Can Tart Cherry Extract Support Your Dog's Health and Wellness?

As pet parents, we're always looking for ways to support our furry friends' health and happiness. While a balanced diet, regular exercise, and lots of love are the foundations of canine wellness, researchers are exploring how specific nutrients and natural compounds might offer additional benefits. One intriguing option is tart cherry extract, a concentrated source of beneficial plant compounds. Let's take a closer look at what the science says about tart cherries and their potential applications for dog health.

The Power of Tart Cherries

Tart cherries, also known as sour cherries or Montmorency cherries, are packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds. They're an especially rich source of polyphenols, including anthocyanins, which give the fruit its deep red color and act as potent antioxidants in the body.¹

Studies in humans and animals suggest that the unique profile of nutrients and phytochemicals in tart cherries may offer a range of health benefits, from reducing inflammation and oxidative stress to promoting muscle recovery and better sleep.²

Potential Benefits of Tart Cherry Extract for Dogs

While research on tart cherry specifically in dogs is limited, the available evidence from human and rodent studies points to several potential applications for canine health:

1. Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are linked to numerous health issues in dogs, from arthritis to cognitive dysfunction. Promisingly, tart cherry extract has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in multiple studies.

In rats fed a high-fat diet, tart cherry supplementation reduced markers of inflammation both systemically and in local tissues.³ Another study found that tart cherry extract decreased oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells exposed to damaging particulate matter.⁴ By combating these underlying drivers of cellular damage, tart cherry may help support overall health and resilience in dogs.

2. Promoting Muscle Recovery After Exercise

For active dogs or those competing in sports, recovery from intense exercise is crucial for maintaining performance and preventing injury. Research suggests tart cherry can aid in this process by reducing exercise-induced muscle damage, soreness, and inflammation.

In one study, powdered tart cherry supplementation mitigated strength loss and pain after a bout of intense resistance exercise to a greater degree than a placebo.⁵ Similarly, tart cherry juice blend has outperformed placebo in reducing strength loss and accelerating recovery following eccentric exercise.⁶

3. Supporting Restful Sleep

Getting enough quality sleep is vital for dogs' physical and cognitive health. Interestingly, tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. In a randomized controlled trial, tart cherry juice increased melatonin levels and improved sleep quality in human participants.⁷

While the sleep-promoting effects of tart cherry have not been studied in dogs specifically, supporting balanced melatonin levels may be one way to help our canine companions get the restful sleep they need.

Is Tart Cherry Extract Safe for Dogs?

Tart cherry extract is generally considered safe for dogs when used appropriately. However, it's crucial to choose a high-quality supplement made specifically for pets and to work with your veterinarian to determine the right dosage for your individual dog.

As with any new supplement, start with a low dose and monitor your dog closely for any potential adverse reactions, such as digestive upset. If your dog has any pre-existing health conditions or is taking medications, be sure to check with your vet before starting tart cherry extract, as it may interact with certain drugs.

The Bottom Line

While more research is needed to confirm the specific benefits of tart cherry extract for dogs, the available evidence suggests this natural supplement may offer valuable support for canine health and wellness. From reducing inflammation and oxidative stress to promoting muscle recovery and restful sleep, tart cherry's diverse bioactive compounds show promise for helping our furry friends feel their best.

Of course, no single supplement can replace a wholesome diet, regular exercise, and attentive veterinary care. But for dogs that could use an extra boost, tart cherry extract may be a safe and natural option to support their well-being. As always, consult with your trusted veterinarian to determine if tart cherry is right for your unique pup.

References:

1. Kelley, D. S., Adkins, Y., & Laugero, K. D. (2018). A Review of the Health Benefits of Cherries. Nutrients, 10(3), 368. https://consensus.app/papers/review-health-benefits-cherries-kelley/28f36065f63b5b70a62aff2f82d9c0c4/

2. Kelley, D. S., Adkins, Y., & Laugero, K. D. (2018). A Review of the Health Benefits of Cherries. Nutrients, 10(3), 368. https://consensus.app/papers/review-health-benefits-cherries-kelley/28f36065f63b5b70a62aff2f82d9c0c4/

3. Seymour, E. M., Lewis, S. K., Urcuyo-Llanes, D. E., Tanone, I. I., Kirakosyan, A., Kaufman, P. B., & Bolling, S. F. (2009). Regular tart cherry intake alters abdominal adiposity, adipose gene transcription, and inflammation in obesity-prone rats fed a high fat diet. Journal of medicinal food, 12(5), 935–942. https://consensus.app/papers/tart-cherry-intake-alters-adiposity-gene-transcription-seymour/6528d845e1ce57839299032ea7f76703/

4. Kim, D. W., Jung, D. H., Sung, J. S., Min, I. S., & Lee, S. J. (2021). Tart Cherry Extract Containing Chlorogenic Acid, Quercetin, and Kaempferol Inhibits the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Cell Death Elicited by Airborne PM10 in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes. Antioxidants, 10(3), 443. https://consensus.app/papers/tart-cherry-extract-containing-chlorogenic-acid-kim/9e23c432185350a59edfa7ba1668565a/

5. Hooper, D. R., Orange, T., Gruber, M. T., Darakjian, A. A., Conway, K. L., & Hausenblas, H. A. (2021). Broad Spectrum Polyphenol Supplementation from Tart Cherry Extract on Markers of Recovery from Intense Resistance Exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 47. https://consensus.app/papers/broad-spectrum-polyphenol-supplementation-tart-cherry-hooper/7310066030d3510ca56d362ebe3bd8e5/

6. Connolly, D. A., McHugh, M. P., Padilla-Zakour, O. I., Carlson, L., & Sayers, S. P. (2006). Efficacy of a tart cherry juice blend in preventing the symptoms of muscle damage. British journal of sports medicine, 40(8), 679-683. https://consensus.app/papers/efficacy-tart-cherry-juice-blend-preventing-symptoms-connolly/3cc7d43eedbd5916a2aa78dd583715c6/

7. Howatson, G., Bell, P. G., Tallent, J., Middleton, B., McHugh, M. P., & Ellis, J. (2012). Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality. European journal of nutrition, 51(8), 909–916. https://consensus.app/papers/tart-cherry-juice-prunus-cerasus-melatonin-levels-howatson/19eda181334b5180ad26a624992135e2/

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon or perceived as specific medical or veterinary advice.

We recognize there may be different points of view or opinions on some aspect or even the premise of this article. Our goal at LongTails is to provide the best, clearest, and most helpful information possible to help keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.