Every dog and cat owner knows that pets’ moods can fluctuate just like ours. At times, they may be restless, stressed, or highly reactive – and for some pets, this behaviour is more common than for others.
Where does restlessness come from?
Pets can react strongly to everyday situations. A new environment, traveling, vet visits, or even being left alone can trigger restlessness and stress. This may appear as:
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constant barking or meowing
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pacing or restlessness
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hiding, trembling, or panting
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loss of appetite or hyperactivity.
For pet parents, these moments can be stressful too, and many wonder if there’s a gentle way to help. The good news is that nutrition can play an important role in supporting your pet’s wellbeing.
Active ingredients to support calmness
Nutrition increasingly makes use of natural active ingredients that help balance the nervous system and support mood. Two of the most studied are alpha-casozepine and L-tryptophan – and for good reason. Research shows they can help reduce restlessness and promote calmness in dogs and cats.
Alpha-casozepine: nature’s own calmer
Alpha-casozepine is a peptide derived from casein, a milk protein. Its calming effects were first observed when scientists studied how breast milk soothes infants. Later, research found that the same compound can also help reduce stress in dogs and cats.
It works in the central nervous system on receptors that regulate arousal, helping pets relax and recover naturally. Dogs receiving alpha-casozepine show fewer fear-based behaviors, while cats show milder stress reactions.
L-tryptophan: the building block of good mood
L-tryptophan is an amino acid needed to produce serotonin, a key neurotransmitter that regulates both mood and sleep. By enriching the diet with L-tryptophan, the nervous system’s balance is strengthened and mood stays more stable.
It naturally occurs in foods such as meat, fish, nuts, and dairy. As a supplement, it can help pets remain calmer and adapt better to changing situations.
A proven combination
Together, alpha-casozepine and L-tryptophan complement each other:
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Alpha-casozepine helps relieve acute tension, such as restlessness, noise sensitivity, and challenges in adapting to new environments or unfamiliar situations.
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L-tryptophan supports longer-term mood balance through serotonin production, reducing stress-related repetitive behaviors and hyperactivity.
Studies show that dogs and cats receiving these ingredients are calmer, more adaptable, and less burdened by stress.
Why choose Alpha-casozepine and L-tryptophan?
Research confirms that these natural compounds support the nervous system both separately and together. In dogs and cats, they’re linked to calmer behavior, fewer stress responses, and easier adaptation to change.
Alvar Pet’s new Calm+ supplement, when given as directed, delivers clinically effective levels of alpha-casozepine and L-tryptophan. Because these ingredients are natural and well-tolerated, Calm+ is a safe way to support your pet’s everyday wellbeing.
Key references
- Beata C. et al. (2007): Effect of alpha-casozepine (Zylkene) on anxiety in cats. Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
- Beata C. et al. (2007): Effect of alpha-casozepine on anxiety in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
- Escribano D. et al. (2020): Alpha-casozepine reduces stress in cats and dogs: A review. Antioxidants.
- DeNapoli J.S. et al. (2000): Effect of dietary protein content and tryptophan supplementation on dominance aggression, territorial aggression, and hyperactivity in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- Ramos D. et al. (2016): Dietary supplementation with tryptophan and alpha-casozepine in anxious cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
