Resveratrol for Dogs: A Promising Supplement for Canine Health and Longevity

As pet parents, we're always looking for ways to give our dogs the best possible care. We want them to thrive, not just survive - to enjoy vibrant health and vitality well into their golden years.

And while a balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of love are the cornerstones of canine wellness, sometimes a little extra nutritional support can make a big difference. That's where resveratrol comes in.

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in the skin of grapes, berries, and peanuts. It's part of a group of compounds called polyphenols, which are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

And while resveratrol has been studied extensively for its potential health benefits in humans, emerging research suggests it may offer some powerful perks for our canine companions too. From supporting heart health to fighting inflammation to even battling cancer, this plant-based powerhouse is showing promise as a supplement for dogs.

Let's take a closer look at what the science says about resveratrol and how it may help keep your furry friend feeling their best.

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol - a class of plant compounds known for their strong antioxidant activity. It's found naturally in the skin of red grapes, berries like blueberries and cranberries, peanuts, and even dark chocolate.

In plants, resveratrol acts as a protective compound, helping to defend against environmental stressors like UV radiation, fungal infections, and drought. When consumed by humans or animals, it's thought to offer similar protective benefits.

Resveratrol first gained attention in the early 1990s, when researchers identified it as a potential explanation for the "French Paradox" - the observation that the French had a relatively low incidence of heart disease despite a diet high in saturated fat. Since then, it's been the subject of intense research for its potential health benefits.

While most of the buzz around resveratrol has focused on human health, a growing body of evidence suggests it may offer some impressive benefits for dogs too. And that's good news for those of us who want to give our furry friends every possible advantage when it comes to health and longevity.

Potential Benefits of Resveratrol for Dogs

So, what does the research say about resveratrol and canine health? Here are some of the most promising findings:

1. May Support Cardiovascular Health

One of the most well-studied benefits of resveratrol is its potential to support heart health. And this may be especially relevant for dogs, who are prone to age-related cardiovascular issues. Some key findings include:

• In a study on dogs, oral resveratrol pretreatment improved blood pressure tolerance to severe hemorrhage without increasing bleeding risk. Dogs given resveratrol required a significantly larger volume of blood loss to reach a critical low blood pressure compared to untreated dogs.
• Resveratrol has been shown to mimic the effects of calorie restriction, a proven way to improve cardiovascular health and longevity. In a study on obese humans, 30 days of resveratrol supplementation led to metabolic changes similar to calorie restriction, including reduced blood pressure and improved markers of inflammation.

By supporting healthy blood pressure and flow, resveratrol may help keep your dog's heart strong and resilient as they age.

2. May Reduce Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are two major drivers of disease and aging in both humans and dogs. Resveratrol's potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help combat these processes and support overall health. For example:

• In a study on dogs, a dietary supplement containing resveratrol significantly decreased hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage, a marker of oxidative stress. The supplement also altered the expression of genes related to oxidative stress response.
• Resveratrol has been shown to inhibit several inflammatory pathways in the body. In a study on healthy dogs, short-term resveratrol administration increased phagocytosis (the engulfing of harmful particles by immune cells) and decreased oxidative burst (the release of inflammatory compounds).

By helping to quench free radicals and calm chronic inflammation, resveratrol may support your dog's overall health and resilience in the face of aging and disease.

3. May Support Muscle and Bone Health

As dogs age, they can become prone to muscle loss (sarcopenia) and decreased bone density. Some research suggests resveratrol may help support musculoskeletal health:

• In a study on aging dogs, supplementation with resveratrol and vitamin E helped reduce the risk of sarcopenia by positively modulating biomarkers of muscle and bone health.
• Although not yet studied in dogs, resveratrol has been shown to improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. In a two-year study, women who took resveratrol had improved bone density in the spine and femoral neck compared to those taking a placebo.
• Resveratrol was found to promote the differentiation of dog bone marrow stem cells into bone-forming osteoblasts. This suggests it may have potential to support healthy bone remodeling.

By supporting muscle function and bone strength, resveratrol may help keep your dog active and mobile well into their senior years.

4. May Have Anti-Cancer Properties

Perhaps most exciting is resveratrol's potential as a natural cancer-fighting compound. While research in dogs is still limited, a few key findings stand out:

• In a study on dogs, a dietary supplement containing resveratrol and other plant compounds significantly reduced oxidative DNA damage, a risk factor for cancer development.
• Resveratrol has been shown to have antiproliferative effects on canine osteosarcoma cells, suggesting it may help slow the growth and spread of this aggressive bone cancer.
• In human and animal studies, resveratrol has demonstrated ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer cell lines and to inhibit angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels to tumors).

While more research is needed to confirm these effects in dogs, resveratrol's anti-cancer potential is an exciting area for future study.

Is Resveratrol Safe for Dogs?

Based on the available research, resveratrol appears to be safe and well-tolerated in dogs when used appropriately. In the studies reviewed, no major adverse effects were reported.

However, as with any supplement, it's important to talk to your veterinarian before giving resveratrol to your dog. They can help you determine if it's appropriate for your dog's individual needs and health status, as well as recommend a safe and effective dosage.

When choosing a resveratrol supplement for your dog, look for a high-quality, pure product that has been third-party tested for potency and purity. Avoid products with added fillers, artificial ingredients, or other compounds that may not be safe for dogs.

The Bottom Line

Resveratrol is a promising natural compound that may offer a range of health benefits for dogs. From supporting cardiovascular health to reducing inflammation to even fighting cancer, this potent antioxidant 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 resveratrol is safe, well-tolerated, and may be a valuable addition to a comprehensive health plan for many pups.

As always, consult with your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplement. With their guidance and a commitment to quality, resveratrol may help your furry friend live a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life.

Because at the end of the day, that's what we all want for our beloved companions - more joyful years by our side, filled with wagging tails, sloppy kisses, and boundless love. And if a little resveratrol can help make that happen, it's worth raising a glass (of grape juice, of course) to that.

References:

1. Davis, J., Raisis, A., Sharp, C., Cianciolo, R., Wallis, S., & Ho, K. (2021). Improved Cardiovascular Tolerance to Hemorrhage after Oral Resveratrol Pretreatment in Dogs. Veterinary sciences, 8(7), 129. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8070129
2. Wong, R., Thaung Zaw, J. J., Xian, C. J., & Howe, P. R. (2020). Regular Supplementation With Resveratrol Improves Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of bone and mineral research, 35(11), 2121–2131. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.4115
3. Kondratyuk, T., Adrian, J., Wright, B., Park, E. J., van Breemen, R. B., Morris, K. J., & Pezzuto, J. M. (2016). Evidence supporting the conceptual framework of cancer chemoprevention in canines. Scientific reports, 6, 26500. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep26500
4. Pastor, R. F., Restani, P., Romero, J. E., Ferro, E. B., Serantes, D., Ugalde, J. E., Pastor, E., & Iermoli, R. (2019). The supplementation with Resveratrol and α-Tocopherol could reduce the risk of sarcopenia in dogs by counteracting the oxidative stress. Nutrition and healthy aging, 5(3), 233–243. https://doi.org/10.3233/NHA-180061
5. Story, M., Rand, J. S., Shyan-Norwalt, M. R., Mesch, R., Morton, J., & Flickinger, E. (2012). Effect of Resveratrol Supplementation on the Performance of Dogs in an Eight-Arm Radial Maze. The Open Nutrition Journal, 6, 80-87. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874288201206010080
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7. Li, F., Gong, Q., Dong, H., & Shi, J. (2012). Resveratrol, a neuroprotective supplement for Alzheimer's disease. Current pharmaceutical design, 18(1), 27–33. https://doi.org/10.2174/138161212798919075
8. Mathew, L. M., Woode, R. A., Axiak-Bechtel, S. M., Amorim, J. R., & DeClue, A. E. (2018). Resveratrol administration increases phagocytosis, decreases oxidative burst, and promotes pro-inflammatory cytokine production in healthy dogs. Veterinary immunology and immunopathology, 203, 21–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.07.013
9. Timmers, S., Konings, E., Bilet, L., Houtkooper, R. H., van de Weijer, T., Goossens, G. H., Hoeks, J., van der Krieken, S., Ryu, D., Kersten, S., Moonen-Kornips, E., Hesselink, M. K., Kunz, I., Schrauwen-Hinderling, V. B., Blaak, E. E., Auwerx, J., & Schrauwen, P. (2011). Calorie restriction-like effects of 30 days of resveratrol supplementation on energy metabolism and metabolic profile in obese humans. Cell metabolism, 14(5), 612–622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2011.10.002
10. Zhao, X., Yang, Z., Zhang, H., Yao, G., Liu, J., Wei, Q., & Ma, B. (2018). Resveratrol Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Canine Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through Wnt/Beta-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Cellular reprogramming, 20(6), 371–381. https://doi.org/10.1089/cell.2018.0032

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.