Quercetin for Dogs: A Powerful Flavonoid for Canine Wellness

As dog owners, we're always on the lookout for ways to support our canine companions' health and happiness. And while a balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of love are the cornerstones of a thriving pup, sometimes a little extra nutritional support can make a big difference.

Enter quercetin - a flavonoid found in many common foods like apples, onions, and berries that's been the subject of extensive research for its potential health benefits. And while most of the buzz around quercetin has focused on human health, emerging evidence suggests that this powerful plant compound may offer some impressive perks for our furry friends too.

From boosting fertility to fighting inflammation to even potentially combating cancer, quercetin is showing promise as a natural way to support canine wellness. Let's dive into the science behind this fascinating flavonoid and explore how it may help keep your dog feeling their best.

What is Quercetin?

Quercetin is a type of flavonoid - a class of plant pigments that give many fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. It's one of the most abundant flavonoids in the diet, found in a wide variety of plant foods like:

• Apples
• Onions
• Berries (like blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries)
• Grapes
• Leafy greens (like kale and spinach)
• Herbs (like parsley and sage)
• Tea (especially green tea)

But quercetin is more than just a pretty pigment - it's also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. In the body, it acts as a scavenger of harmful free radicals, helping to protect cells and tissues from oxidative damage. It also helps modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, two key factors in many chronic diseases.

These properties have made quercetin a popular supplement in human health, with research exploring its potential benefits for everything from heart disease to allergies to cognitive decline. And now, the same mechanisms that make quercetin so promising for human health are being investigated in our canine companions.

Potential Benefits of Quercetin for Dogs

So, what does the science say about quercetin and dog health? While research is still emerging, a number of recent studies have highlighted some exciting potential benefits. Here are a few key areas where quercetin shows promise:

1. Reproductive Health and Fertility

For breeders and owners of stud dogs, quercetin may offer a natural way to support sperm health and fertility. A few studies have found that adding quercetin to semen extenders can improve the quality of cryopreserved (frozen) canine sperm:

• One study found that supplementing semen extenders with quercetin improved the motility (movement) and fertility of frozen-thawed dog sperm, with a 10-20% increase in motility compared to untreated samples.
• Another study showed that quercetin reduced oxidative damage and cell death (apoptosis) in cryopreserved sperm, helping to maintain sperm quality and viability after thawing.

By protecting sperm from the stresses of freezing and thawing, quercetin may help improve the success rates of artificial insemination and support overall reproductive health in male dogs.

2. Exercise Performance and Endurance

Active and working dogs may benefit from quercetin's effects on muscle function and endurance. Research in humans and animals suggests that quercetin can boost mitochondrial function (the energy powerhouses of the cell) and increase VO2 max (the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise).

• One study in mice found that 7 days of quercetin supplementation increased markers of mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle and brain tissue, which was associated with a significant increase in endurance capacity and voluntary activity levels.
• In a human study, untrained participants who took quercetin for just 7 days had a modest but significant increase in VO2 max and a substantial 13% increase in cycling time to fatigue compared to placebo.

While we need more research to confirm these effects in dogs, the available evidence suggests that quercetin may help support muscle function and endurance, especially in canine athletes or working dogs.

3. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Quercetin's potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may offer a range of benefits for canine health, from supporting liver function to reducing pain and swelling. Some promising findings include:

• In a study of obese dogs, quercetin supplementation improved markers of liver function and reduced oxidative stress, even though it didn't lead to significant weight loss.
• Quercetin has shown therapeutic potential for canine autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, likely due to its ability to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• A supplement containing quercetin, bromelain, and shiitake mushroom improved markers of inflammation and gut health in a study of kennel dogs.

By helping to scavenge free radicals and balance the immune response, quercetin may play a role in managing inflammatory conditions and supporting overall cellular health in dogs.

4. Potential Anti-Cancer Effects

One of the most exciting areas of quercetin research is its potential as a natural cancer-fighting agent. While the research is still very preliminary, a few in vitro studies have shown that quercetin can inhibit the growth and spread of canine cancer cells:

• In one study, quercetin increased apoptosis (programmed cell death) in canine osteosarcoma cells, suggesting it may have potential as an adjunct therapy for this aggressive bone cancer.
• Another study found that quercetin helped sensitize canine lymphoma cells to chemotherapy drugs, which could help improve the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments.

While we still have a lot to learn about quercetin's role in canine cancer, these early findings are promising and warrant further investigation.

Is Quercetin Safe for Dogs?

Quercetin appears to be safe and well-tolerated in dogs when used appropriately. In the studies reviewed, no major adverse effects were reported at the doses used.

However, as with any supplement, it's important to talk to your veterinarian before giving quercetin to your dog. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your dog's individual health status and needs.

When choosing a quercetin supplement for your dog, look for a high-quality, pure product from a reputable source. Avoid supplements that contain added fillers, artificial ingredients, or other compounds that may not be safe for dogs.

The Bottom Line

Quercetin is a promising natural compound that may offer a range of health benefits for dogs. From supporting reproductive health and endurance to fighting inflammation and potentially even cancer, this powerful flavonoid shows great potential as a supplement for canine wellness.

While more research is needed to fully understand its effects in dogs, the available evidence suggests that quercetin is safe, well-tolerated, and may be a valuable addition to a holistic health plan for many pups.

As always, consult with your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplement, and choose a high-quality product from a trusted source. With a little extra support from quercetin and a lot of love and care from you, your furry friend can thrive - inside and out.

References:

1. Kawasaki, Y., Sakurai, D., Yoshihara, T., Tsuchida, M., Harakawa, S., & Suzuki, H. (2020). Effect of quercetin on the motility of cryopreserved canine spermatozoa. Cryobiology, 96, 50–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.08.006
2. Davis, J. M., Carlstedt, C. J., Chen, S., Carmichael, M. D., & Murphy, E. A. (2010). The dietary flavonoid quercetin increases VO(2max) and endurance capacity. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 20(1), 56–62. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.20.1.56
3. Kawasumi, K., Murai, T., Mizorogi, T., Okada, Y., Yamamoto, I., Suruga, K., Kadokura, K., & Arai, T. (2018). Changes in Plasma Metabolites Concentrations in Obese Dogs Supplemented With Anti-oxidant Compound. Frontiers in nutrition, 5, 74. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2018.00074
4. Bang, S., Qamar, A. Y., Tanga, B. M., Fang, X., Seong, G. A., Nabeel, A. H. T., Yu, I. J., Saadeldin, I. M., & Cho, J. (2021). Quercetin improves the apoptotic index and oxidative stress in post-thaw dog sperm. Environmental science and pollution research international, 28(43), 61102–61110. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-17421-6
5. Shen, P., Lin, W., Deng, X., Ba, X., Han, L., Chen, Z., Qin, K., Huang, Y., & Tu, S. (2021). Potential Implications of Quercetin in Autoimmune Diseases. Frontiers in immunology, 12, 689044. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.689044
6. Atuahene, D., Costale, A., Martello, E., Mannelli, A., Radice, E., Ribaldone, D., Chiofalo, B., Stefanon, B., & Meineri, G. (2023). A Supplement with Bromelain, Lentinula edodes, and Quercetin: Antioxidant Capacity and Effects on Morphofunctional and Fecal Parameters (Calprotectin, Cortisol, and Intestinal Fermentation Products) in Kennel Dogs. Veterinary sciences, 10(8), 486. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10080486
7. Wein, S., & Wolffram, S. (2013). Oral Bioavailability of Quercetin in Horses. Journal of equine veterinary science, 33(6), 441–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2012.07.008
8. Ryu, S., Park, S., Lim, W., & Song, G. (2019). Quercetin augments apoptosis of canine osteosarcoma cells by disrupting mitochondria membrane potential and regulating PKB and MAPK signal transduction. Journal of cellular biochemistry, 120(10), 17449–17458. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcb.29009
9. Boots, A. W., Drent, M., de Boer, V. C., Bast, A., & Haenen, G. R. (2011). Quercetin reduces markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in sarcoidosis. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), 30(4), 506–512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2011.01.010

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.