Rosehip Research for Dogs: What We Know, and What We Don't
The strongest research on standardised rosehip powder has been done in people. There is very little published research in dogs, and no full clinical study yet in dogs with joint problems.
We think you deserve to know exactly what the evidence says before you choose a supplement for your dog. So on this page we list the studies that exist, say which species and which product each one used, and are clear about what is still missing.
SUKOFLEX® CANINE is made from one ingredient: organic AP-4® rosehip powder. It is not a medicine. If your dog is stiff, limping or in pain, please talk to your vet first.
Research in people
Several randomised, placebo-controlled trials in adults with osteoarthritis have tested standardised rosehip powder, and a meta-analysis has pooled them. These studies used other rosehip powders, not AP-4®, and they were done in people, not dogs.
| Study | Type | Who | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christensen et al., 2008, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage | Meta-analysis of randomised trials | Adults with osteoarthritis | Standardised rosehip powder |
| Winther et al., 2005, Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology | Randomised, placebo-controlled trial | Adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis | Standardised rosehip powder |
| Rein et al., 2004, Phytomedicine | Randomised, placebo-controlled trial | Adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis | Standardised rosehip powder |
| Warholm et al., 2003, Current Therapeutic Research | Randomised, placebo-controlled trial | Adults with osteoarthritis | Standardised rosehip powder |
| Gruenwald et al., 2019, Phytomedicine | Review | Human studies | Rosehip preparations |
| Schwager et al., 2014, Mediators of Inflammation | Laboratory study | Cells, not people or animals | Rosehip powder |
What this tells us: rosehip has been studied seriously in people. What it does not tell us: whether the same applies to dogs, or to AP-4® specifically.
What exists in animals
We found three small studies in dogs and horses. None used AP-4®, and none looked at dogs with joint disease.
| Study | Animals | Design | Product | What it reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winther et al., 2010, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (conference abstract, no full paper) | 86 healthy racing greyhounds | Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 3 months | Another standardised rosehip powder | Dogs moved more freely the day after hard exercise, ran faster and had better coats |
| Kukovska et al., 2015, Acta Veterinaria | 40 military working dogs | Four feeding groups, 60 days | Rosehip extract, 500 mg a day | No convincing effect on markers of oxidative stress |
| Winther et al., 2010, EAAP Scientific Series | 44 trotting horses | Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 3 months | Another standardised rosehip powder | Better antioxidant values and more supple the day after exercise |
These are early, small studies with mixed results. They are interesting, but they are not proof that rosehip helps dogs with stiff joints.
What is missing
There is no full, peer-reviewed clinical trial of rosehip in dogs with joint problems yet, with any brand. Some veterinarians point this out too, and we agree with them.
- No published trial of AP-4® rosehip in dogs
- No published trial of any rosehip powder in dogs with osteoarthritis
- The greyhound study exists only as a short conference abstract
We would rather tell you this than borrow evidence from people or from other products. If new dog research is published, we will add it here.
Why we use AP-4® rosehip
AP-4® is a rosehip variety developed by our family in Denmark, Monica and Peter.
SUKOFLEX® stands out for its selected AP-4® rosehip variety, controlled organic cultivation and traceable production. These give buyers a clear account of the plant material and the controls behind the finished product.
You can read more on our page What is AP-4® rosehip?
What dog owners tell us
While we wait for more research, we share what owners tell us in their own words. These are personal experiences, not scientific evidence, and every dog is different.
Freya, rescue dog (owner: G. S., foster carer)
"I have noticed a huge improvement after using SUKOFLEX with her doing a full beach run no stops and being fine the next day."
Aspen, 9-year-old German Shepherd, rescue dog (owner: Melissa)
"He gets a bit sore in one of his front legs." A week later on SUKOFLEX® Canine: "No signs of stiff front leg or hesitation jumping into the car!"
If you would like to share your dog's story with us, write to info@sukonordic.com.au.
Sources
Human studies are linked above. Animal studies:
- Winther K, Ragone E, Hansen AS, Campbell-Tofte J. A herbal remedy derived from subspecies of Rosa canina improves the immune response, working capacity and well-being of dogs: a parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2010, 18 (suppl. 2), abstract 336.
- Kukovska V, Celeska I, Ruškovska T, Valčić O. Acta Veterinaria, 2015, 65(3):404-416.
- Winther K et al. Trotting horses study, EAAP Scientific Series, 2010.
Last updated: November 2026.