Rose hips are a bright red fruit that is high in vitamin C. But can dogs eat them? Read this before giving them to your dogs.
I will answer your questions about rose hips and dogs, such as whether they are safe, poisonous, good, bad, or even just ok. We know that what’s safe may not be good for them. Now, let’s get on with the information you’re seeking.
For the safety of your pet, I suggest that you talk to your vet about all of your concerns about your dog eating rose hips.
Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant that form after the flower has bloomed. These bright red berries have a sweet, tart flavor and are packed with beneficial nutrients. But can dogs eat rose hips safely? Are there any risks? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of feeding your pup this nutritious wild edible.
What Are Rose Hips?
Rose hips develop on wild or cultivated rose bushes, such as Rosa canina, after the roses finish blooming. They are round or oval in shape and typically red or orange in color.
Inside the fleshy part of the fruit are many tiny seeds covered in hair-like bristles. These bristles can cause irritation, so rose hips should always be handled carefully
Rose hips can be eaten fresh off the bush, but are more often used:
- Dried and ground into powder
- Infused into oil or water
- Cooked into jams, tea, syrups
- Made into supplements
They have a sweet, tangy flavor reminiscent of apples. The hips are popular for their very high vitamin C content.
Nutritional Benefits of Rose Hips for Dogs
Rose hips have been used in folk medicine for centuries and modern research shows they can offer a range of health benefits. Some key nutrients and compounds found in rose hips include:
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Vitamin C – Rose hips contain very high levels of vitamin C, even more than citrus fruits. Vitamin C supports immune function and collagen production.
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Vitamin A – Provided by carotenoids like beta-carotene that are converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A maintains healthy vision, skin, bones and more.
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Vitamin E – A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage. It also supports skin and coat health.
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Bioflavonoids – These compounds enhance vitamin C absorption and provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Galactolipids – Shown to reduce arthritis pain and joint inflammation May support mobility in dogs
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Lycophene – A carotenoid antioxidant that benefits skin and coat condition.
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Calcium – Important for strong bones and teeth in dogs.
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Healthy fats – Rose hips contain beneficial fatty acids like linoleic and linolenic acids.
This impressive nutrient profile makes rose hips a great supplement for dogs. The vitamins support immune function for fighting disease while the antioxidants protect cells. Compounds like galactolipids can reduce arthritis pain.
Rose hips may benefit dogs with:
- Joint disorders like arthritis
- Skin or coat issues
- Low immune function
- Digestive problems
- Urinary tract infections
Always consult your veterinarian before giving rose hips or any new supplement to your dog.
Are Rose Hips Safe For Dogs to Eat?
Both the red fleshy part and the seeds inside rose hips are considered non-toxic for dogs. So they can be safely eaten. However, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
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Risk of intestinal blockage – The hard seeds and bristles could potentially cause an obstruction if a lot of whole rose hips are eaten. It’s best to use rose hips that have been processed in some way.
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Throat irritation – The tiny hairs on the seeds can be bothersome if they get stuck in a dog’s throat. Rose hip preparations have the hairs removed.
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Allergies – While extremely rare, dogs may possibly have an allergic reaction to rose hips. Introduce them slowly.
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Pesticide exposure – Only collect rose hips from areas you know are not treated with pesticides. Wash them thoroughly.
To be safe, it’s best to feed dogs supplemented rose hip powder rather than fresh whole hips off the bush. Avoid giving the seeds. Processed products will be free of hairs and easy to digest.
How to Safely Feed Dogs Rose Hips
There are several ways to add rose hips to your dog’s diet:
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Rose hip powder – The most convenient option. Simply sprinkle on food according to package directions based on your dog’s size. Look for organic powder free of additives.
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Rose hip oil – Made by infusing rose hips into oil to extract the benefits. Can be given orally or applied topically to soothe skin conditions. Use cold-pressed oil.
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Rose hip broth – Simmer fresh or dried hips into an herbal broth. Strain before feeding to remove hairs.
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Rose hip tea – Steep dried hips in hot water for 15 minutes then strain. Let cool before serving a small amount.
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Rose hip jam – Homemade rose hip jam is safe for dogs in small amounts as an occasional treat. Be sure no extra sugar is added.
Always start with small amounts to see how your dog tolerates rose hips. Monitor for any gastrointestinal upset. Introduce slowly over a week and discontinue use if any adverse reaction occurs. Consult your vet on safe dosages based on your dog’s size and health conditions.
Potential Side Effects of Rose Hips for Dogs
When fed properly, rose hips are very safe for dogs. However, possible side effects can include:
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Upset stomach – Too many rose hips may cause vomiting, diarrhea or tummy ache. Start with small doses.
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Throat irritation – Dry, whole rose hips could scratch the throat. Use powder or cooked hips instead.
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Allergic reaction – Dogs rarely develop allergies to rose hips. Discontinue use if irritation develops.
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Drug interactions – Rose hips may interact with some medications like blood thinners. Check with your vet.
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Excessive vitamin C – Large amounts may cause bladder stones or kidney problems. Don’t exceed recommended dosages.
Monitor your dog closely when first feeding rose hips and discontinue use at the first sign of any intolerance.
The Bottom Line: Rose Hips Can be a Healthy Treat for Dogs
Rose hips are non-toxic for dogs and provide beneficial nutrition. Their impressive supply of vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can support immune function, joint health, digestion, urinary tract health, skin and coat condition, and more.
When used properly, rose hips are generally very safe for dogs to eat. However, dogs should only consume processed rose hip powder, oil, or tea – not fresh whole hips off the bush. Remove any seeds before feeding as they can irritate the throat. Introduce rose hips slowly in small amounts.
Talk to your vet before giving your dog any new supplement. But used moderately, rose hip products can be a nutritious treat and source of vital nutrients for your pup. The natural compounds may help improve or maintain your dog’s health and wellbeing.
Rose Hips Are Good For Dogs
Rose hips have been used in medicine for centuries. They are known as a natural remedy for things like joint pain and itchy skin.
Before we talk about how to give rose hips to dogs, how much to give them, and what to watch out for, let’s take a closer look at how great they are for you! Rose hips are like a juicy multivitamin.
Just look at all the amazing benefits your dog can get from rosehips!
- Dog Skin and Coat Health: Lycopene and beta carotene are great for your dog’s skin and coat.
- Antioxidants: They have a lot of vitamin C, which fights free radicals and makes your dog’s immune system stronger.
- Good for Joints: They have GOPO, an anti-inflammatory that helps ease the pain of osteoarthritis.
- Cutting Down on Blood Pressure—The anti-inflammatory properties also help your dog’s blood pressure go down.
They also contain flavonoids that help your body digest and utilize all that vitamin C from the seeds.
What To Do With A Fussy Eater
If your dog won’t eat rose hip powder, here are some things that might help!
The best way is to mix the dried rosehips into some cottage cheese. Only do this if your dog isn’t lactose intolerant. This is because cottage cheese has a strong taste and smell that it will really hide the rosehips.
If your picky dog still won’t eat it, add a little hot food and mix it up really well.
How Can Rose-Hip Canine Help Your Dog?
FAQ
Are rose hips poisonous to dogs?
What are the side effects of rosehip for dogs?
How much rose hip can I give my dog?
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Body Weight
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Loading Daily Dose
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Maintenance Daily Dose
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< 15kg
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2 Scoops
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1 Scoop
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15kg – 30kg
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4 Scoops
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2 Scoops
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> 30kg
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6 Scoops
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3 Scoops
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Is rosehip good for dogs?
Are rose hips good for dogs?
Rose hips have been used in medicine for centuries. They are known as a natural remedy for things like joint pain and itchy skin. Before we get into how to give rose hips to dogs and how much to give them (and what to watch out for), let’s look closer at how amazingly beneficial they are! They are basically like a juicy little multivitamin.
Does rose hips make you gain weight?
Rose hips are unlikely to cause weight gain. Rose hips are the fruits of wild rose plants and are either ground into a powder or made into tea, then supplemented. There is no evidence that rose hips cause weight gain, while there is preliminary data suggesting they may contribute to weight loss or fat loss. Two investigations, one using mice and one using rats, demonstrated that rose hip extracts inhibit body weight gain and decrease visceral fat and fat mass. This does not mean rose hip extracts would work the same in humans. An additional study in 32 human subjects compared 100 milligrams of rose hip extract to a placebo. At the end of 12 weeks, body weight and abdominal fat were significantly lower in the rose hip group, without changes to caloric intake from food diary data. Several authors of the study were employees of the company who manufactured the rose hip extract, making the results unreliable until they are repeated in future studies.
Can dogs eat rosehips?
And don’t give your dog rose hips straight off the vine. They could cause an intestinal blockage if they eat too many of them. As you can see, rosehips provide immune system support and support your dog’s general health. It’s safe to give these natural supplements to your pup. There are a lot of positive effects associated with rosehips for dogs.
Can dogs eat rose bushes?
The types of roses don’t matter. It’s what is on the bush that could be dangerous. The thorns are the most obvious danger to dogs. But more than the thorns, you should also be careful with any rose bushes that might have been sprayed with pesticide. And don’t give your dog rose hips straight off the vine.
Is rose hip powder good for dogs?
In a greyhound study, when rose hip powder was supplied for 3 months, the dogs were found to be more agile the day after strenuous exercise and improvements in their speed were noticed. The anti-inflammatory power of rose hip powder was proven by a reduction of the dog’s total number of leucocytes as a result of 3-month treatment.
Are roses poisonous to dogs?
The plant is reported to contain no toxic principles. The Pet Poison Helpline warns that although roses do not often cause serious poisoning beyond gastrointestinal upset, when a large amount of roses is ingested, a bowel obstruction may result. Signs of trouble include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and abdominal pain.