L-Tyrosine for Dogs
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid the body uses to make dopamine, a neurotransmitter tied to focus and motivation. In True Calm it balances the blend so dogs stay attentive rather than sedated.
True Calm
Balances True Calm so calm comes with focus, not drowsiness.
How L-tyrosine works in dogs
L-Tyrosine is the amino acid the body uses to build dopamine and the related catecholamines — the neurotransmitters behind focus, motivation and the way the body mobilises under stress. Like L-tryptophan, it works as a raw material rather than as an active agent: it gives the body more of what it needs to do a job it already does.
Under sustained stress those neurotransmitters get depleted. Supplying the precursor is a way of supporting a dog through demanding moments without dulling them, which is exactly what you want from a calming product that still needs the dog to be trainable and responsive.
The pairing that keeps True Calm non-sedating
This is the single most important thing to understand about the formula. Support serotonin on its own — via L-tryptophan — and you risk a drowsy dog. Serotonin isn't the only neurotransmitter that matters under stress.
Pairing L-tryptophan with L-tyrosine is a deliberate balance: one supports settled behaviour, the other supports focus and alertness. Together they let True Calm support a calm dog who is still attentive and responsive — calm, not switched off. It's the reason the product can be given before a vet visit or a training session rather than only before bedtime.
How to serve it, and what to check first
Give L-tyrosine as part of a complete formula rather than raw. In True Calm it's pre-measured into the daily serving, so follow the guide for your dog's weight band on the pouch and product page — 1 scoop up to 10kg, rising to 4 scoops over 40kg.
L-Tyrosine is well tolerated by healthy adult dogs at the levels used in a complementary feed. The check worth making is thyroid-related: tyrosine is a precursor in thyroid hormone production, so speak to your vet first if your dog has a thyroid condition or takes thyroid medication.
What is L-Tyrosine?
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid used by the body to produce dopamine and other catecholamines. These are involved in focus, motivation and the way the body responds to stress.
Is L-Tyrosine safe for dogs?
L-Tyrosine is well tolerated by healthy adult dogs at the levels used in a complementary feed. As with any amino-acid supplement, check with your vet first if your dog has a thyroid condition or is on medication.
What does L-Tyrosine do for dogs?
It supports dopamine production, which helps a dog stay clear-headed and focused while under stress. Pairing it with L-Tryptophan is what lets True Calm support calm without making dogs sleepy.
Why is L-Tyrosine in a calming supplement?
To stop the calm becoming drowsiness. A supplement that supports serotonin alone risks a flat, sleepy dog; adding the dopamine precursor keeps alertness and focus in the picture. It's the balance between the two amino acids that defines how True Calm feels in practice.
How much L-Tyrosine should I give my dog?
Don't dose raw L-tyrosine. Give it as part of True Calm at the serving shown for your dog's weight band — 1 scoop (0.85g) up to 10kg, 2 scoops for 10–25kg, 3 scoops for 25–40kg, 4 scoops over 40kg. Check with your vet first if your dog takes any medication affecting mood, behaviour or thyroid function.
Frankie & Paws supplements are complementary feeds for dogs, not medicines, and aren't intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition. If your dog is a young puppy, pregnant, nursing, unwell, or taking medication, speak to your vet before introducing a new supplement.
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