Is Quercetin good for dogs? Benefits, Safety, Research – Dobias Healing Solutions Ph.D.

Is Quercetin the secret ingredient missing in your dog’s wellness routine?

Known as a “natural antihistamine,” this powerful plant pigment offers impressive health benefits, ranging from allergy relief and anti-inflammatory effects to immune support and potential anti-cancer properties.

This ultimate guide unlocks the science behind quercetin, which belongs to the “vitamin P” group of powerful bioflavonoids, and has a prominent effect on dogs and people.

What is quercetin?

Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid) with a powerful antioxidant ^[6] and anti-inflammatory properties. It is naturally found in foods such as apples, berries and onions. In recent years, quercetin has become a popular supplement for dogs, with a wide range of potential health benefits.

Nutrition sources and bioavailability

Quercetin is present in many fruits and vegetables, but its bioavailability varies greatly depending on the source and morphology of consumption. In dogs, the most common sources of quercetin include:

• • Apple (seedless)
    

  • blueberry
    

  • broccoli
    

  • Green leaf vegetables

However, researchers found that quercetin is relatively low bioavailable from nutrient sources^[1][2] And to see the important benefits, supplement formulations containing fermented quercetin are much more effective at providing therapeutic doses.

Health Benefits of Quercetin for Dogs and People

1. Allergy relief

Quercetin is often referred to as “natural antihistamines” due to its ability to stabilize mast cells and prevent histamine release. This is especially effective in managing different types of allergies.

• • Seasonal allergies
    

  • Food allergies
    

  • Environmental allergies
    

By reducing the body’s histamine response, quercetin helps relieve symptoms such as itching, inflammation and discomfort associated with allergic reactions.

2. Anti-inflammatory properties

The anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin are well documented and can benefit both you and your dog from a variety of inflammatory conditions.

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3. Possibility to fight cancer

Emerging research ^[7][8] It demonstrates the anticancer potential of quercetin, highlighting its ability to regulate cancer-related pathways, making it a potential complementary therapy in cancer treatment. Important aspects of quercetin’s anticancer effects include:

• • Mast cell tumor management: Reduction of histamine release and inflammatory mediators associated with tumor progression

  • Modulation of signaling pathways: Interfers with pathways involved in cancer progression.

  • Gene expression regulation: It affects genes associated with cancer cell survival and metastasis.

  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Contributes to chemoprevention and reduces inflammation-related carcinogenesis.
    

4. Cardiovascular Support

2019 Survey^[9] Shows Quercetin’s Protective effect against atherosclerosis by affecting markers associated with lipid metabolism and cholesterol regulation. These findings suggest that quercetin may be a beneficial dietary component in preventing cardiovascular disease.

• • Lipid regulation: Quercetin may help regulate lipid metabolism and cholesterol levels, which are key factors in heart health.

  • Vascular function: It strengthens blood vessel function and promotes better circulation.
    

  • Blood pressure management: It may help reduce blood pressure, an important factor in heart health.

5. Immune health

Quercetin is known for its ability to regulate the immune system ^[2]It offers great benefits for dogs with autoimmune diseases or weakness due to illness or age. Their key effects are:

• • Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties ^[3]: Quercetin helps balance the immune response and reduces hyperactivity in autoimmune conditions while supporting overall immune function.
    

  • Enhanced recovery: Study by Davis et al. (2009) ^[4] and Konrad & Nieman (2015) ^[5] It highlights the role of quercetin in reducing exercise-induced stress, promoting recovery, and reducing susceptibility to respiratory infections.
    

  • Protection against illness: By regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, quercetin strengthens the immune system and promotes faster recovery and better resilience to infection.

Safety and dosage

Quercetin is generally considered safe for humans and dogs when used properly. A general dosage guidelines are quercetin at 5 mg per pound per pound of body weight daily.

Incorporating quercetin-containing products into your and dog’s wellness routines can be a powerful step towards improving health, comfort and vitality.

With the ability to alleviate allergies, reduce inflammation, support immunity and potentially fight cancer, this natural flavonoid offers promising benefits backed by scientific research.

It is much safer and cheaper than anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drugs, while providing clear, long-term benefits. This is why quercetin is included in joints and mobility support.

reference

1. Moon, Y.J., Wang, L., Dicenzo, R. , and Morris, Me (2008). Quercetin Pharmacokinetics in Humans. Clinical trials of biodisorders, 29(4), 205-217. doi: 10.1002/bdd.605.

2. Graefe, EU, Derendorf, H. , & Veit, M. (1999). Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of flavonol quercetin..

3. Harwood, M., Danielewska-Nikiel, B., Borzelleca, J. F., Flamm, G. W., Williams, G. M., & Lines, T. C. (2007). A critical review of data related to the safety of quercetin and the lack of evidence for in vivo toxicity, including the lack of genotoxic/carcinogenic properties. Food and Chemotoxicity, 45(11), 2179-2205. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.05.015

4. Davis, J. M., Murphy, E. A., & Carmichael, M. D. (2009). The effect of dietary flavonoid quercetin on performance and health..

5. Konrad, M. , and Nieman, DC (Year). Evaluation of quercetin as a countermeasure to exercise-induced physiological stress.. in Sports nutritional antioxidants (Chapter 10). NIH NLM logo.

6. Young, J. F., et al. (1999). Effects of fruit juice intake on urinary quercetin excretion and biomarkers of antioxidant status..

7. Rauf, A., Imran, M., Khan, IA, Rehman, Mu, Gilani, SA, Mehmood, Z. , & Mubarak, MS (2018). Quercetin’s anticancer potential: a comprehensive review. Check Phytother Res, 32(11), 2109-2130. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6155.
8. Niedzwiecki, A., Roomi, M.W., Kalinovsky, T. , & Rath, M. (2016). The effectiveness of anticancers of polyphenols and their combinations. Nutrients, 8(9), 552. doi: 10.3390/nu8090552.
9. Cao, H., Jia, Q., Shen, D., Yan, L., Chen, C. , & Xing, S. (2019). Quercetin is protective against atherosclerosis through enhanced autophagy in apoe-/- mice. Experimental and therapeutic drugs, 18(4), 2451–2458. doi: 10.3892/etm.2019.7851.
10. Theoharides, TC, Conti, P. , and Economu, M. (2019). Effects of polyphenols on mast cells with a special emphasis on the effects of quercetin and luteolin.. Biomedicine and drug therapy114, 108824. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108824.