” By keeping the dog’s brain and paws occupied, it prevents boredom and destructive digging—similar to the role of a puppy feeding schedule in giving structure and focus.

Best for

• Smaller to medium dogs who like soft toys, especially anxious dogs that love digging or who need gentle play
• Senior dogs or dogs that can’t chew hard toys
• Great as a non-toxic way to let a dog be destructive on the right object
  

Pros

Soft and cuddly

Built-in squeakers for extra fun

Machine washable

Various themes like hedgehog, bees, squirrels, and so on 

Good intro to puzzles for beginners.

Cons

• Not for power chewers. It can be ripped if a dog is extremely aggressive
• Loose stuffing or squeakers can come out, so it requires supervision

Where to buy: Find on Amazon or pet retailers.

5. Nylabone Power Chew “Calm & Relax” Bone

What it is: A nylon chew toy shaped like a bone, often flavored with peanut butter or bacon and specially marketed to satisfy chewing cravings. This one of the best chews for dogs with anxiety.
Why it works:  Chewing on a Nylabone helps a dog self-soothe. By grabbing this tough chew bone, an anxious dog can devote its nervous energy to gnawing. The textured grips and flavor grooves help a dog hold on and chew for longer. This satisfies their need to chew, which is calming on its own, and distracts them from whatever it was that scared them.

Best for

• Moderate to heavy chewers of all ages
• Any dog who self-soothes by chewing on something hard
• Puppies learning not to bite the family
  

Pros

• Long-lasting nylon material
• Textured to help clean teeth
• Flavored to keep interest
• Easy for a dog to hold
• Very little mess
  

Cons

• Nylon is not meant to be eaten but if the size is too small or your dog is an aggressive chewer they may ingest it
• Not helpful to a dog that needs a soft comfort object to calm dowm

Where to buy: Widely on Amazon, Chewy, etc.

6. West Paw Toppl (Interactive Treat Toy)

What it is: A flexible, durable treat-dispensing puzzle toy made of non-toxic Zogoflex material. The Toppl is a hollow half-dome that wobbles unpredictably, or two halves can snap together for more challenge.
Why it works: This wobbling toy keeps a dog’s interest with movement and treats. You fill the inside with small treats, kibble, or even spreadable goodies, then freeze it if you like. The shape is designed to roll and bob, so as your dog paws or noses it, treats slowly tumble out. By rewarding each nudge with a treat, it distracts them completely, making it one of the calming toys for dogs for redirecting anxious energy into a fun task.

Best for

• Food-motivated dogs that enjoy a challenge
• Anxious dogs who need a distraction 
• Also useful as a slow-feeder at mealtimes
  

Pros

• Made of durable, pet-safe plastic
• Dishwasher safe
• Comes in multiple sizes
• Floats, so even fun in the pool!
• Freezable
  

Cons

• Not meant to be chewed up, so may not work if your dog self-soothes by chewing 
• Your dog may get frustrated or bored as fewer treats come out at a time 

Where to buy: Available at pet stores and Amazon.

7. LickiMat Soother

What it is: A flat rubber mat with textured surfaces made of dots or grooves on which you spread soft treats like peanut butter, yogurt, or mashed banana.

Why it works: LickiMats are among the most bankable anxiety relief toys for pets, as they turn the enjoyable act of munching on treats into an anti-anxiety activity. Licking the entire textured surface is calming for dogs and helps them self-soothe. I often use it when I have guests arriving. By the time my GSD is done licking the treats off, he is relaxed and tired.

Best for

• Dogs that respond to taste incentives
• Dogs that lick compulsively 
• Dogs that need a low-energy calming activity
• Puppies or senior dogs who can’t chew hard things but can lick safely
  

Pros

• Dishwasher and freezer safe
• Non-toxic food-grade material
• Reusable
• Minimal supervision needed 
• Gentle on teeth
  

Cons

• Only works if your dog is treat-motivated
• Can be messy if crumbs fall out
• Not ideal for heavy chewers

Where to buy: On Amazon and pet supply websites.

8. PetSafe Busy Buddy Calming Treat Toys (Chamomile-Scented)

What it is: A 2-pack of sturdy rubber toys, a “squirrel dude” and a “barnacle” shape, infused with chamomile scent. Each toy is treat-dispensing and the openings can be stuffed or trimmed to hold kibble.

Why it works: Yet another one of the innovative calming toys for dogs that combine two calming tactics: aromatherapy and puzzle play. The rubber is lightly scented with chamomile, a herb known for gentle calming effects. While the dog plays, treats gradually dispense through a patented “Treat Meter,” keeping the dog busy. So your pup smells chamomile and also works to get food rewards. This distracts anxious dogs and rewards calm chewing.

Best for 

• Dogs with separation anxiety, noise phobias, or general boredom
• Moderate to heavy chewers, as the rubber is tough

Pros

• Chamomile infusion for extra calming
• Two toy shapes for variety
• Dishwasher-safe
• Very durable
• Allows trimming to adjust treat flow
• Dual-pack means one can be cleaning while the other is in use

Cons

• You need to refill treats or kibble repeatedly
• Can get messy if pets throw kibble around
• Chamomile scent can wear off over time or may be too mild for some dogs

Where to buy: Shop on Amazon or pet retailers

9. Earth Animal No-Hide Chews (Edible Chews)

What it is: Rawhide-free chew treats made from simple, digestible ingredients like peanut butter, animal protein, eggs, and flour) and flavored variously. They look like rawhide sticks or chips but without all the nasties.

Why it works: Traditional rawhide can contain chemicals or be hard to digest, but No-Hides are made with “no dyes or preservatives and no artificial, synthetic, or hard-to-read ingredients.” From an anxiety standpoint, any chew that’s safe and edible can help a dog calm down.

Best for

• Dogs who need something edible to chew on
• Pups with sensitive tummies or owners who hate rawhide
• Great as high-value treats
  

Pros

• All-natural ingredients
• Supportive of gut health
• Available in many flavors and shapes such as stix, twists, chips
• Green and eco-friendly
  

Cons

• Not long lasting. They’re meant to be eaten 
• Some dogs might go through them too fast
• Add more calories 

Where to buy: Available on Amazon, Chewy, and Earth Animal’s site.

10. Chew King Chill-Fill Treat Toy

What it is: A hollow, non-toxic natural rubber toy that you fill with kibble and water and then freeze. The result is an icy treat that dogs have to chew and lick to enjoy.
Why it works: This is among the best toys because it cools and challenges, all at once. As the dog chews the ice-treat mixture, they get a steady snack and are kept occupied. For best results, pair frozen treats with a gradual dog diet transition to avoid stomach upsets.

I can best describe it as giving your dog an ice-cube puzzle.

Best for

• Puppies and adult dogs that enjoy a frozen challenge
• Great during hot weather 
• Dogs with anxiety-driven drooling or chewing tendencies
• Teething puppies
  

Pros

• Dishwasher safe
• Natural rubber
• Long-lasting if frozen
• Safe design with vent
• Comes in multiple sizes for small/medium/large dogs
• Relieves teething pain
  

Cons

• Need prep as the toy is only as effective as the filling inside 
• Large aggressive chewers can deform or chew through
• Requires waiting for freeze time, so not an instant solution

Where to buy: Purchase on Amazon or pet stores

How to Choose the Right Calming Toy for Your Dog

Having the best ones on your radar is not enough, you also need to know how to choose a calming toy for dogs. As with most pet parenting dilemmas, there is no one-size-fits-all answer here. Depending on your pup’s personality, the right toy might be a snuggly heartbeat plush for comfort, a long-lasting chew for energy release, or a treat puzzle to catch their attention. Every dog is different. One dog might calm down chewing on a nylon bone, while another finds peace licking treats off a LickiMat. 

Understanding these options means you can pick a dog stress relief toy that really works for your dog’s situation and create positive associations during stressful events. Use the checklist below to decide what to look for in anxiety toys for dogs:

• Identify the trigger: If your dog trembles at noises, a cuddly toy like heartbeat plush might comfort them. If separation alone is the issue, a treat puzzle can give them something positive when you leave. Match the toy to the situation
• Consider age and breed: How to choose calming toy for dogs, you wonder? Factor in your pet’s size and age. Small puppies and tiny breeds need gentler, bite-sized toys or soft treats. Large or giant breeds need extra-tough, larger toys. A Dachshund and a Doberman won’t play with the same toy, so choose appropriate size and strength
• Chewing style: Does your dog nibble gently or go for destruction? Gentle chewers often love soft chews like chew strips, frozen treats, or LickiMats that won’t break into shards. Power chewers need sturdy rubber or nylon like Kong, Nylabone, or Benebone that won’t disintegrate. Always avoid toys that are too small or weak for a chewing dog to prevent choking
• Engagement type: When wondering what to look for in anxiety toys for dogs, you need to think about what calms your dog naturally. Some dogs calm down with light chewing or sucking. In that case, lick mats and frozen treats would be ideal. While others calm by vigorous chewing or by playing. For them, nylon bones, bully sticks or puzzle toys work best
  

In short: match the toy to the dog. You can even try a couple of different types and see which your dog prefers.

Safety Tips When Using Calming Toys and Chews

Calming toys for dogs are generally safe, but even so, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Here are a few precautions you must keep in mind:

• Supervise first-time use: Always watch your dog with a new toy or chew. Make sure they understand how it works and that pieces won’t come off easily
• Choose the right size: A toy too small is a choking hazard. A chew bone too big might strain their jaw. Pick one that suits your dog’s weight and jaw strength
• Monitor wear-and-tear: Check chews and plush toys regularly. If a toy cracks, shreds, or leaks, take it away. Discard old or damaged toys promptly to avoid swallowed chunks
• Avoid toxic materials: Prefer natural, non-toxic chews and food-safe plastics. No-Hide chews are better than rawhide, which can carry chemicals≥ Plush toys should have double stitching, like the Velcro pouch on Snuggle Puppy, to prevent stuffing from coming out
• Cleanliness: Keep treat-dispensing toys and mats clean. Moist, leftover food can grow mold and make your dog sick

Takeaway: Supporting Your Dog’s Anxiety with the Right Tools

Calming toys can truly be game-changers for anxious dogs. Each one above offers a way to redirect your dog’s fear into something positive, whether it’s the comfort of a warm heartbeat, the focus of a tough chew, or the reward of a slow puzzle. While these tools won’t erase anxiety overnight, they help make stress manageable and even give dogs a sense of control. Try one or more of the above and watch your dog’s response. With patience, consistency, and the right calming toys for dogs, your pup’s next storm or separation won’t be as frightening. You can even try pairing them with healthy homemade dog food recipes to make stressful moments more positive.

After all, when a dog has a trusted chew or toy to turn to, even the most anxious moments can become a bit more tolerable, and dare I say, even enjoyable.