If you’ve got a dog, then you know what a trial it can be to keep things out of Fido’s adventurous mouth. Next time you’re out tramping around the local neighbourhood streets and chance upon some roses, don’t stress if your pooch goes after them. They’re likely interested in the rosehips, a safe and non-toxic fruit that offers surprising benefits for both pets and people.
Don’t have easy access to whole rosehips? A rosehip supplement works just as well — and is twice as convenient! Here’s everything you need to know about using rosehip supplements for dogs.
What are rosehips?
These berry-like buds grow on various wild rose plants and appear after the blooms begin to fade. You can find the whole fruits nestled right underneath the flower petals — they’re usually orange or red but come in other colours, too.
The benefits of rosehip supplements
Rosehips are packed with lots of different vitamins, minerals and nutrients, making them a true canine superfood. In fact, they’re so great that people have been using them as herbal medicine for thousands of years! Here are five reasons to add rosehip supplements to your pup’s grub.
1. Enjoy the anti-inflammatory properties
Rosehips are high in polyphenols and galactolipids, and the seeds have linolenic and linoleic acids, giving these natural supplements great anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory supplements can work wonders on joint pain, hip and back pain and other uncomfortable issues. If your pooch is prone to hip dysplasia or back problems, rosehip supplements may make life a bit easier for them.
2. Keep your pup feeling fine
These natural fruits are full of great things that offer a seemingly endless list of benefits. There are many varieties of rosehips, but they generally contain dozens of naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals, making them a true superfood. Don’t believe us? Here’s a little slice of what they offer:
- Flavonoids like tiliroside, quercetin and catechin to help protect cells from oxidative damage and stave off certain diseases like cancer, dementia, diabetes and more
- Carotenoids that enhance immunity, act as antioxidants and more
- Fatty acids that provide energy
- Vitamins and minerals across the alphabet, including essentials such as vitamins A, E, many of the Bs, K and more! Plus minerals like magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium….we could go on and on.
3. Get ready for a gleaming coat
Rosehips have an impressive fatty acid profile and are full of omega-3 and -6, which many meat diets lack. Certain fatty acids (such as omega-6) are essential. Getting enough of these must-have nutrients can help your pup’s coat and skin stay healthy, shiny and strong.
4. Stay stocked up on fibre
The seeds of this natural supplement are packed full of fibre, which can lead to better digestion and a cleaner tract and make their poos a bit healthier. A true superfood!
5. Bring on the vitamin C
Rosehips are one of the most prominent sources of vitamin C available in nature (some types of rosehips contain even more vitamin C than an orange!). Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and protects cells from oxidation. It’s especially important for doggos who are sick, stressed or regularly engaged in some serious physical activity. It’s also a great preventative supplement and immunity booster.
How to use rosehip supplements
It’s not rocket science — it’s a supplement. Our rosehip supplements are ridiculously easy to use. If you opt for whole rosehips, simply give your pooch 1 whole berry for every 10 kg of body weight — you can even rehydrate them in water to make them easier to eat. Going for rosehip granules? Sprinkle ½ tsp per 10 kg of weight over your furry friend’s favourite food.
Supplement smart
Rosehips are a 100% natural superfood that’s completely safe for your furry friend…but that doesn’t mean you can’t go overboard with rosehip supplements. Too much of a good thing can still give your pet an upset stomach, diarrhoea and other issues.
And, if you’re supplementing with whole rosehips, remember that the hairs inside can irritate your doggo’s mouth and digestive tract if they eat too many. Be sure to follow the instructions for giving your pet a rosehip supplement for maximum benefits.
Pssst…be sure to check out our treats for dogs, too
You want what’s best for your pet, and hey, we do, too. That’s why we offer some great supplement powders to help ensure that your furry friend is getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy and fit. And, of course, supplements aren’t all we do! We’ve also got some great, all-natural treats for dogs that your pet will love to munch, crunch and chew on.
Ready to make Fido’s day? Check out the Gully Road’s range!
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