| Per chew |  VetriScienceCalm & Confident (Composure) |  NutramaxSolliquin Small/Medium |
|---|---|---|
| L-theanine | 21 mg | 35 mg |
| Melatonin | — | — |
| L-tryptophan | — | — |
| Thiamine (B1) | 134 mg | — |
| Chamomile | — | — |
| Hemp | — | — |
| Other actives | — | Magnolia officinalis + Phellodendron amurense extracts 75mg, dried whey protein concentrate 25mg |
| Chews per day by weight | 0–50 lb: 1 51–100 lb: 2 over 101 lb: 3 | 0–8 lb: 0.5 9–15 lb: 1 16–30 lb: 2 |
| Per jar | 60 | 75 |
| Search on Amazon | Search on Amazon |
From manufacturer labels; n/l = not listed. Check the package before buying, formulas change.
Active ingredients side by side
Both chews contain L-theanine, but they build around it very differently.
VetriScience Composure (now sold as Calm & Confident, Composure formula)
Per chew, the label lists 21 mg L-theanine, 134 mg thiamine (vitamin B1), and 22 mg of a colostrum calming complex. There is no melatonin, hemp, or herbal blend. Our Composure mg figures come from the manufacturer product page; values differ between the bite-sized, cat, and Max Strength versions, so read your bag.
Nutramax Solliquin (small-medium)
Per chew: 35 mg L-theanine, 75 mg combined Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense extracts, and 25 mg dried whey protein concentrate. No melatonin or hemp.
What the evidence says
L-theanine. The dog research is small. A lab study in fearful beagles and an 18-dog open-label storm study (no placebo) both pointed in a positive direction, and both had ties to the maker of Anxitane. Doses in those studies were higher per pound than one Composure chew gives a mid-size dog. Details are in our L-theanine guide.
Thiamine and colostrum. These are Composure's signature. The colostrum peptide idea comes mostly from human and rodent work. VetriScience describes Composure as clinically tested and cites a 30 minute onset, but we did not find an independent peer-reviewed dog trial of the finished chew. See our thiamine and colostrum guide.
Magnolia, phellodendron, and whey. A magnolia and phellodendron blend was tested in a laboratory noise model in beagles with industry funding. The specific whey concentrate comes from Nutramax's own research. Nutramax calls the formula scientifically researched, but the work behind it is mostly maker-linked. For plant extracts in general, see our botanicals guide.
Dosing by weight (from the labels)
| Dog weight | Composure | Solliquin small-medium |
|---|---|---|
| Under 8 lb | 1 chew (check bag for half-chew guidance) | 1/2 chew |
| 8 to 15 lb | 1 chew | 1 chew |
| 16 to 30 lb | 1 chew | 2 chews |
| 31 to 50 lb | 1 chew | Use the large-dog version |
| 51 to 100 lb | 2 chews | Use the large-dog version |
| Over 100 lb | 3 chews | Use the large-dog version |
Some Composure retail listings show half a chew for dogs under 25 lb, and VetriScience allows doubling the dose during high stress. Follow the panel on your package.
Onset and daily vs situational use
This is the biggest practical difference. Composure is marketed for situational use; the "about 30 minutes to start, up to four hours of effect" claim is made by VetriScience for its Composure Pro line, not stated for the regular chew. Solliquin is meant to be given daily, and owners are advised to allow a few weeks before deciding whether it helps. Using Solliquin as a one-off before fireworks is not how it was designed.
Who should choose which
- Small dogs: both work. Solliquin's half-chew step for dogs under 8 lb makes fine dosing easier.
- Storms and fireworks: Composure, because of its stated quick onset. Dogs with true storm panic often need a vet-prescribed plan.
- Daily stress or routine changes: Solliquin, given consistently.
- Sensitive stomach: Solliquin contains whey and Composure contains colostrum, and both are dairy-derived. Dogs with dairy sensitivity may do poorly on either.
- Dogs on medication: neither label lists drug interactions, but L-theanine and magnolia extracts may add to sedation. Ask your vet.
- Large dogs: Composure covers all sizes in one bag; Solliquin needs its separate large-dog product.
Frequently asked questions
Is Solliquin stronger than Composure?
Per chew, Solliquin small-medium lists 35 mg L-theanine versus 21 mg in Composure, plus 75 mg of magnolia and phellodendron extract. Composure instead leans on 134 mg thiamine and 22 mg colostrum. Because the formulas use different ingredients, the mg totals do not translate into a simple stronger or weaker ranking.
Does Composure work if given only before a storm?
Yes. VetriScience markets Composure for situational use. Its "within about 30 minutes, up to four hours" timing claim is for Composure Pro, not the regular chew. Owners often give it ahead of storms, car rides, or vet visits. That timing claim comes from the maker, not from independent published trials, so test it before a big event.
Why does Solliquin take weeks to work?
Nutramax positions Solliquin as a daily supplement, and its guidance suggests giving it consistently for a few weeks before judging results. Many owners say they saw little change in the first week. If you need help tonight for fireworks, it is not the product Nutramax designed for that job, so plan ahead.
Is Solliquin small-medium right for a 60 lb dog?
No. The small-medium chew is labeled for dogs up to about 30 lb. Nutramax sells a separate large-dog chew with 102 mg L-theanine and 225 mg magnolia and phellodendron per chew, dosed at one chew for 31 to 45 lb and two chews for 46 to 90 lb.