By Daddy Paw | Dog Health & Wellness
Your dog is anxious. You've done the research. You've narrowed it down to two products — PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength and Max Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident by VetriScience. Both are well-regarded. Both claim to calm anxious dogs fast.
But they work very differently. Here's the honest breakdown so you can make the right call for your dog.
Quick Comparison
PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength
Max Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident
Brand
PetHonesty (USA)
VetriScience (USA)
Format
Soft chew
Soft chew
Flavour
Duck
Chicken liver
Key Ingredients
Hemp, Melatonin, Suntheanine, Valerian Root, Chamomile, Ashwagandha
Colostrum, L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan, Bluenesse® Lemon Balm
Works in
30–45 minutes
30 minutes
Lasts
4–7 hours
Up to 4 hours
Daily or as-needed
Both
Both
Suitable for
Dogs with anxiety, hyperactivity, stress
Dogs with severe behavioural & cognitive issues
Vet formulated
Yes — PhD nutritionist
Yes — clinically tested
PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength
What Is It?
PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength is the top tier of PetHonesty's calming range — a step up from their standard Hemp Calming formula. It adds two key ingredients not found in the regular version: Suntheanine, a premium and patented version of L-Theanine, and Melatonin — both of which support deeper relaxation and sleep quality alongside situational anxiety relief.
Key Ingredients
Active ingredients include Hemp Seed Powder, Valerian Root, Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Chamomile, L-Tryptophan, Organic Ginger Root, Suntheanine, Magnesium Citrate, Melatonin, Oat, and Flaxseed.
Each ingredient targets a different aspect of canine anxiety:
- Hemp Seed Powder & Oil — natural calming support without THC or CBD
- Valerian Root — a traditional herb known for promoting relaxation in dogs
- Chamomile — naturally soothing, reduces tension
- Suntheanine (L-Theanine) — promotes calm alertness without drowsiness
- Melatonin — supports sleep and reduces stress response
- Ashwagandha — adaptogen that helps regulate the stress response
- Magnesium Citrate — supports nervous system function
What Pet Owners Say
Reviews are largely positive — particularly for situational anxiety such as thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, and car rides. One owner reported their dog who feared bad weather was noticeably calmer — no longer reactive during storms. Multiple reviewers note the duck flavour is well accepted by most dogs.
Some owners report mixed results — particularly for dogs with very high anxiety levels, where the formula alone may not be sufficient.
Pros
- 13 natural calming ingredients — one of the broadest profiles in the category
- Suntheanine and Melatonin upgrade over standard formula
- No wheat, corn, GMOs, or harsh preservatives
- Works within 30–45 minutes
- Highly palatable duck flavour
Cons
- Primarily a US brand — limited UK availability
- Not effective for all dogs, particularly severe cases
- As-needed use means ongoing costs can add up
- Hemp-based formulas not universally accepted by all vets
Max Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident — Full Review
What Is It?
Max Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident is VetriScience's strongest calming aid, designed to address even serious behavioural problems and promote a calm state. It is 1.5x stronger than the standard Veterinary Strength formula and includes an additional calming ingredient — Bluenesse® lemon balm extract — not found in other products in the range.
Previously sold as Composure Pro Advanced, it was rebranded in 2024 with the same formula under its current name.
Key Ingredients
Features colostrum, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, and lemon balm to support stress relief, relaxation, focus, cognitive function, and mood.
- Colostrum Calming Complex® — a proprietary ingredient clinically shown to reduce anxiety behaviours
- L-Theanine (Suntheanine®) — promotes calm without sedation
- L-Tryptophan — amino acid precursor to serotonin, supports mood regulation
- Bluenesse® Lemon Balm — clinically studied extract for cognitive calm and focus
What Pet Owners Say
Reviews consistently highlight results for dogs with moderate-to-severe anxiety. One owner noted their anxious dog was less restless in the evening within 30 minutes of taking the supplement, and happily takes the chew as a treat. The vet-recommended positioning gives many owners added confidence.
Some owners with very high-anxiety dogs note it requires double dosing to achieve the desired effect — which the brand confirms is safe.
Pros
- Clinically tested — shown to work within 30 minutes, lasting up to 4 hours
- 1.5x stronger than standard Veterinary Strength formula
- Bluenesse® lemon balm — a unique, clinically studied ingredient
- Vet-formulated and trusted by veterinary professionals
- Safe to double dose during heightened stress periods
- Chicken liver flavour — high palatability
Cons
- Primarily a US product — limited direct UK availability
- Smaller ingredient profile than PetHonesty — 4 active ingredients vs 13
- Colostrum Calming Complex® is a proprietary blend — exact doses not fully disclosed
- May require double dosing for severe anxiety cases
Head-to-Head: Key Differences
PetHonesty Max Strength
Max Vet Strength Calm & Confident
Ingredient breadth
13 natural ingredients
4 clinically focused ingredients
Clinical backing
Natural/herbal approach
Clinically tested
Unique ingredients
Ashwagandha, Hemp, Melatonin
Bluenesse® Lemon Balm, Colostrum
Transparency
Full ingredient list
Proprietary blend sections
Speed
30–45 minutes
30 minutes
Duration
4–7 hours
Up to 4 hours
Best for
Situational anxiety, hyperactivity
Severe behavioural & cognitive issues
UK availability
Limited
Limited
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength if:
- Your dog has situational anxiety — thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, vet visits
- You prefer a natural, herbal-forward formula
- Your dog responds well to hemp-based products
- You want broader ingredient coverage across multiple calming pathways
Choose Max Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident if:
- Your dog has more serious, persistent behavioural or cognitive anxiety issues
- You prefer a clinically tested formula with vet backing
- Your dog's anxiety goes beyond situational stress into daily behavioural patterns
- You want a formula safe to double dose during peak stress periods
Both are US products with limited UK availability — factor in shipping and import costs when comparing prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength good for dogs? PetHonesty Calming Hemp Max Strength is a well-regarded natural calming supplement with 13 active ingredients including hemp, valerian root, chamomile, Suntheanine, and melatonin. It works well for situational anxiety — thunderstorms, travel, vet visits — with most owners reporting results within 30–45 minutes. It may not be sufficient alone for dogs with severe or persistent anxiety.
Q: What is the difference between PetHonesty Calming Hemp and Max Strength? The Max Strength version adds two key ingredients not found in the standard formula — Suntheanine (a premium patented form of L-Theanine) and Melatonin. These additions make it more appropriate for dogs with stronger anxiety responses that the standard formula doesn't fully address.
Q: Is Max Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident the same as Composure Pro Advanced? Yes — Max Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident was formerly sold as Composure Pro Advanced by VetriScience. The formula, ingredients, and flavour remain identical. The name change was part of a brand refresh in 2024.
Q: Which is better — PetHonesty or VetriScience calming supplements? It depends on your dog's needs. PetHonesty offers a broader natural ingredient profile suited to situational anxiety and hyperactivity. VetriScience Max Veterinary Strength is clinically tested, 1.5x stronger than the standard vet formula, and better suited to dogs with serious behavioural or cognitive anxiety issues. Both work within 30 minutes and are safe for daily or as-needed use.
Q: Are calming supplements safe for dogs long-term? Both products are formulated for safe daily or as-needed use. PetHonesty uses all-natural ingredients free from GMOs, wheat, corn, and harsh preservatives. VetriScience Max Veterinary Strength is vet-formulated and clinically tested. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new
