If your dog is already eating a calming formula, you may be wondering if adding a calming supplement is necessary, or even safe. The answer is yes! Feeding a calming dog food such as the Nutrience Care Calming kibble or wet food alongside a Nutrience Care Calming Supplement is completely safe. While each formula is designed to be effective on its own, combining them can provide additional support for dogs experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety.
How Nutrience Care Calming Food Works
Nutrience Care Calming kibble and wet food are formulated with carefully selected ingredients to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. These formulas include:
- L-tryptophan an amino acid required for serotonin production studied for its role in mood regulation and alleviating dominance aggression signs in dogs.
- L-tyrosine an amino acid required for dopamine production, a nutrient important for attention and focus, and ease training.
- Hydrolyzed casein is a bioactive peptide originating from a protein in cow’s milk, which produces a naturally calming effect and helps reduce signs of anxiety in dogs.
For many dogs, a calming diet alone can help manage everyday stress and mild anxiety. However, some dogs may require additional support, especially in high-stress situations like thunderstorms, travel, or separation anxiety.
How to Know If Your Dog Needs Extra Calming Support
Even if your dog is eating calming food, there are certain signs that may indicate they need additional support from a calming supplement. Here’s how to tell if your dog could benefit from extra calming protection:
- High-Stress Situations: If your dog becomes highly stressed during specific events like thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, or visits to the vet, a calming supplement can offer an extra layer of relief. These supplements provide immediate support during these high-anxiety moments.
- Separation Anxiety: If your dog shows signs of distress when left alone, such as barking, destructive behaviour, or excessive drooling, they may benefit from more intense calming support. A calming supplement can help manage separation anxiety and provide additional relief when they are on their own. Our blog post on preventing separation anxiety covers key strategies to help your pup feel more secure while home alone.
- Hyperactivity: For dogs that struggle with hyperactivity or find it difficult to settle down, adding a supplement can help reduce excess energy and bring a sense of calm. If your dog is always “on the go” and has trouble focusing, a calming supplement might be just what they need.
- Senior Dogs: As dogs age, they may experience cognitive dysfunction, which can lead to anxiety or restlessness. If your senior dog is showing signs of confusion, anxiety, or a decline in behaviour, extra calming support through supplements can improve their quality of life and help them feel more relaxed.
- Recent Changes or Adoptions: Dogs that have recently been rehomed or have experienced significant changes in their environment may find it difficult to adjust. Adding a calming supplement during this transition can help your dog feel more at ease as they adjust to their new home.
The Role of Nutrience Care Calming Supplements
The Nutrience Care Calming Supplement is designed to work in conjunction with the Nutrience Care Calming food or as a standalone solution. These supplements provide:
- Additional L-Theanine & L-Tryptophan for an extra calming effect.
- Magnesium to help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Valerian Root & Passion Flower to further support relaxation.
- Ginger to ease nausea and motion sickness.
- Thiamine to help maintain a healthy nervous system.
Can I Feed Nutrience Care Calming Supplements with Nutrience Care Calming Kibble?
Yes! While Nutrience Care Calming kibble and wet food contain effective levels of calming ingredients, adding the Nutrience Care Calming Supplement won’t lead to excessive or unsafe levels of any active ingredient. Instead, it provides extra support for dogs that need it most.
If your dog is thriving on a calming formula, a supplement may not be necessary. However, for dogs with higher stress levels or anxiety triggers, adding the Nutrience Care Calming Supplement is a safe and effective way to enhance relaxation.
By choosing Nutrience Care products, you’re providing your dog with a well-rounded approach to stress management, whether through food, supplements, or both!
