Rose Hips for Dogs
Rose hips are the small fruits that develop on rose plants after the flowers have faded. They naturally contain vitamin C, carotenoids, polyphenols and other plant compounds.
Rose-hip powders and extracts are sometimes included in canine supplements, particularly products marketed for joint support. However, claims made for people or in laboratory research cannot automatically be applied to dogs.
What Does the Evidence Show?
There is currently limited high-quality clinical research into the benefits of rose hips specifically for dogs.
Some research involving people and laboratory models has investigated possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This has led to rose hips being promoted for joint health, but it does not establish that every rose-hip product will relieve arthritis or pain in dogs.
Rose hips should therefore be viewed as a possible nutritional supplement rather than a proven treatment for disease.
Possible Nutritional Benefits
Vitamin C and plant compounds
Rose hips contain vitamin C and a range of naturally occurring plant compounds, including carotenoids and polyphenols.
Unlike people, healthy dogs can normally produce their own vitamin C, so routine supplementation is not necessarily required.
Antioxidant activity
Rose hips contain substances with antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help limit oxidative damage within the body, but the presence of antioxidants in a product does not prove that it will prevent a particular disease.
Joint support
Rose-hip supplements are sometimes used alongside veterinary treatment for dogs with stiffness or osteoarthritis because of their proposed anti-inflammatory properties.
Evidence of a meaningful clinical benefit in dogs remains limited. A dog with pain, stiffness or reduced mobility should be examined by a veterinary surgeon rather than treated with a supplement alone.
Claims That Are Not Proven in Dogs
Rose hips are sometimes promoted with claims that they can prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, control diabetes, boost immunity, improve circulation or treat respiratory and digestive conditions.
There is not sufficient reliable veterinary evidence to claim that rose hips prevent or treat these conditions in dogs.
In particular, rose hips should never be used as an alternative to veterinary treatment for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis or any other diagnosed medical condition.
Rose Hips and Vitamin C
Rose hips are naturally rich in vitamin C. However, healthy dogs normally produce vitamin C within their own bodies and do not usually require an additional dietary source.
The vitamin C content of rose-hip products can vary according to the variety, processing method and storage conditions. A product containing rose hips should not automatically be assumed to provide a reliable or therapeutically useful dose.
Large or unnecessary amounts of vitamin C may cause digestive upset and can affect urine chemistry. Speak to your veterinary surgeon before giving a concentrated supplement, particularly if your dog has urinary stones, kidney disease or another ongoing condition.
Safety and Choosing a Supplement
A manufactured canine supplement should provide a clear ingredient list, recommended amount and contact details for the manufacturer.
Before giving a rose-hip product:
- Check that it is intended for dogs.
- Avoid products containing xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
- Check for added sweeteners, flavourings, essential oils or other herbal ingredients.
- Do not assume that a human supplement is suitable for a dog.
- Ask your veterinary surgeon whether it could interact with medication or affect an existing condition.
- Introduce only one new supplement at a time so that any reaction can be identified.
- Follow the product instructions and do not exceed the recommended amount.
Possible adverse effects may include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite or an allergic reaction. Stop using the product and contact your veterinary surgeon if your dog becomes unwell.
Wild Rose Hips
Do not allow a dog to eat unidentified berries simply because they resemble rose hips. Other plants may produce similar-looking fruit, and hedgerows may have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
Whole wild rose hips may also contain seeds and irritating hairs. Thorns on the plant can injure the mouth, eyes or paws.
If your dog eats a significant quantity of berries or develops vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, weakness or another worrying sign, contact your veterinary surgeon. Take a photograph of the plant if it can be done safely.
Commercial Products
Some canine tonics, joint powders and oils contain rose hips alongside several other ingredients. Claims made for a mixed product cannot necessarily be attributed to the rose hips it contains.
The quality, concentration and combination of ingredients can vary between products. Inclusion on this page should not be treated as a recommendation or endorsement of a particular supplement.
If your dog is receiving veterinary medication, show your veterinary surgeon the complete product label before adding a supplement.
Further Information
A Veterinary View of Rose-Hip Supplements for Arthritic Pets
This information is not intended to replace veterinary care. Rose hips are not a proven treatment for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis or other medical conditions. Discuss any supplement with your veterinary surgeon, particularly if your dog is unwell or takes medication.