Valerian
31 foods contain this ingredient
This is an alphabetical list, not a ranking. Add KL+ to rank foods for your pet in the Food Finder.
About Valerian
Valerian is a flowering herb added to some calming treats and supplements for its behavioral effects rather than any nutritional contribution.
Valerian is an herbal calming ingredient used in pet foods, treats, and supplements to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety or stress-related behaviors in dogs and cats rather than providing nutritional value. While some pets (especially cats) may be strongly attracted to it and owners report calming effects, efficacy is variable and it can cause drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset or paradoxical excitation and may interact with other sedatives or be contraindicated in pregnant animals, so consult your veterinarian for appropriate use and dosing.
Related ingredients
- Derived from
- Valeriana officinalis root
- Primary role
- Calming or behavioral support additive
Why it's used
Valerian is included in calming products for its believed effect on GABA activity in the brain, a mechanism proposed to dampen the nerve signaling associated with stress responses. A peer-reviewed study in BMC Veterinary Research also found that valerian can trigger a catnip-like attraction response in some cats, driven by the compound actinidine rather than the nepetalactone found in catnip.
Common concerns
- Variable response between individual cats The same peer-reviewed study found that cats which respond to catnip often also respond to valerian, but individual response varies, and the study found overlap between catnip and valerian responders without identifying a specific mechanism.
- Sedation and drowsiness Overdosing is commonly associated with lethargy, drowsiness, and in some reports vomiting, given valerian's sedative mechanism.
- Use in vulnerable life stages Sources commonly advise against use in pregnant or lactating animals due to a potential uterine-stimulant effect, and recommend caution in puppies, older pets, and those with underlying health conditions.
- Interaction with other sedatives Because of its sedative action, valerian is discussed as a potential interaction concern when combined with other calming medications or supplements.
Also relevant
Evidence for valerian's calming effect in dogs and cats comes largely from anecdotal reports and behavioral studies of its attractant properties in cats, rather than controlled clinical efficacy trials, so a veterinarian can help weigh it against other options for anxiety-related behaviors.
Common Questions
What category is Valerian?
Valerian is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Valerian part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Valerian in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Valerian?
31 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Valerian, including Bark Bistro, Earth Animal, Fera Pets.
Foods with Valerian
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
Find the right food for your pet
Sign in free to sort and filter by score, and avoid or require Valerian in the Food Finder. Add KL+ to see these foods ranked for your pet's breed, age, and health focus.
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