L-Theanine: The Calming Amino Acid That May Help Your Dog Cope with Stress

We all want our dogs to be happy, healthy, and stress-free. But just like us, our furry friends can experience anxiety and stress in response to various triggers, from loud noises to changes in routine. While a loving home, consistent training, and plenty of exercise are essential for a balanced pup, certain natural supplements may offer additional support for managing stress. One such supplement gaining attention in the world of pet wellness is L-theanine, an amino acid found primarily in green tea. Let's explore what the research says about the potential benefits of L-theanine for our canine companions.

What is L-Theanine?

L-theanine is a unique amino acid that occurs naturally in tea leaves, particularly those of the Camellia sinensis plant used to make green tea. Unlike most amino acids, L-theanine is not a building block of proteins but rather serves as a bioactive compound with a range of potential health benefits. In humans, L-theanine has been studied for its calming effects on the brain, ability to promote relaxation without drowsiness, and potential to improve cognitive performance and sleep quality.¹

Potential Benefits of L-Theanine for Dogs

While research on L-theanine specifically in dogs is limited, studies in other animals and humans suggest several potential benefits that may extend to our furry friends:

1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

One of the most promising aspects of L-theanine is its potential to promote relaxation and reduce stress. In a study on humans, L-theanine intake significantly reduced heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin A (a marker of immune function) in response to an acute stress task, suggesting an attenuation of the body's stress response.²

In a study on cats, L-theanine tablets were found to effectively reduce stress-related behaviors like inappropriate urination, fearfulness, and hypervigilance. Most cats showed improvements within 15 days, with even better results after 30 days of supplementation.³

While more research is needed to confirm these effects in dogs, the calming properties of L-theanine may be particularly beneficial for pups prone to anxiety or those facing stressful situations like travel, vet visits, or fireworks.

2. Supporting Immune Function and Overall Health

In addition to its stress-reducing effects, L-theanine has been studied for its potential to support immune function and overall health. In a study on broiler chickens, dietary L-theanine supplementation improved growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant status in the blood, with an optimal dosage of 200 mg/kg of diet.⁴

Similarly, L-theanine supplementation in ducks was found to enhance growth performance, immune function, and gut health, suggesting it may be a valuable feed additive for promoting overall health and resilience.⁵

While the specific mechanisms may vary between species, these findings suggest that L-theanine could offer general health benefits for dogs as well, supporting their natural defenses and promoting a healthy response to environmental stressors.

Is L-Theanine Safe for Dogs?

L-theanine is generally considered safe for both human and animal consumption, with few reported side effects in the available research. However, it's important to note that most studies have been conducted in laboratory animals or other species, with limited data specifically on dogs.

As with any new supplement, it's crucial to consult with your veterinarian before giving L-theanine to your pup. They can help you determine if it's appropriate for your dog's individual needs, health status, and any medications they may be taking. Your vet can also guide you on the proper dosage for your dog's size and weight.

When selecting an L-theanine supplement for your dog, opt for a high-quality product from a reputable brand that specializes in pet supplements. Look for formulas that are free from artificial additives, fillers, or other potentially harmful ingredients.

The Bottom Line

While more canine-specific research is needed, the available evidence from animal and human studies suggests that L-theanine may be a promising natural supplement for supporting your dog's stress response, immune function, and overall well-being. As a pet parent, you know your furry friend best, so trust your instincts and work with your vet to determine if L-theanine could be a helpful addition to your dog's wellness routine.

Remember, no single supplement is a magic bullet for reducing stress or anxiety in dogs. A holistic approach that includes a healthy diet, plenty of exercises, consistent training, and lots of love is essential for helping your pup thrive. But for dogs that could use a little extra support in managing stress, L-theanine may be a natural and safe option to help them find their zen.

References:

1. Williams, J., Sergi, D., McKune, A., Georgousopoulou, E., Mellor, D., & Naumovski, N. (2019). The beneficial health effects of green tea amino acid l‐theanine in animal models: Promises and prospects for human trials. Phytotherapy Research, 33(3), 571-583. https://consensus.app/papers/health-effects-amino-acid-l%E2%80%90theanine-animal-models-williams/60ef736f7ac45737be4acf64c6b6fc90/

2. Kimura, K., Ozeki, M., Juneja, L. R., & Ohira, H. (2007). L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biological psychology, 74(1), 39-45. https://consensus.app/papers/reduces-stress-responses-kimura/871633c64bd054caaa60390a29240720/

3. Dramard, V., Kern, L., Hofmans, J., Rème, C. A., Nicolas, C. S., Chala, V., & Navarro, C. (2018). Effect of l-theanine tablets in reducing stress-related emotional signs in cats: an open-label field study. Irish veterinary journal, 71(1), 1-7. https://consensus.app/papers/tablets-reducing-stressrelated-signs-cats-openlabel-dramard/a6b3827ba82a50b7a3dbbc4e47f322cd/

4. Saeed, M., Yatao, X., Hassan, F. U., Arain, M. A., El-Hack, M. E. A., Noreldin, A. E., & Sun, C. (2018). Influence of graded levels of l-theanine dietary supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, organs histomorphometry, blood chemistry and immune response of broiler chickens. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(2), 462. https://consensus.app/papers/influence-graded-levels-ltheanine-dietary-saeed/4313590f2ac15a94ac8a1842f6526b6c/

5. Zhang, C., Chen, K. K., Zhao, X. H., Wang, C., & Geng, Z. Y. (2019). Effect of l-theanine on the growth performance, immune function, and jejunum morphology and antioxidant status of ducks. animal, 13(9), 1947-1956. https://consensus.app/papers/growth-performance-function-jejunum-morphology-status-zhang/2a19a9bf0b0053448e5e9dfc00d55a6b/

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon or perceived as specific medical or veterinary advice.

We recognize there may be different points of view or opinions on some aspect or even the premise of this article. Our goal at LongTails is to provide the best, clearest, and most helpful information possible to help keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.