Dogs and rose hips: Are dogs allowed to eat rose hips?

Dogs and rose hips: Are dogs allowed to eat rose hips? Rose hips can be found everywhere. They are the fruits of many types of roses, including - funnily enough - the dog rose. When you're out walking, it can easily happen that your dog eats a rose hip from the bush. But don't worry, rose hips are not dangerous! On the contrary, when processed correctly, they are used as a natural remedy and support your pet's body in various illnesses.

Are the seeds of rose hips poisonous for the dog?

No, the seeds are not poisonous either. However, your dog should not eat them because the small seeds have tiny barbs. That is why you should not peel and handle rose hips without gloves. The barbs cause skin irritation and are therefore also used as itching powder. If your pet eats the seeds, it will cause mucosal irritation, which can also be itchy. However, the seeds do not contain any toxins.

Rose hip for the dog

So it's not dramatic if your pet eats from the rose bush. Nevertheless, the administration of rose hip powder, for example, is more useful and more pleasant for your four-legged friend. It is made from the pulp of the fruit and is particularly suitable as a supplement to home-cooked food. You can also add the powder to your wet food and mix it with ready-made food.

Effects of rose hip on dogs

Rose hips are real vitamin bombs! They not only contain high amounts of vitamin C, but also vitamin B1, B2 and E as well as calcium. The peel is said to have laxative and diuretic properties, which can have a soothing effect on bladder infections and intestinal complaints.

The real heroes, however, are the secondary plant compounds. These are substances that are not counted as essential nutrients, but have many positive effects on health.

The flavonoids contained in rose hips, for example, help to better utilise vitamin C from food. They also have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, lower the blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.

Carotenoids are also found in rose hips. You probably know these compounds as colouring agents in carrots and other vegetables. The associated beta-carotene is particularly important for dogs, because it forms the precursor of vitamin A and can be converted by the body.

You are probably familiar with tannins in a different context, because they are used in leather processing, among other things. But they also belong to the secondary plant compounds and, like flavonoids, have a preventive effect against inflammation, high blood pressure and tumour diseases.

Rose hip powder – when is it useful for dogs?

You can always use rose hip powder as a daily supplement to your home-cooked rations. As a rule, you should calculate the food that you prepare yourself together with your vet. This way you can make sure that your pet gets enough nutrients.

However, rose hip powder can also support the health of sick dogs and even alleviate symptoms. It has been observed that dogs with osteoarthritis had less pain when fed the powder.

The right dosage for dogs

Rose hip powder is a supplement to your pet's daily food. Therefore, the amount depends on what else your dog eats. In addition, the dosage also varies according to body weight. Therefore, you should always discuss the use of supplements with a veterinarian.

The confidu magazine is written by our veterinarians according to current scientific standards. The articles do not replace a veterinary diagnosis, but are intended to provide you with initial information on many topics related to your animal. If you have specific questions about your pet, our vets will be happy to advise you via the confidu app.