By Daddy Paw | Dog Health & Wellness
Your dog is anxious. You've tried the basics. Now you want something stronger — a proper max strength calming chew that actually works.
This guide covers the best options available, with a detailed look at PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength — one of the most popular choices for dog owners who need more than a standard formula.
What Makes a Calming Chew Max Strength?
Not every product with "max strength" on the label actually delivers more. Here's what actually makes a calming chew genuinely stronger:
More active ingredients — max strength versions usually include extra ingredients not found in the standard formula. PetHonesty Max Strength adds Suntheanine® (a premium form of L-Theanine) and Melatonin — neither of which are in the regular version.
Higher doses — the same ingredients but in larger amounts per chew. This matters because calming compounds need to reach a certain level in the body before they work.
Better quality ingredients — premium, patented versions of ingredients (like Suntheanine® instead of generic L-Theanine) are more effective and better absorbed.
Wider ingredient range — more ingredients covering more anxiety pathways means better results for dogs with multiple triggers.
PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength — Full Review
What is it? PetHonesty's Hemp Calming Max Strength soft chews provide a powerful and natural solution to help your dog deal with stressful situations. Whether your dog gets nervous with car rides, vet visits, thunderstorms, or being left alone — these chews are designed to help.
Key Ingredients: Active ingredients include Valerian Root, Chamomile Powder, Gingko Biloba, Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Hemp Seed Powder, Passion Flower, L-Theanine, Organic Ashwagandha Root, Organic Ginger Root, Organic Lemon Balm, L-Tryptophan, Magnesium Citrate, and Melatonin.
That's 13 natural calming ingredients in one chew — one of the broadest ingredient profiles available in any calming supplement.
What makes it different from regular PetHonesty Calming Hemp? The Calming Hemp+ Max-Strength Supplement contains Suntheanine, a premium and patented version of Theanine, as well as Melatonin — which the regular Calming Hemp Supplement doesn't have. These two additions make it meaningfully stronger for dogs with more serious anxiety.
How fast does it work? These soft chews help keep your pet calm and can reduce anxiety in as little as 30-45 minutes. The effects last approximately 4-7 hours depending on the dog.
Can you give it every day? It can take 4-6 weeks to see the full effects for some dogs, while others may notice changes in just a few days. Stay patient and stick to the recommended amounts — consistency is key.
What pet owners say: Owners report calmer behaviour during thunderstorms and fireworks, with no drowsiness or drug-like side effects. One reviewer noted their dog slept better than with gabapentin alone. The duck flavour is well accepted by most dogs.
Pros:
- 13 natural ingredients — one of the broadest profiles available
- Suntheanine® and Melatonin upgrade over standard formula
- Works within 30–45 minutes
- Lasts 4–7 hours
- No wheat, corn, GMOs, or harsh preservatives
- Can be given daily or as needed
Cons:
- Primarily a US product — limited UK availability
- Not suitable for severe anxiety requiring prescription medication
- Some dogs take a few weeks to respond fully
Other Top Max Strength Calming Chews
VetriScience Max Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The strongest clinically tested option. 1.5x stronger than standard Veterinary Strength, includes exclusive Bluenesse® lemon balm extract. Works within 30 minutes, lasts up to 4 hours. Safe to double dose during high-stress periods. Best for dogs with serious behavioural or cognitive anxiety.
YuMOVE Calming Support for Dogs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ UK's most widely available calming supplement. Scientifically backed, boosts natural serotonin production. Good for ongoing anxiety and stressful events. Takes 4–6 weeks for full benefit. Available at Pets at Home, Amazon UK, and yumove.co.uk.
Zylkene Calming Capsules 225mg ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Higher strength milk protein formula for medium to large dogs. Published evidence supporting its use alongside behaviour modification. Good for situational stress. Available through UK vets and VioVet.
BUGALUGS 21 in 1 Multifunctional Treats ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Covers calming alongside joints, gut, skin, and teeth. Great all-in-one option if your dog needs support in multiple areas at once.
Which One Should You Choose?
For the broadest natural ingredient profile → PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength
For the strongest clinically tested formula → VetriScience Max Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident
For the most accessible UK option → YuMOVE Calming Support
For dogs needing calming + other health support → BUGALUGS 21 in 1
For medium-to-large dogs with situational stress → Zylkene 225mg
A calm dog is also a more comfortable dog. If your anxious dog also shows signs of joint stiffness — which is common in older dogs — supporting their joints properly can help reduce the low-level discomfort that contributes to anxiety. Daddy Paw's Max Strength for Senior Dogs includes omega-3 fatty acids that support both joint health and mood. £21.99 for 120 tablets with 20% off on subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength good for dogs? Yes — PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength is a well-regarded natural calming chew with 13 active ingredients including hemp, valerian root, chamomile, Suntheanine®, and melatonin. It works within 30–45 minutes and lasts 4–7 hours. It's most effective for situational anxiety — thunderstorms, travel, vet visits — and works best with consistent daily use over 4–6 weeks for ongoing anxiety.
Q: What is the difference between PetHonesty Calming Hemp and Max Strength? The Max Strength version adds two key ingredients not in the standard formula — Suntheanine® (a premium patented form of L-Theanine) and Melatonin. These make it stronger and more effective for dogs with more serious anxiety that the standard formula doesn't fully address.
Q: Is PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength available in the UK? PetHonesty is primarily a US brand and has limited direct UK availability. It can sometimes be found through international pet supplement retailers, but UK dog owners may find YuMOVE Calming or Zylkene more accessible and cost-effective without import costs.
Q: How long do calming chews take to work for anxious dogs? Most calming chews work within 30–60 minutes for situational anxiety. For ongoing daily anxiety, consistent use over 4–6 weeks builds up the full long-term benefit. Some dogs respond faster than others — stay consistent and patient with the recommended dose.
Q: Are calming chews safe for dogs to take every day? Yes — most quality calming chews are safe for daily long-term use. Always follow the dosing guide on the pack for your dog's weight. Check with your vet if your dog is on any prescribed medication or has a diagnosed anxiety condition.
