Rosehip (Rosa canina) is a versatile natural ingredient containing vitamin C, polyphenols, carotenoids and galactolipids. These compounds make rosehip an interesting addition to the diets of active and ageing dogs in particular.
Rosehip has also been studied in dogs. Research has investigated its effects on mobility, physical performance and antioxidant activity. From a joint nutrition perspective, particular interest has focused on the galactolipid GOPO found in rosehip.
Nutritional Composition of Rosehip – Natural Vitamins and Plant Compounds
Rosehip is particularly well known as a natural source of vitamin C, but its nutritional value comes from a combination of several different compounds.
Rosehip contains:
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Vitamin C, which contributes to collagen formation and acts as an antioxidant.
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Polyphenols and flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties.
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Carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lycopene.
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Galactolipids, whose properties have been studied in relation to joints and cartilage.
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Dietary fibre, including soluble fibre such as pectin.
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Minerals, including potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Dogs can synthesise vitamin C in their own liver, so their nutritional requirements differ from those of humans. However, the value of rosehip is not limited to vitamin C, as it also contains other biologically active plant compounds.
It is this diverse composition that makes rosehip particularly interesting.
Rosehip in Joint and Connective Tissue Nutrition for Dogs
A dog's joints, tendons and ligaments are subjected to daily physical stress. Exercise, sporting activities, working tasks and ageing all influence the demands placed on the musculoskeletal system.
Collagen is one of the most important structural proteins in joint cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and is therefore an important nutrient in connective tissue metabolism.
However, interest in rosehip for joint nutrition is not based on vitamin C alone. Its galactolipids and polyphenols have been studied particularly in relation to inflammatory responses and cartilage metabolism.
What Is GOPO and Why Is It Interesting?
GOPO is a naturally occurring galactolipid found in rosehip. Its biological properties have been investigated particularly in relation to joints and cartilage.
Laboratory studies have shown that GOPO can influence the activity of cells involved in inflammatory responses and cartilage metabolism. Effects have been observed on the production of inflammatory mediators and enzymes involved in cartilage degradation.
Clinical studies in humans have also reported beneficial effects of rosehip preparations on osteoarthritis-related pain and physical function.
GOPO is one of the key compounds behind the scientific interest in rosehip for joint nutrition. However, the properties of rosehip arise from a combination of several plant compounds.
What Do Studies on Rosehip in Dogs Tell Us?
The effects of rosehip have also been studied directly in dogs. Research involving greyhounds and working dogs is particularly interesting.
Rosehip, Mobility and Physical Performance – A Study Involving 86 Greyhounds
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study presented in 2010 investigated the effects of a standardised rosehip preparation on mobility, working capacity and general well-being in greyhounds.
The study involved 86 greyhounds that received either rosehip powder or a placebo for three months.
The researchers reported positive findings in dogs receiving rosehip, particularly regarding mobility and physical performance.
Among other observations, dogs receiving rosehip were more mobile on the day following strenuous exercise. Improvements in running speed and coat quality were also reported.
These results are particularly interesting from the perspective of nutrition for active sporting and working dogs.
However, the study was published as a conference abstract, so the findings should be considered preliminary. The study also did not specifically investigate dogs with osteoarthritis.
Rosehip and Antioxidants – A Study Involving Working Dogs
A study published in 2015 investigated the effects of rosehip extract on exercise-induced oxidative stress in military working dogs.
The study involved 40 dogs divided into four feeding groups. One group received 500 mg of rosehip extract daily for 60 days.
The researchers measured blood markers related to oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity before and after physical exercise.
The study found that exercise affected markers of oxidative stress. However, a separate antioxidant benefit from rosehip extract could not be demonstrated with convincing statistical evidence.
The study illustrates that the effects of compounds found in rosehip depend on factors such as the preparation used, dosage and the physiological variables measured.
Rosehip Antioxidants and Nutrition for Active Dogs
Physical activity increases energy expenditure and oxygen consumption. At the same time, reactive oxygen species are produced. These compounds are involved in normal cellular functions but may contribute to oxidative stress when present in excessive amounts.
The body's antioxidant defence mechanisms help maintain a balance between oxidative reactions and the systems that regulate them.
Rosehip contains several compounds known for their antioxidant properties:
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Vitamin C
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Polyphenols
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Flavonoids
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Carotenoids
Adequate energy intake, high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals are essential in the diets of active dogs. Rosehip provides natural plant-derived nutrients that can complement this nutritional foundation.
Its antioxidant compounds are nutritionally interesting, although clinical evidence of their effects in dogs remains limited.
Rosehip for Senior Dogs
In the diets of ageing dogs, particular attention is often paid to maintaining joint health, muscle condition and overall physical function.
Ageing brings natural changes to joints and other connective tissues. Muscle mass, activity levels and recovery from physical exercise may also change.
Rosehip can be included as part of a varied diet for senior dogs, particularly when the aim is to provide additional natural antioxidant and bioactive plant compounds.
From a joint nutrition perspective, the vitamin C and GOPO galactolipid found in rosehip are of particular interest.
Rosehip and Coat Health in Dogs
The vitamins and plant compounds found in rosehip are also interesting from the perspective of skin and coat nutrition.
The structure of the skin partly depends on collagen, and vitamin C plays an important role in collagen formation. Rosehip also contains polyphenols and carotenoids, whose biological properties have been studied particularly in relation to antioxidant activity.
The 2010 greyhound study also reported positive observations regarding coat quality in dogs receiving rosehip.
However, coat health depends on many nutritional factors, particularly adequate protein, essential fatty acids and certain vitamins and minerals.
Rosehip can complement this nutritional foundation with natural plant compounds.
Which Dogs May Benefit From Rosehip as Part of Their Diet?
Active Sporting and Working Dogs
The antioxidant compounds found in rosehip and the findings from the greyhound study make it an interesting addition to the diets of active dogs. Mobility and the effects of physical exercise have been particular areas of research interest.
Senior Dogs
In older dogs, nutrition for joints, muscles and connective tissues becomes increasingly important. Rosehip provides vitamin C and a diverse range of bioactive plant compounds.
Family Dogs
Rosehip can also be included in a varied daily diet as a natural source of vitamins, polyphenols and other plant nutrients.
Summary – Why Include Rosehip in a Dog's Diet?
Rosehip is a versatile natural ingredient whose nutritional interest is based on a combination of several biologically active compounds.
Three characteristics make rosehip particularly interesting in dog nutrition:
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Joint and connective tissue nutrition: Vitamin C contributes to collagen formation, while the properties of the GOPO galactolipid have been studied in relation to joints and cartilage.
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Natural antioxidants: Rosehip contains vitamin C, polyphenols and carotenoids with antioxidant properties.
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Research in dogs: A study involving greyhounds reported positive findings regarding mobility, physical performance and coat quality.
Rosehip is an interesting plant-based nutritional supplement, particularly for active and ageing dogs and whenever the aim is to diversify the diet with natural vitamins and plant compounds.
Scientific References
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Winther, K., Ragone, A., Hansen, A. V., Hansen, P. & Kharazmi, A. (2010). A herbal remedy derived from subspecies of Rosa canina, improves the immune response, working capacity and well-being of dogs? A parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 18, Supplement 2, S149. Conference abstract 336.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1063-4584(10)60363-9 -
Kukovska, V., Celeska, I., Ruškovska, T. & Valčić, O. (2015). Effects of rose-hip and grapeseed dietary supplementation on serum oxidative stress parameters in dogs before and after physical exercise. Acta Veterinaria, 65(3), 404–416.
https://doi.org/10.1515/acve-2015-0033 -
Larsen, E., Kharazmi, A., Christensen, L. P. & Christensen, S. B. (2003). An Antiinflammatory Galactolipid from Rose Hip (Rosa canina) that Inhibits Chemotaxis of Human Peripheral Blood Neutrophils in Vitro. Journal of Natural Products, 66(7), 994–995.
https://doi.org/10.1021/np0300636 -
Schwager, J., Hoeller, U., Wolfram, S. & Richard, N. (2011). Rose hip and its constituent galactolipids confer cartilage protection by modulating cytokine, and chemokine expression. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 11, 105.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-11-105 -
Christensen, R., Bartels, E. M., Altman, R. D., Astrup, A. & Bliddal, H. (2008). Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? – a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 16(9), 965–972.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18407528/
