Short answer: rose hips are not toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists roses (Rosa species) as non-toxic to dogs. But whole wild rose hips are not ideal as a treat: the seeds are covered in fine, irritating hairs, the hips can be a choking risk for small dogs, and garden roses may be sprayed. A dried rosehip powder made for dogs is an easier and more consistent way to give it.
Key takeaways
- Roses, including their hips, are listed as non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA.
- A few rose hips eaten in the garden are usually no cause for alarm.
- Whole hips contain hairy seeds that can irritate the mouth and gut.
- Avoid hips from sprayed gardens or roadsides.
- A dog-specific rosehip powder gives a measured daily amount.
Are rose hips toxic to dogs?
No. Roses are listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses by the ASPCA. If your dog picked a few rose hips off a bush, there is usually no reason to panic. Watch for an upset tummy, and call your vet if your dog ate a lot, ate thorny stems, seems unwell, or if the plant may have been treated with pesticides or snail bait.
Why whole wild rose hips are not the best treat
- Hairy seeds: the inside of a rose hip is packed with seeds covered in fine hairs that can irritate the mouth and stomach. (They are the hairs once used as "itching powder".)
- Choking: whole hips are a choking risk for small dogs.
- Chemicals: garden and roadside roses may be sprayed.
- No consistent amount: you never know how much your dog is getting.
Rose hip powder vs fresh rose hips
Rosehip powder is made from dried, milled rose hips. SUKOFLEX® CANINE uses AP-4®, a standardised organic Rosa canina rosehip grown in southern Chile and made from the seed and fruit shell, so every scoop is consistent. It is simply mixed into your dog's food once a day, and the amount is based on your dog's weight.
Want to know more about safety? Read our full guide: is rosehip safe for dogs? and rosehip powder for dogs.
FOR DOGS · ORGANIC AP-4® ROSEHIP
SUKOFLEX® CANINE
Organic AP-4® rosehip powder for dogs that supports healthy joints and mobility. Mixed into one meal a day.
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Shop SUKOFLEX® CANINEHow to give rosehip to your dog
- Choose a powder made for dogs, without added sugar or other ingredients.
- Follow the feeding directions for your dog's weight.
- Mix it into one meal a day, ideally at the same time each day.
- Start gradually if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
- Check with your vet first if your dog is pregnant, has a health condition or takes medication.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat rose petals?
Rose petals are also listed as non-toxic. Watch out for thorns and garden chemicals.
My dog ate rose hips from the garden. What should I do?
Usually nothing beyond watching for an upset tummy. Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount, seems unwell, or the plant may have been sprayed.
Can I give my dog human rosehip powder?
We recommend a product made and dosed for dogs, like SUKOFLEX® CANINE, so you can follow feeding directions by body weight.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your dog's health.